Sep 30 2009
Partial Computer Meltdown Has Me Wanting a Mac
Over the weekend I managed to screw up Firefox. Normally, not an issue… just download it again and voila, all good. Well part of me screwing up Firefox meant that I also managed to screw up my ability to download things. I couldn’t download it using Internet Explorer because that had long been unusable due to a virus. My Firefox was so messed up that I couldn’t log into any of my Google applications or Twitter and I couldn’t even do searches for flights.
I had long been coping with some serious limitations due to gnarly viruses. To open any programs I had to right click on it and do some fancy stuff; my clock setting was unchangeable and therefore permanently set for some Asian timezone; mysterious windows popped up each time I turned my computer on and who knows what other problems were lurking.
When my Firefox crapped out on me on Sunday I was at the end of the line and cursing viruses and wondering if Mac was the way to go. I know plenty of people who have never had a virus with Mac and know that Dan from Uncornered Market recently made a switch from PC to Mac because of viruses and hasn’t looked back. Plus it seems to me like Mac is the way to go for graphics and video creation and editing. My computer does ok with photos but video makes it die a slow and painful death and, as this is something I would like to get into eventually, my little IBM X41 just isn’t going to cut it.
So I did a little ebay browsing and it seems like Macs can be had for pretty cheap. The problem is once I check out the cheapies, I get all excited about the more expensive options. The problem with the expensive options (besides being expensive) is that I wouldn’t be able to relax if I were travelling with a computer that cost a lot. I love my little IBM because it is so unsexy it hurts and it didn’t cost much. So as long as I have my hard drive in a safe place, I don’t really stress too much about where my computer is.
But it looks like ebay has some affordable Mac options. I like the 13″ screen but I don’t like the wide screen and shiny surface (I rarely watch movies). I have never liked the Mac interface but I think that will just take some getting used to. I love the idea that they aren’t as susceptible to viruses but wonder if they are as invincible as I hope they are.
What do you think? Are Mac the way to go? My IBM has been revived thanks to a nerd and $80 but I am still wondering about Macs.
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Wow. I’m amazed you tolerated that issue so long.
Mac users will argue they’re safer - but viruses for Macs do exist. One thing that is fairly indisputable is that they are greater objects of desire. Even a cheap, old Mac will be coveted out on the road. You’ll find writing a greater pleasure on one - and the fisher-price cartoony interface may be also be something you come to love. There may well be some utilities you rely on now that don’t have exact matches on a Mac - and bear in mind as well, there may be a swathe of programs you’ll need to buy again.
One final point to consider is the availability of support. Macs are expensive, luxury items. In North America, you can get a Mac repaired as easily as a PC. But out in the wilds on your travels, while you may still be able to find a PC repair man, Mac experts will be nowhere.
I wouldn’t dream of suggesting one or the other - these are just points you should consider before making your decision. If you’re wondering about me - I wouldn’t abandon my PC for hell or high water.
I’m no computer expert, but it sounds like you need better antivirus software! I’ve used PC’s for a looong time and rarely have had to deal with viruses (even then they were small and I didn’t have a good antivirus software in place at the time either).
I admit I’m not a huge Mac fan, but it’s definitely true that you pay for the name (I could say the same thing for Sonys too).
I bought my first modern mac (meaning OS-X) when I was on my long-ish trip around South America. I’ve never regretted it, nor have I ever looked back. You often hear people say “it just works”, and it’s true. They are very well made, things tend to be very intuitive and you don’t need to worry about viruses (but that may change.)
The price is competitive if you get a decent laptop. I’ll agree that windows boxes can be cheaper, but you don’t get much for that price.
I can’t recommend it enough!!
Greg
I got a mac before i started my travels. I have no regrets.
once you go mac, you never go back.
Mac. Absolutely. If Gary hadn’t have already written it, you’d see it here.
What about installing linux? That is what I did and I’m very happy with it. Years ago it was something difficult to manage, but now we have ubuntu which is pretty easy.
You can download it for free, and try it without installing first, to see if you like it or not. Besides, you wont have to buy a new computer.
About two years ago my computer got a virus and I lost EVERYTHING. To really make it stick, when I tried to back up the most recent files to my external hard drive, the virus compromised the hard drive and I lost my entire backup for years!! Everything that I didn’t have online (which at least I had some stuff still) was gone for good (luckily I upload all photos to flickr, but you can imagine how many other things I had).
