wposner
Level 1 (12 points)
Desktops

Q: Newbie Questions

Greetings

After almost 40 years using Windows I've ordered a 27" iMac (refurbished).  I had an Apple II in the late 70s early 80s, and had an iPhone 4 and still have an iPad 2, but my prime desktop has always been a windows box.  So I'm really a newbie on the Mac.  My main work is as an image creator and photographer, using Adobe products. So I'm getting familiar with new terms and software and had a few questions.

My Windows workstation had 4 screens, and would like to have 3 screens, on the iMac.  I understand the Thunderbolt port is what I'd use, but not sure if I should get some sort of converter hub, and power through one Thunderbolt port or run each monitor on it's own Port. I'm not sure, what other hardware may be used on the Thunderbolt, so looking for advice from other users.  Even though my PC monitors are near the resolution of the iMac and most of my image work will be done on the main screen, the other screens will be used for email, web searches and the like.

I also use a ball mouse on my PC (usb) and wondering if it will work on the iMac hardware.  I did order a Magic Pad, as it seems to be quite an easy, intuitive interface.

Anyway, I'm sure it's frustrating for long time users of Mac products to deal with a newbie, but any advice, links or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.3.x)

Posted on Aug 1, 2016 9:31 AM

by rkaufmann87,Solvedanswer
rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87
Level 9 (58,164 points)
Photos for Mac
A:

You can use any mini display port external display. Connect the mini display port cable to the Thunderbolt ports on the Mac and then you are in business. Connecting external displays to an iMac is extremely simple to do. Apple explains it in OS X: How to use multiple displays with your Mac in Mountain Lion and earlier - Apple Support. While this advice letter is a bit out of date, it should still work fine with your new iMac.

 

As far as your new Magic Track Pad, it may take a little "getting used to" however after a week or so you will get the hang of it. You may find Use Multi-Touch gestures on your Mac - Apple Support useful too.

 

There is a plethora of information available for Windows users making the switch to a Mac. I'd begin with https://www.apple.com/support/macbasics/

 

Also, to make your posts more readable, please use paragraph breaks. We would appreciate that.

Posted on Aug 1, 2016 9:43 AM

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wposner

Q: Newbie Questions

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  • Helpful answers

  • by rkaufmann87,Solvedanswer

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Aug 1, 2016 9:43 AM in response to wposner
    Level 9 (58,164 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 1, 2016 9:43 AM in response to wposner

    You can use any mini display port external display. Connect the mini display port cable to the Thunderbolt ports on the Mac and then you are in business. Connecting external displays to an iMac is extremely simple to do. Apple explains it in OS X: How to use multiple displays with your Mac in Mountain Lion and earlier - Apple Support. While this advice letter is a bit out of date, it should still work fine with your new iMac.

     

    As far as your new Magic Track Pad, it may take a little "getting used to" however after a week or so you will get the hang of it. You may find Use Multi-Touch gestures on your Mac - Apple Support useful too.

     

    There is a plethora of information available for Windows users making the switch to a Mac. I'd begin with https://www.apple.com/support/macbasics/

     

    Also, to make your posts more readable, please use paragraph breaks. We would appreciate that.

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack Aug 1, 2016 9:48 AM in response to wposner
    Level 9 (55,682 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 1, 2016 9:48 AM in response to wposner

    wposner wrote:

     

    I had an Apple II in the late 70s early 80s

    I also use a ball mouse on my PC (usb) and wondering if it will work on the iMac hardware.  I did order a Magic Pad, as it seems to be quite an easy, intuitive interface.

     

    any advice, links or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    I had the Apple II, but I never left Apple for PC. I'd be as lost on a pc as you are on a Mac.

    Yes, the mouse will work.

  • by wposner,

    wposner wposner Aug 1, 2016 9:44 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 1, 2016 9:44 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    Thanks so much for the quick and informative reply.

     

    First post here, so appreciate the format suggestion, will format as requested with future posts.

  • by rkaufmann87,Helpful

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Aug 1, 2016 9:57 AM in response to wposner
    Level 9 (58,164 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 1, 2016 9:57 AM in response to wposner

    Your welcome. BTW, if you get stumped on anything you have 90 days of complimentary AppleCare telephone support. http://www.apple.com/support/complimentary/

     

    If you did not purchase AppleCare, I would suggest it. It extends the warranty to 3 years and also provides 3 years of phone support. The cost is extremely minor when compared to repair and even can be found at discounted prices if you shop at places like Amazon or B&H Photo, both Apple authorized resellers.

  • by wposner,

    wposner wposner Aug 1, 2016 9:57 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 1, 2016 9:57 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    Oh I bought AppleCare with the product, but thanks for the suggestion. I'm one that buys extended warranties for all my "things" cars, cameras,  TVs etc    Appreciate the concern. 

  • by wposner,

    wposner wposner Aug 1, 2016 9:59 AM in response to macjack
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 1, 2016 9:59 AM in response to macjack

    I moved to Windows because of my corporate career, in the software industry which were primarily Windows shops.  Now that I'm retired from that world, time to move back heheh