Community Newsletter: Q&A: Is the Mac right for me?
- 4/5/07 11:48 AM
My vote for the best answer
by Finell - 3/30/07 3:31 PM In reply to: Get the Mac and don't look back by dslagterThis message has my vote for the best answer: very informative, with specific relevant information, by someone who knows both platforms well. One small correction: the MS-DOS roots of all versions of Windows through XP (I don't know about Vista) go back to around 1981.
Roots
by hameiri - 4/1/07 9:09 AM In reply to: My vote for the best answer by FinellWell, if you mean that MS-DOS was around in 1981, then you are right. But, technically, XP and Vista's roots are NT and 2000. These operating systems are NOT MS-DOS. They have command lines with DOS-like commands for people who like dealing with the OS that way. NT's roots are actually IBM/Microsoft's OS/2. So, 1988 may be a bit more accurate.
Of course UNIX, which OS X is based on, is even older!
Best Answer - get the Mac!
by bauartgroup - 4/2/07 7:05 AM In reply to: Get the Mac and don't look back by dslagterPCs are great as your kids first computer, as a laptop for a college student who may spill beer on it, and for administrative staff for crunching numbers. However, if you work in a creative field at all, audio, visual, graphic design, broadcast, print, photography, a Mac is essential.
I've been a graphics user having worked on everything from PCs, SGI-Unix, and Mac, and I can say that Mac is the most versitile for the needs of a photographer looking to go freelance. I have PCs for my retail store because I need them to do one simple accounting function and they are cheaper, and if they ever got stolen I wouldn't be nearly as upset as I would if I lost a Mac. But I manage my apparel design business, my marketing and photography design, and my corporate accounting on my Mac G4 - because Mac is dedicated to keeping up great relationships with third party software developers like Adobe, they run much FASTER with these graphics programs, and adding third party devices like printers is a breeze. Plus it is also a PC, so why bother spending extra $$ to trick out a PC that can't also be a Mac? For those that do network adminstration and build PCs, it is a vastly different need to use a Mac as an artist. In addition, it is also so much easier to manage my system files on a Mac. If I want to uninstall a piece of software (by the way, Macs don't come with a bunch of useless software junk pre-installed) I simply drag it to the trash - done! I don't need to install 'uninstalling' software that then only removes a portion of the program. The fact that PCs are generating a huge amount of business for services like 'Geek Squad' 'Fire Dog' and 'Dell on Call' should tell you right there how much more cumbersome maintaining a PC is than a Mac.
Unistalling
by MzSabina - 4/2/07 4:16 PM In reply to: Best Answer - get the Mac! by bauartgroupYeah, what's up with that?? Even though I am on a mac, most of my friends and family come to me for help with their PC, and trust me there are a whole lot more of them then us Mac users. The first time I came across it, I was dumbfounded. What is the point. It certainly doesn't save you any drive space.
On a mac, if I uninstall something which I may later have use for at another time, I put the installer on a disk or keep the original in a safe place. Then go ahead and trash the program with any files in contains. There may be a prefs file left behind but that is no big deal since it is so tiny. No fuss, no muss, DONE.
Another thing I find strange, on a Mac if you want to have more than 1 bootable version of your operating system, it is no problem. I won't go into why you would want to do this, but tere are many stuations where it can come in handy. On a mac you can pretty much install it anywhere you have enough hard drive space, whether it be an external or internal, firewire or USB drive. There might be a way, but if id complicated enough that a requires a degree in computer engeering I don't even want to know about it.
For those of you who are debating the question, and price is your issue, ignore those who say that Mac are good for a few things like the internet and some graphics programs. And that PCs are vasly more customizable and expandable. They have it backwards.
1) They both run pretty much the same MAJOR software but just one time take a look at the install insturctions. There is a reason that for the mac they are about 2 sentences compared with the PC's pages of information. Kind of scarry if you ask me. I like to know what is going where in my computer and PCs put all kinds of stuff all over the place that never seem to go any and no one (even the so called experts) have a clue as what they are for.
2)and as for customizable that fact that ANYONE can make a bootable disk from any disk, while stashing their apps, on another, music somewhere else, and docs where ever you want wiht endless variety to the whole thing. You can have configurations for specific needs, or other people who you want to deny access to certain areas. And in hardware I have never run accross a situation where I could not expand my macs processor, RAM, video, etc. and none of these components were made by Apple.
