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Mac OS X: not compatible with mac?
not compatible with mac?
by cristineongson - 8/3/06 12:37 PMIs it true that most of the downloadable programs from the internet are not compatible with mac? My uncle thinks a PC can surf any site but the mac can't. He thinks that the only problem with mac is that some sites can't be seen using mac.He also said that there are fewer service stores for mac compared to dell or ibm. I really want a mac but i can;t convince him why i should choose mac. (F.Y.I. He's paying for my laptop, so he has got to have a say on this)
You probably will not convince him
by mrmacfixit
- 8/3/06 1:30 PM
In reply to: not compatible with mac? by cristineongson
However,
There are downloadable programs from the internet that are not compatible with Windows. The secret is not to download programs that will not work on your machine.
Granted, there are a few sites that actively bar the Mac from entering but these are usually the result of very poor coding where the code is looking for Internet Explorer. In an attempt to be smart, they barred their site from millions of users.
Of course there are fewer service stores for the Mac. I'll bet that service centers for Rolls Royce, Mercedes, Bentley,Alfa Romeo and Ferrai are a little thin on the ground where you live too.
IMO, you should choose the Mac because it has a secure and stable OS, is not prone to viruses, currently NONE in the wild, has a superb suite of included software and is by far the best user experience you will get for your $
Doubtless there will be offering comments shortly
P
Uncles Points
by gilbertwhite1 - 8/3/06 3:09 PM In reply to: You probably will not convince him by mrmacfixit
Browser, there are versions of Internet Explorer available for a mac. All of the "mainstream applications" that MS has is also available for MAC.
ie:MS Office. I wouldn't use IE unless you had too, it is riddeled with holes. Even the new beta version.
Any way if you decide to get a Mac the standard browser is Safari. It is very good, don't miss IE for a second, the google browser is built into the browser. If you happen to be a Firefox fan no problem, that is out there for Mac as well. I have been on PC's for a long time, too long. I recently purchased a vintage laptop the Powerbook G3 laptop.
It is a "quality piece of equipment" works very well.
Don't forget that I tunes will come with the Mac, great for your IPOD if you have one of those. 
Mac's are better made and they just work!
You won't need to load a bunch of programs just to protect your computer and steal all the power you thought you were buying on the front end...not to mention the premium dollars to renew that junk every year. I hope you decide to Mac.
Regards,
Gilbert
And to add to Gilbert's points...
by Dan Filice - 8/3/06 11:09 PM In reply to: Uncles Points by gilbertwhite1I know Macs can have problems, but if my Macs are any indication, I've had them for years with no problems. I am typing this on an iMac, 17" flat panel with the bubble bottom, which has run flawlessly for years. My father-in-laws PC is loaded with anti-hack software, anti-spyware, a zillion anti-virus programs and it didn' come with many programs installed. It's so frustrating when I use his computer because during every hour of use, the anti-virus and and anti-spyware programs all run and pop up automatically all the time. He's also one of those that downloads hundreds of programs off the internet (bad idea). Most are plain crap and are pretty useless. The Mac comes with a great suie of programs for music, pictures, video editing and DVD creation. The Mac also has video connections to import and export video via Firewire (most PCs don't). Most of what you can plug into a Mac generally works and shows up on the desktop. Plug a USB memory stick into a Mac, and a nice icon shows up on the desktop. Douple click it and you can see what's on it. Plug it into a PC and you need to dive into the "My Computer" icon, go to the drives, etc. to see if it even shows up. Many PCs need software to recognize a USB device. Safari and firefox are great internet programs. I used to have IE, but I don't think it works very well on the Mac due to lack of support. Support stores? Due to the number of PC users, it makes sense to have repair outlets for them. But like I said, I've had Macs for years with no repair issues. I'd bet this is how it is with most Mac owners. Generally, a Mac isn't designed to be upgraded by the casual home user. I know in a PC, you can upgrade every board, processor, nut and bolt, but this is often the drawback to a PC. People get itchy fingers and find themselves installing video and graphics cards, processors, etc. that are not very compatible with eachother. Thus, the need for a zillion support stores. If you are lucky enough to get a Mac, do yourself a favor and don't try to run it like a PC. It's OS is different and you will learn to love the simplicity of it and how intuitive it is.
Such questions only appear in a mac forum
by noonenz - 8/4/06 4:13 AM In reply to: not compatible with mac? by cristineongsonSuch questions only appear in a mac forum, so we got the answer. You are in a mac forum, and that's why there are always los of good news around.
Similarly, security and relability questions would often appear in a PC forum. If somebody in a mac forum is telling you mac also handles lots of downloadable program, then I would expect someone in a PC forum would also tell you how secure and relabile a PC can be. So why not go for PC forum or excellent manufactures such as HP and get suggestions from them?
He's right, but...
by DonMB - 8/4/06 7:19 AM In reply to: not compatible with mac? by cristineongsonHe is correct in that most software is not designed to work on the Mac. Macs make up < 10% of all computers in use, so naturally not many software developers spend time creating products that will only be used by a relatively small number of people (still in the millions, however).
