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Computer newbies: Neither PC nor Apple
Ignore the advice in the last post
by mrmacfixit
- 8/5/05 7:46 AM
In reply to: hi Deb by p.lefebvre
it is illegal to do what is being suggested by piet
P
Or -- use with caution!
by davideash - 8/6/05 3:36 PM In reply to: Ignore the advice in the last post by mrmacfixit
I agree that the kind of file-sharing (programs, music, etc.) suggested by ''getting from other users'' is indeed illegal in most cases. Additionally, I would advise against downloading anything through a Peer-to-Peer connection. I repair and often have to re-install windows due to virus and spyware received from such downloads. It has been a while since I used my PowerPC, so my experience is dated, but the information is good none-the-less.
You asked about using information from the PC on the Mac. When I was using both (several years ago) I generally used the Mac for the business records and the PC for personal use. I had a full office suite for both computers, and a local net to connect them and move files. When I decided to transfer everything to a newer PC, like you, several problems arose. Here are some solutions I used:
1. Many documents, reports, and even sales data can be save into a ''non-native'' format. This can be as a text file, a CSV (data file), or even even a different type of office file that can be converted again into the new office program. I converted from applewrite to Word Perfect then to MS Word for many documents. I used CSV (a text style) to move sales data. Check out the Save-As features where they are available.
2. Buy a PC Emulator program. I bought a Mac Emulator Program that would run full screen and look like my Apple. I installed a few of my apple programs that had problems converting files and ran them on the PC. I used them to access the data transferred from the old computer while I started using new programs on the new computer. A note here - I put the apple in the closet and kept it as a backup if the PC failed. By only using the one copy of the apple programs, I avoid copyright problems. If you want to use the program on both computers, make sure you are allowed to. Some allow a ''home'' and an ''office'' copy provided there is only one user (i.e. your husband and his business) and both are not in use at the same time. The idea is to bring work home not to save you money. Your old PC becomes a ''backup copy'' of your files ... just in case.
3. Consider a docking station. While I did not buy this for my notebook, I do see the advantages. You can connect a CRT, mouse, keyboard, etc. and have just one connection to make, or disconnect, when you want to be mobile. I just used a CRT and mouse, and I hooked them up directly to the notebook. Easy to surf.
As I have not read all the answers posted, my suggestions may be repeated here by someone else. And, often there is more than one solution. Find what works for you, and good luck.
PC or MAC
by GFWC-NC - 8/5/05 6:20 AM In reply to: Neither PC nor Apple by DoggoneDebI work in an office with both a Gateway and a Mac. We we need to share files all the person with the Gateway does is E-mail what I need and I have no problem with it.
Comments from a 18 year PC tech that switched to MAC
by ngcomputing - 8/5/05 7:29 AM In reply to: Neither PC nor Apple by DoggoneDebI regards to the 20'' iMac, by defauilt it is running at a very high resolution screen mode. You can set this mode down to 1024x768, even down to 800x600. From rumors, the iBook, esp the 12.1'' are not very good with font rendering. However, my 17'' Xerox Flat LCD is bright and crisp. I could have opted for a 19'' Brand X, however, I recommend when buying a LCD to spend the extra money on a good NEC, HP or in my case a Xerox and avoid the Wally-World specials.
After 18 years of programming, building and working on PC's, I moved to a MAC G5 duel 1.8GHZ system about 7 months ago. Honestly, I doubt if I will ever move back to a PC, however, I do continue to work on them for clients.
About 90% of major brand software titles you can buy for a PC, you can buy for the MAC. I would check at the Apple store for the software you need for accounting, for instance MYOB First Edge, which should import the data files you referenced.
Yeah, yeah, someone is going to reply factoring in that more games are availble on the PC -- well, if you want to be productive use a PC or MAC, if you want to play games, a Playstation or X-Box is cheaper and you don't have to install special drivers and other garbage -- the games run right out of the box.
Funny thing, PC folks look at the low end Apple products, like the 1.2 GHZ systems and say, ''for that price I can buy a 2.5Ghz PC'' but, if you take into account that the MAC doesn't have to run Anti-Virus and a bunch of other non-sense utilities and applications in the background, the 1.2GHZ tends to perform faster.
Another claim is that a MAC is easier to use than a PC. I would disagree, it comes down to the complexity of whatever application you are running on either platform. In addition, MAC OS/X runs Linux under the hood, which is a huge learning curve for Windows users who frequent the DOS prompt.
If all else fails, consider getting a serious MAC G5 and thrown on Virtual PC. IMHOP my MAC system runs Windows XP better than many of the PC's that run XP.
just to pick a nit...
by Edward ODaniel - 8/5/05 11:14 AM In reply to: Comments from a 18 year PC tech that switched to MAC by ngcomputingbut an important one, the Mac OS X does NOT "run Linux under the hood", it is based on BSD which actually is UNIX rather than a UNIX work-a-like.
I just feel that a "tech" should keep up to date and technically accurate.
http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/unix/
I do agree that it is nice to work with, but I will stay with Microsoft as long as it does everything I want and need that the competition doesn't.
What is it
by mrmacfixit - 8/5/05 11:51 AM
In reply to: just to pick a nit... by Edward ODaniel
that you need that Microsoft gives you that the competition doesn't?
Curious
P
Where to start...
by Edward ODaniel - 8/9/05 5:40 PM In reply to: What is it by mrmacfixit
The ability to run specific software that I like as well as specific software that I need (Access, FoxPro, and VB would be a small sample as well as DTP. Scribus for instance can't import or export to other DTP applications and using EPS, SVG or PDF as a work-a-round is a handy way to destroy a project).
I am not a game player but Microsoft is the only OS that will do what many ardent gamers "need" to do also.