Even as far back as 1983 I was running 2 moniors off my MacIIci with a second video card insalled and both monitors ran millions of colors. It was great when the PC people came in and saw it. They all thought it was some high end custom confiuration that I paid consultants big bucks for. I guess thats what it would have cost to do on a PC
So back to the Photograhy thing. If you are going to doing photoshop word, dual monitors are the way to go. You main menu should be black as white reflects ambient colors. This monitor does not need to be very large. 19-20 should do it. But color is of the utmost importance. This is where the money should go. How accuratly it displays color. Do some research.
Photoshop has tons of tools and pallets, and this is the reason for the second monitor. You can not believe how much time you save by have your pallets open and spaced out instead of everything stacked on top of each other. This also allows you to do side by side comparisons of 2 verions on the main monitor. But just make sure you have enough ram, and save your files whenever you get to a spot your sure of, undos and history EAT ram and skratch disk space.
Good luck with your new carerer, makeing the right computer choice can really have an affect on how enjoyable it will be. So if you want to get to work and experiment with different effects and filters and other such things, than get a MAC. If you want to spend 1/2 your day looking for a file you just saved or trying to figure out how you can set the computer up so your kids can't mistakenly get into your photographs and trash them, or worse, get into your back account without calling in the GEEK squad, than get a PC!!! I bet if you pay attention and take notes you too could one day become and IT professional.
Is the Mac right for me?
by Luther Hert - 4/2/07 10:10 AM In reply to: Get the Mac and don't look back by dslagterI have a significant investment in Adobe software for PCs, however, I do want to change over to a MAC Pro. I use the PC extensively for photography and video work. I have a powerful custom made PC, but I have seen MAC portables run Photoshop much better than my PC and other even more powerful PCs. Although, I own three PCs, I think that I am eventually moving to a Mac. I have yet to see a MAC hang like a PC. I run weekly maintainance on my workhorse PC, but sometimes it still hangs, especially at startup, which seems to be due to Norton Internet Security, the Microsoft OS, and other startup programs that need to access the Internet at startup time. I accept the occassional/frequent PC hangup as a fact of life.
The cost and hassle of dealing with constant OS patches from Microsoft via the Internet is also problemmatic. It is getting better, but sometimes these patches do not correctly install and sometimes there is a great deal of down time involved. Some problems are not widely known about and you must wait to hear from a Microsoft tech or software engineer to solve some of the more arcane and seldom occurring problems. MS support has been good under these crcumstances, but it just happens too frequently.
The next time I buy a new computer, I am going to go to a Mac store and ask to try out a Mac Pro. If enough of my software installs and works well on the MAC, then it is my system of choice because of what I discussed above.
I have an excellent Eizo CG210 that will work well with any Mac or PC, so I can invest monitor money in a ram upgrade. I have already seen the MAC Pro run PC games and I am impressed with its speed and engineering design. I just need to be sure that the MAC will handle my other PC software like the entire Adobe Video Bundle, Extensis Portfolio, Nik Filters, ect., before I jump off the bridge. I lean towards the MAC. Please keep the information coming, I am certainly listening to what all have to say.
Thanks
Get the Mac!
by BillMiller - 3/25/07 11:41 AM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
After working for over twenty years as a systems analyst, I got a Mac to try it.
I'm now running my third Mac, sold one, still have two. I've never run any anti-virus software, or firewall. Never run a scandisk, or done a defrag.
NEVER HAD A VIRUS, or any other PC disease! My G4 with dual 500 mhz processors is faster than my 1.8 GHZ PC, which is seldom used any more.
True most of my Mac software is purchased, but I prefer it that way.
As far as pictures, my Minolta takes great pics, and my Epson Photo Stylus prints pictures that look better than those I get printed at Wally World.
I truely believe you will be so much happier with the Mac. Most of my time is spent using my Mac. Most of the time I spend on the PC is spent maintaining it!
I can get on the Mac, do what I want to do. And in less time than I can get the PC up and get the virus software updated, and the machine scanned for viruses.
Buy a Mac. Most Mac users will be glad to help you learn. You will find as my friends have, it is so easy, you just have to learn to do things logically. NOT the MICROSOFT WAY!
