Mac OS X: Mac OS X good and bad vs. Windows

thats complete nonsense

Since Win 98SE Windows has been as color-managed as any Mac OS; and, with Vista, color management is finally built into the OS architecture... just as Mac always has been. Mainly, color management was always the issue. MS finally wised up; years ago. For designers there may be occasional issues with certain type fonts between the 2 OS, but nothing that can't be easily be overcome.
I'm a high-end pro digital photographer. I have run both OS, and know them well. I currently work mainly on a custom-built Dell Precision workstation running XP-Pro. I can tell you that today, there really is no difference. PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator, Word, Exell all run the same on both platforms.

There are many many times more PC's in the world than Macs. This is the only real reason Macs are "less vulnerable" to viruses,hackers, etc. Not worth their time... comparatively. Those same production numbers also lead to economy of scale.. lowering prices and giving better overall value.

Macs have acquired a "cult status"... which is hard to reason down.

Best advice.. try both, decide which you are most comfortable with, for your own reasons. Then balance that against the costs of what you are looking for, in each platform.
Make your choice... then don't look back.

Those old myths keep trotting out.

by mrmacfixit  - 8/24/08 6:17 AM

"Apple is so controlling over their OS." Compared to whom? Certainly not Microsoft.
OS X is based on OPEN SOURCE code that has been around for years. It is, and has been, open for anyone to poke around in which is why it is a more secure and stable system than Windows. OS X is Level 3 Certified UNIX.
Windows, on the other hand, is a completed CLOSED system with none of the source code being available to anyone.

Some years ago, some script kiddie wrote a virus for the iPod. Not just any iPod, but iPods that were running Linux! Probably not more that a couple of thousand in the whole world. Why would he do that for such a small percentage of users? Street Cred!

Why would a virus writer make a virus for the Mac? Because the writer of the first successful virus, not just a little script that deletes the current users Documents folder; a real virus that infected one machine and then sent itself to all the other Mac's in the world without any assistance from the end users, would be a hero in the Black Hat world.
The first real virus would drop around 90% of all OS X Mac's around the world, millions of them, given that the majority of Mac users do not use AV software.
Imagine the claim to fame on that one.
Right now, after 8 years of OS X, there is still not one real virus.

I thought I would be able to agree with you on your last statement but judging by the Vista forum, even that is a little like wishful thinking.

Just as an aside, your Windows software will work on your Mac too.

You don't appear to be making the change very well.

P

$400 for Windows! Hardly worth it.

by mrmacfixit  - 8/24/08 9:41 AM

Switched, switched back

I asked one of these "thread" questions back in late November bc of the need for a new computer. I decided to go with an imac refurb.
The selling point was how "easy" it was to use and it's compatibility with pc software, as a business owner it's important to keep costs low and keep productivity high. Long story shortish first I blew out OSX operating system while trying to partition. Next, I found that I had to buy a new copy of XP w/sp2 as part of the disc. I was told that as long as I had my original XP & sp2 upgrade, I would not need to buy anything else to run both programs w/bootcamp (free) or Paralells, xtra cost. Wrong.
I spent $700 more for the IMac than I'd planned to spend on a PC. Next, I couldn't run my printer software; I couldn't run my bookkeeping software; I blew out OSx and had to reinstall it and then buy a new disc for XPw/sp2. I spent so much time trying to get the Mac to operate like a pc that I wasnn't getting my day to day operations taken care of. As much as I wanted the Mac, really believed it would be a better OS, what I found was that it was not compatible with any of my software, the graphics as beautiful as the sound was good were also a bit too cute for me; I need my computer for work to work. I was getting clost to $1000 extra cost to force my mac to run like a pc, was not getting any work done and ended up using my laptop (Dell) to run my office. I needed to get some work done without spending further time and money on the process.
I bought a Sony, am using my former virus software (Eset Nod Internet Security- good price, not a memory hog, fantastic program); have no ideal why everyone whines about Vista, it's Leapord minus the cutsie; my software works, and I've spent $1050 vs. $1900 (includes Mac classes, cost of their sorta free new printer, Iwork, 2 yr. Apple plan; does not include the upcoming costs of new XPsp2, Paralells, Quickbooks, etc. etc.). If I did not have a business, had unlimited funds and time to relearn everything Mac, I would buy a Mac. But to spent an additional $1000/lost time forcing the Mac to operate like a PC really made no sense for me. One really good thing about the Apple group - very friendly, helpful, and when the first tech suppt. person couldn't help me reinstall my OSX after 20 min. of trying, the next tech suppt person was excellent. The sales people for the return was fantastic too. They really tried. Including understanding that I had to make a sensible busines decision as well as have a fun computer.
Then I found out wh

I agree too.

cmatter & sclaflin are both right on. Macs cost like $800 more than Windows PCs. You can get a state of the art anti-virus program with built-in firewall and everything for only $50, I'd recommend "Avira Internet Security Suite".

And the Mac Os is so controling, if i were to leave Windows i'd go to

viruses

PC's don't get viruses like you claim - if you aren't an idiot. Quit trying to mislead this person. If you aren't stupid about where you go online and don't open email attachments from people you don't know - you don't have a thing to worry about as far as viruses go.