Mac Trackers: Online Resources for Mac Users

By Jonathan Berohn

One of the main draws of being a Mac user is that you’re not a PC user. In other words, most Mac users (myself included) like the fact that their computer is different from the vast army of PC clones out there.

The downside of this is that you have to work a little bit harder to keep up with the latest Mac news and technology. Fortunately, there is a pretty passionate Mac community out there to tap into that makes this task pretty easy if you know where to look.

Apple Message Boards

The obvious place to start if you want Mac knowledge is with Apple. To keep the Mac community connected and up to date, Apple runs an extensive network of message boards, which they call Discussions. There is a Discussion for every type of Apple hardware, and others that cover software, networking, Windows compatibility, and general announcements. In short, this is a great way to stay up to date on all things Apple. It’s also a great first stop if you have questions—especially if you are out of warranty. The regular posters are quite knowledgeable about Macs and are very happy to help newcomers.

Online Magazines

The next places to go for Mac information are the various online Mac magazines and news services. My favorite is MacNN. MacNN basically tracks every bit of Apple and Macintosh news out there and updates its homepage almost constantly. If you want to keep abreast of Apple developments, MacNN is the place to start.

Mac World is also a very good resource. It, too, keeps track of Apple developments, but its real strength is its product reviews and tips. If you are considering any new Mac product, Mac World ought to be your first stop.

Software Resources

Again, as Mac software is “different,” it can be hard to track down. A good place to check now and again is Pure Mac. Pure Mac maintains a list of all kinds of Mac software, with direct links to manufacturers web sites and shareware downloads. If you like games—and really, who doesn’t?—check out Inside Mac Games. Inside Mac games keeps you up to date on Mac gaming titles and helps you buy the right games with its in depth reviews.