Mac over PC?

I haven't tried slackware. I started out with Ubuntu 6.04 and I'm running pure Debian now, because ATI decided not to keep up with the drivers on my current laptop's graphic processor, and Debian 5.0 is one of the few distros that still gets along with the old ATI driver. I've had sucess with CentOS on this laptop, but I prefer Debian. I have Android running in a VM, it's pretty impressive and makes me want an Android phone.

 

I started with Slackware back in 1995. I've played around with pretty much every distro out there at one time or another but always rely on Slack with it's K.I.S.S. philosophy.

I understand your problems with ATI. That's why I refuse to use their video cards any more and won't buy a pre-built machine that has one. NVidia has very good Linux support and I always use their graphics cards for that reason.

I don't have an Android phone at the moment but do have an Archos 5 Internet Tablet and love it. I did have to jailbreak it (very easy to do) to have access to the Android Market as Archos' Market leaves a lot to be desired. The thing is a great tablet computer with a 5" screen. It's good as a very portable computer for surfing the web but it really shines as an MP3 and video player. It beats the heck out of an iPod Touch.

I carry my Archos on me at all times, just in case a place happens to have free WiFi.

 

That sounds good for some techno wizard, but the mac is still the best if you just want a machine that just works for surfing, checking email, listening music and basic functions.

If you want a hobby of computer repair and tweaking the pc running windows is you machine

 

Last time I installed Linux, I booted off of a cd, clicked the "Next" button 6 or 7 times, typed in a user name and password, and had a fully functional computer with all the hardware drivers, printer, video, modem, wireless network card, and wired network, installed out of the box, in less than ten minutes. Even my Sprint Broadband modem worked, out of the box. When I plugged my phone into my USB port, surprise! I could use it as a 3g modem too, no special software installed. I'm not a "techno wizard" by any stretch of the imagination. Installing XP is a hair pulling nightmare. 45 minutes minimum, then you get a basic OS with little or no working hardware, all waiting for the correct drivers to be installed. Once you get that done and everything working, 5-6 miserable hours later, then you have to download 8 years worth of security updates. Sorry, but it's Windows that requires the "techno geeks" to install and maintain, not my OS. I'm no different than you, I want to use my computer, not spend my time constantly fixing it.

 

I have had the headache known as mac before. It was the BIGGEST WASTE of money EVER. The thing would freeze up worse then a dusty old Nintendo. I was using it for video editing. I would get to work on my projects for about 15 min before the thing would freeze. This was in 2004. I will never waste my money on an apple product ever again. They are overprices crap. Hints why ipods brake all the time. iphone was the 1st of its kind so thus raped the market but was still a pos as the screen brakes if it falls off the couch onto a carpeted floor. Seen that happen twice at a friends house. PC is way more bang for the buck. I never have had issues with virus spy-wear or any of that crap. But then again I have been online since 1992 so I pretty much know what not to click on.

 

Most Windows users have no clue about tweaking or repairing. Use what works best for you and be happy.

http://www.superlaugh.com/1/behappy.htm

 

True enough. And it's a shame they are given the worst OS. Repairing Windows installs is a billion dollar industry.

 

I think that you miss-read the statement. I said that Mac's have flown under the radar of virus makers. I wasn't referring to sales. ClamAV for Macs has said that there are less than 100 viruses discovered to date for Mac OS, whereas there are an estimated 30,000 per DAY made for PC worldwide. Largely due to the difficulty of making malware for a Mac and the relative ease of making them for PC, and the much larger install base on Windows OS, I absolutely stand by what I said about Mac's remaining under the virus-maker radar. AND agree wholeheartedly with an earlier post that AV for Macs is unnecessary in the vast majority of cases.

 

It's not about it's easier to make a virus for windows, it's about profitability. The OSX market share is so small, there is no money to be made. OSX has had big and major holes patched in the last year, it still has holes.

As has been stated before, a Apples are high end PC components running a different operating system. A good high end PC with high end parts will cost about 75% of the same apple system. Apple is a hardware company, there primary way to make money is to sell hardware. Otherwise OSX would be able to be put on a white box PC with out a rights violation.

Right now have all 3 operating system on my PC, I have win7, OSX, a Ubuntu. I do use all 3, once you learn them, they all do the same thing. Windows has more software support than the other two.

Mark

 

Hardware wise a Mac vs. Same Quality PC are even. (Please don't post about how your $1000 Mac-book Pro outlasted your junkie $400 HP/Compaq, Dell, or Acer/Gateway) You get what you paid for. Mac or PC is really up to what do you do with your system and what kind of user you are. Most users, not all, fall into 3 groups: Everyday, Business, & Power (Geeks Like Me Don't Count.)


Everyday users are the most happy in Mac land. Mac OS based on Unix (what Linux clones) is kind of like the new automatic transmissions. (If you know how to float gears you are thinking: What do I need an auto for? I like having full control. If you are new to Big Trucks you think "Why do I have to think about MPH or RPM? This auto just works.") I am a PC user. If I plug in my digital camera I will copy my pics to one drive for work & two for backup where I want my files to be. The Mac dude plugged in his digital camera & Mac OS auto copied his files to the pictures folder. In the end we both did the same job. I learned how to float my PCs gears and will never own a Mac. Unfortunately most people don't do regular PC maintenance, run good anti-software, or care to learn. This is why they fall in love with the Auto Mac. Just make sure you go through the types of software you use everyday, and make sure a mac version is available before you switch. If you have to install Windows inside your Mac to make your software work you have defeated the reasons to go Mac in the first place. Save your money.


One last thing, if you are willing to learn a new OS like Mac, why do you freak out when people talk about Linux. Ubuntu Ultimate Edition http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=ultimate comes with more software than you will ever use PC or Mac. You can download and try it for free. Don't let it scare you. Good Luck: Mac, Windows, or Linux



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