Well, i'm posting this on a Dell (Windows) but in about a month or two i will be getting a Mac Mini. But I've never used any Apples or Macs etc before. So:
Are there any bits of knowledge that I need know? Like how to install Firefox and the likes.
Also I am a gamer and i know the Macs aren't famous for being able to play games. But i have a Windows Installation disc and would it be possible to install another OS on a Mac? Or is there a way for installing games for windows on mac?
Thanks for reading and looking forward to the change.
:headphone
I'll see if I can help out, as I recently switched from a Dell to a Mini. I bought a used Mini, and being an older model, it's not capable of running windows (so I can't comment on that, but do a search for "Boot camp") But, I love the thing...so much so that i've spent some time over the past week or so posting some videos on Youtube to help out others who are thinking of switching. They may help you out a bit:
Mini vs Dell comparison (I have not done part 2 yet):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-4ntavSVVc
Mini speed and stability test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5ytEO_godc
OS X tutorials:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av3dGcFy8hI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf1x0iUErck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ-mdj_LFxs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTAi-XabXvc
It should be noted that in the 1st two OS X videos I refer to the OS incorrectly. It's pronounced OS "ten", not OS "X".
All that being said. The mini, as i'm sure you know, is the entry level Apple computer, and thus the most unsuitable for gaming even though none of these machines are really built for it. In addition to availability, it also has to do with the video cards the computers are stocked with. The current minis have 64MB of shared video RAM. Just something to keep in mind.
That being said, as an everyday computer, Apples are hard to beat. The iLife software suite, and the design of the OS makes everyday tasks simple and enjoyable. The computer always works flawlessly, never locks up, and never crashes.
Keep in mind that the Mini is completely unexpandable from an internal standpoint, and not all easy to upgrade, as it's very tight inside and the machine uses a combination of desktop and laptop parts. It's tough to open up the casing as well. But at the end of the day, it's a very capable machine with a reasonable price point, and for the diminutive size it's performance is staggering. OS X is also *extremely* well thought out. Simple, yet very powerful when you tap into what it's capable of.
Hope that helps.
-Nick