I need a better switch tutorial.

I've been a PC user for a long time and I'm very savvy with it. I've read switch 101 and most information in there are irrelevant to me. Lets suppose I'm using a Mac for the most boring work possible. I do not need any image editor, iTunes, multimedia, or any of those flashy stuff that are the cornerstone of Mac ads. The only reason I got a Mac is to develop applications for the iPhone. That means I need to know how to install applications like the iPhone SDK, how to use .tar.gz files (seriously, the **** file unzipped, but I have no idea where it went), the filing system (like how to access my hard drive and find that file I downloaded), etc.

Now, I like my stuff organized my way. I do not care if you have a default folder for all music or video files somewhere. I and only I decide where I want to put my files and how to organize them. (I'm a total control freak. On the PC, I hate that they created the My Document folder for those stupid noobs who have no idea where to put their files.)

Sorry if I sound frustrated. That's because I am. Why are those things that are supposed to be simple so complicated. You can probably guess that I do not buy into the Mac hype and I wouldn't use one if I didn't have to.

You can control where you download files to under the Preferences after you open up the browser. It's almost the same for PC so I don't see why it would be difficult.





It's the same for safari, more or less.

My bad, I didn't download the file. It was on a CD. I just double clicked it and some sort of unzipping process started. After unzipping is complete, a window opened with the files unzipped. When I closed that window, I had no idea where those files are and couldn't get them back on screen unless I unzip the file in the CD again.

The.Gab said:

My bad, I didn't download the file. It was on a CD. I just double clicked it and some sort of unzipping process started. After unzipping is complete, a window opened with the files unzipped. When I closed that window, I had no idea where those files are and couldn't get them back on screen unless I unzip the file in the CD again.

Click to expand...

When you have a CD or storage device, you need to select the files and drag them to the desktop.

Unzipping them from the CD or storage device doesn't give them a place and it has to make a temporary folder in most cases.

Agreed with CR. By default OSX usually unzips files to where the original Zip is located. On a CD it can't write to the CD. I would think the desktop in that case but rarely unzip from a CD drive.

You are posting to what I believe to be the best switcher manual . if you want all the bells and whistles( which you dont) then read The Missing Manual but for what you want then the search feature here will answer most of your questions . For the rest just ask, these guys here have forgotten more about Mac's then most will ever know !

Clay

The.Gab said:

That means I need to know how to install applications like the iPhone SDK

Click to expand...

You can get the iPhone SDK from the ADC website. You can get it for free here (note that you will need an ADC memebership which is also free).

The.Gab said:

how to use .tar.gz files (seriously, the **** file unzipped, but I have no idea where it went)

Click to expand...

As has been mentioned here, files are decompressed (whether they be tarballs or zip files) to the directory in which they are stored. For instance, if you have a file on your desktop and you double click it, it get's decompressed to a folder on your desktop. If you have a Finder window open showing you where it is but you don't recognize the folder, you can either move it somewhere familiar or go to View > "Show Path Bar" to see the path to the file.

The.Gab said:

the filing system (like how to access my hard drive and find that file I downloaded), etc.

Click to expand...

You can access files with Finder (face icon in two shades of blue) or by double clicking your HD on your desktop. Downloads by default download to the downloads folder in your user directory.