orezok
Super Member
RonMar said:
Currently I have 2 printers (USB, not network printers) connected to my Mac. I can print from my PeeCee laptop using wireless through a router without any problems. Macs are smarter than PeeCee's in this respect.
Going Mac...maybe.
- Thread starter MarkV
- Start date
- Views: 12714
Currently I have 2 printers (USB, not network printers) connected to my Mac. I can print from my PeeCee laptop using wireless through a router without any problems. Macs are smarter than PeeCee's in this respect.
RobertN
Super Member
I've never had issues with PC's. It is the OS, like Windows that most issues seem to come from... A Mac is a PC anyways, just a specific brand 
Linux is an option on a PC
All my IT type friends have nothing good to say about Vista..
Linux is an option on a PC
All my IT type friends have nothing good to say about Vista..
No problems printing with both operating systems- one computer acts as a print server (just activate Print Sharing on that computer) and as long as the computers are on the same network and can talk to each other it works fine. I have a very old HP printer on my wifes windows machine, I had to hunt around for a mac driver that worked, but if you have a newish printer it shouldn't be a problem.
N80
Super Member
I've been a dedicated Mac user since my roommate got an Apple IIC in college. I have 4 at home. All netwroked together with absolute ease and that includes sharing printers. I've got my 20" iMac, my kids 17" iMac, the family iBook and a G4 tower. The tower is 7 years old and runs OS X just fine (started with 7.5!). I have it set up to turn on each morning after I get up, then it opens Safari (web browser) to the news page that I like and launches iTunes that starts my favorite radio station.
I use, and have used for years, Windows at work. I hate every second of it.
But, I'll admit, I've never taken the time to really learn it cold like I have with my Macs.
I think there are a number of Mac/Windows myths out there though.
1) There isn't as much software for the Mac. TRUE! There are tons more programs for Windows than Macs. Most of it is either a)games, b) proprietary business software or 3) junk. If you don't need some single, specialized business application and you aren't a hardcore gamer then you will never lack for software.
2) Macs are not as powerful as Windows PCs. Utter hogwash. Apple makes some of the fastest most robust computers on the market. The sky is the limit....actually, your budget is the limit. But Macs are used by video pro's all over the world and they simply have to be fast and powerful.
3) Macs are immune to viruses. FALSE. Macs are generally more secure than Windows. But the main reason that viruses are not an issue is that the Mac market share hasn't reached the critical mass necessary to interest hard core hackers and virus writers. As Macs grow in market share, the risk will grow. But right now, there are virtually no threats from viruses on the Mac. I use no virus software and have never had a virus or any other type of mal-ware.
I do use common sense. But my computer experience involves no worry about viruses or spyware or even worse, the anti-spyware-ware that kills your machine!
4) Macs cost more. TRUE and FALSE. Most Apple computers cost more than most Windows PCS. But, many, many Windows PC makers make super low end, inexpensive PCs and laptops that end up needing upgrades and not having a very useful longevity. Most Macs are made of high quality parts. Quality control is extremely tight. And most of them come with most of what you need. So when looking at price, don't just look at screen size and processor speed. Look at all the other components both in terms of size and speed but also quality. Macs are tightly integrated machines, not just cobbled together boxes. The one area where Macs are lacking is the amount of RAM that they come with. Get as much RAM as you can afford. Its cheap and worth it.
Also, for bang-for-the-buck, there is the Mac Mini.
5) Macs never crash. FALSE. They do. But not very often. I honestly cannot remember any of my OS X Macs requiring a restart. Maybe once or twice in the last 4 years but that's being liberal. Programs do crash. But just THAT program. Not the OS and not any other programs. And even program crashes are infrequent and almost always involve a web browser...which is true for Windows too.
6) Macs are easier to use. Depends on who you ask. I think they are better for new users and those who aren't into computers. It may be harder for lifelong Windows users to transition over to the Mac just because the landscape is unfamiliar. But in the end the Mac OS and the user experience is far more elegant, intuitive, user friendly, and yes, more visually attractive than Windows at every level of the user experience. Their attention to detail is astonishing and it shows. I find using a Mac to be fun. I can get work done on a Windows machine, but I don't enjoy it. I enjoy using my Macs, day in and day out, year after year.
Many Windows users don't ever get this. They don't see it, you can't explain it to them, it makes no sense to them and it makes no difference to them. And that's fine, they are the folks that Windows was designed for. And that's great, we all ought to be able to have a computer and OS that we like and want.
If you have any specific Mac questions or need buying advice, drop me a PM. Apples On-Line store is very, very easy to use, and shipping is usually free.
I use, and have used for years, Windows at work. I hate every second of it.
But, I'll admit, I've never taken the time to really learn it cold like I have with my Macs.
I think there are a number of Mac/Windows myths out there though.
