Community poll forum: PC users: Have you contemplated switching to Mac?

I run Parallels on my Mac w/Windows XP to run some PC software. I don't run a virus program because I have the virtual PC disconnected from the internet 99 percent of the time.

The Mac Defender is a Trojan, not a virus. The only time you get into trouble with it, is if you fall for the scam, order the "virus remover", and give the crooks your credit card number.

Anyhow, much to my chagrin, I fell for the scam, but got out just in time. I clicked on the program, and was really getting worried when it showed that I had a slew of viruses. Once I gathered my composure, I Googled Mac Defender, and got the whole scoop.

There is a fix for removing the "scareware". I do believe that Mac has subsequently sent out an automatic fix, but when I got the Trojan, it was not yet out.

You can find it by Googling, "How to avoid or remove Mac Defender malware"

I switched to Mac at home in 2006 and I did not ever regret it.
Last year I started a firm of my own and then switched to Mac totally and I feel comfortable with my choice. There has been some difficulties but most of them I have been able to solve in a new way. <div>
So what I would like to say is that if you are willing to learn new things - go for it - if you want everything to be exactly as before - stick to your Windows PC.
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My HP PC's kept dying from heat problems and finally Apple introduced their 27" iMac in Nov 2009.
What a bright screen and lots of space for many spreadsheets. Started using Parallels to permit joint operation of Mac OS and Windows 7 simultaneously. Needed W7 to work on Fidelity's Active Trader Pro which would not operate on Mac. Parallels permitted W7 and Kaspersky Anti Virus worked on the W7 platform. However both Parallels and Kaspersky had significant problems as they offered various updates. That was the worst part of switching.
Now - Fidelity finally offers a web based Active Trader Pro so I don't have to open Parallels and W7.
What a relief.
Mac's Time Machine backup on an external 1TB drive from Western Digital is the best backup system I have ever experienced. Entourage e-mail with Mac was a terrible experience - forced me to go to gmail - after adjusting to how it works, very pleased with it. Gmail syncs great with Droid X and with iPad2. Also like gmail instant messaging.
Bottom line - the 27" iMac is beautiful and functional - very glad I switched from PCs.
Keep Smiling

I use both- an iMac, a Powerbook, and an HP laptop. It's no big deal, they are just computers.

The only apple product I own is an ipod touch, I wouldn't have owned it if I knew it's registration required too much personal information.

Apple products are simply inferior at every price point with the exception of the ipad2. It seems most of the people who own macs aren't very computer savvy and don't know that there are tons of free antivirus and antimalware programs out there for windows (for those in IT that posted here speaking about the cost and maintenance of their own machines, they must have their jobs based on nepotism instead of real skill). Most people who own macs live in a false sense of security not realizing that the main thing to worry about are exploits and apple is always the first os cracked on any security contest or conference. While I like the looks of most apple products, I can't justify buying it at those price points due to it's lack of performance.

I use Windows and Linux, but I have tried apple in the past due to relatives owning them. When I hear about people speaking about speed comparisons between the two platforms in most cases it's an apples to orange comparison, they buy a new mac which cost more than their old pc, would it be fair to use a mac for 7 years that was 2k in the past and compare it to a 1k windows machine now? Well why not compare a modern version of both at the same price, take both of them home, test them for a week, and bring back the loser. If you want real speed use some of the low footprint linux distros that resides in ram drive, windows and mac will both seem to lag compared to them.

I would love to have a Mac. My concern, besides waiting till I can afford one, is the programs I have for sewing and pattern drafting plus.......Also, beside the cost of the actual machine, the software to run my programs could add up to quite a lot.

I like to be able to upgrade my PC myself and not be stuck with propriartry parts. Macs may be pretty but they do the same stuff that PCs do, compute. So why pay over the odds for something that does the same job but looks nicer.

Microsoft Word is available in a Macintosh version, although some commands may be slightly different. Other software specified by the school might be Windows-only. Regardless, your children will find it easier working with just one type of computer, so you want them to have whatever the school uses. Switching back and forth between Mac and Windows may not be difficult, but it's something they just don't need to deal with right now.

Their next school may be all-Mac, but you can deal with that if-and-when the situation arises; the latest Mac available today may be long obsolete by then, although I suppose Wintel PCs evolve much faster and thus potentially become obsolete sooner than Macs.

I must admit I could not wait until I bought my Macbook and I love it. I still have a PC desktop and a Linux mini but the computer I use all the time is my Mac. However because everyone has not changed there are times I need to do projects for people with adobe production and it is on my PC. But there are a lot fewer problems with the Mac then the PC. Would change all to MAC if it was in the budget. Best computer decision I've ever made. And there are so many apps in the apps store.