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Applications • Websites • Portland Companies
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 | Simple one-click program runs a slew of cleanup routines and should be your first step when trying to fix basic OS or application issues. Run once a month for good measure. |
 | A notification system for your Mac. It interfaces with several other programs to inform you things such as incoming email, application messages, etc. Highly recommended. |
 | Lets you launch applications with a few simple keystrokes. Saves repeated trips to the Applications folder, and helps to clear out your dock. (Update: This capability is now built into Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard) |
 | A wireless scanner that shows you all open and closed wireless networks within signal range of your computer |
Websites
Great places on the web for support and general Mac information.
Apple Store • Apple's online store, where you can buy everything from Macs to iPods to printers. I recommend not buying computer memory from them, however.
Apple Support • Apple's official support site, which contains user forums and how-to guides to diagnose and fix just about any Macintosh problem under the sun. This should be your first stop when problems arise.
Version Tracker • VersionTracker, an online repository of all the latest versions of all your favorite Mac applications (and many that you never knew existed!). This is the place to go when you need to download an application, search for a new one, or update your current copy.
Digg Apple • Digg's Apple specific section. This site revolves around user submitted and reviewed stories, ensuring that only the most interesting and relevant content stays at the top.
Digital Material • A great resource for must-have Mac applications.
MacWorld • Macworld Magazine's official website, and your number one stop for everything from the latest Macintosh news, to digital camera buyers guides, to the latest software downloads.
MacSurfer • A conglomerate of Apple and general tech websites, ranging from news to product reviews to editorials on computer culture.
PMUG • Portland Macintosh User's Group - A great place to meet other local users and get your questions answered.
NewEgg • A great place to buy computer hardware and software alike. Their prices are very low, and their service is top notch. Highly recommended.
Mac-Forums • Forums are a great place to quickly get your questions answered, and meet like minded Mac minds. Mac-Forums.com is very friendly and helpful for new users.
Google • Always a fantastic place to start!
Portland Companies
Please support your local Portland businesses!
Belmont Computers • A local Portland computer shop with good prices and an attached cafe. Also has a repair facility inside of downtown Portland's cyber cafe Backspace.
Rapid Technologies • A Beaverton based technology supplier, a great place for buying hard drives, memory, etc.
ENU Inc. • A Portland based warehouse supplier company, they're open to the public and usually have great prices do to their low overhead and warehouse-like retail stores. They have two locations, one in NE Portland by the airport, the other in Hillsboro.
Portland Craigslist • Not technically a Portland company, but still a great way to find used Mac stuff!
