I am soooo embarassed to have to ask, because I use a Mac at work. Now I am planning to purchase a used tower that is kind of like the one I use at work. But I know next to nothing about installing one...I think I'll need a Mac-compatible mouse. Also. Do all Mac computers have a built in OS or would I need to install one? Like I said, I'm pretty embarassed that I don't know. I feel like such a dumb bunny!
2007-02-11 14:46:39 · 6 answers · asked by Me 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
Go to the Apple Discussions pages with the specific models you will be getting and the people there will help you.
http://discussions.apple.com/index.jspa
Whether you have the OS on the CPU will depend on what the previous owner has done with it. Hopefully, they will provide you with the software disks that came with it when originally purchased.
Won't the keyboard and mouse be included with your purchase? As for the monitor, you may need an adapter if it's not USB or Firewire; or at least download driver software for it.
Good Luck, and welcome to the world of Mac ownership!
2007-02-11 14:49:43 · answer #1 · answered by HearKat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no such thing as a stupid question. Now the answers you may get are another matter...
Some of the advice I would give to you depends on what exact model of tower you choose. For example, if it is a G4 or G5 or Mac Pro tower, you can use any OS X version that came on the computer originally or a later version. But for an older tower, such as a PowerMac 8600, you cannot install OS X unless you first install X-PostFacto. Link is below. Also, older Macs may have an ADB port but no USB port. For those you will either need to install a PCI USB card or get an old ADB mouse.
If it is a tower with USB ports, you may be able to use any USB mouse but one designed for a Mac will make more sense since a Windows type mouse will have a useless second button. Some non-Apple Mac mice have two buttons but those types need software installed to make the mouse work correctly. Any brand of one button wire-connected mouse will work without any special software if your computer has the correct port for it. There are no drivers needed for any one button wire-connected mouse.
You will need an OS install CD sooner or later even if the computer comes with an OS installed so if it doesn't have the OS CD, get one from EBay or wherever.
2007-02-13 02:48:58 · answer #2 · answered by SilverTonguedDevil 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are all valid questions..:)
First of all, you should be able to use any usb based mouse. If the mac does not recognize it, you may need to download drivers for it.
yes, Mac computers come with the operating system, but make sure it is before you buy it, AND make sure it comes with a replacement CD (there are usually 2 in a set) in case you ever have to redo the computer.
Also, most monitors will be attachable...:)
2007-02-11 22:51:13 · answer #3 · answered by Crystaline 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can. An Apple mouse only has one button so you probably have to get a compatible mouse and no, you will need to install the operating system if it doesnt come with one.
2007-02-11 22:55:14 · answer #4 · answered by James J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any mouse should do. Some computers come with OS some don't it depends which one you buy .
2007-02-11 22:49:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you buy a mac it should already be in there... also you cannot attach a monitor to a mac... and uhhhh get a mouse for a mac... bye bye
2007-02-11 22:50:06 · answer #6 · answered by DDR QUEEN 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