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?

[1492]

5thwheeleroldman wrote:
Another thing driving me crazy is trying to get my wife's desktop computer, in a room about 20 feet away, to communicate with my laptop. I seem to get all balled up between the computers' passwords/IDs and LinkSys' passwords/IDs. Can't get it to work. I'd like to synchronize and trade files between the two.

Would this problem go away if I got two Apples?

It's no more difficult to share files between Windows PCs than with a Macs. You still have to deal with computer IDs/passwords for security purposes.

[wintersun]

Apple computers have two downsides, they are more expensive initially to buy and there are fewer people around to ask for help if you have a problem. The upsides are that you do not need to spend more money for utility software like antivirus and spyware protection and the computer will be much more reliable. The Apple operating system was developed fron scratch originally by NEXT and then converted to the Apple OS X operating system so it is a very secure design from the bottom up. Windows on the other hand is based on circa 1985 Wintows NT and has only had layers added on over the years to add functionality and to limit vulnerabilities but is it still inherently unstable by its very design which has not really changed over the past 25 years. I get security updates weekly from Microsoft but at most twice a year from Apple.

One limitation with Apple is that if you do not want a laptop the only choices are the iMac all in one machines or the very expensive workstations. But for most people's needs this is not a problem.

I have had a mix of PC's and Apple computers over the past 25 years and 99% of my time doing maintenance has been on the Windows PC's. I also get better performance from the Apple operating system than any Windows operating system by a factor of two to three. I have a 2006 Apple workstation that outperforms my 18 month old HP tower computer running Windows 7.

An Apple laptop will cost about $900 which is at least $300 more than a comparable quality Windows PC with near equal support. Apple consistently provides the best customer support of any company and is way ahead of second and third place companies like Lenovo and HP.

Anything you do with the Mac will be much easier compared to Windows whether it is hooking up to a local network or Wifi or connecting to a printer. When Apple released its OS X operating systme I had a much easier time confiring a new computer than I did when I switched my PC's from Windows XP to Windows 64 - and I spent more than 20 years as an IT professional working with Fortune 100 tech companies.

For word processing and spreadsheets there is great software from Openoffice.org. The word processor from them is actually more compatible with Apple's operating system than Microsoft Word for the Mac. Any Adobe licenses for a PC app can be converted for $10 to a license for the Mac version. An Adobe Lightroom license is good for both PC and Macs so no new license is needed if you use it. You can run Thunderbird or Firefox on the Mac or the Apple browser Safari or Google's Chrome.

It is easy to setup a local network with a central NAS storage box for data and access files from both PC's and Mac's seamlessly. I can create a Word doc in Windows and save it to the network storage device and then open it on a Mac with Openoffice's wordprocessor and continue to work on it. Same applies to spreadsheets and image files.

[wintersun]

Apple computers have two downsides, they are more expensive initially to buy and there are fewer people around to ask for help if you have a problem. The upsides are that you do not need to spend more money for utility software like antivirus and spyware protection and the computer will be much more reliable. The Apple operating system was developed fron scratch originally by NEXT and then converted to the Apple OS X operating system so it is a very secure design from the bottom up. Windows on the other hand is based on circa 1985 Wintows NT and has only had layers added on over the years to add functionality and to limit vulnerabilities but is it still inherently unstable by its very design which has not really changed over the past 25 years. I get security updates weekly from Microsoft but at most twice a year from Apple.

One limitation with Apple is that if you do not want a laptop the only choices are the iMac all in one machines or the very expensive workstations. But for most people's needs this is not a problem.

I have had a mix of PC's and Apple computers over the past 25 years and 99% of my time doing maintenance has been on the Windows PC's. I also get better performance from the Apple operating system than any Windows operating system by a factor of two to three. I have a 2006 Apple workstation that outperforms my 18 month old HP tower computer running Windows 7.

An Apple laptop will cost about $900 which is at least $300 more than a comparable quality Windows PC with near equal support. Apple consistently provides the best customer support of any company and is way ahead of second and third place companies like Lenovo and HP.

Anything you do with the Mac will be much easier compared to Windows whether it is hooking up to a local network or Wifi or connecting to a printer. When Apple released its OS X operating systme I had a much easier time confiring a new computer than I did when I switched my PC's from Windows XP to Windows 64 - and I spent more than 20 years as an IT professional working with Fortune 100 tech companies.

For word processing and spreadsheets there is great software from Openoffice.org. The word processor from them is actually more compatible with Apple's operating system than Microsoft Word for the Mac. Any Adobe licenses for a PC app can be converted for $10 to a license for the Mac version. An Adobe Lightroom license is good for both PC and Macs so no new license is needed if you use it. You can run Thunderbird or Firefox on the Mac or the Apple browser Safari or Google's Chrome.

