Switch From Microsoft to Apple?

[5thwheeleroldma]

We've been using MS computers for 18 years now, but I'm thinking of switching to Apple. The reason is I get so many confusing software updates & problems. For instance, MS recently wanted to install a new IE Explorer. We said yes, then it said some other computer was using our address, to resolve it with our administrator. From past experience, I know this will mean hours on the phone and probably I'll still be confused. Seems like they can't leave us in peace.

My question is; do you get all this kind of bothersome******from Apple?
I suppose it would not be too difficult to learn how to use an Apple, and to transfer all my files?

[Janss]

Some people are mentioning iPads. The OP is asking about Apple computers, not iPads. All tablets are less capable than laptop or desktop computers. An Apple computer is quite capable of doing all the things the majority of people do on computers (internet, email, spreadsheets, word processing, photos, music, etc.). And by the way, an Apple does it with a lot less hassle 🙂

I've been using both Apples and PCs since the 1980s.

[kjburns]

I bought an iPad2. The whole iTunes thing was enough to convince me that I'm not that guy. I have zero problems running anything I want on my Win7 systems. Excel has a programming language I can use for those times when I work. I can run my fully functional flight simulator panel.

When I compare my Android OS phone and the iPad, I always reach for the phone. Want to move some photos or music to the phone? Plug in a USB cable, drag and drop...done. On the iPad, I'm stuck with the iTunes interface and I can't be bothered to figure out its quirks. There's no chance I'd drop Win7 for a Mac. I'd have to give up too much. YMMV

[cleo43]

I also agree, I've never seen a flavor of Linux that was "ready for the general public" light alone people that hate screwing with the background.

Screwing around is good for your brain.:)
I have bunch of old desktops and laptops that keep install/reinstall Linux distros/applications, just to keep my brain working. All you need is Mr Google for help. The computers are all rejects from my offsprings that don't care about money (yes, they count on mom-dad's for their future retirement:)). For now it's iPhone, iPad, Mac...for them. Otherwise it's Android phones and latest shiny Win 7, Win 8 ultrabooks.

[Happytraveler]

Eight years ago I asked the same question as you on this forum.
I bought my first MacBook Pro eight years ago and its still going strong. Two years ago I loan it out to my son because he had a huge virus on his pc. After a week I told him keep laptop. A couple of days later I bought myself a 13 inch MacBook Pro. He's still using my old Mac in his classroom and at home. He's in the Apple Eco system like me, LOL.
I do like Apple products because they work.PC to Mac-Basics

[mrkoje]

TechWriter wrote:

DutchmenSport wrote:

So, the Apple is Great for web based "stuff". But if you need business applications, like Word Processors, print capability, Spreadsheets, Power Point type presentations, photo sharing, pulling things off your digital camera .... forget it! It won't happen with an Apple.

I am no longer in need of "business applications" -- RETIRED !!!

And if I really need a spreadsheet, word processor, etc, it will be free Open Office -- not Microsoft's Open Wallet suite.

BTW, the last part about "photo sharing and pulling things off your digital camera" . . . beg to differ. That's where Apple shines.

I don't understand why you can't use business aplications like word processor or spreadsheet on an Apple. Afterall you PAY for Microsoft Office whether it be on Windows or Apple. YES they make Microsoft Office for Apple! What is this 1990?

Now like mentioned above there are various alternatives like Open Office or even Google Docs which rival Excel and Microsoft Word in almost every way.

Apple's being limited to just surfing the web is complete non-sense. Businesses do favor Windows on large scale networked outfits (something Apple seems to show very little interest in) but that's not to say that they are not GOOD for business.

I say go for the Apple and don't look back

[TechWriter]

DutchmenSport wrote:

So, the Apple is Great for web based "stuff". But if you need business applications, like Word Processors, print capability, Spreadsheets, Power Point type presentations, photo sharing, pulling things off your digital camera .... forget it! It won't happen with an Apple.

I am no longer in need of "business applications" -- RETIRED !!!

And if I really need a spreadsheet, word processor, etc, it will be free Open Office -- not Microsoft's Open Wallet suite.

BTW, the last part about "photo sharing and pulling things off your digital camera" . . . beg to differ. That's where Apple shines.

[DutchmenSport]

I've been a PC person ever since I first touched a computer keyboard. I started using PC when I was 28 years old. I'm now 58 ... what? 30 years ... oh my .. am I getting old!

Anyway, when my MS based laptop started going "slow" and every time I turned around, something was being down-loaded, and every time I turned it on I had to wait for a down load, I got sick and tired and went with an Apple I-pad.