I still keep the PC, in case I ever need it. But as I said, it is seldon used any more. Mostly because I have found out how to do it on the Mac. And find it is too easy to believe!
Best of luck!
If you need help with the new Mac, let me know!
Photography and what type of pc to use
by deathventure - 3/25/07 12:10 PM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You hear these types of questions alot now. Should I go with pc or mac if I'm doing something task specific. The truth is, it really doesn't matter too much anymore. It's a matter of preference. Personally, I would go with what you know. If you know windows better, go for it, if you know mac better, go with it. No system is crash proof, mac's claims on that are unfounded and merely a ploy to get you to buy them. First, decide what you need. You say this is photography. As far as hardware goes, you'll need more peripheral devices than a hardcore monster machine. Scanner, printer, camera interface, so on, just make sure you got the memory and hard drive space to take care of things. Software is more of a key here, and as far as that goes, most software can be found for both mac and pc. Back in the beginning, most said mac was more entitled to the trophy of multimedia creation and editing, but over the years a lack of real development has put them in the back seat. PC now has just as much power for multimedia development, if not more. Things you have to be careful with the mac is compatibility. If you're looking for a particular program that's needed and you need it for mac, you may not find it. Also, some hardware isn't supported like it is for windows. Pay attention to price in the long run, such as for upgrades and so on. Some parts are still proprietary mac, so expect to pay a heavier fee for some of those parts in case they ever go after time. You may think this is opinionated against mac, but these are merely some facts. Do your research, and choose at your discretion, not mine, but keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages for each, although either will work, most likely with the same performance either way you go. Crashes and virus' included.
Should I get a Mac for Photography?
by NeilFiertel - 3/30/07 7:57 PM In reply to: Photography and what type of pc to use by deathventureOne comment got me when the author said, get the computer you are used to as it does not matter..well...I work on Macs, can function quite easily on a windows machine but when it comes to getting work done easily, quickly with fewer mouse clicks and menus to pull through and so forth, the Mac is the winner. The reality is that Photoshop which is the premier photo tool on both systems works similarly on either a Mac or a PC the difference is in stability no matter what the PC person wishes to be true, the Mac is extremely stable to the point that I can state unequivocably that in the years since OSX came out which was in 2001 I have had..count it..quote it...2 crashes and both came on the very first version of OSX in 2001. In other words, I have not had a OS crash in 6 years and NEVER lost a single file in that time either and for the record I am running 12 hard drives all at the same time with a mix of USB and FireWire and internal drives as well as external. My 2001 computer though long in the tooth can handle file sizes of 24 by 36 inches at 600 dpi and sure, sometimes that takes a while to do something extensive but it can do it and all that on less than half of what a modern computer would have for RAM as this old machine cannot accept more. Of course I am getting a new model soon but the old one will not be dumped...it is still good for much. I am running the latest software on this old machine including the latest OSX software. Macs are wonderful, that is all I can say.
iMac...is a computer?
by micaman - 3/25/07 3:13 PM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
So, you have been told that by switching over to a Mac product, you will not crash? Did they also try to tell you that they don't have viruses, malware or any security issues to worry about? If not, I am surprised! This is often told by the people selling the iMacs.
As a system designer and computer security consultant, I can tell you straight up that "ALL COMPUTERS HAVE THESE ISSUES TO CONTEND WITH, EVEN a iMac!" Apple puts out regular updates (just like Microsoft), Apple's O.S. needs regular maintenance (just like Windows), and yes, your new iMac will need security software to Lockdown the system from attack (just like Windows).
You will have all of the things to deal with, that you have with your Windows based machine. In my opinion, none of these reasons are valid for switching to a completely new operating system. If you have a computer rental store in your town, check a iMac out for a few days and see if you really like the differences. When you go to the computer stores, look at the hardware & software that you like, and see if it is offered in a version for the iMac. Talk to the companies and clients that you will be interacting with and see if they are using Mac compatible software or will they want you to convert your files over to Windows before submitting them. Consider the tasks you will be performing on a regular basis and see how they fit with the Mac. To some, a iMac is PERFECT, and to others, it simply does not fit into their lifestyle.
As for performance, price, features and company service - they both are pretty equal.
