Going Mac...maybe.

[RonMar]

Don't blame you. My two machines just automatically loaded the latest security update for XP and it killed both the machines network connections. Couldn't do anything to get them back working again and talking to the hub/DSL modem. Had to run system restore and roll the computer back to yesterdays config to re establish comms. Then the first thing they did was try to load the crap again, so I had to shut off auto updates. Now that I have done that, every time I startup, I get a popup window that says I should turn auto updates back on as my computer might be at risk. Nothing is ever truely turned off or disabled with the people at Microsoft...

 

[RonL]

For your purposes absolutely go with the Mac. Microsoft continues to try and foist vista on the public and does not intend to come out with a replacement for this horrendous operating system. Mac will serve you well for a long time.

RonL

 

[randy41]

can you network a mac with a pc?

 

[vansimplement]

can you network a mac with a pc?

I don't run any MACs myself, but I've worked on a few in the past and they seemed to play nice with both Windows and Linux. They probably play nicer with Windows than Windows does
I've been using Linux for about 7 years or better and have been loving it. I switched my wife over 3 years ago and she could run it just as well as her old Windows box. So you could consider something like Ubuntu linux as another option, but if you have MAC friends I'd say go with a MAC.

 

[MarkV]

Hey everybody thanks for all the input. I learned a number of things from your comments. Apple has one of their retail stores about 75 miles from us and we are told they are very good at introductions to Mac and training if needed. We didn't really want to make the drive but we are a little nervous about ordering without ever having used a Mac. I meant it when I said we are not very computer knowledgeable and we sure don't need a new $2000 paper weight.

MarkV

 

[pennwalk]

Mark.

I hear you about wanting to see stuff before you buy. If possible don't go tomorrow (Friday). The new iphone comes out tomorrow and it is likely to be a zoo. You might call and ask when are their less busy times. My daughter went to the store to look at laptops and could hardly get near to the computers. With the price of gas it is a shame to waste a trip. I know with the help desk you can make an appointment.

ps they really do work right out of the box.

Chris

 

[pennwalk]

can you network a mac with a pc?

Randy,

Networking is Voodoo but it is generic voodoo. You can network Macs and PCs and if it doesn't work try lighting more candles and incense, chant louder and maybe make a small sacrifice.

 

[CurlyDave]

can you network a mac with a pc?

Exactly what do you mean by "network" ?

A Mac and a PC can both share the same network connection using a DSL modem or cable modem either with a built-in router, or with an external router. It is easy to do this either using ethernet wires or WiFi (wireless).

The Mac can be given permission to view, copy and write files to the PC fairly easily. A PC is supposed to be able to do the same on a Mac, but I have never been able to get that to work. Maybe I just haven't tried hard enough.

 

[randy41]

by network i mean share files and a printer.

 

[RonMar]

I could be wrong, but I think to share a printer, you need a networkable printer. IE: the printer is connected to a hub like a third computer would be, and not to one of the computers. Another option would be an A/B switch so the printer can be connected to either computer when needed with the flick of a switch.