Learning Mac

[scovilletech]

Hello everyone,

I have been a PC guy and want to get into working on Apple Mac systems. Does anyone know where I could find some free/cheap training to learn Mac hardware and software? I am hoping that Mac hardware is similar to PC especially now that a lot of them are running Intel CPU's. I am really a novice to OS X and other operating systems on Apple other than the Iphone IOS. I really want to learn, but can't afford to buy a new Mac now.

Thanks!

 

[gunslinger]

I'm sure there are a few techs on here who can give you some really good links. That being said your best bet is to get a Mac and start playing with it. That is really the only way you will truly learn. You don't need a "new" Mac to do this either. Any Mac capable of running OS X Snow Leopard should be plenty to get you started. You could find a used one on ebay or buy from the Apple refurb store.

 

[scovilletech]

Ok. Thanks. Along the lines of Mac Os X, what is the timeline of the names? I have heard Lion and Snow Leopard.

 

[dweebsonduty]

Just follow your troubleshooting steps the exact same way weather it is a MAC, PC or linux box and you will figure it out. The first MAC that I ever fixed had the language set to German and I was able to set up wireless networking and file sharing. It just took me longer.

 

[rsarceno]

I'm on the same boat. I don't know anything about OS/X. The closest I got to one is configuring apple talk in the 80's.

I found several blog that say you can load OS/x on vmware but I haven't tried it. Let me know if you try this approach.

 

[kevinjhaag]

That would be your cheapest route is to learn to use the Mac OS X operating system in a Virtual Machine first. But for actually repairing them you actually need a apple computer with an Intel processor in it. I wouldn't mess with anything older. Most of the problems I faced with apple computers were due to hardware issues. I have never really ran into much problems with the operating system other than slowdowns or permission issues. A N&P on a Mac OS X is extremely easy and so is the backing up of data. A N&P is very rare in my experiences with them. The biggest thing I like is No Registry like there is in Windows. But if I was you, I would acquire a apple computer and simulate things like a faulty hard drive, etc.. You need to learn the apple keys, the errors, and etc. because they are totally different from Windows. Good luck and take care my friend.

Kevin

 

[codegreen]

Ok. Thanks. Along the lines of Mac Os X, what is the timeline of the names? I have heard Lion and Snow Leopard.

Try this link: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=mac+os+x+version+history

 

[altrenda]

That would be your cheapest route is to learn to use the Mac OS X operating system in a Virtual Machine first. But for actually repairing them you actually need a apple computer with an Intel processor in it. I wouldn't mess with anything older. Most of the problems I faced with apple computers were due to hardware issues .........

+1
Since Macs are really an integrated system of hardware and software, virtualized or hackintosh installations are not helpful in learning to repair and maintain them.
And half the battle of repairing them is being able to open them properly and get to what you need to replace. Magnets, clips, multiple screw sizes and head configurations.. You need to be organized to get everything back together correctly.

 

[scovilletech]

Thanks everyone else for the great info.

 

[pc-quebec]

You don’t become a Mac tech, reading free stuff, you have to own few of them, play a lot with them too. Even if you hack an OSX and install it on a PC, it will not make you a Mac tech, you need firsthand experience with the hardware. Disassemble a Mac is not as simple as in a PC, it’s more like open a notebook, you need also Mac spare part to make some diagnostic. So it’s something you will have to invest time and money, a lot of both.

 

[Encrypted Existence]

As far as the physical aspect of Mac repair goes, check out www.ifixit.com .

 

[kevinjhaag]

+1 for www.ifixit.com. Its a great resource for hardware repairs and for reference when needed.

 

[altrenda]

iFixit is a great resource.

A client recently gave me a 15" pre unibody MacBook Pro that he tried to replace the hard drive. Even though he said he followed iFixit, he couldn't get the top case off.
He handed me the computer and a baggie filled with over 20 various screws and a slight dent in the case where he tried prying it up.
Turns out he missed one of the Torx screws next to the memory.

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook...-A1226-and-A1260-Hard-Drive-Replacement/670/1

 

[Martyn]

Posts not adding to the thread removed. Elitist post removed.

 

[Hampden Comp]

+1 for ifixit. A great resource for many things. The best way to get acquainted is to jump right in and use one. An inexpensive way to go would be to find a core 2 duo macbook and substitute it for your main computer for a week or 2. Go through it and use the Mac versions of what you would use for windows software. Play with Mail, Safari, iphoto. Customize settings, get familiar with setting up networks and printers. Immerse yourself to get a better understanding. The macbook will be a great tool to diagnose and repair other systems once you feel comfortable.

Kevin

 

[BeeKay]

Another +1 for ifixit.com - great resource for non-mac people...

Have you thought of trying to get ACMT certification? Bryce wrote a great article about it a little while ago... (I can't post a link as I don't have required amount of posts ) but it was "How to become an apple certified Technician" if you want to do a search...

It's a route I'm thinking of as there seems to be more and more macs on the scene here at the moment...

Best of luck

Brian

 

[scovilletech]

Thanks all for the great tips on hardware and everything. I will check out ifixit and the other great links. Good tips on the hardware screws and all as this is something I haven't realised. I am going to get my own at some point, just have to raise the cash since even used ones seem to hold their value.