It is easy to setup a local network with a central NAS storage box for data and access files from both PC's and Mac's seamlessly. I can create a Word doc in Windows and save it to the network storage device and then open it on a Mac with Openoffice's wordprocessor and continue to work on it. Same applies to spreadsheets and image files.

[fj12ryder]

5thwheeleroldman wrote:
Yes, ryder, and changing out the seals in an automatic transmission is easy peasy if you make a living doing that.

I meant that it really is easy: you get the password from one computer and enter it in the other one, and you're done. Especially easy compared to Windows 98, and even XP.

[greenrvgreen]

If the OP wants simplicity and better reliability--and is willing to PAY for it--then a Mac would be a good choice. As others have said, Apple tightly controls their PC experience, and charges a heftly premium for a narrower but "better" experience.

Before moving, the OP should inventory all the software he uses and verify that Apple agrees that he ought to want to use that software. While there are many good choices on Apple, they are all expensive, and if equivilent software isn't available you will find yourself scolded for wanting it in the first place. That is the Apple way.

A dual-boot Apple/Windows system isn't going to make your windows problems go away. If anything, they will get somewhat worse with the introduction of new hardware. The dual-boot will work fine, it's just that not even Apple can make windows behave itself.

IMO, Apple's quality control is far superior to anything on the consumer side of Windows PCs. I bought one of the first Windows-compatible iPods, after having tried and failed to get any of the major windows-based players to work with my windows machine. iPod hooked up without issue, and without requiring software updates. The interface was simple but more powerful than the woefully mangled interfaces commonly available for PCs. But it is just a music player, so I don't mind that I can't do anything more with it.

With a PC, I can do a lot more than I ever could with a Mac--this is the value of all the Windows chaos. I am a lifelong PC guy, and while PCs get better and more reliable, it really is a self-guided--and liberating--experience. But you have to want liberation and be willing to seek it on your own.

[5thwheeleroldma]

Yes, ryder, and changing out the seals in an automatic transmission is easy peasy if you make a living doing that.

[MarkTwain]

Another thing driving me crazy is trying to get my wife's desktop computer, in a room about 20 feet away, to communicate with my laptop. I seem to get all balled up between the computers' passwords/IDs and LinkSys' passwords/IDs. Can't get it to work. I'd like to synchronize and trade files between the two.

Would this problem go away if I got two Apples?

YES!

[fj12ryder]

If you're trying to get 2 Windows 7 machines to network and can't, then the problem probably won't go away with a couple of Apples. Networking a couple of Windows 7 computers should be easy peasy.

[5thwheeleroldma]

Another thing driving me crazy is trying to get my wife's desktop computer, in a room about 20 feet away, to communicate with my laptop. I seem to get all balled up between the computers' passwords/IDs and LinkSys' passwords/IDs. Can't get it to work. I'd like to synchronize and trade files between the two.

Would this problem go away if I got two Apples?

[Altern]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
it's just what you get used to the software you like to use and you keep using it.

There's a certain amount of truth to that and price is another reason so many stay with Windows.
e.g. Whats the first thing posters ask or worry about when discussing a service, part, or RV.
Price! "Where's the cheapest" "Where can I get a deal" etc, etc.
Lets face it folks, if PC's cost the same as Macs - Microsoft would sell about as many units as Linux.

[Bill_Satellite]

While you installed Apple 26 years ago and are happy, I suspect there are others (10x's as many others) who installed MS 26 years ago and are just as happy. You have had many updates and so has MS. It's nothing special, it's just what you get used to the software you like to use and you keep using it.

[Happytraveler]

I don't know if Microsoft offer support like Apple with their computers, iPads and iPhones. A class.... One to One class for $99.00 a year with a personal trainer for one hour a week. They offer free group classes. Also, you have the Genius Bar for tech. problems and that's free. I really like the support they have with Apple. One to One

[drillking]

I co-own a business. We installed 20 Mac systems in the office and shop 26 yrs ago to replace the original IBM models. Never gone back,just upgrade. Trouble free for the most part. Recommend Mac.

[Gadget_Guy1]

5thwheeleroldman wrote:
Thanks for all the info; still thinking about it. I guess I'm with the guy who "just wants the toaster to make toast". Don't give a *#@%& how it does it or whatever.

Then if you don't mind the extra money, buy the apple. I am like you, I just want something that works with no fuss.

[5thwheeleroldma]

Thanks for all the info; still thinking about it. I guess I'm with the guy who "just wants the toaster to make toast". Don't give a *#@%& how it does it or whatever.