Mac or PC - Which do you use?

[ThaAnsa3]

Lol, you're one of those die hard users. So no matter how much I say that I've worked with Macs, and they do break down, you won't believe me. When they do crash, they CRASH. (And, if Macs are as good as you say, the Tech Bar in the Apple store wouldn't be such an important part of the store) I'll just say this, in my experience Macs are the same as PC's.

I only point this out for people who are stuck between the two, you have to really LOVE Macs to be able to deal with them. If u don't, best to stick with a PC (cheaper, more customizable, better warranty support, more software support). Not knocking Macs, they're decent, and I will admit their GUI is more intuitive, but PC's are decent too.

The only thing that I can offer here since I've never owned a MAC computer is that I'm part of another forum dedicated to computers where each manufacturer has their own section and every one of them has their fair amount of unhappy customers who report problems. However the ratio seems to be 4:2 in favor of MAC. Far more people seem unhappy with PC. Now, I know the argument will be that its because more people own PC and they have the bigger marketshare, a notice its a ratio and not an actual number of PC customers vs. MAC customers. Either way, computers will give you problems if you don't treat them right. Unfortunately, PC sometimes gives people problems even if you do treat them right.

 

[PoppaSo]

Lol, you're one of those die hard users. So no matter how much I say that I've worked with Macs, and they do break down, you won't believe me. When they do crash, they CRASH. (And, if Macs are as good as you say, the Tech Bar in the Apple store wouldn't be such an important part of the store) I'll just say this, in my experience Macs are the same as PC's.

Dude. I'm only dealing with FACTS. This is my experience.

FACT:
I HAVE five macs. Actually, one is older than 7 years. I have OWN at least ten Macs over 15 years. I trade them UP when they get OLD or keep them like an old family member. None of them have a problem and I do UNAUTHORIZED things to them.

FACT:
I have sold HUNDREDS of Macs as a Apple Rep 3 years ago. NONE of my client would come back with problems. They would come back with smiles, bring me gifts, or other family members or more sales.

FACT: Ask yourself, what does buying, installing anti-virus fighting, or anything that has to do with VIRUSES have to do with what you want to do with your computer? if you answer is NOTHING. Then look at a Mac. No Virus. NONE. Zulch. Nada.

FACT
Macs are well made machines. Everything works together...The Hardware and the OS is by the same Manufacture. . Apple designs the WHOLE machine as one unit. Not like PCs where you use a hogdge podge of parts by different manufacture and OS by a another who don't know what the Others are creating. Often there's a lack of interoperability between 'parts" let alone the OS. That's why you hear HORROR stories about this burn out my motherboard. or this will get FRIED. That shit is INSANE. Burning computer parts??

FACT:
People are PEOPLE. That's what the warrantee and Genius bar is for at Apple. You can put people in a perfect situation, tell them not to eat the Apple and what will they do? Eat the Apple. There's an Old saying. "Nothing is fool-proof because Fools are such geniuses." Instead calling the tech support bar at the Mac store Genius Bar, they should call it the "Fool Bar". You really have to do dumb shit to an Apple to fuck it up. We all do dumb shit sometimes. When I worked Apple there was no genius bar. I would just show people how not to do anything CRAZY to the machine and they were fine.

You buy an Apple. You plug it in. You click one or two buttons it makes a DVD from your photos on your camera. Simple shit...Don't YANK the chord off your iPod without dismounting it from iTunes first. Some people "act" like they know everything...so you have to wait for them to fuck up cause they won't admit they don't know something.

Anyway, YES some Macs have problem. The worker had a argument with his wife before he went into work on the Apple assembly line. If you have a bad Mac, you will know it in first week you buy it. If you have a bring it back immediate and just have them switch the Machine. That was the case with my MacBookPro. First week I bought it. There was problem. I said to myself, "Wait a minute, Macs don't have problems". I'm taking this one back. Switch. Not a problem since. That's it. The Genius bar checked. Saw a problem. Switched it.
(wow almost forgot about that. sorry yo.)

I only point this out for people who are stuck between the two, you have to really LOVE Macs to be able to deal with them. If u don't, best to stick with a PC (cheaper, more customizable, better warranty support, more software support). Not knocking Macs, they're decent, and I will admit their GUI is more intuitive, but PC's are decent too.