1) There isn't as much software for the Mac. TRUE! There are tons more programs for Windows than Macs. Most of it is either a)games, b) proprietary business software or 3) junk. If you don't need some single, specialized business application and you aren't a hardcore gamer then you will never lack for software.
2) Macs are not as powerful as Windows PCs. Utter hogwash. Apple makes some of the fastest most robust computers on the market. The sky is the limit....actually, your budget is the limit. But Macs are used by video pro's all over the world and they simply have to be fast and powerful.
3) Macs are immune to viruses. FALSE. Macs are generally more secure than Windows. But the main reason that viruses are not an issue is that the Mac market share hasn't reached the critical mass necessary to interest hard core hackers and virus writers. As Macs grow in market share, the risk will grow. But right now, there are virtually no threats from viruses on the Mac. I use no virus software and have never had a virus or any other type of mal-ware.
I do use common sense. But my computer experience involves no worry about viruses or spyware or even worse, the anti-spyware-ware that kills your machine!
4) Macs cost more. TRUE and FALSE. Most Apple computers cost more than most Windows PCS. But, many, many Windows PC makers make super low end, inexpensive PCs and laptops that end up needing upgrades and not having a very useful longevity. Most Macs are made of high quality parts. Quality control is extremely tight. And most of them come with most of what you need. So when looking at price, don't just look at screen size and processor speed. Look at all the other components both in terms of size and speed but also quality. Macs are tightly integrated machines, not just cobbled together boxes. The one area where Macs are lacking is the amount of RAM that they come with. Get as much RAM as you can afford. Its cheap and worth it.
Also, for bang-for-the-buck, there is the Mac Mini.
5) Macs never crash. FALSE. They do. But not very often. I honestly cannot remember any of my OS X Macs requiring a restart. Maybe once or twice in the last 4 years but that's being liberal. Programs do crash. But just THAT program. Not the OS and not any other programs. And even program crashes are infrequent and almost always involve a web browser...which is true for Windows too.
6) Macs are easier to use. Depends on who you ask. I think they are better for new users and those who aren't into computers. It may be harder for lifelong Windows users to transition over to the Mac just because the landscape is unfamiliar. But in the end the Mac OS and the user experience is far more elegant, intuitive, user friendly, and yes, more visually attractive than Windows at every level of the user experience. Their attention to detail is astonishing and it shows. I find using a Mac to be fun. I can get work done on a Windows machine, but I don't enjoy it. I enjoy using my Macs, day in and day out, year after year.
Many Windows users don't ever get this. They don't see it, you can't explain it to them, it makes no sense to them and it makes no difference to them. And that's fine, they are the folks that Windows was designed for. And that's great, we all ought to be able to have a computer and OS that we like and want.
If you have any specific Mac questions or need buying advice, drop me a PM. Apples On-Line store is very, very easy to use, and shipping is usually free.
OP
MarkV
Super Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2000
- Messages
- 5,698
- Location
- Cedartown, Ga and N. Ga mountains
- Tractor
- 1998 Kubota B21, 2005 Kubota L39
Well we decided to give Mac a try. My wife will be in the city tomorrow and is going to the Apple store to get one of the 24” iMac’s. We will see how it goes. Maybe I will be able to figure out how to share photo’s on TBN finally.
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and experiences it was a big help.
MarkV
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and experiences it was a big help.
MarkV
I think that 24" comes with 2 gigs of ram which ought to be enough, might be nice to have more if your doing a lot of virtual machine stuff. It's also easy to install and much cheaper after market than purchasing it from Apple. However, I agree, more ram = mo betta.
OP
MarkV
Super Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2000
- Messages
- 5,698
- Location
- Cedartown, Ga and N. Ga mountains
- Tractor
- 1998 Kubota B21, 2005 Kubota L39
Yep it comes with 2gigs of memory and I think that is enough for our simple uses. They do offer 4gigs for an extra $200.
MarkV
MarkV
N80
Super Member
If you are comfortable adding RAM later then just get the 2GB. If not, pay the extra $200 and go for the 4. Seriously, RAM will give your computer more longevity and usability than anything else you can add and with each OS upgrade and each new software release, RAM requirements will go up.
If you plan to manage your photos or store/watch/edit your videos on the computer (and you should) then the extra RAM will be appreciated immediately.
But, one way or other, don't worry about it. It is truly easy as can be to add it later.
If you plan to manage your photos or store/watch/edit your videos on the computer (and you should) then the extra RAM will be appreciated immediately.
But, one way or other, don't worry about it. It is truly easy as can be to add it later.
Charlesaf3
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2006
- Messages
- 1,984
- Location
- Richmond VA & Irvington VA
- Tractor
- Kubota B3030, Kubota M59 TLB
listen to george on RAM.
I used to be an all apple guy, from the //e to mac circa 1996. Then I went PC for software - PC is really easier if you do things that are minor mods, there's usually software out there just because of the larger installed base. But I'm thinking seriously of going back to Mac when my current circa 2005 Sony Vaio croaks. Been very happy with it, and I hope I get 3 more years...
