by Dave Greenbaum

The Mac OS X Lion Project Book, despite its title, isn’t as much a book about Lion as it is a book about how to use a Mac with Lion to do certain neat projects. Most Mac users can figure out email and surfing the web, but what about taking your DVD collection and putting it on your Mac?

Before purchasing this book, read through the projects. Even if one of them interests you, the book will be a great value. If you aren’t interested in any of this, then it’s probably worth taking a pass. Projects are as follows:

1. Organizing your files
2. Mastering Spotlight searches
3. Printing to save paper
4. Installing applications purchased at the Mac App store
5. Providing Remote Technical Support
6. Remote controlling a Mac in your home
7. Accessing your files remotely from another Mac
8. Using DropBox
9. Copying DVD content to your Mac
10. Basic photo editing and touch ups
11. Creating a slideshow
12. Using Rapid Weaver for a family website
13. RSS Feeds
14. Configuring TextExpander
15. Full screen mode to avoid distractions
16. Audio Podcasting
17. Setting up Time Machine alongside a cloning solution
18. Using your signature in a PDF

Each of these projects are short—just four or five pages. The book is easy to understand and the projects are fun and relevant. They assume a basic to intermediate knowledge of Lion. No explanations of files or how to click a mouse is included.

Since I knew how to do all of this or the things I didn’t know didn’t interest me, I didn’t find the book that valuable. I learned this stuff the hard way through trial and error. However if someone asked me how to do any of these small projects, you bet I’ll suggest this book.

New Mac users who simply want to feel more comfortable with their Mac and need some ideas of projects will find this book ideal. If I did Macintosh tutoring this would be a great companion manual.

Overall, a fun book for intermediate Mac users with relevant and interesting projects.

Pros: Excellent digest of fun projects to get to know Lion and your Mac better
Cons: Limited scope if you already know how to do these things or if they don’t interest you.

Five out of Five Dogcows

Originally published and written for the Lawrence Apple Users’ Group 2.0 http://www.laugks.org/news and published by Dave Greenbaum at  http://www.clickheretech.com

Do you have a “how-to” question? A good face-to-face session and hands on support works wonders for many in need of TLC. Your HMAUS friends will be on hand to help you figure things out. You may bring your own laptop, handheld or luggable system if a “look-see” is needed.

Mini Topic of the Day: Carbon Copy Cloner and Backup Strategy

More information at http://www.hmaus.org/programs/

Location : ING Direct Cafe – Alii Conference Room, 1958 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki

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The Mac Geek

He will be making a special appearance to share his view of current technology just as he did in the day as a guest columnist for the HMAUS Signal when he penned “The World According to the Mac Geek.”

The Mac Monday Mania show will be on Monday evening, September 27, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., ING Direct Cafe in Waikiki.

More information about the Mac Monday Mania and directions here.

The first featured guest at the HMAUS Mac Monday Mania will be from the Nature Bakery & Restaurant. The bakery is located in Honolulu and is owned and operated by Anna, age 9, and Rose, age 10. They use weeds from the yard and of course, colored chalk, shaving cream, flour/salt dough and anything else available, to create a variety of dishes and stuff.

Mac Monday Mania is a new monthly program hosted by HMAUS for Macintosh and technology enthusiasts. Each monthly program explores interesting things people are creating and having fun with technology.

MMM gatherings are open to the public. Everyone is welcome to share new technology, ideas, creativity and fun activities.

MMM is held monthly on the fourth Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the ING Direct Cafe in Waikiki.

More information about Mac Monday Mania here.