Nonetheless, the real question is, what do you plan on using the Mac for? If it is games, then you're really out of luck. If it is just for surfing the web, however, the Mac is probably a good choice since they are more secure and you will still be able to access 99% of the websites out there.
So it all boils down to WHY you want a Mac as to whether or not it is a good choice for you. Don't choose a computer just because "it's cool" or "my friends have one", etc. Choose one because it does the things you need it to do.
A confirmation
by Julie Cherry - 8/10/06 8:25 AM In reply to: He's right, but... by DonMBBlush, I've got both. Bought my first Apple 2E in 1983. I have LOVED my Mac's over the years as I do a lot of computer graphics. On the other hand, when I needed Quick Payroll for a business that I was running, I needed a PC. I use my Mac for graphics and surfing the web. The only things I access on the web with the PC are my internet bank site and a couple of other very secure sites. I use the PC for Microsoft office and Quicken and GAMES! Games that aren't made for Mac. Take the Red Pill is right. Decide what you need most for the next 3 or 4 years and save up for the other one down the road. Computers don't last for ever after all.
well, convince him like this:
by PC_Nerd-Henry_Chan - 8/4/06 7:45 AM In reply to: not compatible with mac? by cristineongsonYou can use ie on mac, which supports all active-Xs, and firefox too, which supports all websites that don't have active-X and word-art (VML) from microsoft word.
you won't have to use active-Xs except when you go to cracks websites (which you don't need to cause Mac's come with everything out of the box) and WINDOWSUPDATE.com .
that's a good thing because active-x can delete files and ad files. and, delete your top of your hard drive(boot sector) so you can't boot anything nor let the power burtton work.
Mac Compatible Programs
by abhisheksinha017 - 8/4/06 10:39 AM In reply to: not compatible with mac? by cristineongsonCertainly there are many more unimportant programs available to the P.C. than to the Mac. But, the programs I use: Microsoft Office for the Mac, which includes word processing, a browser, presentation software, a spreadsheet is well written for the Mac and works fine. In addition to using Powerpoint, I also use Keynote (the Apple presentation software), and slightly prefer it to Powerpoint. The download site Tucows advertises 30,000 Mac software titles available.
If you want to download music or upload from your still or movie camera, and then massage the data, the Apple computer offers you the most obvious, intuitive software there is. You don't need to know much of anything to use it. I quit using the telephone to call my brother long-distance once I had Apple's iSight video/audio. Voice quality and picture quality is excellent. I have not seen anything in the P.C. world to equal it. The large number of P.C. programs reminds me of when I hired a ''professional cleaning service''. They came in with a supervisor who had a checklist of something like 100 things that they checked (I'm not kidding); and most of these things were like ''inspect oven if it needs cleaning'', etc. Most of these items were of no importance to me whatever. Also, they didn't do that good a job of cleaning the useful stuff.
If you want to pick up some of the 114 thousand plus viruses, spyware etc. you definitely want to go with a P.C. (they are all available to the P.C.). Whereas, on the Mac there are only 3 viruses/trojan horses you have to deal with. And, they are easy to spot and avoid. With one of them you have to download it, then open it, and then install it to make this malware work. Only an idiot would do this. Although, I don't really advise it, I and many other Mac users don't even use antivirus software. The operating system comes with a built-in firewall.
I began my computer experience by using a P.C. for several years. The quantity of P.C. programs (especially thousands of game programs) is certainly greater. But the Mac excels in the quality and integration of their programs. I would never go back to the P.C.
not an opinion from a computer savvy girl
by emorbius - 8/4/06 10:45 AM In reply to: not compatible with mac? by cristineongsonin my opinion, owning a mac is worth losing some compatibility with the pc world. my friend had always had pc's (compatible!! her boyfriend stressed) the problem was, it was very compatible with every other virus. she spent so much money on anti-virus software which would either not work or work for only a short period of time. i've always had macs, am not computer savvy, and have never ever had a virus problem. my mac is very good at finding ways to allow sites and programs to work. they may work or look different, but usually do work. also, trying different browsers can resolve problems. firefox seems to work well. now that my friend has an ibook, bliss is her life and the pc-boyfriend is no more.
Think of it this way...
by 3rdalbum - 8/5/06 10:42 PM In reply to: not an opinion from a computer savvy girl by emorbiusIf Macs were compatible with Windows programs, then they'd also be compatible with hundreds of thousands of viruses and many other pieces of spyware.
I'm sure it's already been mentioned in this thread, but HTML is cross-platform, and websites designed on PCs will usually still work on the Mac... except where the web developer is a cowboy and has specifically barred non-Windows users.
anti-virus software
by noonenz - 8/18/06 6:09 PM In reply to: not an opinion from a computer savvy girl by emorbiusYou don't have to spend much money and time on anti-virus software. Check www.download.com security section, there are lots of FREE and execellent security softwares. And the reason why no virus on mac is because only 10% people use it. So if you REALLY want mac virus-free, then don't let more people use it!