Not trying to cut you down, but let me say this. I don't love computers, I love what I can do with them. I love the life I can live, the money I can make, the fun I can have. Alright...I do love the way my iMac looks, and my dual 30s. And I love knowing when I go to StarBucks..I'm Mac'n

Here's the thing, people are creatures of Habit. Once you get BORN into one system, you want to stay with it no matter what. PC was my first computers. I saw a Mac and said I would never use that thing. Then when I got to NYC, I had to make a decision. all the jobs in the NYTimes were for MacUsers. Lots of people won't learn something new even if they know it's better them or can make more money. Change ain't easy but the decision to change is the hardest part.

Anyway, it works in my favor when people don't want to learn a Mac, when PhotoShop on the Mac for years before it hit PC.

Nevermind. PCs are better. Stick with that.

 

[EnSabahNur]

FACT
Macs are well made machines. Everything works together...The Hardware and the OS is by the same Manufacture. . Apple designs the WHOLE machine as one unit. Not like PCs where you use a hogdge podge of parts by different manufacture and OS by a another who don't know what the Others are creating. Often there's a lack of interoperability between 'parts" let alone the OS. That's why you hear HORROR stories about this burn out my motherboard. or this will get FRIED. That shit is INSANE. Burning computer parts??

Mobo=Intel
LSI=ATI
Superdrive=Mercury/Pioneer/(whatever company at the time of need)
CPU=Intel(now) IBM-PowerPC(nonIntelmacs)

Only difference between a MAC & PC is the OS itself. Jobs wanted full control of what parts went into MACs and what could be changed. That WOZ edition is where they bumped heads, cause WOZ felt that people should have a choice, not limited what parts they could change out. Well Jobs, won that debate, as we can all see now. I agree the MACs do look good to non hardcore PC gamers.

PEACE!!!!!

 

[ThaAnsa3]

PoppaSo, I agree that people are creatures of habit. It is very hard to get someone who has only known one system to change. I have to look at myself and wonder if that's the real reason I've stayed with PC for as long as I have. I have to wonder if that's why I'm still going back-and-forth with myself now. In the end, should I decide to stay with PC, it will be because they still have the monopoly and most businesses still operate with Microsoft. I would hate to spend so much money on a MAC and then have to worry about not being able to find the peripherals I need when I want them. Also, I get so much free stuff for PC on this board and others, and there just aren't many free things offered for MAC's online. I say that carefully, though, because I've really never needed to search for any. There may actually be some out there that I just don't know about.

 

[PoppaSo]

PoppaSo, I agree that people are creatures of habit. It is very hard to get someone who has only known one system to change. I have to look at myself and wonder if that's the real reason I've stayed with PC for as long as I have. I have to wonder if that's why I'm still going back-and-forth with myself now. In the end, should I decide to stay with PC, it will be because they still have the monopoly and most businesses still operate with Microsoft. I would hate to spend so much money on a MAC and then have to worry about not being able to find the peripherals I need when I want them. Also, I get so much free stuff for PC on this board and others, and there just arent' many free things offered for MAC's online. I say that carefully, though, because I've really never needed to search for any. There may actually be some out there that I just don't know about.

True enough. It's is a personal decision based on your own needs. My point is, often the choices are severely misrepresented...tanked with apple or orange juice. Youre concerns are serious concerns and they are sometimes painful.

It took me years of tossing back and forth with my decision to move for a 3D app that had seen it's hayday to an app that was much more expensive yet the industry standard. Still, I hang on to the old software a bit even though I have made googles of cash with the new software and am converted. It's a hard decision.

For people they only work on PCs for their job, and it's working..why upset the Apple Cart? But if the PC is getting in the way of your job, therefore your frustration level, hence your quality of life, then fix the problem...which That may or may not be an apple.

I only light in when people "baise" things like say, there's way more PC apps and none for Apple. Yes, there's more on the PC...but 75% of it is written very poorly because Windows has so my gaps in it. That's why there's so many virus. Anyone can write one.


Anyway. I'm not pushing the issue about what to buy...just that whatever you choose...the same rules apply to software. As you say, you just haven't had to look for it.

 

[ThaAnsa3]

True enough. It's is a personal decision based on your own needs. My point is, often the choices are severely misrepresented...flavored with apple or orange juice. Youre concerns are serious concerns and they are sometimes painful.

