Have never owned a Mac, but am interested in them because of some comments made about viruses. Is it true that Mac users do not have the virus problems we Windows users have? Also, how about spyware. And finally, what programs for word processing and spreadsheets to Mac users have, and are there compatibility issues say, if I import a document created on my work machine in a windows office program to use or manipulate in a Mac? Thanks in advance.
2006-09-17 05:34:38 · 6 answers · asked by detecting_it 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Some great Answers to all. One thing I did pick up is that Microsoft Office products are available for Mac as well. So much for the rumor that they never get viruses because viruses are written around Microsoft programs. Must be because of there not being as many Macs as Teacher Man mentioned. But, I am curious about the paid email subscription mentioned below. Is this true for all Mac users?
2006-09-17 06:13:12 · update #1
As a teacher, I have students submit projects in both Mac and IBM (Windows) formats.
I am sure that many will offer opinions, but it basically reveals what these people LEARNED on.
Meaning that Mac people like Macs because4 they learned computing on Macs, and vice versa.
Macs do not have wide-known viruses because relatively few people use Macs, thus they are not targeted. The same is so for Red Hat, Linux, etc...
Next, Microsoft has a version of OFFICE for Macs, and I commonly transfer student Mac Office files to my IBM Windows computer. No problems.
2006-09-17 05:36:22 · answer #1 · answered by Teacher Man 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I love Mac. I do everything on it. It's true that we experience fewer viruses because most of the population are PC users and so hackers/virus creators make viruses for PC's. But there's plenty of spyware programs out there for Mac.
You can get the Windows suite for Mac, that includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. And it is perfectly transferable from PC to Mac. I email files to people from Mac to their PC all the time and as long as they have the same Windows program, it's a seamless transistion.
Mac is especially good with it's creative programs. It's better compatible with graphic design programs like Photoshop and After Effects. I would go to a Mac store and talk to a salesmen for some advice about your use of the Mac and if it's the right fit for you.
2006-09-17 05:45:12 · answer #2 · answered by Princess Leia 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have an iMac OSX (20") and LOVE IT! It came complete with photo editing softwear, web builder, movie maker, Word, Excell, Power Point , all your typical Microsoft Office applications. I have never crashed, haven't caught a virus and cannot say enough about the virtues of a Mac. There are some compatibility issues, but none that can't be worked thru.
Additional info: .Mac is a supscription that will give acess to another email source and the ability to create a web site. I did the trial recently and had a great time make a web site about our summer vacation and shared it with friends and family around the world. It's about $100 for the year.
2006-09-17 05:44:49 · answer #3 · answered by Crazymom 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
After being a long time PC user, I got a new iMac 20 as a gift, and although I was dubious about switching I am so glad I have done so...I do not miss Windows or the constant maintenance needed to keep it slick...
I have used my iMac since May and have not had one issue with it!
In fact I got rid of my desktop computer within a week of owning the iMac
I love its simplicity, love being able to use my Mac with out having to agree to numerous popups from anti virus or firewalls, waiting for updates, and the constant need to tweak my systems. (I have fixed and maintained many PC systems over the years) And now I can sit back and enjoy all my spare time not spent tweaking the PC. ridding my machine it of virus's is a thing of the past, although I still get plenty of PC's in needed viruses wiped. Mac has its own firewall, and there are anti virus software out their for Mac for free, but have not needed antivirus on my Mac
The downfalls or differences between Mac and PC, are very few...I don't like the fact that to have a .mac email account I have to pay, but saying that once you have used the free trial, you retain your email name for such things as ichat , and i continue to use my isp email for mail...for free.
Skype beta now works for video chat with a Mac, so can again video chat with PC users. iChat Mac to Mac is super.
I had a trail of Office for Mac, which has now expired, I also didn't subscribe as openoffice does all and more that office did and is compatable with Office docs and excel etc.
My printer worked as soon as I plugged it in as did 99% of my periphials and no software discs needed...OS X rocks!...my old flatbed scanner however doesn't work on my mac, but I can live with that until I find a replacement.
Otherwise its the best gift I have ever had...real is childplay using a Mac after a PC...
I'd give Mac a 10/10 over PC anyday
(take a look at the switching URL below)
Good Luck
2006-09-17 05:53:27 · answer #4 · answered by ME*UK 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Mac just came out with an easy fix for windows... you can run both the mac o/s or windows... you just can't run them at the same time... that should take care of the compatibility problems with using the different word processors. as for the spy-ware, i think your still going to have the same problem because of temp files and cookies. not sure of the viruses, they might have less because of different coding for the o/s and less people use macs
2006-09-17 05:45:41 · answer #5 · answered by dan 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I love the mac I have at home, it does everything I need & zero virus troubles, I will never own another p.c.
2006-09-17 05:37:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