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The Newb's Guide To Apple

As I wrote our Apple buyers' guide, I was directed by a single question: What do I wish I'd known when I bought my first Mac, back in February? Since then, I've had an intense self-guided study in Apple products and services. Alas, I can't put all that knowledge in a time machine and send it back to myself. But I can pass it on to you.

The result is a package of articles, an image gallery, and a chart that'll give first-time Apple buyers the information they need to make informed decisions. And experts will find some useful information in there, too.

I started with Macs. Once you've committed to buying a Mac, which Mac or MacBook should you get? Find out which Mac is right for you in our overview of the Mac product line. This comprehensive Mac comparison chart gives you a side-by-side view of the specs and pricing of all the different Macs and MacBooks, so you can compare their features and capabilities and decide which one you like best.

Next, find out where to buy your Mac and where to get support.

Learn why I'm recommending against buying an iPhone, even though I'm happy with mine.

Get the lowdown on which iPod is right for you, and the benefits and pitfalls of using iTunes.

Explore four ways to run Windows on your Mac.

Load up your Mac with these 14 free and cheap Mac apps. This list describes great software for instant messaging, writing, password management, and more. Ten of them are free, one is donationware, and the other three are priced at less than $30. Also, find out why you should think twice about Microsoft Office -- it's expensive, and there are less-expensive and free alternatives.

Learn about the .Mac online storage and information sharing service.

Take a look at an image gallery of Apple's products and third-party software.

Finally, we scrutinize Apple in the workplace. Contributor John Welch asks: Is Apple still interested in the enterprise?

Do you use Apple for business computing? Take our poll and let us know.

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