What is .MAC?

On Thursday I will be getting my very first Mac and since my job is paying for it ($1,800 limit) I am going all out and was wondering what .MAC is, if its something that is needed to keep my MAC working and what the benefits of having it are. Also is there anything you would recommend that I get.

I'm sure you've already seen this, but here is the .mac link:
http://www.apple.com/dotmac/

There is an overview and about all of the things that it comes with.

I use it to back up my system prefs incase my comp crashes and also use it for my email (@mac.com) and for my website (iWeb).

You can sign up for a free 60 day trial to test it out and see what it is:
https://www.mac.com/WebObjects/Signup.woa/wa/trial?aff=consumer&cty=US&lang=en

In case you don't feel like wading through all of the tutorials on Apple's website as posted above, the .Mac service offers:
E-Mail
Online storage of anything (iDisk)
Website hosting (for use with iWeb on your new Mac)
Online backup (Using Backup 3 or auto syncing of Prefs, etc.)
Use of Back to my Mac

Purchase of .Mac is discounted to $69 for the first year IF you purchase it on the same ticket as your new Mac. After that, the price increases to $99/year.

Yea, I made the mistake of waiting when I bought my MBP. Now paying $99 for one year.

I did too... because I didn't think I'd use it. I do use it. Glad I got it, it's like a little extra security for files and backups... nice feature!

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MA927Z-A-Mac-5-0/dp/B000BX7GAI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1197261972&sr=8-1

One can purchase a .Mac retail box at Amazon (every day, this is not just a sale) for $69.99

I use .Mac simply because I like having the "[email protected]" email addy, and it works great with iWeb.

dacameraman said:

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MA927Z-A-Mac-5-0/dp/B000BX7GAI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1197261972&sr=8-1

One can purchase a .Mac retail box at Amazon (every day, this is not just a sale) for $69.99

I use .Mac simply because I like having the "[email protected]" email addy, and it works great with iWeb.

Click to expand...

You've got to be kidding me! 30% off! Wow. Tells you how much I shop around. I just buy directly from the Apple Store.

I love the .mac email. Some of my friends thought I worked for Apple when I sent them an email. It was funny. (But it makes more sense to receive an email from @apple.com.

<Sorry off topic>