So I finally picked up a MacBook Pro

[randr]

Not having much trouble making the switch except for unfamiliar download and installation procedures.
I am still trying to figure out what all the hoopla is about how much better the Mac is suppose to be.
It does not seem so customizable, I can't remove items from the launch pad. So far.
It does not have as many applications as my last PC came with.
The app store has a lot of silly downloads and not a lot of utilities to improve the system, as I find with PC download sites.
Is their someplace I am not looking?
Do I need to turn of the firewall?
Where is the best source of information and downloads to make my Mac rock?

[Ready4Change]

1. Mac has a lot of features that you have to 'discover.'

As a mostly Windows user, I understand. Anyway, to remove something from the launch pad, drag it into the trash can. Things on the launch pad are kind of like a shortcut in Windows. When you drag it into the trashcan you aren't throwing away the application. You are just removing a 'shortcut.' (Note, you can't remove it if it is still in operation. Quit the app first, then drag its launch pad icon to the trash.)

If you ever want it back, find the application in Finder, and drag it back to the launch pad.

Hope that helps, and if I got anything wrong hope that someone who knows better corrects me.

[randr]

2. Dragging to the trash

For some reason when I drag and item to the trash, such as Itunes, it will not work. I did, however, figure out how to open the right click menu options and was able to hide or close items.
Thanks for the help.

[Stinky The Clown]

3. You can't trash an item if the app is running.

Closing a window does not shut an app down like it does in Windows. In the dock, below each icon that is running is a small white dot. Right click the item you want to trash and click "Quit". Then you can trash it if you wish. If all you wish to do is remove an icon from the dock, just drag it off. It will show an animated "cloud" and be gone (poof!). The app is still there, but no longer in your dock.

By the way, you can quickly find an app by clicking the magnifying glass at the upper right of your screen and then typing the app's name. It will appear in the list that populates. Click it and it runs.