Windows is a crap operating system. There’s no doubt about it. They are slow to catch up to technology. By the time Windows 7 comes out it will already almost be obsolete and they are already working on Windows 8; it’s just an excuse to bleed more money from a consumer that will pay.
But the solution isn’t to fork out on a Mac. Mac OS is excellent, but frankly, you pay way too much to get the same hardware as you would on a PC. Macs are unnecessarily expensive. I’m surprised none of the commenters before me have suggested the most obvious, efficient and FREE solution: Linux.
Perhaps you associate it with nerds who need to be bilingual in code hacking, but the “Ubuntu” release has a Windows/Mac OS feel to it, and most importantly, can be installed on any computer you like. Get a PC rather than a Mac and use your money for the best hardware and screen size that fits you etc. and then just install Ubuntu for free. It’s Open Source, so the free doesn’t mean “because it’s worse”. I installed it after my data lose catastrophe and it’s been an excellent system!! The Ubuntu distro is extremely user friendly, while being very customisable. It would take you slightly less time to adjust to Ubuntu than it would to Mac OS if you aren’t familiar with it, because Ubuntu shares traits from both Windows & Mac OS.
As regards compatibility, you can install an application “Wine” that basically lets you run almost ANY Windows program from within Linux. If you need resource heavy applications that must integrate with Windows, then install a “Virtual box” and have Windows running within Linux, but only for the one or two programs you need. I do a lot of graphic editing for my videos and this set-up has been working great for me!
As well as that, Firefox, Open Office and a host of other excellent programs work natively in Linux. Thanks to the Adobe Air movement, a lot of programs will run in Linux the same as on the Mac/Windows, like Tweetdeck for example.
Note that viruses on a Mac are just as likely as on Windows, but because the majority of users use Windows, people make viruses especially for them and they know they can affect more people because of it. Both the Mac and Linux system layouts are especially designed to make it harder for viruses to take control, but this is actually even more true in Linux.
You can install Ubuntu as a dual boot on your current IBM to test it out; this way you still have all your Windows-ness when you need it, but you can enter the system that won’t crash when the time is right. The dual-boot is an excellent way to ease yourself into the new OS.
The debate isn’t PC vs Mac, it’s WINDOWS vs Mac vs Linux
I have never gone down the MAC route but the thing that impresses me most is their battery life, which is normally far superior to PC laptops.
This is very useful when you are a nomad!
I am a long time windows user and it suits me fine. I had a mac at my last work place and it frustrated me not knowing how to fix problems with it.
People love to hate windows but it does the job.
If you are into graphics though, a mac might be a good option. I have free anti-virus software laptop and have never had a problem with viruses.
Whether your laptop is expensive or cheap, it will always be a target for a thief. Maybe they will know they can more for a mac, but it’s not going stop someone if the opportunity is there.
that is a tough decision, i use to hate apple, until i got my first ipod in 2004, and have since bought many more, and even a mac mini, i like it but i don’t use it because i use a laptop more, my dell laptop just died on me after 6 years, and i just threw down the money and bought a asus netbook for dirt cheap.. weighs less than a pound, has 10.5 hours of battery life…it runs windows XP, which is okay, at least it is familiar and all my applications can run on it… just don’t do things that would get you viruses.
if you are a writer, graphic designer, and or videographer, i think you would really enjoy a mac, once you get used to to “mounting” your applications, at least in the Max OS X, which is a beautiful integrated Operating system whichs beats any window OS any day, Mounting is simplified and a lot easier than lets say if you were running a Unix, or Linux Operating system..
If you don’t like having a lot of control, and having a lot of control means taking the time to mount and unmount every application or write code to automount it, stay away from Linux, at least that was my experience, it is just so foreign because we have been stupefied by windows
i think you would like a mac, esp one with a camera built in, so you could skype,
for me i am okay with a $300 netbook to last me 3 to 4 years for the technology to advance, and either an Apple Tablet, and or the Currier to be released
when you get a chance, Check this thing out,
google : “gizmodo courier” - That is what I want right there….
Kirsty,
I have NEVER been a windows user (except where it’s forced upon me at work)….I used (and still use) linux quite extensively. Linux is certainly worth looking into - especially when weighed against the cost of a mac.
