Macintosh Help Page
        (special thanks to Timothy Bonney for providing this information!) 

Creating PDFs in OS X 

PDF (Adobe Files) have become one of the major standards for universal document exchange.  You can create PDF files in OS X from any program you can print from.

• Use short cut keys for printing – Apple Key+P
• Chose PDF from the pull-down menu on the bottom left of the print dialogue
• Click on “Save as PDF”
• Enter your desired file name in the Box and choose a location to save the file (or leave it as the default)
• Click on the “Save” button and you have created a PDF file!
   

Macintosh Word Processing

 There are many options for word processing for Macs

• Mac version of Microsoft Office – This is your most expensive option at $399 for the Standard Edition – http://www.microsoft.com/mac/ (but see the section on Special Software Pricing below, if your organization is a 501c3).
• NeoOfficeJ – A FREE derivative of the OpenOffice Project which loads as a native Macintosh Application. - http://www.planamesa.com/neojava/en/index.php
• OpenOffice – There is a FREE version of OpenOffice for Mac OS X but, it requires understanding the X11 X Windows setup.  (Not for the novice Mac User) – http://www.openoffice.org
• Another good program is Nisus Write Express 2.0 – It is a simple word processor rather than an office Suite like MS Office, NeoOfficeJ, or OpenOffice.  But if you are only looking to write sermons and letters it may be worth looking at.  Nisus costs $59.95.  You can download a trial version at - http://www.nisus.com/free/express.php
   

Viruses, Spyware, and Adware

The good news that most Macintosh users are aware of is that there are no viruses currently written that affect Mac OS.  The same is true for Spyware and Adware.  But there are still a few virus programs available for Macs that remove PC viruses that may come your way.  The reason for doing this is to be a good neighbor and not pass on viruses to your Windows-using colleagues.  You can’t get a virus, but you can be a carrier!

• If you purchase a .Mac account (about $100 per year) a virus checker comes with your account called Virex.
• Symantec has Norton Anti-virus for Macs.  While Norton is great on the PC my experience with Symantec on the Mac has not been good.
• The best anti-virus strategy for Mac users is the common sense approach of not opening or forwarding attachments in emails from persons you do not know. 
   

Special Software Pricing

See the PCHelp page about Software Discounts. The company listed there also carries Macintosh Software.   Click here to get to the Discounted Software page

Freeware and Shareware

There are many good freeware and shareware (try before you buy) programs for the Mac.  One of the best sites that has these programs is http://www.versiontracker.com.

Macintosh Problems and Trouble Shooting

One of the best sites on the internet for Mac-related problems is http://www.macfixit.com

If you have Mac-related questions feel free to contact me:

Timothy Bonney
FBC Des Moines/Johnston, IA
tbonney@gmail.com