From Windows to Mac--anyone done this?

[mockturtle]

I'm considering replacing my current Windows computer with a Mac. How big a hassle would it likely be with files, programs, etc.? Would it be totally incompatible with my Android phone?

[tragusa3]

LOL...

Actually, I come from a long line of people that make up their own words when needed. My Dad is so bad that you'd think he had his own language. I blame it on my heritage...south Louisiana.

I'm a school teacher, and my students have had to learn to translate. 😉

[strollin]

tragusa3 wrote:
I have the same experience as hershey. My answer to your question would be that it gets "gucked up" and I don't know how to keep it running smooth... ...

I got a chuckle from this, maybe you will too.

I was not familiar with the term "gucked up" (although I understood what you meant) so I googled the term. According to the Urban dictionary, "gucked" means that your computer is horny! Maybe your computer gets "gucked up" from surfing too much porn? :B

[tragusa3]

I have the same experience as hershey. My answer to your question would be that it gets "gucked up" and I don't know how to keep it running smooth...ends up with driver updates not happening right, malware, viruses, etc. I know there are procedures to keep all this from happening, but I've still never had luck. My Mac is not old enough to have an opinion yet...but it's been perfect so far. I'm betting it will do its job longer, but that doesn't mean I'll have it longer...the used market seems stronger for Macs, and I'll probably sell it and upgrade with every major hardware change (3-4 years).

[strollin]

hershey wrote:
... I could never get more than a couple years out of a Windows computer....laptop or desktop. ...

Why is that? I generally keep my non-Apple computers 7-8 years and only replace them because I want something new. I've owned dozens of computers (desktops, laptops, netbooks & tablets) over the years and have never had one that had to be replaced because it didn't work any longer.

The computers I kept the shortest amount of time were the 2 Macs I had, I couldn't find anything special about them. I doubt I will ever consider an Apple computer in the future.

I would move to a non-Apple computer running Linux before I would ever consider a Mac again.

[hershey]

There is a definite learning curve to go thru on a Mac from Windows. But....I feel its well worth it. Plus, if you have the need, you can easily partition the HD on the Mac and install Windows on it for those moments you just want a Winders fix 🙂
BTW: My Mac is over 5 years old. I've upgraded (free) the OS several times and today have the latest and greatest offered by Mac and it still operates just like new. I could never get more than a couple years out of a Windows computer....laptop or desktop. Once you Mac, you won't go back.

[burlmart]

fwiw, came across the PC stats on OS

[strollin]

burlmart wrote:

strollin wrote:

burlmart wrote:
if you look at the overall user base, the majority choose windows for a PC, and apple for mobile (phone/tablet).

Not quite regarding mobile OS, worldwide, Android has a larger user base than iOS.

thanks, strollin. i was thinking they were close, and i guess there is just 1 apple making all its stuff, vs a diverse assortment of android device makers. but nevertheless, i'm not even sure if apple outsells samsung's android things.

The iPhone is the best selling phone. There are many different companies that make Android phones but only only 1 company that makes iPhones.

[burlmart]

android is 81% vs ios 15%

[burlmart]

strollin wrote:

burlmart wrote:
if you look at the overall user base, the majority choose windows for a PC, and apple for mobile (phone/tablet).

Not quite regarding mobile OS, worldwide, Android has a larger user base than iOS.

thanks, strollin. i was thinking they were close, and i guess there is just 1 apple making all its stuff, vs a diverse assortment of android device makers. but nevertheless, i'm not even sure if apple outsells samsung's android things.

[strollin]

burlmart wrote:
if you look at the overall user base, the majority choose windows for a PC, and apple for mobile (phone/tablet).

Not quite regarding mobile OS, worldwide, Android has a larger user base than iOS.

[burlmart]

if you look at the overall user base, the majority choose windows for a PC, and apple for mobile (phone/tablet).

[strollin]

Johndanielscpa wrote:
... What is free (or unnecessary) on a Mac that you pay for on a PC? Operating system, spreadsheet, word processor, various built in utilities, anti-virus software, anti-spyware, anti-ad, etc. ...

There are plenty of free office suites, utilities, anti-virus, etc... for PC so your argument doesn't hold water. The fact remains that Macs are significantly more expensive to own. As said, it's a personal preference and some feel the additional cost is worth it.

[Johndanielscpa]

If you compare the price of a Mac to a PC, it will appear the Mac is much more expensive. However, if you look at the total cost of ownership, it becomes more competitive. What is free (or unnecessary) on a Mac that you pay for on a PC? Operating system, spreadsheet, word processor, various built in utilities, anti-virus software, anti-spyware, anti-ad, etc. some may push back on the anti-virus. I owned PCs before buying my Mac and would never have run it without an anti-virus application. I've owned my Mac for five years and never installed an anti-virus application on it (although I do keep good backups just in case!). I could usually get 3 or 4 years out of my PC before I needed to replace it due to hardware age, software incompatibility due to obsolescence, etc. I have had my Mac for five years and it still runs very well and is not in any danger anytime soon of becoming obsolete. But, as one poster already indicated, Mac/PC is a preference. Neither is going to satisfy all of everyone's needs. As I said before, I wanted simplicity, interoperability, and a lower total cost of ownership. As a PC user dating back to pre-IBM PC days (right, that's 1983), I believe I am getting what I need from my Mac.

[ljr]

strollin wrote:
I have heard this stuff many times over the years about about how great Macs and OS X were. I've owned 2 Macs over the years and could never figure out what was supposed to be so great about them. They were substantially more expensive than any other computer I've ever owned and yet they didn't work any better or do anything better. I couldn't come up with a single advantage to Mac ownership.

With my last Mac, when I finally decided I just plain didn't care for it, I gave it to my daughter. After a few months of using it, she asked to be switched back to a Windows computer. I ended up trading the Mac for a Win 7 laptop and feel I got the better end of the deal.

On the one hand, I'm glad I at least tried the Mac in order to see thru the hype but on the other hand, it was an expensive experiment.

Mac/Windows, Ford/Chevy, Dish/Direct..the whole brand loyalty thing has never made much sense to me. I spent years in various IT support roles and I always told people they are making their choices exactly backwards. Figure out what you want to do. Find the tool(s) you need to do it. Then, last of all, figure out the platform where they work best. Most ignored me.