You mention that video bogs down your current PC…an inexpensive mac from ebay is also going to be bogged down by video editing. For quite some time mac was the clear leader in multimedia editing because apple was able to provide a superior software suite…the creative suite from adobe is threatening to overtake apple’s product - or is, at least a very strong contender. At any rate, it’s going to take quite a bit of computing horsepower to do any serious video editing.
I recently bought a macbook pro specifically because I was ready to go full-bore into video production. For me, this is a serious hobby and I was willing to fork out the cash. Anyhow, I really love my mac. OSX is a *nix variant - so *nix power users can get a lot out of it.
To the non-power user, a mac is absolutely wonderful because out of the box everything just works…this is due mostly to the fact that OSX is made to work specifically on mac hardware….software development hasn’t got to take into account the fact that driver X may have some sort of conflict with software Y (am I making any sense?)
There certainly are virii that target mac OSX - there are fewer of them because there are fewer OSX users, but as the platform gains popularity, virii targeted at it will also gain in popularity.
Don’t spend the money based on the virus issue…rather, use good computing practices and give Linux a shot. On the other hand, if you want something that simply works….I’d highly recommend a mac.
Thanks for all the advice! A lot to consider. One thing that is very good to know is that a crappy, old Mac will still be bad with video editing. For some reason I just thought they would be better, no matter what. The Linux suggestions are something I never would have even thought of. I always thought that was just for hard core geeks but if it is easy to use and solves the problems of viruses then it’s worth a look for sure.
Benny that sucks you lost everything! That’s my worst nightmare… probably a lot of people’s. I didn’t realise a hard drive could be contaminated too like that. Good to know.
The long battery life of a Mac is a definite plus too. Fortunately my little IBM does ok. With its two batteries it goes for about 5 hours. I’ve heard Macs can go to seven? That would be great.
Thanks again for all the advice! Now that my computer is alive again I am happy with the little guy but I know its time is coming to an end. I think this thing is five years old and it could be time for a new one next year, depending on the finances. In the meantime I will check out Linux and also look into some anti-virus software. Are they any free options out there or is buying one the only way to go?
I concur with those recommending linux, ubuntu to be exact. It´s real simple to go to ubuntu.com, download one file, burn to disk, start the computer with that disk in the drive and voilá - a new free operating system that is just as good, easyer to use than windows and safer.
Completely free antivirus software is Clamwin. I use it on the Windows Virtual box I run within Linux, and it’s updated very regularly. If you want super high security firewalls and all that jazz you can always see what you can find on torrents…
The backup catastrophe was an important lesson. Now everything is backed up in 3 different digital and physical locations. Even though I can’t get viruses, my computer could get stolen or pecked to pieces by humming birds etc.
Seriously consider Linux. It’s actually WAY MORE user friendly than Windows once you get over the learning curb (since it obviously has to be different). No hacking is required in its current version; it’s all GUI. Some really cool tweaks involve entering a line or two of code, but that’s about it, and it’s extremely well documented in any google search you may do. Forgetting security issues, it’s generally a much cooler, smoother experience. Because it’s open source, they add all the cool things from the Mac OS too.
While your current computer is working you can give it a try, without even installing it! Download it from the ubuntu website and it will run off the CD to give you a taste. You can create a mini partition from which you can still access your Windows files, so you will barely be changing your current situation. Unlike Windows’ updates every 4 years, the entire OS is upgraded twice a year. Once it works you don’t need to change things though.
Not sure about the battery life claim; that would depend on the developer and the specific hardware; it’s a much more complex issue than Mac vc PC, since people’s experience may be referring to one bad brand for example. At the end of the day, Apple don’t have any magic, it’s still Lithium ion powering the same Intel processor and similar technology of monitors etc. I’m sceptical that it would really give that better performance, all other things being equal. Windows is inefficiently power hungry though, I know my laptop lasts longer on Ubuntu than on Windows for example.
I used to be a long-time Windows power user before switching. There will be adjustments and you will probably find it takes 1 to 2 months before everything ‘feels natural’ on the Mac - but you won’t regret it.