It took me years of tossing back and forth with my decision to move for a 3D app that had seen it's hayday to an app that was much more expensive yet the industry standard. Still, I hang on to the old software a bit even though I have made googles of cash with the new software and am converted. It's a hard decision.

For people they only work on PCs for their job, and it's working..why upset the Apple Cart? But if the PC is getting in the way of your job, therefore your frustration level, hence your quality of life, then fix the problem...which That may or may not be an apple.

I only light in when people "baise" things like say, there's way more PC apps and none for Apple. Yes, there's more on the PC...but 75% of it is written very poorly because Windows has so my gaps in it. That's why there's so many virus. Anyone can write one.


Anyway. I'm not pushing the issue about what to buy...just that whatever you choose...the same rules apply to software. As you say, you just haven't had to look for it.

I see where you're coming from. I know who to hit up for suggestions on software, etc. if I decide to go with MAC.

 

[tawma1073]

What is it about Linux that makes you prefer it over any other OS?

Not the OP but I'll give my thoughts:

1) Stability: Doesn't crash. Doesn't randomly change. I get the same behavior each time I use it. It's literally set and forget.

2) Security: No antivirus. No antispyware. No discernable virii at all. Secure remote access is also built in.

3) All software and drivers come packaged. No need to buy or steal software. No worries about incompatible drivers.

4) Flexibility: If I need a desktop I can do that. Server. Can do with the same software. Firewall. The same. I can configure to my needs instead of being constrained to the given interfaces that PC and Mac offer.

5) Free: Both in money and my ability to use/fix the software as I see fit. I need 30 copies? No problem. Something broken? I can either fix it myself or ask out in cyberspace about it, often getting the original software author. No waiting for a hopeful update or patch to solve a problem.

The downside is that if you're a Mac or PC power user, then Linux is a different game than you're used to. Different applications for Office, E-mail, games, and the like. Also the problem with flexibility is that there is a lot of choice and a lot of complexity out there. Finally the Linux community is very anti Microsoft and generally has geeks in it. So if you don't come correct, they'll rag on your ass.

I've been a Linux user for 15 years now. I have it on all my machines except my wife's laptop. Guess which machine drives me fuckin insane?

 

[ThaAnsa3]

Not the OP but I'll give my thoughts:

1) Stability: Doesn't crash. Doesn't randomly change. I get the same behavior each time I use it. It's literally set and forget.

2) Security: No antivirus. No antispyware. No discernable virii at all. Secure remote access is also built in.

3) All software and drivers come packaged. No need to buy or steal software. No worries about incompatible drivers.

4) Flexibility: If I need a desktop I can do that. Server. Can do with the same software. Firewall. The same. I can configure to my needs instead of being constrained to the given interfaces that PC and Mac offer.

5) Free: Both in money and my ability to use/fix the software as I see fit. I need 30 copies? No problem. Something broken? I can either fix it myself or ask out in cyberspace about it, often getting the original software author. No waiting for a hopeful update or patch to solve a problem.

The downside is that if you're a Mac or PC power user, then Linux is a different game than you're used to. Different applications for Office, E-mail, games, and the like. Also the problem with flexibility is that there is a lot of choice and a lot of complexity out there. Finally the Linux community is very anti Microsoft and generally has geeks in it. So if you don't come correct, they'll rag on your ass.

I've been a Linux user for 15 years now. I have it on all my machines except my wife's laptop. Guess which machine drives me fuckin insane?

Tawna, where can I learn everything about Linux? I'm truly interested. Are there websites, forums, books, etc.? Can you PM me some links or something if you have them? I'll google it as well, but I was wondering if you had some good resources since you've been using it for so long.

 

[tawma1073]

Tawna, where can I learn everything about Linux? I'm truly interested. Are there websites, forums, books, etc.? Can you PM me some links or something if you have them? I'll google it as well, but I was wondering if you had some good resources since you've been using it for so long.

No need to PM, I'll post what I know right here. First I would suggest finding out if there is a Linux Users Group in your area. They are full of helpful folks that will tell you whatever you want to know.

Second go ahead and dive in. Most Linux distributions offer a LiveCD that you can download, burn, pop in and test run. This gives you the opportunity to try Linux out without having to commit to installing it.

