Absolute New Beginner to Blender - need advice

#1

I just found blender and I have a few idiot questions. All villages need an idiot , so I guess that is me.

The Wiki recommends a 3 button mouse - can some recommend some good ones to purchase?

I am recently taking graphic design classes and might switch to full time animation. I recently purchased the 27" iMac for this purpose.

In a previous life, I was a PC ( head hangs in shame :cry: ), but now I am a MAC! :wavey:

I wrecked a PC with a virus many years ago. Will this damage my very expensive Mac to use blender - I am a little nervous with the concept of free ware.

Thank you for any input

#2

Blender is not just any “free ware”. Blender is a sophisticated program developed by the Blender Foundation under the open GNL license. It is a legit program and even has full time classes dedicated to it. I have been using Blender for close to 3 years now and I have never had any problems with it and there is nothing you have to worry about. This program is amazing and I would definitely recommend learning it.

Now as for a mouse. Really any 3 button mouse will do. I’m using the Microsoft wireless 4000 keyboard and mouse set but you really don’t need anything specific. Just something that will be good for your mac. I would recommend checking out www.newegg.com for a good and cheap mouse.

If you have any other questions just feel free to ask.

#3

Hello,

I hope you enjoy your new venture into 3D and Blender, it’s going to be a lot of fun!

Just to answer your questions,
Any 3 button mouse will do but, as always its worth spending a bit of money on a half decent one. You really do want one with a scroll wheel too as that always come on hand using 3d software. Having said that I’m assuming you have the Magic Mouse that comes with the iMac at the moment. Although not the best for 3d work you can use an application called MagicPrefs that will allow you to enable middle clicking turning your Magic Mouse into a 3 button mouse!!

As for Blender being safe to use, you have nothing to worry about. It won’t harm your mac in anyway if used properly. Always download you copy from blender.org as this should ensure your copy is good. There have been “paid” versions of blender kicking around the web in the last year but, these are not to be trusted. Blender is a free product and should not be paid for.

On a final note, I’m sorry if this is something you already know, your mac is not immune to malware and you should always be vigilant and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your mac. Download from trusted sites, keep your mac up to date with the latest patches and really you should install some sort of antivirus software.

Anyway, enjoy Blender and have fun!

#4

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