Several important points: Only the newest Macs get the great battery life. The older Mac’s have fairly standard 2-3 hour battery life. Apple did do special things with the battery, removing dead-space and packing it more densely that results in much more powerful batteries in their laptops. Also Mac OS-X has been shown to be more battery friendly than Linux or Windows in independent tests (i.e. on the same laptop OS-X will eek out longer batter life for common tasks then under Windows).
Repair and service: IBM’s were great for their international service. Other laptops can be more problematic. While their are generic PC shops everywhere, you will be getting third-party parts and no bets if they will have the correct CD/DVD, Power supply, etc.. for your particular laptop. In most major cities around the world you can find an Apple dealer and they do normally stock common replacement parts and capital cities will usually have authorized Apple service centers.
You do have to factor in the costs of any regular software you buy. However I found that Apple’s built-in suite (iLife) and just the OS in general removed some of the needs of buying new programs.
What I really like about the Mac OS is that it just stays out of my way and allows me to get my work done. I don’t have to think about it. With Windows it seemed to need fairly regular tending, fixing of problems and upkeep to keep it running smoothly from month to month.
I’ve known several people that have switched, and while they had some initial glitches and learning hurdles - they now all say they would never go back.
You should also though look at what you need the computer for, and how much power you need. Lots of nomads are finding that a netbook is sufficient with the advantage of them being very cheap, portable and long battery life. But, they are fairly limited and if you run Windows you will potentially have the same virus problems unless you switch to Linux.
If you just need a word-processor, html editor, web-browser and photo viewer then a netbook can be adequate, but will be quite a bit slower. If you need photoshop, are a power user or need some specialized software then a netbook just won’t cut it.
One point to add on regarding service - I have a Mac (several years old) and pretty new HP netbook die in Thailand almost at the same time. Mac was the battery, Netbook was the power-adapter.
For the Mac I walked into the Apple service center, within 5 minutes I was walking out with the new battery.
For the netbook - I spent over 3 hours running around service centers and third-party repair shops trying to find a replacement or get them to fix the power adapter (and this was at Pantip plaza an IT super-center in Thailand with just about every computer item you can think of). There were no suitable replacements (the adapter plug was unique or voltages were wrong) closest they could come was order it out of Singapore with a 1-2 month wait!
Almost all PC manufacturers make dozens of models of laptops and/or netbooks and change parts from model to model (no consistency). That means almost no store can stock all the replacement parts. Apple only has a few different models and standardizes their parts making it easy for Apple centers to stock almost all the standard replacement parts.
Also on the shiny screen - Apple now offers a Matte / Non reflective finish when you buy a new Mac (but $50 option - SIGH).
Sorry but Mac users are living in a dream world if they think their computers are not susceptible to viruses. This actually was somewhat true 5 years ago, but more and more hackers are starting to target mac computers. It may just be that the mac user base is large enough to target now. Or it could be that the mac vs pc commercials egged them on with the claims of being much safer. You would be better off to just get some good virus protection instead.
Macs are designed well - the software made for the hardware. I’d look into getting a refurbed machine from Apple and getting some good upgrade memory for about $80. A Macbook Pro, 15 inch, with 4GBs of RAM would be about 1-1100$ and is well worth it.
No stay away from the Mac, in today’s day and age, the reality is the PC is the way to go. Most software is geared towards the PC, and the PC dominates the market, if you go the route of a MAC, you will find things more difficult for you, you may find yourself in a situation that a software only works for the PC and not the mac.
I use to be a software engineer so I am speaking from experience.
Till then,
Jean
These windows guys crack me up when they say, “oh it’s not true, you can get a virus on a mac too.” WRONG. Prove it….show some evidence of one single virus in the wild (not just a proof of concept theory) for the Mac.
And as far as the “it’s just not as big a user base myth.” Imagine the fame and the “cred” a virus writer would get for actually releasing the first Mac virus.
Mac is a bit more expensive because simply put it’s designed better. Sure, you can get from Point A to Point B in a horse drawn hay cart, but why not pay a bit more and ride in comfort of a comfortable, reliable and SAFE car.
Mac does have the advantage that you can dual-boot it with Windows, for those apps you really don’t want to leave behind. They do make mighty slick hardware, great battery life, and probably runs Windows as well as the best competing laptops..
Personally though I’m sticking with Windows, purely because of a few simple gripes, all finder-related, that Apple just seem unwilling to fix..