Next take a stroll through the Linux Documentation Project. Like the OS it's a huge collection of documents that are free for you to download. Everything from HOWTOs on specific subjects to entire books.

Every Borders and Barnes and Noble have at least one Linux shelf. Everything from Linux for Dummies to Knoppix Tips and Tricks. Take a browse through and pick up a book that appeals to you.

My next upgrade I plan to use Kubuntu, the KDE desktop version of the Ubuntu Linux distribution.

Try out some different LiveCDs until you find one that's comfortable for you. Or use one that someone in your area is using.

Despite what Microsoft and Apple would have you think, there are Linux users everywhere. Hook up with a few and get going.

Feel free to drop me a PM if anyone has anything specific to ask.

 

[Machete]

Nevermind. PCs are better. Stick with that.

Damn, you really went in. Wrote a whole damn essay.

I never said that PC's were better, I said that they were both decent (Mac and PC). They have their own advantages and disadvantages, at the end of the day it's a matter of preference.

My next upgrade I plan to use Kubuntu, the KDE desktop version of the Ubuntu Linux distribution.

I'm actually planning on installing Linux on an old desktop within the next couple of days. What's the best version to start with? And, do you know about support for wireless adapters, specifically Linksys?

 

[PoppaSo]

Damn, you really went in. Wrote a whole damn essay.

I never said that PC's were better, I said that they were both decent (Mac and PC). They have their own advantages and disadvantages, at the end of the day it's a matter of preference.





I'm actually planning on installing Linux on an old desktop within the next couple of days. What's the best version to start with? And, do you know about support for wireless adapters, specifically Linksys?

I have a Linksys wireless on my Mac network. Works great. Only thing Linksys have no interface software the Mac. You just plug it up and it works. Still it's sad out of the many Mac users they have they only include a PC interface to their router. That's just lazy.

Anyway, there's a simple solution. You can just paste the router IP (192.xxx.x.x) into any browser and you can access the interface for the router directly. Then you can set up networks/passwords and all that good stuff. Onlything is I lost my passwords so I can't get back into the interface. (Dumb)



All my Macs works fine because they remember the router automatically but if I got a new computer I'd be locked out.

 

[Garifuna]

Didn't the Woz edition allow you to change parts if you wanted to? I think that was one thing Woz & Jobs bumped heads. Woz felt you should be able to change your parts & Jobs locked down the Mac ASAP.

PEACE!!!!!

Not sure what you are getting at. Woz "bumped his head" in an airplane crash. He did not immediately return to Apple after he recovered. Instead, he returned to college to get his degree. By the time he graduated and returned to Apple, Steve Jobs was gone, and the "soda jerk" was in charge.

The Woz signature computer was a limited edition Apple 2gs. The Apple 2 and the Macintosh were two separate and distinct products. The Apple 2 was a general purpose computer, designed to be opened - The top was attached using velcro. The Macintosh was designed to be a appliance - just add software.

Woz was not working at Apple when the Mac was being developed.

 

[PoppaSo]

Not the OP but I'll give my thoughts:

1) Stability: Doesn't crash. Doesn't randomly change. I get the same behavior each time I use it. It's literally set and forget.

2) Security: No antivirus. No antispyware. No discernable virii at all. Secure remote access is also built in.

3) All software and drivers come packaged. No need to buy or steal software. No worries about incompatible drivers.

4) Flexibility: If I need a desktop I can do that. Server. Can do with the same software. Firewall. The same. I can configure to my needs instead of being constrained to the given interfaces that PC and Mac offer.

5) Free: Both in money and my ability to use/fix the software as I see fit. I need 30 copies? No problem. Something broken? I can either fix it myself or ask out in cyberspace about it, often getting the original software author. No waiting for a hopeful update or patch to solve a problem.

The downside is that if you're a Mac or PC power user, then Linux is a different game than you're used to. Different applications for Office, E-mail, games, and the like. Also the problem with flexibility is that there is a lot of choice and a lot of complexity out there. Finally the Linux community is very anti Microsoft and generally has geeks in it. So if you don't come correct, they'll rag on your ass.

I've been a Linux user for 15 years now. I have it on all my machines except my wife's laptop. Guess which machine drives me fuckin insane?

