Should I upgrade my computer from windows XP to windows VISTA or just get a new MAC laptop instead?

Question

I'm just tired of getting viruses all the time and I hate having to go through the process of REFORMATTING everytime my pc crashes.

Answer 1

If you get a MAC you will not have a virus problem and it is more stable and will not crash as often.Some interactive websites will require the Internet explorer browser to make them work properly. You can work around that by installing a prograhm called parrallels on your Mac and then install Windows XP or Vista and you can switch back and forth between windows and the Mac OS as you need and you will have the best of both worlds.

Answer 2

Vista needs a lot of RAM and a killer graphics card to run right. If you have a newer computer, a gig of RAM, etc then you might consider it.

Obviously, the Mac is a great machine. It's always a good bet UNLESS you want to run XP software (games, etc).

I'm puzzled why you keep getting viruses and stuff. My clients don't have that problem, and I know they're sometimes reckless w/ the computers ("idiots"). If you have a good AV as well as Spybot loaded then you should be okay. Certainly I don't reformat + reload many PCs!!! I think that your XP experience could be better.....

Answer 3

You can also get viruses from legal software, apple shipped some of their ipods with viruses. Windows Vista is more secure than any other version of windows, and if you do run a good security program such as windows live care or norton internet security or mcafee, then you should not have any problems. Mac's are great computers and I believe far superior to pc's but do not have the vast programs that are created for windows based pc's.

Answer 4

MACs are hugely overpriced for the hardware that's inside them, so they are cool but bad value.

Another possibility - a bit radical perhaps - is to install (or get a geeky friend to install) Linux on your PC. PCLinuxOS is best, and runs equivalent programs to most Microsoft programs. It also runs both Firefox and Opera. Linux is totally immune to all viruses, malware, spyware, adware etc, so all you need is a good firewall - and PCLinuxOS includes a good firewall.

I think the best compromise is to re-format your PC yet again - as you've done in the past - but this time get a really good firewall and anti-virus, and also consider carefully the circumstances when you got viruses. There are probably programs you downloaded onto your PC which contained adware or spyware, or compromised your security in some way. Next time, before you download them, ask people here what security problems are associated with them. Things like toolbars for browsers often have nasty side-effects, and also consider NEVER using Outlook Express again... switch to webmail like Yahoo or Hotmail which scan your incoming e-mails at source and cut out the viruses before they even get to you.

Myspace is also much more risky for your computer than most people realise - one accidental click on a link in someone's site could take you to a page designed to attack your browser.

Good luck...

DC :)

Answer 5

I have used pcs for years and only had a problem with viruses twice. Both times my subscription ran out and my kids would not stay off the internet. If you get a good anti virus program them thes will not be an issue. I have found the norton internet security suite really good and have not had any problems as long as I keep it up to date.

Answer 6

If you are tired of getting viruses and spyware all the time then yes, I would recommend an Apple computer. They are great computers, however, there could be a learning curve in the beginning.

However, ask yourself a question... what are you doing online when getting these viruses and spyware? Have you kept your Windows installation up to date with Windows Update?

Answer 7

My opinion is don't do either one based on the problem described. It's too soon to be getting VISTA (get good advice from Kim Komando read her tips, columns & newsletters on the subect. Moving from PC to MAC depends a lot on what you do with your computer. If you do a lot of business work with Ms Office etc. and exchange files with others, you probably want to stay with PC; if you do mostly media/arts work, run to MAC.
AzGeezer

Answer 8

Dont worry vista has better protection and better security options and features

Answer 9

Get the Mac, you won't regret it.