PC & Apple
by mrmacfixit - 8/5/05 8:05 AM
In reply to: Neither PC nor Apple by DoggoneDeb
Deb,
Intuit makes QuickBooks for the Mac and all the data files that you used on your PC can be transferred into the QuickBooks program on the Mac.
Your iBook will accept a full sized keyboard, any USB keyboard will do, and a USB mouse. That will make your typing easier.
The screen resolution can be changed to make the icons and the writing larger or you can connect your trusty CRT to the iBook using the adapter that came with the iBook. On your wireless home network, what computers do you have that are connected to it? I understood you to only have an old Windows 98 machine and the new iBook. Does the Windows 98 machine have wireless capabilities? From what you said about it, regarding your new printer, it does not seem likely. You also mention a Dial-Up connection,is the phone line connected to the iBook or the W98 machine?
http://reviews.cnet.com/5204-6126-0.html?forumID=10&start=0&tag=cnr
is a Mac Forum on CNET that has more Mac speakers than this one. See you there
The Set-Up & The Good News So Far - Thanks All for HELP!
by DoggoneDeb - 8/5/05 1:57 PM In reply to: PC & Apple by mrmacfixit
The printer is physically hooked to an Airport extreme base station and to the Astro so both computers can use it to print. The extreme base station is connected to a telephone outlet. The stereo system to connected to an Airport express base station, which talks to the iBook somehow. We just did what the booklet said and it all worked, to our amazement. The PC and the iBook are not connected.
I don't know what you mean when you say I should have gotten an adapter with the iBook. The only adapter I remember is the one that plugs into the wall to re-energize the battery. What do I call it so I can look it up on the Apple website? I'd love to run the Astro monitor from the iBook.
We had no idea the Quickbooks Mac would convert the files from the PC. We were told that we had to find an interim conversion tool. Oh, Lordie, we were lost in space for weeks trying to find that sky hook.
The iBook has Quicken. Will my Microsoft PC Money files convert to Apple Quicken?
We looked up a USB thingy to transfer files from the PC to the iBook. Who would have guessed! We thought we were stuck: the Astro has those little hard floppies and the iBook has those CD's. Internet travel is arduous at 50,000 bps but that USB plug in should do the trick.
And, very good news. I just plugged in the Astro logitech mouse and Gateway keyboard to the iBook and they work! The mouse response is slooooooooooooow and sort of wavy, like it is drunk. We bought an Apple mouse, which is quick but way too stiff for my arthritic hands. Can I do anything which will make that mouse run tightly?
So far so good.
Answers to Deb's questions..
by mggpatt - 8/5/05 7:03 PM In reply to: The Set-Up & The Good News So Far - Thanks All for HELP! by DoggoneDebDeb...
Here is the cable to use your CRT monitor:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/72602/wo/YF34nJ686LRu286ifNMSds4dD0D/2.0.0.11.1.0.6.9.5.19.0.1.0.1.1.1.1.0.3
You should have gotten one with your I-book if you got it new, look again, now that you know what it looks like.
I don't have MS Money, so I don't know if Quicken will open it but try this, see if there is an "export" option in Money. If so try all the formats available, then try opening them in Quicken.
The mouse settings are in system preferences. Again, there is a setting for mouse speed and keyboard preferences.
Any other concerns?
RE: Neither PC nor Apple
by ChiTwn74 - 8/5/05 10:35 AM In reply to: Neither PC nor Apple by DoggoneDebThis is becoming more and more relative, as former Windows users, have taken the ride over to the Mac side. The best suggestion that I have for you, is goto your nearest Apple retailer or www.apple.com/store, and order a copy of Virtual PC 7.0 by Microsoft. With this program on your Mac, you will be able to emulate (run) Windows XP, from within your Mac operating system. From there if your PC files are on a disk, you can easily access your files. Even if you network your old PC to your Mac, with Virtual PC 7.0, will be the necessary bridge to keep you having a great computing experience.
Keep 'em both
by arthurtrager - 8/5/05 11:07 AM In reply to: Neither PC nor Apple by DoggoneDebI had similiar problems. If you have a Mac keep it and keep the PC. Having both enables you to conquer all. The programs you mentioned are available for OS X Mac. and for sure you don't have to worry about all those viruses out there. There is nothing wrong with becoming knowledgeable in both OS's.
Protection avoiding Norton
by cobaltgreen - 8/5/05 12:41 PM In reply to: Neither PC nor Apple by DoggoneDebHi.you are right that Norton causes troubles and probs. of slowness and is virtually impossible to remove from your system.
I know of Tech. consultants who say they would never dream of putting Norton On WinXP Home.... after experiences.
The answer is simple ...shop around, plenty of security products out there and NOD32 anti-virus is the best for me and a lot of other discriminating users, probably has the fastest scanning engine too and comes tops beating Norton in all tests.
Use that and a good firewall...say, the free zone alarm and you will be well secured.
Oh ...and don't forget the excellent Microsoft Antispyware...(free at the mo.) and Adaware, Spybot and SafeXP...all free too....that'll sort yer more than a bit.
Neither PC nor Apple
by jcrobso - 8/5/05 1:13 PM In reply to: Neither PC nor Apple by DoggoneDebWell you did get a lot of reponces!!!
Keep in mind that you maybe able to get DSL service for very close to the cost of dailup service and IT IS SO MUCH BETTER!!
You can get a router for the DSL that has a firewall in it and this will block most of the hacks.
CRT monitors are still going to be around for a long while you can get a very good 19" for around $200.
Have you consided the MAC mini??? Just choose the keyboard, mouse and monitor that YOU like.
I have 10 PCs running Nortons System works at home, about 60 at the office with out problems. It looks like Nortons internet Security 2005 has problems. John
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