Bah, Humbug!
by batavier - 8/4/06 1:51 PM In reply to: not compatible with mac? by cristineongsonI don't believe that after all these years, people still believe Gates and Ballmers's propaganda.
Is it true that most of the downloadable programs from the internet are not compatible with mac?
> True to some extent, BUT: There is almost always software available for just about anything you'd want to do on a Mac (with the possible exception of games.) Furthermore, All new (Intel based) Macs can also run Windows (if you MUST). There are many download centers (like c|net, ZDNet, and VersionTracker: http://www.versiontracker.com) or just enter Mac freeware in Google and see what all you get. And finally, some software (like virus or spyware tools) are not readily available for the Mac, because they are plain unnecessary.
My uncle thinks a PC can surf any site but the mac can't. He thinks that the only problem with mac is that some sites can't be seen using mac.
> EMPHATICALLY NO! This is more an issue of some browser's ability to render certain websites, than a platform limitation. Stay with Safari (the browser that will come with your brand spanking new Mac,) and you should have no problems.
He also said that there are fewer service stores for mac compared to dell or ibm.
> How many service places does one need? Unless you live in the boondocks (in which case, you may not be able to find ANY reliable service center) there should be at least one. Otherwise, you can always ship the laptop to Cupertino for service (always keep the boxes)
Check out http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/service.html to find Apple Authorized Service Provider in your area.
One more thing: Apple warranty service is one of the best in the industry!
I really want a mac but i can;t convince him why i should choose mac.
> Tell your uncle, you'll be MUCH happier!
Hope this helps
Some Government sites do not treat Mac browsers very well
by gatechhusker - 8/5/06 6:02 AM In reply to: Bah, Humbug! by batavierGood info from batavier. I have only one thing to add in amplification to "Stay with Safari (the browser that will come with your brand spanking new Mac,) and you should have no problems."
Some government sites are not good Mac citizens. The Social Security and Medicare sites are two examples I can think of. One of them, I think the Medicare site, requires Macs to use Firefox for many functions to work properly. Safari looks like it works, but when you get into certain areas they don't work properly and there's no message or other indication that it's not working. There is a link on compatible browsers that is hidden pretty well that does explain the requirements.
Some tips
by revry - 8/7/06 9:35 AM In reply to: not compatible with mac? by cristineongsonMany of the posters here have already answred some of your questions, but here's a nice roundup of info and arguments for you:
1) The Safari browser will open up better than 99% of web sites out there. For the remainder, you can get one of a hal dozen freeware scripts from versiontracker.com (use the search terms "Safari" and "Debug") that will open up the hidden Debug menu in the browser. One of the features of the debug menu is the "User Agent," which allows Safari to pretend to be any other browser, including Internet Explorer for Windows! In those few instances that Safari is blocked from accessing a web site, most of the time this feature opens it right up (ignorant programmers sometimes run anti-competitive html code that automatically excludes all browsers but IE on Win).
2) Firefox
3) Versiontracker
4) viruses
5) viruses
6) viruses
7) Most new Macs (everything but the big, pricey professional Power Mac) run on intel dual core chips, just like their convoluted cousins from Dell (BTW, there is no such thing as an IBM computer any more unless you're planning on running a big Mainframe in your basement). This means that if you really have a mind to, you can use Boot Camp (which is free from Apple) to install Windows XP (which is not free from Microsoft) on a separate partition. This is NOT an emulator, but a full speed, full bore Windows install on an intel machine. The opposite is essentially not true on a Dell or any other PC. Another option is to run the "Parallels" program on your Mac, which allows you to install and run Windows on the Mac OS, to run in it's own window. Finally, a developer will be coming out very soon with a program that will allow you to run most Windows programs on your Mac without even installing Windows! Any of theseoptions will allow you to run any Windows stuff your heart desires.
8) Microsoft Office for the Mac is available in a student edition which is identical to the retail edition for $150. I believe Microsoft had a rebate offer going as well, but you may want to check into this (Google Microsoft Office Mac rebate and see what comes up). If anyone in your family is a student at any school, you can get that price.
9) The iLife Suite comes FREE with all new Macs. This includes iPhot, iMovie, iTunes, Garage Band, iWeb, and iDVD. There is nothing even remotely close to this suite on a PC. The apps integrate with each other in an amazing way. Other apps integrate with them as well, such as Safari,Print Shop for the Mac, ComicLife (which is included free with many new Macs),, etc.
10) Macs are not really expensive. A new iMac mini costs $599, but you have to supply a keyboard, mouse and monitor, which is no big deal. A new MacBook retails for $1099, and includes a built-in iSight camera, which will do videochat right out of the box, and work with iMovie, etc. Also, students can get a $179 rebate if they buy an iPod from Apple at the same time they buy a new Mac (if you're buying an iPod nano, that is essentially free). This offer is good until October, I believe. Check the Apple web site for the scoop.
Good luck!
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-=-Ron Evry-=-
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[Edited by: admin to remove ad in signature]
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