I'm tired of the crap I get from windows and PCs. I'm starting to consider getting a nice mac. What do I need to know and how is a mac better? I also heard that you can run windows on a mac if needed. How would this work and would it kill performance?
2006-12-26 05:30:01 · 7 answers · asked by icedragon586 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Well first I'll say I had never used a Mac until about 3 1/2 years ago and now I make a living using it. I'm a video editor in Tampa, FL. I personally think it's the best decision you could make for yourself. I'm also a former employee of an Apple Store. The perks are that the operating system is based off UNIX which is much more stable than Windows DOS architecture. meaning it is difficult to write a virus for it, it's possible but unlikely. In the 3 years I've owned a Mac, I've never had a virus or even had to install virus software. it's just not needed, and it's because of this the mac seems to perform faster. it's not that the mac's processors are faster than say a dell or a sony, its that with a mac you dont have to constantly be running virus software and other unwanted programs to protect your computer. It is true you CAN run windows on your Mac. All new macs use Intel chips which are the same processors in most new PC's. There are 2 ways you can run windows. There's a piece of software available from Apple called "Boot Camp" this allows you to install Windows XP on your Mac, and when boot up your machine once it's installed you have the option of either using the Mac OS or Windows. You can install and run any Windows application or game that meets your computers specs. Now you can also run windows using a program called "Parallels" which can be purchased online or at any Mac store. And again this allows you to install Windows XP, now the difference is with parallels you can run both the Mac OS and Windows simultaneously, rather than having to restart your computer in order to switch Operating Systems which you have to do with Boot Camp. And as far as killing perfcormance, when running Boot Camp no sacrifice in performance needs to be made. When running Paralells there is some slowing down in some applications, beacuse the computer is running both OS's at the same time, the other downfall of Paralells is it cant run certain high end games like you can when using Boot Camp once again because when using Paralells the computer is powering both OS's. The mac is dependable, affordable (which many people dont believe, go to any PC supply store and price out a PC that is comperable to the Mac you're interested in, dont those cheap Dell commercials fool you). The mac comes with a suite off applications call iLife which includes
IPhoto
iDVD
iTunes
iMovie
iWeb
Garageband
so with any mac out of the box, you can organzie edit and share your photos, edit video from your digital video camera and then burn it to dvd with a great looking dvd menu, creat your own music with garageband, make and post your own websites and blogs using iWeb and I'm sure your familiar with iTunes. I can honestly say that the Mac has changed my life. Got to the Apple store, if there's one in your area, and just tell them what your interested in doing with your computer, and let them show you the things I've told you about. They'll suggest which computer would best fit your lifestyle. They dont work on commission so you dont have to deal with them being pushy. Also if you happen to go ask about Dot Mac and Procare these are 2 very helpful thing Apple offers for new customers. Thanks and happy computer buying.
2006-12-26 06:28:10 · answer #1 · answered by Kyle B 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Macs can be very good for non-technical types that can afford the Mac tax. If this is you, then go for it.
Some things to remember.
Macs can and do get virii. There are not as many as there are for Windows based computers though. The worst security issues are with OSX. If you get an older Mac running OS9 you will be much safer.
They cost much more for the same hardware.
Upgrades will cost more.
Software is harder to find.
If you want to run Windows on the same machine, you have a couple options. You can run it in software emulation. This will cause a pretty big performace hit. You can also use Bootcamp to run both on the same machine since it is intel based.
Warning if you are not adventurous, you probably do not want to go this route, as some users have lost the ability to boot in to the Mac OS.
If you go with an older Mac and are ok running Windows 98 instead of XP, you can get an add-on card that allows 98 to run very nicely. They were made by Orange PC and can still be found second hand.
If you are even slightly techincal and adventerous, you could always try Linux. It is great on the desktop for most users. Hard core gaming is not it's strong point though.
rickrudge
No I am not wrong about the Virii. Too bad fanboys can't look past their own egos to see the truth.
2006-12-26 09:10:33 · answer #2 · answered by Chris 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hello icedragon586,
Congratulations on your decision to switch to the Macintosh. Believe me, you won't regret your decision one bit. There is plenty of web sites dedicated to Windows Switchers that explain the slight differences with the Macs. You will be using the Mac like a pro in no time at all because the differences are so small.
Go to a local Macintosh dealer and try out a Mac for yourself, and you'll get the bug. :-D Also, see if you can check out a local Macintosh users group in your area to get even more support.
Sorry Chris, you're wrong. There is NO viruses for the Macintosh that is released out into the general public. There have been some "Proof of Concept" viruses developed by anti-virus software companies, but they still require the Mac user to type in their administrative password to install the virus and these viruses have not been release into the general public. There will be a viruses some day, but there hasn't been one in the last six years of Mac OS X. How many has Vista got so far?
Probably the worst thing about having the Mac is the abuse you get from Windows Bigots. You've probably already heard from them, by simply mentioning that you're contemplating switching platforms. Even if you went with Linux, you'd be getting that. Simply smile, enjoying your Macintosh virus-free while these guys go off on their tirades.
Best of luck to you, icedragon586. Take care.
--Rick
2006-12-26 09:40:46 · answer #3 · answered by rickrudge 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have had my MacBook since Christmas, and I couldn't be happier. It runs incredibly smooth and fast, the colors are crisp and clear, I've had absolutely no problems with pop-ups or viruses (and after two years with a slow, virus-ridden Dell, this has been the biggest thrill). It's smooth, sleek, pretty, and durable--I use mine for Internet, writing papers and other homework, and photo editing, so it sounds a lot like what you're looking for. I slide mine in my bookbag in the morning and carry it around all day--quite lightweight. My only complaint is that after five months, the white part around the touch pad has started to get a little dingy, but I got a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser from the grocery store and it's good as new, now. I completely recommend this computer.
2016-05-23 08:09:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're going to get people Mac bashing here no mistake. But I'm on one now, and I've used these for 5 years. I used to use PCs all the time, my brother still does. I had nothing but headaches and viruses with them. This mac is quick, extremely reliable, you can't get viruses or spy/ad ware on them, you can get anything on a mac that you can get for PCs (and yeah they are starting making all new releases games for mac too), they're better looking, they have the most safe and STABLE operating system out there, they weork out of the box, things just WORK on it, without installing drivers or anything, it really IS plug and play. I can go on for days...but I won't. Trust me, it will be the best thing you ever do, I'd never go back. Don't listen to ignorant small minded people.
2006-12-26 05:40:42 · answer #5 · answered by Refti 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
MAC is perfect for home computing. PCs are better for spreadsheets, C++ programming, databases. but if you dont do any of those PC things get a MAC. Hackers and spies usually ignore macs because they get more for their money attacking PCs.
2006-12-26 05:45:38 · answer #6 · answered by jercha 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you use BootCamp you can run windows without any performance hit.
2006-12-26 05:47:18 · answer #7 · answered by slick 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