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General discussion

Long time PC user thinking of switching to Mac

Jul 13, 2006 11:22PM PDT

I have been using a PC ever since I started using computers (~15 years). After countless viruses, freeze ups and blue screens of death I am seriously thinking about a Mac. The advent of Boot Camp certainly helped but my main hang up is getting 'used to' OS X. I understand that it is supposed to be more intuitive than Windows but playing around on a friend's Powerbook just confused me. I couldn't understand where programs went, how to do certain things, etc.

Any advice? Any books or articles that could help? Would ProCare be valuable for me? Thanks in advance for any help on this issue...

Discussion is locked

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speaking of which...
Jul 25, 2006 12:56AM PDT

You mention quick-key combinations for Macs, and that is one of the only downfalls of Apple's systems: they need a mouse to properly navigate and perform all of its functions, to my knowledge. I realize, of course, that some key menu commands are covered with Apple-key combinations, but not anywhere near being totally independent of a mouse. Please, correct me if I am wrong, or point me to a Web site that lists OSX 'hot-key' command equivalents to those on a PC. I can navigate any Windows system without a mouse or pointer of any kind, and sometimes more efficiently than if I used the (grrr) touchpad on my laptop. Because my laptop's touchpad is so small and annoying, even with recalibration to fit my style, I often do just that: rely on only the keyboard to do most anything. The exceptions exist, of course, such as games or Web pages that have functions which require a working pointer. I'd love to hear feedback on this topic, if anyone has any thoughts.

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mouse
Feb 1, 2007 7:29AM PST

I have a new(shipped12/30/06) IMAC 2.16 Intel. I ordered a wireless mouse(and keyboard) because I 'fight' the mouse. I has a scroll button and two side buttons that I obviuosly don't know how to use Properly...How do you RIGHT CLICK???? and mine just goes dead and I panic becuase I don't know how to use (REMEMORIZE) keyboard shortcuts. 5 button?? 10 button?? one button?? HELP!!

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I agree....
Feb 1, 2007 7:45AM PST

Right clicks are a lot easier than memorizing shortcuts or going all the way up to the info bar at the top. You can buy another double button mouse and I guess it will work (so I've heard).

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"Mighty Mouse"
Feb 1, 2007 9:11AM PST

If this is what you have, then all you should have to do, to right click, is to click on the right hand front of the mouse. In the same way as you Left click.

Check the settings in the System Preferences/Keyboard&Mouse for detailed settings.

Any USB two button mouse will work.

P

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mighty mouse
Feb 2, 2007 8:41AM PST

Sorry thought I made it plain...I don't have two buttons...all I have is the tiny scroll ball (which I love) and the squeeze things on the sides...which I again obviously don't know how to use. And since I still don't know how to use things that are Strictly Mac..I'm not sure what to assign to them..Like..what is a primary verses Secondary button..?? then too, it has a diagram indicating a 4TH button!!!!! where is the hidden 4th button?

Do you mean that I can "click on the rt ot lt side of that little scroll ball and its the same as having the flat buttons other mice have ?? !

I really am I bright person, but have been intimadated by computers for a long time. I refuse to let them win. But I appartently need alot of help. Sorry! And Many Many Heartfelt Thanks......M

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Mighty Mouse
Feb 2, 2007 9:21AM PST

The scroll wheel (tiny button) is the 4th button. Isn't that what the diagram show? (I don't know as I don't have one)

Primary button (Left click) is achieved by pushing down on the left front side of the mouse.
Secondary button (Right click) is achieved by pushing down on the right front side of the mouse
The middle buttons are a pain and, by default, bring up the widgets (Dashboard) Most people I know have disabled those in the mouse Preference pane.

BTW, not only does that little button scroll up and down, it also scrolls sideways!

Keep going, you'll manage it

P

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ctl - click
Mar 3, 2007 8:09PM PST

Dear Crista,

It was good to read your positive and encouraging remarks on using a Mac.
I was particularly happy to discover the simple mouse command, Ctl-Click.
But then I am just a simple soul.

Cheers, Bill

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Yoy won't be sorry!
Jul 20, 2006 11:25PM PDT

I too was a long time user of windows who change to imac in June. Like yourself, it seemed strange but it takes no time to get use to it and you realize how much easier it is compared to windows. I will never use a win pc again. It does everything better and there are programs like Neo Office that does everything Microsoft Office does and it is free! So go to a local Apple store and let them show you the computer and answer your questions and I'll bet you end up switching to Mac. You will also find a lot of help here for the folks here on the forum. I am sure you will not regret making the switch.