Oh, did I mention that no computer should crash...ever? This is a problem that can be avoided, MOST OF THE TIME, by regular maintenance & updates. 98% of the time, it is related to malware infections and a lack of maintenance. When these are not the 'main' cause (they still have a part in it) - registry errors, system resources (ram memory, etc.) being too low or incompatibility issue with installed software or hardware are at fault. Once you remove all of these factors, your machine SHOULD NEVER CRASH - but it can!
Research, research and more research will point 'YOU' in the right direction!
-micaman
Well Put
by waytron - 3/25/07 3:30 PM In reply to: iMac...is a computer? by micamanWell put, I agree.
Name ONE virus for the Mac!
by veggiedude--2008 - 3/31/07 8:04 PM In reply to: Well Put by waytronPlease back your statement with facts. Windows has over 112,000 known viruses. Name just one virus that has caused a problem for Mac OS X. You can't. there has never been one. Macs don't suffer from Malware or spyware either, which is a chronic disease for PC users.
here's your mac virus info
by deathventure - 4/2/07 9:45 AM In reply to: Name ONE virus for the Mac! by veggiedude--2008http://antivirus.about.com/od/macintoshresource/Macintosh_Viruses_and_Mac_Virus_Resources.htm
Research Research Research
by danielwsmithee - 3/30/07 9:36 PM In reply to: iMac...is a computer? by micamanHe is right research will put you in the right direction you will quickly find that there are maintenance tasks that need to be done on a Mac. The difference is those maintenance tasks will take you all of about 5 minutes every 3-4 weeks when patches are released. On a Mac turn on the built in firewall (which windows finally has as well) if you don't have one in hardware, install the updates from Apple when they show up and your done.
On Windows you must also worry about a Virus scanner, and keeping its definitions up to date, and a periodic defrag/registry clean up. Thankfully these things don't need to be done on the Mac. Sure the day may come when you need to run a Virus scanner, but I have gone without for 6 years and never had a single problem.
As a security consultant the Mac is a scary platform because security is just not a headache on the Mac, and it threatens their livelihood.
DVD of photos with audio
by chetansanghadia - 3/25/07 10:37 PM In reply to: Is the Mac right for me? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Chaz,
You can use Adobe Premier6.5 to do this your work.. In this sofware you can simply import your pics. set the time for display. add transition effects. after doing all this to your pics. you can know the time length, according to that add audio. Take out put in AVI format. Now use NERO to burn your DVD. Select your AVI and it will automatically convert in DVD movie. For that you must have Pentium-IV with 512mb of Ram. You will have a great picture dvd with audio.
Mac? Not for me.
by garyo - 3/30/07 4:52 PM In reply to: DVD of photos with audio by chetansanghadiaFWIW...
After nearly 20 years of running pc's... curiosity got to me.
Picked up an imac 20 a few months ago. That is, standard equipment is an intel
chip, 1 gig ram, 20" monitor, 250g HD.
My observations:
If you've never had a PC, probably a great machine.
If you've never had a Mac, I'm not sure you'll like it.
I find it quite bizarre to navigate and positively detest the
operating system. Just much simpler to navigate a PC. But that's ME.
Not having any experience with the Mac.
Now, I've always heard the Macs are kind of slow compared to pc's.
Supposed to have speeded up considerably with the new intel chip.
Well, I still find it kind of slow and clunky compared to my 3 year
old pentium 4 prescott pc, so I can't imagine what it would compare
like to a newer core 2 duo PC.
So, in a nutshell, for me... no contest. PC wins by a landslide for
both price and ease of use and speed (unless you're upgrading from an older pc).
But again!!! Not knocking the Mac. Just not a machine I'd ever be
happy with. Too many limitations for me. But I'm comparing a modern
PC to a modern Imac. If you have a really old PC you may be happy
with the mac.
To sum it up (*IMHO*) if you always had a mac, you'll inevitably have
trouble with a PC. If you've always had a PC, you'll probably have
trouble with a Mac. If all you are going to do is maybe run a word
processor and some email, I don't think it matters much at all unless
you consider the price difference in a basic pc vs a basic mac.
On the other other hand, they say the mac is better for audio and
video work. Since I don't do either... couldn't say, but for standard
graphics (photoshop, illustrator)... still no contest for me.
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