I finally did it--switched from a 'Windows' PC to Apple/Mac

[bisontuba]

Hi-
Yes, I finally did it--switched from a 'Windows' PC to an Apple/Mac--why did I wait so long--SO much better and easier!
Regards-
mark
jonestuba@juno.com" target="_blank

[Rochester2013]

Congratulations.

Welcome to the good side!

[PolkaNoble]

I really do not know the answers to the following questions. I an not trying to be a smart*** This time.

Will the Mac run my (presently) most used programs: Smartmusic 11, Finale, Sibelius, Microsoft Streets and Trips, and DeLorme Street Atlas, without my having to buy new programs. (Some pretty good expense there to replace them.) And will it store and access my present Microsoft Office suite and aol internet files. At a minimum a Mac would have to do all of that or I would not consider it at all, even though the operating system is, in most ways, superior and more stable.

Max (impressed by the Mac, but mot convinced switching would be an advantage)

[Rochester2013]

Most programs have both a mac and a windows version, but if you bought the windows version in the first place, then you wouldn't be able to run it with just the mac OS X.

There are programs (Parallels and Boot Camp are two examples) that will allow you to run Windows and Mac OS X on the same computer, and it isn't too expensive. I would suggest that.

[SRanney]

I don't buy into the Macintosh hype. I've used Macs in the past (> 10 years ago) for word processing and midi applications, but the PCs I use work just fine for everything I need them to do (i.e., statistical programming and modeling (R language), listening to music, editing photographs with Lightroom, writing papers, surfing, etc). I find no need to switch to another platform for the looks, the so-called "reliability", or any other intangible benefit.

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net ... =macs_cant

Steven

[pattonsj]

VirtualPC is another great program. Free from Microsoft and allows you to run an actual OS in a virtual enviorment (but you won't know the diffrence) while you are booted into another. ie. Using Vista, and need to run programs that will only run on XP. It's easy, download VirtualPC, open it up, install XP (or another OS)to the Virtual PC, then anytime you need XP, just open up VirtualPC and run it. I've run 4 OS's on one machine not including the "real" OS that was loaded on the machine. It's cool check it out...


http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/" target="_blank" target="_blank

[UTSAtuba]

Mac has some advantages, but it can crash just as much as windows...I think I'll stay with my trusty ol' Windows...

Remember, it's not the equipment but the...

[Rochester2013]

Mac has some advantages, but it can crash just as much as windows...I think I'll stay with my trusty ol' Windows...

Remember, it's not the equipment but the...

I have used macs for a while now. My macs have never crashed. In the same time period, I have had 2 windows run computers crash. Most viruses are coded for Windows-very rarely will a mac get a virus.

[Tubaryan12]

I think Mac users and PC users are usually 2 different cats. Most PC users get into trouble because they seem to be more willing to add new equipment and software to the box. My mom was running a Vista machine and it ran flawlessly....until she started downloading games. Mac users seem to be the type that get the thing set up the way they want it on day one, then never tinker with it from that day forward. They just want it to work. If more Windows users did this, I think Windows would have a much different reputation.

[TUBAD83]

I think most PC users get into trouble is because they try to take the cheap way out by trying to get away with the bare minimum when it comes to hardware and then trying to run several (or more) programs at once. Also, there are alot of people out there that have older computers and have NEVER updated their systems, yet they want to run the latest programs. If people take the time to learn about their computers and make sure they have enough memory, a large enough hd, and a good quality graphics card, they will not have to worry about crashing all the time. Macs are great looking machines and I like how they are set up, but they are too expensive and too limiting for things I do (such as recording shows directly from my TV and home stereo system). PCs are far more versatile---and this hype about Macs not crashing--WRONG--Ive lost count the number of times I've seen my friends' Macs bite it!!

