[Questions] ... about Mac OS X, and its software

I'm purchasing an iMac G5 soon. I have a few questions.

I downloaded some software that I believe I might need, and I've sorted out how to use .dmg files, how to mount and burn them, etc., but one piece of software I downloaded came in .CDR files. I'm not sure what these files are for. Are they CD/DVD images? I looked it up on FileEX and there was one entry about disc images for a piece of software by GameJack, but it's for Windows. What's the deal? Did I accidentally download the Windows version of the software?

Also, how would one suggest I go about transferring my music collection from my PC to my Mac? Will iTunes for Mac be able to import my .xml playlists easily? I don't want to rebuild all my playlists.

Lastly, how would I go about watching Windows video files? Not just .wmv, but .mpg and .avi. I realize that there's WMP9 for Mac OS X, but are there Mac versions of DivX, XviD, etc.?

Thanks in advance.

[Edit] One last question. What's a good text editor for Mac OS X? Does Tiger come with one? I've heard of BBEdit, but I'd like a simple text editor that can open and save .txt files (Notepad is my love).

[Edit #2] Last question. Really. Does anybody have experience with using Wacom tablets with Mac OS X? I've seen Apple's official list of supported input devices, and my old Wacom 1 isn't on there (only Wacom 3 or Intuos... and I'm not made of money). I lost my Wacom's packaging, but I'm pretty sure it supported use with older versions of Mac OS X.

#293727

Question1. .CDR files can be mounted with Toast

Question2. Not sure about your playlists playing well with itunes (im asuming youre using another player). If you are using iTunes, just backup your iTunes folder (with your library in it in the same order as you have it on your pc)

Question3. There is WMP for Mac (hate it, i use a plugin called WMV Player that allows you to play wmv's in QT) VLC for the rest of your needs.

Question4. That is called TextEdit in OSX. For programming go for BBEdit, SKedit, Smultron, TextWrangler - and many more -

Question5 - sorry, dont own a tablet.

(i really hope this doesnt turn into a piracy thread with all your "downloaded programs" )

#293732

CDRs can also be burned using Disk Utility (it is a CD/DVD Master as they call it). It is the exact equivalent of an ISO; you can even rename it and burn it in Windows if you want.

If you're using iTunes, just copy the whole folder INCLUDING your iTunes folder inside the Music folder. Not sure about others.

VLC! Get these icons too: http://www.macrabbit.com/goodies/ Definitely look at Seph's suggestion for a Quicktime plugin.

TextEdit is great for your notepad needs.

Apple has excellent support for a lot of tablets. When you plug yours in, Apple should automatically detect it and place a pane called "Ink" in System Preferences. Go there to configure how your tablet works (you can even type with your tablet with full menubar support!).

#293750

Thanks for the quick replies!

Yes, I'm using iTunes on my Windows PC now, to sync with my iPod. The thing is, I don't really use the iTunes Music folder. I have all my music in its own proprietary folder called "MP3s." There is an iTunes folder in there, that iTunes created, but it's got no music in it, and I have a folder with backups of all my playlists in .txt and .xml format.

'Cause of the weird way I organize my music, it sounds like I'm going to have to rebuild all my playlists... It's no big deal. Most of my playlists are artist specific. A couple are mixes (Oldies, New Rock, etc.) and others are smart playlists that I can easily remake. I'm guessing I'll have to reformat my iPod?

Sounds like TextEdit will suit my needs. I don't program, and I use Dreamweaver for HTML.

Thanks again.

#293779

Yes, i dont let itunes organize my music either. That itunes folder inside your mp3 folder is where the library and the playlists reside. Backup that too. - You wont need to redo playlists -

#293838

So the 'iTunes Music Library.xml' and the 'iTunes Music Library.itl' files contain my entire library AND all of my playlists? It updates automatically, I assume?

#294020

yes, just tell iTunes where to find the library - everything in the iTunes Folder is what you need for that. Locate that folder and you will be set.

#294022

New Macs come with a demo version (full featured - time limited - universal serial compatible) of iWork, plus another demo of Office 2004 (also full featured - time limited - universal serial compatible), plus Appleworks, so that should give you plenty of options.

Make the switch now

#294662

is it possible to buy a licence to get rid of the trial? or do you have to go out and buy the package for yourself?

#294756

And NeoOffice (sun's x11less verison of StarOffice) is very good if you really ~need~ the functionality. It wont look as good, yes; but youll be able to work (its free)

#294769