 |
Search |
|
|
|
|
Classic 2 Guys |
|
10 Random Stories:
|
|
|
|
Review: TackyShirt's new DVD, "Mac OS X: The Basics" |
|
 TackyShirt has recently released a DVD called "Mac OS X: Disc One The Basics", and I got my hands on a copy. As the title would imply this is the first disc of a series of DVD's for Training in Mac OS X. It has hosts that are well known in the Mac community, Andy Ihnatko (the guy who invented the MacAquarium), Shawn King (host of Your Mac Life), Bob LeVitus (an author of many Mac books and articles, including Mac OS X for Dummies), John Welch (well known for his IT knowledge, and is a regular speaker at MacWorld Expo), and Sam Crutsinger (the president of TackyShirt).
This DVD teaches the basics of OS X, and focuses on having fun as much as it focuses on teaching OS X. The DVD is broken down in to segments, totaling about 4 hours of content. It covers all the basics, from using the mouse to networking Macs. The DVD is $39.99 (US) and is available from their Website.
I started watching this DVD expecting not to learn anything, because I am somewhat of an advanced user. (I have been using Macs for almost 14 years now, and I have used only Mac OS X since 10.0 was released.) But I found that even I picked up a couple things - not a couple throughout the entire DVD, but actually a couple things in each section. But I knew the true test of this DVD couldn't lie in the hands of someone who already knows most of what you are teaching, so I turned the DVD over to my mother for her to watch.
My mom has been using Macs as long as I have. And she is no lightweight either; she works in the IT field, and has been around computers since they only accepted punch cards. But the problem is, that while she was very conversant in OS 9, she has recently switched to OS X, and because she doesn't have much time she has found the transition tough at best. She thought that although the DVD was very informative, there was too much flash, and didn't like the laid back mentality of the hosts. She would rather have someone just giving her the info, and not waste any time doing so. She also thought the screen seemed too busy at some points, with graphics floating around the screen. But she did learn a lot from it.
I on the other hand liked the flashy graphics, and the laid back mentality of the hosts. I found myself laughing out loud several times, and although I knew most of what they were telling me, I wasn't bored, I was having fun. I really like that when they would talk about some part of the OS, it would pop up on the screen and show you what they were talking about. For example when they talked about the dock, there would be a dock down below, showing you what they were telling you. But there is a negative aspect to that as well, sometimes the graphics would become a little annoying. Nowhere was this more prevalent than in the beginning to each segment. They had an annoying introduction to each segment that had the same repetitive music, and the same animation. Which, although neat, got old after watching once.
I did find that the descriptions of the features, and how to use them were really in depth, but still told in layman's terms. Which is something that is very important, but often over looked in training. Also they didn't just focus only on Mac OS X, but also showed third party devices, or applications that help with daily use of the Mac OS.
The one biggest thing I didn't like about this DVD was product placement, and advertising. At the end of each segment, there is a "This segment was brought to you by:" That is my biggest pet peeve. I understand that putting a DVD like this together will cost quite a bit, but when you pay $39.99 for the disc, you don't want to have to watch advertisements.
While I don't think this DVD is for everyone, if you are looking for a way to learn Mac OS X that doesn't put you to sleep, definitely check this out. It is very informative, and very fun.
|
The Good
|
The Bad
|
| Very informative, yet fun. |
Advertising and product placement in each segment |
| Nice graphics, helped keep it interesting |
Sometimes can be annoying |
| Good chemistry between hosts |
Not a good choice for people who only want the facts |
| In-depth explanations, yet still in layman's terms |
|
| Flexible sessions, doesn't put you to sleep |
|
| Shows 3rd-party solutions as well as OS |
|
I give this DVD 4 out of 5 pants
|
|
September 19 2003, 8:03 PM EDT, by
 |
Comments:
|
| Jonahan |
9/20/03, 11:03 AM EDT |
Stellar review iKen!!!
And I love the graphic for the rating system :)
|
| Mitch |
9/22/03, 9:59 PM EDT |
Ken,
Great review.
I'd like to add a few comments...
altho Sam (the creator of the DVDs) is a better source for information, i was aware of Sam's efforts on this project early on. One of the reasons for the 'product placement' was to give some visibility to some of the great products available on OS X... i think another was to raise a bit of money to actually get the DVD's out the door... that was difficult for Sam in the beginning.
I really love the first DVD and can't wait for the others to come out. I too have learned things I didn't know even tho i consider myself pretty good with OS X.
I wish more training was this silly and educational! These kinds of lessons are what would make many good teachers into great teachers - something that makes learning fun!
Best of luck to Sam and the next 3 DVDs in the series!
Mitch
|
This article is archived, so you may not comment on it.
(The good news is there's always the shoutbox, the forums or the contact form if you're socially-inclined at the moment!)
|
|
|
|
Site Links |
|
|
|
|
Deep Thoughts |
|
|
Marta was watching the football game with me when she said, "You know, most of these sports are based on the idea of one group protecting its territory from invasion by another group." "Yeah," I said, trying not to laugh. Girls are funny.
|
|
Around Da Web |
|
| iProng: |
iPhone steals show at CTIA Wireless 2007
|
DLO offers dual cover fashion case for iPod
|
AT&T received 1M inquiries on iPhone
|
| MacDailyNews: |
Ars Technica in-depth review: Apple TV ?impressed all those who touched it?
|
Inside Apple?s Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Server OS
|
The chips inside Apple TV
|
| Think Secret: |
Adobe Creative Suite 3 pricing revealed
|
|
|
We Like: |
|
|
|
|
Side Projects |
|
Jonahan
- JediPoker.net
- Jonahan.com
- iProng
- MacProng
iKen
Jedbeck
J.P.
|
|
