The situation is similar in the gravitational wave community. At meetings you see some running Linux but an increasing majority with mac laptops. The data analysis and I need to use all are supported for mac as well as a few flavors of Linux but exactly which flavors and versions can be a bit of a moving target. The LIGO control rooms sport iMacs these days.
Having gone through a physics undergrad, an astrophysics-slanted grad and currently teaching undergrad physics, I am always on the lookout for good texts. Here are my suggestions...
Firstly, if you have never taken undergrad physics or are looking for a reference, you will want a good intro text. Feynman is good for conceptual understanding but is a bit short on worked examples and problems for you to try. There are several good intro texts out there, my personal favorite is Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Serway & Jewett. Used copies of older editions are the way to go price-wise.
As for advanced undergrad texts, here are my suggestions.
Introduction to Electrodynamics by Griffiths (a real standard)
An introduction to Thermal Physics by Schroeder (has astrophysics examples)
Principles of Quantum Mechanics by Shankar
Classical Dynamics of Particles & Systems by Marion & Thornton (Classical Mechanics)
Gravity: An introduction to Einstein's General Relativity by Hartle
Slashdot Mirror
My favorite geek-flavored advent calendar: https://gravity.astro.cf.ac.uk...
The situation is similar in the gravitational wave community. At meetings you see some running Linux but an increasing majority with mac laptops. The data analysis and I need to use all are supported for mac as well as a few flavors of Linux but exactly which flavors and versions can be a bit of a moving target. The LIGO control rooms sport iMacs these days.
Spectra the Original Laser Superhero! http://www.physicscentral.com/experiment/physicsquest/past/pq09.cfm
Having gone through a physics undergrad, an astrophysics-slanted grad and currently teaching undergrad physics, I am always on the lookout for good texts. Here are my suggestions...
Firstly, if you have never taken undergrad physics or are looking for a reference, you will want a good intro text. Feynman is good for conceptual understanding but is a bit short on worked examples and problems for you to try. There are several good intro texts out there, my personal favorite is Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Serway & Jewett. Used copies of older editions are the way to go price-wise.
As for advanced undergrad texts, here are my suggestions.
Introduction to Electrodynamics by Griffiths (a real standard)
An introduction to Thermal Physics by Schroeder (has astrophysics examples)
Principles of Quantum Mechanics by Shankar
Classical Dynamics of Particles & Systems by Marion & Thornton (Classical Mechanics)
Gravity: An introduction to Einstein's General Relativity by Hartle