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Whether you're a newcomer to Macintosh computers or an old hand who wants to get more out of Mac OS X, three new "For Dummies" books might be of service.
For starters, Mac OS X Panther for Dummies ($21.99, Wiley), by longtime Mac expert Bob LeVitus, runs through the basics to more advanced features of Apple's latest operating system, from explaining the Dock and the various Apple applications that come with the Mac to troubleshooting problems and upgrading hardware.
The Mac OS X Panther All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies ($29.99, Wiley), by Mark Chambers, offers a more narrowed focus on seven topics, or "books": Introducing Mac OS X, Customizing and Sharing, The Digital Hub, The Typical Internet Stuff, Networking in OS X, Expanding Your System, and Advanced Mac OS X. It's a bit more technical than Mac OS X Panther for Dummies, but still manages to keep things in layman's terms, fitting for the "For Dummies" series.
Mac OS X Panther Timesaving Techniques for Dummies ($24.99, Wiley), by Larry Ullman and Marc Liyanage, provides 61 tips for getting the most out of Panther. There are tips for organizing your Dock and customizing Windows, keyboard shortcuts, surfing the Internet, security and maintenance, and using Bluetooth, the Terminal and AppleScript.
As with other computer books, these three "For Dummies" books can't stay as up to date as the software. Already, the books are behind the times concerning the latest versions of the iPhoto, iMovie and iDVD - let alone the new GarageBand - components of the iLife '04 suite of applications. Nonetheless, Mac users will find a lot of useful tips and information.
- WILLIAM LAMPKIN, Times staff writer