OK, I really like this I-pad. Its very portable, works great for WiFi with my I-phone, and have issues with it ... except ... I can't do ANYTHING with it except down load "apps" and anything I really want to keep has to go through the "cloud" and down-loaded ... you guessed it .... back on my original lap-top that gave me fits.

So, the Apple is Great for web based "stuff". But if you need business applications, like Word Processors, print capability, Spreadsheets, Power Point type presentations, photo sharing, pulling things off your digital camera .... forget it! It won't happen with an Apple.

We have Apples in our Web Lab at work. I'm a software tester and we have to test on different browsers. Apple is good, but ... you can't do anything with it... By the way ... no downloads, no BS, no junk, no unwanted pop-ups, nothing like that. For using the Internet ... I love it. For everything else, I still use my old PC driven laptop.

[n7bsn]

I can understand the passion people have on all sides.

The real advantage Mac OS-X has, is since the hardware is tightly controlled (vrs Windows) making things work is much easier, MUCH. This simplifies Apples work.

Since there are about 1,0000,0000,000 different platforms for MS-Windows, this makes MS job much, MUCH harder.

Personally I haven't touched MS-Windows, Unix, Linux, VMS, etc, since I retired (I worked in the field for 40 years, plus the ol college degree). I like not having to screw with things any more.

On this flip side, I know that (since the stage behind OS-X is very Unix) I could screw with the guts as much as I wanted to, I just don't any more.

I also agree, I've never seen a flavor of Linux that was "ready for the general public" light alone people that hate screwing with the background.

[fj12ryder]

I, for one, am always confused by the problems people seem to have with Windows computers. Mine just run and run and run.

I've still got a laptop running XP that is 10 years old. It runs fine, but it is slow as can be. Compared to the new systems it really crawls along. The new ones, my newest one is only 2 years old, are so fast it makes the old ones seem slooooooooooow.

I do like to fiddle with the innards, but the new Windows OS's are so stable that I don't get to play with much unless I really feel the need to dig into things just because. I guess my desire to "look under the hood" is why I've never cared for Apple and their "Don't look behind the curtain" approach.

Apple is great for beginners, and people who don't want to know how things work: they just want that toaster to make toast. 🙂

[mrkoje]

4aSong wrote:
May I suggest that before you switch to apple try a Linux operating system (Ubuntu). Works on the same hardware as your windows system but is much more reliable and supports many APPS. You can try it alongside your current windows system (Dual Boot) before a decision is made. I have two systems one running Windows 7 and the other running Ubuntu Desktop. Hands down UBUNTU is a much more user friendly and secure system to run once you learn the basics.

Unless Linux has come a long way on ease of installatin use and document compatibility since I last used it I would maybe pass on that. It was great as a hobbyist platform but other than that I think the OP would get too confused. (Nothing against the OP here - but Linux used to require a degree in Computer Science which coincidently I do have and I still dislike it for everyday use)

I would recommend switching to Apple. I've been using Apple computers at home exclusivly since 2007 when they made the switch from the PowerPC chips to the Intel chips. As mentioned above it is very proprietery but I find that is ok unless maybe you like to tinker with the components (maybe 1% of the population would do that anyways). The only real downside is that they are more expensive but you do get what you pay for. I've had my last Macbook since 2007 and it keeps chumming along. I recently got a newer one with the fancier screen and more memory but the old one works just fine. I've never had to reinstall the operating system or take it in for repair. The windows laptop of about the same age is DEAD in a landfill somewhere now and that was after maybe 4 windows reinstalls.

[WyoTraveler]

Are there people still using I.E. ? I thought I was the last one in the whole world that dumped I.E. I use either google or foxfire. No problems.

[MarkTwain]

Apple is far superior and very intuitive therefore very consumer friendly. You can not beat the Apple Care plan that comes with a new apple computer for 2 years but more important the Tech support via the phone is outstanding 24/7:):) The tech chat support is outstanding as well. Had a mother board go bad, Apple sent me a shipping package within a day, mailed it and my compter came back in 3 days with a new mother board--------NO Charge, even for shipping:)

[Gadget_Guy1]

I use Apple products and my wife uses MS. One thing that posters have not mentioned is that any Apple products are at Least 3 plus times as expensive. Plus the maximum Apple Care you can get is 3 years and then they want you to buy a new computer. Having said all that it would be tough for me to switch back to MS.

[Bucky_Badger]

If your issue is something as little as IE use a different browser

[TurnThePage]

I don't think the "other computer using your address" is really related to an update at all. That is something that happens from time to time, and is more likely the fault of your router, modem or whatever device is between you and the internet. It could happen to ANY device connecting to a network via TCP/IP, which Apple computers do too.

I've been a Windows fan since Windows 95 wrangled me away from OS2 and DOS. However, Windows 8 could easily push me in the Apple direction. Maybe.