Thought you were talking about Mac OS which is Unix based...right up until you said FREE


I read an article recently which mentioned Spiderwick was done on a Mac OSX and sent to Linux Renderman that was Mac based. So they are running Linux on Macs. X11 which comes with Macs allow us to double click on the Linux, start it and then run Linux apps in the Mac enviro. It's not the same a full Linux install I guess.

Hollywood is pretty much Linux but on PC box...(cost wise) Free OS and inexpensive hardware.

 

[Machete]

Anyway, there's a simple solution. You can just paste the router IP (192.xxx.x.x) into any browser and you can access the interface for the router directly. Then you can set up networks/passwords and all that good stuff. Onlything is I lost my passwords so I can't get back into the interface. (Dumb)



All my Macs works fine because they remember the router automatically but if I got a new computer I'd be locked out.

You can do a "factory reset" on Linksys routers, if I remember correctly it involves pressing the reset button while the router is plugged in. That should reset the password to "admin", blank username.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2188502_reset-password-linksys-router.html

 

[PoppaSo]

You can do a "factory reset" on Linksys routers, if I remember correctly it involves pressing the reset button while the router is plugged in. That should reset the password to "admin", blank username.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2188502_reset-password-linksys-router.html

ahh...very cool. I figured there was a way, but I wasn't really too concerned. I only want my computers on the network right now anyway. Thanks a lot. I'm really not so techie as I use to be. so much software stuff on the brain right. Big Help dude.

BTW, here's the Unix article I was talking about. Hadn't finished reading it but I was really impressed with the Mac-Based Linux boxes. I was going to buy a Octo, 8 core Mac, and still may...would be nice as a Maya Render box. I wonder if Linux takes full advantage of all the cores.

http://delivery.acm.org/10.1145/1350000/1344214/9951.html?key1=1344214&key2=2488623021&coll=GUIDE&dl=GUIDE&CFID=15151515&CFTOKEN=6184618

 

[495_CaddyKing]

Once you go MAC you never go back...

shiiiiiiiiiiiiit!! fuck no! GTFOH!

os x has no:
1. device manager which also means no centralized driver management
2. no auto uninstall of apps
3. JUST got timemachine where xp had system restore since like '02
4. no driver or software rollback

and JUST for the record ..i have seen more kernel panics in the past year then BSOD ..and i work in an enterprise environment of around 8000 windows xp workstations ..and 1000 mac clients ..so 8-1 ratio and STILL seen more kernel panics!!

and why is it all Apple/Mac heads are so gung ho over apple and on some death to windows type shit?? are you mad MS owns like 70%+ of the market?? y'all on some real HATE HATE HATE type shit ..i mean damn!

 

[PoppaSo]

shiiiiiiiiiiiiit!! fuck no! GTFOH!

os x has no:
1. device manager which also means no centralized driver management
2. no auto uninstall of apps
3. JUST got timemachine where xp had system restore since like '02
4. no driver or software rollback

and JUST for the record ..i have seen more kernel panics in the past year then BSOD ..and i work in an enterprise environment of around 8000 windows xp workstations ..and 1000 mac clients ..so 8-1 ratio and STILL seen more kernel panics!!

and why is it all Apple/Mac heads are so gung ho over apple and on some death to windows type shit?? are you mad MS owns like 70%+ of the market?? y'all on some real HATE HATE HATE type shit ..i mean damn!

1-4 ...you are not knowledgeable Mac users.

But you are right about one thing...There's a was OSX upgrade that cause Panic attacks. I think it was almost a year ago. Reason why it slipped me. I believe it was 10.4.9 just before OSX 10.5 Leopard came out.

Apple has consistent OS security update that come automatic only the web. One was wanky. they immediately corrected it.

I forgot what I had to do, it was simple, matter of fact, it just let it crash until the update came out and fix it. it was minimal.

BTW, I was an Apple Rep...until I got FIRED. After I got fired I bought 3 new apple computers.

Actually, I figured to get fired from Apple was my Official Rebel Yell.

 

[tp2001]

I've been a Linux user for 15 years now. I have it on all my machines except my wife's laptop. Guess which machine drives me fuckin insane?

 

[ThaAnsa3]

Damn, you really went in. Wrote a whole damn essay.

I never said that PC's were better, I said that they were both decent (Mac and PC). They have their own advantages and disadvantages, at the end of the day it's a matter of preference.