Jim

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Very helpful DVD training
Jul 20, 2006 11:35PM PDT

I just bought a MAC after many years of Windows. After buying a lot of books on Tiger, I got a Inside Mac OS X-Tiger DVD from DMTS. Wow! Very helpful and good price. For learning iLife, Jim Heid's book and DVD are great!

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You don't need to learn either.
Jul 21, 2006 12:36AM PDT

Sure mac apps have cool features that are hard to figure out, but its easy enough to pick up and play with new macs also.

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Just Say Yes
Jul 21, 2006 12:12AM PDT

I switched about a year ago and love my Mac. I dated back to Dos with the PC. I found a book called Macs for Dummies that was helpful. The differences are not that dramatic and very easy to master. Most try to make things complicated because thats the way is was with Windows. The Mac just works the way your brain thinks so just relax and let your mind do the work.

Most of all, have fun.

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You can run Mac OS X on a PC.
Jul 21, 2006 1:45AM PDT

Yea, that is right but only partially. You can get a free software called PearPC which emulates the PowerPC architecture so you can run a Mac OS X operating system in a PC although it will run much slower than on the actual Apple machine.

http://pearpc.sourceforge.net/

You only need that program and the installation CDs of Mac OS X (I believe 10.3 panther runs better under PearPC). Like this you don't have to go and buy the actual machine, you can first give it a trial period to see if you like it. I started using it on my 1.6Ghz 512MbRAM Pentium 4M and I love it. I can't wait to get the actual Mac.

BTW: Many people say you have to first make a CD-image of the discs but in my case I found out you can do it by writing this in the configuration file:

pci_ide0_slave_installed = 1
pci_ide0_slave_image = "f:\"
pci_ide0_slave_type = "nativecdrom"

Istead of this:

pci_ide0_slave_installed = 1
pci_ide0_slave_image = "c:\ppc\cd3.iso"
pci_ide0_slave_type = "cdrom"

Of course, you have to change "f:/" according to the letter of your CD drive. Then after you have read a bit on that web, done some tweaking, and added what I told you, you simply have to run PPC and you will have a pseudo-Mac on your PC.

If you have any questions, ask me.

Samuel

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Now there's a waste of time and effort
Jul 21, 2006 4:49AM PDT

pearpc runs so slow that it really should only be used as an example of slow virtualisation.

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Yes but...
Jul 21, 2006 5:54PM PDT

Even if it is slow, you can start seeing how everything is set up in a mac and start to get used to it so when you get a real mac, you know you will like it and you have got even some knowledge on it.

In the rare case someone does not like Mac OS X they can see it before the waste their money in something they don't like.

Samuel.

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Long time PC user jumps ship for Mac
Jul 21, 2006 2:48AM PDT

Man, just do it. I also have been a PC users from the first IBM PC. I became sick of all of the same problems that you are facing and said ''enough.'' I struggled for a day or so but really have no complaints about OS X at all.

While my other PCs continually beotch and moan about OS and antivirus updates, my Mac mini NEVER complains about anything. I've been using them at work and at home and our new policy is replace cranky PCs with Mac minis. The built in bluetooth and wifi work perfectly and it is super easy to hook one up to your PC network as well.

You will not be disappointed in a super reliable Mac and it's also fun to learn new stuff. What you'll learn right away is that there's no third-party spychecker, antivirus or firewall that you need to muck around with the whole time you use the PC, and that the mac keyboard reigns supreme when compared to just about any other PC keyboard.

Did I mention that it's a real nice feeling that I don't have to pay for antivirus and antispyware programs, or worry about where to get the scatch to pay for profile updates for another year? Oh, have I also mentioned how sweet it is to have peace of mind when you or you fam is surfing online? No more spyware to clean up each time one of your kids use the PC.

After a year of using two minis, I haven't had a single case of spyware, viruses, trojans and other nasties! I can count the number of times I've had to reboot on one hand. You'll love the time and $$ saved from not having to pay Symantec, ZoneAlarm, Panda or McAffee, etc., software that's makes me and my PCs nuts! Windows Vista? What the heck is that?

You'll be amazed at how much time you spend computing, surfing and doing computer stuff and how much time you've wasted fixing something on a PC every time you use one.

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Vista?
Jul 21, 2006 9:44AM PDT

Symantec sez it has holes in it as well, surprise, surprise.

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Surpise with Vista
Jul 26, 2006 12:25PM PDT

Gilbert, "Symantec sez it has holes in it as well, surprise, surprise."

Nothing surprises me concerning a PC and new programs.
Most are pretty buggy at first. VISTA included, perhaps.
Just because Symantec sez it has holes in it doesn't mean much to me.
I do not use Symantic any longer. Not for two years and a trial run on my Mac that lasted one month.
I trashed every bit of Symantic. Good riddance!

