EVER since version 1.0 of the very first PC was built, the computer industry has been obsessed with "upgraditis". Let's leave the argument about whether upgrades are really as they say they are or almost cosmetic tinkering around: in the meantime computers have become such complex machines that you'd wonder whether their users have uncovered even half thefeatures bf their existing models before they're moving on to the Next Big Thing.
So rather than looking at Mac Secrets as a rather expensive and very heavy paperback, think of it as a very cheap alternative to upgrading your computer. Read it, and you will discover a powerful new machine lurking inside your dusty old Mac. Or your spanking new System 7.5.3.
This international bestseller, by two experts at Macworld, has thousands of tricks, tips, shortcuts, hidden options and surefire housekeeping techniques. The subjects range from clever uses of the Finder to setting up and running your own network, and along the way they tackle various obscure bugs and myths. For example, can you really trash your hard drive by renaming it ".Sony"? Nope - that bug has been ironed out since System 7.
Probably not for first-time users, the book is really aimed at those who've mastered the basics: but want to become more efficient and creative. What makes it even better value for money is the CD-Rom which comes with it. It contains not just a good collection of essential Mac shareware but several free non-demo, non time-limited software packages from the likes of Adobe, Claris and Aladdin.
Another bonus is that it has a full version of the Color-It paint - and image editing program, which many Mac Format readers tell in love with after the magazine gave it away 16 months ago. It's relatively small, doesn't hog memory, has a great interface and can handle Photoshop "plug-ins" (or effects).
The CD-Rom also contains hundreds more pages of tips that couldn't fit in this massive paperback.
All in all, then, a great CD-Rom and essential reading - a perfect antidote to upgraditis.