For most users, I think Mac is the way to go. If you don't understand why Mac may not be the way to go, it almost certainly IS the way to go! Ironic eh?
And listen to george on RAM. More RAM, More Better. It really is an easy user update generally though.
As for Macs networking with PCs, I can't get my PCs to network with PCs, why should the poor Macs have any better luck?
Apple can be annoying in its own special way, btw - its just a different way then Microsoft. Question is which annoyances you tolerate better.
I used to be an all apple guy, from the //e to mac circa 1996. Then I went PC for software - PC is really easier if you do things that are minor mods, there's usually software out there just because of the larger installed base. But I'm thinking seriously of going back to Mac when my current circa 2005 Sony Vaio croaks. Been very happy with it, and I hope I get 3 more years...
For most users, I think Mac is the way to go. If you don't understand why Mac may not be the way to go, it almost certainly IS the way to go! Ironic eh?
And listen to george on RAM. More RAM, More Better. It really is an easy user update generally though.
As for Macs networking with PCs, I can't get my PCs to network with PCs, why should the poor Macs have any better luck?
Apple can be annoying in its own special way, btw - its just a different way then Microsoft. Question is which annoyances you tolerate better.
Luremaker
Veteran Member
I have never used a MAC, but a few months back my son became sick and tired of VISTA. He decided to install OSX on his Vista laptop and loves it. He keeps saying his next pc will be a MAC. I'll have to spend a little time using it.
Myself I like Mepis and Kubuntu linux. These are both amazing top of the line OS's. Each one requires a little time to set up to one's liking.
Myself I like Mepis and Kubuntu linux. These are both amazing top of the line OS's. Each one requires a little time to set up to one's liking.
N80
Super Member
Charlesaf3 said:
I agree with that, I think. But as I sit here at my Windows machine (XP not Vista) I just can't think off hand of how my Macs annoy me. When I ponder it, there may be some networking issues that puzzle me from time to time. And networking is networking no matter how you slice it. But I'm no computer expert and I have all four of mine networked over a third party router.
Apple as a company can be very annoying. I get irked by upgrade paths, price changes, etc etc. And I've always thought that they put too little RAM in their machines.
iMacs can be annoying in that you can't really upgrade them on your own. They aren't made to be messed with. Of course the Mac towers make up for that. They are the most elegant designed and easy to access boxes I've ever messed with. So simple to change RAM, cards, drives, devices and tons of room inside.
Charlesaf3
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2006
- Messages
- 1,984
- Location
- Richmond VA & Irvington VA
- Tractor
- Kubota B3030, Kubota M59 TLB
That's the sort of thing I mean - forcing people into a square hole, as it were. Apples' motto often seems to be "Have it our way" even when that way doesn't make sense. Note the easily replaceable ipod batteries..
For someone who isn't going to fiddle, I definitely think macs are a better bet
For someone who isn't going to fiddle, I definitely think macs are a better bet
pennwalk
Veteran Member
We haven't heard from Mark since the 14th I sure hope things haven't gone badly.
Chris
Chris
OP
MarkV
Super Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2000
- Messages
- 5,698
- Location
- Cedartown, Ga and N. Ga mountains
- Tractor
- 1998 Kubota B21, 2005 Kubota L39
Hi guys, we did get a new 24” iMac and are finding our way around it right now. So far so good. Both the wife and I have found it pretty easy to get started on and we become more comfortable each time we use it. We are having a hard time setting up e-mail so I’ll see how Apple support is in the next couple of days.
We also signed up for Verizon wireless broadband Access which is way better than the 28.8 Kbps dial up connection we have been using. It is nice to to be able to look at the photos people link on TBN finally.
Thanks again for all the help everyone.
MarkV
We also signed up for Verizon wireless broadband Access which is way better than the 28.8 Kbps dial up connection we have been using. It is nice to to be able to look at the photos people link on TBN finally.
Thanks again for all the help everyone.
MarkV
pennwalk
Veteran Member
Mark,
I am thinking about adding to the mac fleet here. I was wondering if you like the glossy screen. I spent a half hour at the apple store last week looking at the screens trying to imagine weather I would like the glossy screen. One thing for sure the color is beautiful. All of our other computers have anti glare screens.
Chris
I am thinking about adding to the mac fleet here. I was wondering if you like the glossy screen. I spent a half hour at the apple store last week looking at the screens trying to imagine weather I would like the glossy screen. One thing for sure the color is beautiful. All of our other computers have anti glare screens.
Chris
N80
Super Member
I've wondered about that too. I'm very picky about glare and having photography as a hobby I'm very picky about accurate colors (which glare can affect). The glossy screen is beautiful but I think you'd have to be careful about placement. You wouldn't want any windows or lights behind you.
