I have recently bought a macbook and want to give away my old ibook. Is it easy - I'm not an expert with computors, to put it mildly - to reset the thing to original settings and in the process also delete all my data? (If possible I'd like programmes I've loaded, for example 'office for mac', to be retained; but this is not vital.)

I've already fiddled around and in doing so managed to mess up the iphoto application so that it doesn't open now. I'm hoping that the 'reset' will restore that. I guess I'm hoping it would all be a bit like reset of a palm or an ipod, but this may be nonsensical thinking applied to an ibook.

Would be most grateful for any advice - even if it is that I have to take it to a professional or an apple dealer.

Sure,

pop in the install DVD, reboot and hold "c" (from memory, not installed my macs in aeons). Format the hdd and install a fresh copy of OSX.

Follow phazy's advice, but be sure to select the erase and install option. That will delete everything and re-install the OS and iLife apps. The entire process takes about 30 minutes and you will have to be around to change discs when requested and fill in some details.

Thank you. Now to dig up the dvd s - lying somewhere or other.