Like not putting folders at the top of the list.. Having a pathetic half dozen ’sort by’ options (size, kind, date created etc.) where Vista has well over a hundred, perfect for organising your music, photos etc. And don’t get me started on the sheer uselessness of the Trash!
Shame really, I’d switch in a second if they F’d the FF.
“Invencible” may not be the perfect word, but it’s true that mac os is above windows.
Personally, if I were you and don’t need too much video performance, I’d go for a 13′’ macbook or macbook pro -which are now in apple store. The macbook is cheap while the 13 macbook pro is made of aluminum, so it’s ressistance is great, and that’s unvaluable while travelling.
If you do need video performance, I’d get a 15′’ macbook pro which is the master of the dungeon with two graphic cards, but it’s really expensive. So The option here would be buying a refurbised one or in eBay, trying to get the old model which is great too, but not as the new one -of course-.
So this seems to be your options. If I were you I’ll try to sell some stuff or something and make money for a 15′’ aluminum macbook pro since it’s the lightest one and strong enough to be sure that it’s not going to suffer during a trip. But, of curse, you’ll have to worry about it, so make a little more money and buy a gun too!! =P
Hope this helps.
You can still get a free version of AVG on windows. I’ve had that for years and had the whole suite the last couple of years. I’ve browse a lot and go onto torrent sites etc. Never had any issues with viruses. It’s occasionally found one on a download but warned me before I’ve opened it, or when it’s completed download. I had one worry at the start of a big trip when it found a virus but it cleaned it easily. I’ll stay out of the mac /windows/ linux debate !
Mac lovers crack me up. It’s like once you buy a mac you become obligated to become a mac sales rep. It’s like you just joined the Jehova Witnesses. Next thing you know, you guys will come knocking on our doors to see if we want to learn more about macs. They might have slightly better virus protection, but you pay an arm and leg for it. Plus you sacrifice compatibility and you have to settle for the limited software available.
By the way, it is easy enough to find big lists of viruses made just for the mac. Apple just likes to ignore the fact that these viruses exist and claim reliability due to the comparatively smaller number of viruses.
I’m with scotsman - I have been running AVG for years on XP - free never had a virus in my life - am online all day every day. That said I just retired my 5 year old laptop and bought a new HP4510S probook - you can still get them with XP which works fine as far as I am concerned - and far more importantly -runs all my software.
As you have discovered there are religious views on OS’s but - its just an OS - you don’t buy a computer to run an OS - you buy it to run your apps. If you are highend graphics/video user you need high end machine regardless of the OS - particularly RAM and a deidicated graphics cards.
My new HP runs like lightening- it even sped up the internet LOL (I think its the 4GB ram for firefox to cache with) - but I bought it becasue it ran th software I wanted to use - start with the ends in mind!
Lissie
A fair amount of misunderstandings regarding virus’s on Mac vs PC. Mac’s can get virus’s however depending on the version of Windows you are using it is much, much more difficult.
On the Mac if ANY program tries to install itself (even a virus) the end-user is prompted to type in their admin password and told that program xxx wants to install itself on your hard-drive. That makes picking up an OS-X virus by casual browsing or plugging in an infected USB or CD very difficult.
Widows XP, which most people still use, doesn’t have any protections like this so it is much easier for a users system to get infected.
Windows Vista - does have security similar to OS-X called “User Account Control” UAC - unfortunately, they went overboard and prompt for so many relatively trivial things that many users loath the feature and turn it off.
Windows-7 greatly improves upon this and keep the prompting to a sane minimum like on the Mac, so Windows-7 and OS-X are more similar in the likelihood of a user picking up a virus from normal usage.
There are two parts to the Mac, the software (OS-X) and the hardware. The initial reviews of Windows-7 says it greatly narrows the gap with OS-X and is basically equivalent in the “who’s better” category. On the hardware side, all the reviews (even from Windows magazines) rate the Apple laptops near their highest ratings - and many people get them and use them as a Windows machine just because they like the hardware.
On the hardware side it depends on what you are looking for. If you want a top-end machine with excellent build quality and some unique features (fantastic battery life, multi-touch trackpad) then the Mac is an excellent way to go. If you are more price-concious, then there are many Windows machine manufacturers that produce cheaper notebooks.