I'm actually planning on installing Linux on an old desktop within the next couple of days. What's the best version to start with? And, do you know about support for wireless adapters, specifically Linksys?

You quoted the wrong person, Broken Sword. I never said PC's were better and I never wrote an essay.

 

[Machete]

fixed

 

[PoppaSo]

Here's the big Picture.


MacPro for work. The big stuff. Video production. 3D. MoneyMaking.


iMac for Photoshop, music stuff, DVDs, fun stuff, email, study or even while I'm soaking in the tub..couch or kitchen. Just pick it up one plug and wireless KB and mouse. Print work.

MacBookPro, Starbucks, travel, and some other top secret stuff I can't talk app. But its a pro system. So if I have video edit, or write a paper I'm good.

iTV or AppleTV Download video and play on WideScreen TV.

iPhone: You know the deal.

iTouch: Music, video, YouTube email. Notes. Same as iPhone but not phone calls. if someone send me an email I shoot it to my itouch. basic stuff.

Time Machine is new but Back up is'nt.

Anyway the big picture is Time Machine is cool but I don't use it. Apple has had back up software that comes with the Mac for yours. It's called "Back Up" I just back up to DVD. It also back-up to iDisk. Their server. with a .Mac account. Which I have. It's fast web pages and sites...email.

Time Machine would be BUTTER with Time Capsule...a wireless hard drive. So you HIDE your hard drive in a closet and Time Machine wireless back up to the Hard Drive. It's like a wireless server.

I think it's the next wave. It's like AppleTV wireless but no TV.

 

[ThaAnsa3]

shiiiiiiiiiiiiit!! fuck no! GTFOH!

os x has no:
1. device manager which also means no centralized driver management
2. no auto uninstall of apps
3. JUST got timemachine where xp had system restore since like '02
4. no driver or software rollback

and JUST for the record ..i have seen more kernel panics in the past year then BSOD ..and i work in an enterprise environment of around 8000 windows xp workstations ..and 1000 mac clients ..so 8-1 ratio and STILL seen more kernel panics!!

and why is it all Apple/Mac heads are so gung ho over apple and on some death to windows type shit?? are you mad MS owns like 70%+ of the market?? y'all on some real HATE HATE HATE type shit ..i mean damn!

Its true that XP had the system restore function, but Vista just got a search function and that's something Mac has always had. I'm not an avid supporter of either, but I have to call it like I see it. Both take ideas from each other. Microsoft will rip ideas off of anyone, though.

 

[ThaAnsa3]

Is anyone currently using Vista 64-bit? If so, can you tell me if you've encountered any driver issues or other incompatibility issues?

 

[Machete]

Is anyone currently using Vista 64-bit? If so, can you tell me if you've encountered any driver issues or other incompatibility issues?

might want to make a new thread.

 

[face_kicker]

I'm a long time PC user that bought a Macbook Pro recently. I'm really comfortable with both. I have slightly harder time using my Mac, because I don't know all the shortcuts yet.

Unlike most people, I have a relatively good handle on all my PC's at home. They're virus and spyware free. I do bi-monthly preventive maintenance on all my machines. I don't seem to have the problems that about 80% of my Windows using clients seem to have.

As far as Mac's go. A lot of Mac users are pretty resourceful in finding apps for their needs. Unfortunately for such a unique system and OS, most of the users seem to want more "Windows-like" functions for their Mac's. That part of it just seems strange to me.

 

[ThaAnsa3]

might want to make a new thread.

I thought about it, but I decided against it for some reason. I may just take your advice and go ahead and do it.

 

[ThaAnsa3]

I'm a long time PC user that bought a Macbook Pro recently. I'm really comfortable with both. I have slightly harder time using my Mac, because I don't know all the shortcuts yet.

Unlike most people, I have a relatively good handle on all my PC's at home. They're virus and spyware free. I do bi-monthly preventive maintenance on all my machines. I don't seem to have the problems that about 80% of my Windows using clients seem to have.

As far as Mac's go. A lot of Mac users are pretty resourceful in finding apps for their needs. Unfortunately for such a unique system and OS, most of the users seem to want more "Windows-like" functions for their Mac's. That part of it just seems strange to me.

I'm sure the irony of that statement, however true, is not lost on anyone.