JJ

[iiipopes]

My Grandmother bought me a PC Jr (you know - one 5 1/4 floppy drive and those "plug in" program cartridges that never caught on) as a glorified typewriter for grad school. It turned out to be awkward. So, when the folks started up their printshop, the leading edge at the time was a Mac Plus and Apple Laser Writer with the expansion fonts card in 1986, with PageMaker software. After switching over, I have never looked back for a personal home computer and have had numerous models through the years. Yes, I've also used every incarnation of Windows at one job or another, including typing this post at work waiting until the rest of the system, peripherals and software boot and launch. So I have extensive experience on many levels, personal and business, of both platforms over the last decade and a half.

The new Vista is good. But Mac is still better for the non-technical computer user. This is not a slam. This is a fact of life. Many people in the world who use computers for home or job don't have a clue how they work, just like many people who drive automobiles do so competently, safely, and get to their destinations every day with no clue about how an internal combustion engine and the associated mechanicals work. They just know they do.

Remember, originally, Windows was invented to compete with Mac which was at the time the most user-friendly computer interface available.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYecfV3ubP8" target="_blank" target="_blank

[Carroll]

My Grandmother bought me a PC Jr (you know - one 5 1/4 floppy drive and those "plug in" program cartridges that never caught on) as a glorified typewriter for grad school. It turned out to be awkward. So, when the folks started up their printshop, the leading edge at the time was a Mac Plus and Apple Laser Writer with the expansion fonts card in 1986, with PageMaker software. After switching over, I have never looked back for a personal home computer and have had numerous models through the years. Yes, I've also used every incarnation of Windows at one job or another, including typing this post at work waiting until the rest of the system, peripherals and software boot and launch. So I have extensive experience on many levels, personal and business, of both platforms over the last decade and a half.

Hey, my folks run a print shop based on Macs. as well!

[MaryAnn]

I bought an imac several years ago because a friend wanted to work together on composing music. Well....the computer did not crash and burn but I did because I spend my work week on a PC. I can get around on my mac now, but after 40 hours a week looking at a screen I wasn't really in the mood for spending my weekends learning a new way of thinking about computing. The only benefit I see is that I don't have a firewall and so far have not, to my knowledge, downloaded fatal viruses or spyware. My old Dell PC ran for 10 years, BTW, without a blue screen of death. Since I don't ask computers to do more than just fool around, they have been pretty good to me in terms of reliability.

I don't know if I would get another mac or not; but if I do, it would be just for internet use. I still get frustrated with simple things....like how to completely remove a corrupted program. Firefox got all screwed up, I thought I removed it, even installed an OS upgrade, and then when I went to re-install Firefox all it did was add to what was left, and corrupted, on the hard drive. I can't find ANYWHERE how to remove a program; all the words I use to search, like remove program, delete program, blah blah blah....don't return any instructions that have anything to do with what I want to do. It's kind of like trying to use Finale.

Gee I'm testy today! I keep finding topics that are on my list of pet peeves. Somebody post something about vegan ice cream, ok, so I can say something nice?

MA

[TUBAD83]

I don't know if I would get another mac or not; but if I do, it would be just for internet use. I still get frustrated with simple things....like how to completely remove a corrupted program. Firefox got all screwed up, I thought I removed it, even installed an OS upgrade, and then when I went to re-install Firefox all it did was add to what was left, and corrupted, on the hard drive. I can't find ANYWHERE how to remove a program; all the words I use to search, like remove program, delete program, blah blah blah....don't return any instructions that have anything to do with what I want to do. It's kind of like trying to use Finale.

I completely understand your frustration--firefox is a HUGE PAIN to get rid of. Try this link:
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Uninstalling_Firefox" target="_blank" target="_blank

Take your time and follow the instructions to the letter and it should get rid of Firefox. I recommend using Sure Delete to get rid of programs completely. Let me know if you continue to have problems.

JJ

[Tubaryan12]

I don't know if I would get another mac or not; but if I do, it would be just for internet use.

If that's the case, then just download Xubuntu
It's light, works well on older pc's, has firefox as it's native browser....and best of all, it's free!
In fact, I'm updating this post with it now.