Computing with Bifocals - Announcing Nancy's Hints & Tips Book
by - September 14th, 2004

Today I am as proud as can be to announce my first book, Tips, Hints, and Solutions for Seasoned Beginners Using Apple Macintosh Computers With OS X.

For quite some time I have wanted to put together a handbook for Experienced Beginners who are using OS X.  Something that would serve as a repository for all the hints, tips, and problems that I have come across researching and writing this column, and while teaching  people in class settings and on a one-to-one basis. I am most pleased to announce that the project is finished and ready for purchase.

When I use the term Experienced Beginners I am talking those who have begun to feel comfortable with their Mac experience, but who need to feel more in control of some intermediate skills and who want to do more than scratch the surface of the applications they currently use. 

For instance, even though you may have become skilled at sending and receiving e-mail messages, do you have problems sending photos with your e-mail or sending messages to groups?  Do you know how to modify toolbars in all your applications?  Do you know what it means when your screen turns black or what to do if your computer doesn't start up? 

You may be quite comfortable signing on and off your computer and putting it to sleep when you are going to be away for a time, but do you know how to add another account to your Mac?   Did you know you can access the computer of someone across the room or across the world and deposit a large file directly on their hard drive without sending it by e-mail?  I have covered all of this and much, much more, and included loads of pictures to help with the learning process. 

Note: Since this column was originally published, the book has been revised to include information about Tiger, new tips, Keyboard Shortcuts and new software recommendations. The book contains 97 pages of help and tips.

Here is a list of the chapters.

Basic Tips and Hints
Working With User Accounts
Customizing Toolbars
Hints When Using Mail/Address Book
Hints When Using Safari
Hints When Using iChat
Some Problems and Solutions
Fun or Interesting Things for Your Mac Plus My Favorite Applications
Keyboard Shortcuts
Twenty Tiger Tips
Appendix A: Commonly Used Computer Terms
Appendix B: Commonly Used Internet Terms

The entire Table of Contents and several sample pages are available for free review for anyone who wishes to see them.

I am making this book available in two formats.  The first is the more traditional printed book format, spiral bound as illustrated in the first image below.  Cost is $18.15 each, plus shipping.  All the illustrations have been printed in black and white to reduce the purchase price.  The second option is a PDF download version.  This is the full version of the book available in the same format as that available in the free review.  After payment has been verified the purchaser will be sent to a URL for an immediate download of the entire document. It will then be the individual's choice to print a hard copy or rely solely on the computer version.

The PDF download version is available for $9.57.   Payment for either must be made using PayPal.  Clicking on the Buy Now button next to the version  you want to purchase will take you directly to PayPal where you can place your order and make your payment.  Payment can be made through PayPal even if you are not a PayPal member.

And so yes, this whole column is a blatant attempt to get you to purchase this book, but not just because I want to sell my book, because of course I want to do that.  I also want to give readers the chance to become more independent and self sufficient in their Mac experiences, and I think this book will help.

The PDF Download Version - U.S. $9.57

The Printed version - US$18.15 plus $4.00 shipping

Registered purchasers will receive free updates as they are published through September 2006.  I hope you find it helpful and, as always, your comments are welcome.

Copies of Nancy's book Tips, Hints, and Solutions for Seasoned Beginners Using Apple Macintosh Computers With OS X are available in PDF download versions  for US$9.57 and in print version for $18.15 plus $4.00 shipping.   To view sample pages and get ordering information visit the September 14, 2004 column.

Post your comments below.

Nancy has a Master's degree in Human Services Administration and prior to her retirement she worked for almost 30 years in field of mental health and mental retardation. She has been a Mac user for 11 years, and has recently developed an avocation of teaching basic computer skills in both group and one-to-one settings.

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