Do you believe Symantic hiding the facts of a Rootkit on the Sony CDs and hiding that fact for a couple of months?
And do not believe Symantic saying there are problems with VISTA.
All Symantic wants to do is to sell more AV software to the VISTA users.

I run a Mac and object to the fact that Symanic has to stoop so low as to have a rumour like this circulating.

Go to the VISTA Forum and ask the members and the Mod there. They will tell you the truth. They work with VISTA and know all about Symantic Slime Buckets!

-Kevin

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I agree
Jul 26, 2006 9:30PM PDT

Kevin,we are not alone on these thoughts and observations. There are many software companies that build in the call home aspect into the programs. Some are very poorly written and do not play well with other applications. Rather than being applications, the mantality is to be dominant and actually take over the OS and put the sysop in the back seat. Happy)
Yes I have a pc and will wean myselt of it eventually.
My starter mac is a G3 Powerbook and eventually will purchase a new mac. What I fail to understand is why some people fail to turn on the firewall? If the firewall isn't on then all the inbound ports are technically open and scanners can get in...it's not about the OS, it's tcp/ip getting in?...Due to market share the hacks don't mess with OS X, that is why the problems are virtually non existant. I would not be without a firewall on any operating system. The snitch is nice but the firewall should have real time outbound permissions as well.

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Don't fall for this argument
Jul 26, 2006 9:43PM PDT

"Due to market share the hacks don't mess with OS X, that is why the problems are virtually non existent"

It has no validity whatsoever. Ever consider that it is much more difficult to write a valid virus for Unix than it is for Windows. Windows leaves itself wide open.

On the subject of Firewalls and Ports. OS X comes with ALL ports, with the exception of Internet/Mail and a few other essentials, closed.
Windows comes with all ports open.

P

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Mac Firewall
Jul 26, 2006 9:57PM PDT

I do like the options given on pull down once the firewall is activated. So Peter if all the ports are closed with OS X, the computer is essentially in "stealth mode"...Steve Gibson is probably proud of that!...Happy

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(NT) (NT) You will find a "Stealth mode" button if you look
Jul 26, 2006 11:10PM PDT
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but where ?
Jul 30, 2006 11:27AM PDT

but where ?

this stealth mode you refer to is but one needle in a multitude of haystacks. Where is it please ?

G H

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Be not afraid to hunt for these things
Aug 4, 2006 9:04AM PDT

try clicking on the Advanced button when in the Firewall tab.

Explore all over the place, click any button you want to. Just hit cancel on the way out and all will be as it was.

Fear not where to tread, GH

P

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Firewall?
Jul 27, 2006 2:42PM PDT

Gilbert, the most important is to not open a suspected file in the first place and let it happen with a Trojan Horse or Worm on a PC or a Mac.
Ask Bob Proffitt, one of our Mods:
MAGIC SHIELD LINK:
http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6132-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=166246&messageID=1841368

Gilbert, hope that you like this link. Words of wisdom from a Super Mod.
I consider Bob's posts to be one of the top ten posts here on the CNET Forums.

Read it, digest the info and tell me what you think about it.

Thanks Gilbert,

-Kevin

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Firewall & Security
Jul 27, 2006 11:33PM PDT

Hi Kevin, I agree with Bob However there may be some misinterpretation of what he is saying.

"a. Antivirus. (Your pick)
b. Firewall. (Your pick)
c. Spyware tools (Your pick)
d. Web based scans for virus, trojan, pests such as Housecall.
e. The owner is not to engage in any activity that is risky.

That fifth item is where most fail. They open emails, preview emails, use IE exclusively and may even download lots of software...

The last two items are surely where folks get into problems...yes the first 4 are fundamental as well, certainly for pc's with M$ product. Many security vendors are selling "bundled suits" that is also a myth. No single security product can offer 100% security. It is also recommended that you have layered protection (multiple programs) because they are not all created equally.

Firewall is different...here were not talking about a cavalier comportment of the sysop...were talking just being on the internet...Scanners detecting you IP and then messing with it..once in then they can extract your personal data and perhaps call home and retrieve it.(probably more to it than that). A product like Zone Alarm is a good thing for M$ folks...I hope the Mac firewall is sufficient...I don't think I mistated anything...by the by Kevin I like the stuff Bob posts and yours as well...makes a lot of sense from very knowledgeable people.

Gilbert

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Linux with KDE
Jul 21, 2006 3:37PM PDT

If you're finding the differences between the GUIs of Windows and Mac OS X to be the stumbling block, you might want to try Linux with KDE (K Desktop Environment) installed.

KDE is so much like Windows, it frustrates me in exactly the same ways that Windows does! :-P But it has a kind of Start menu where all the programs go, the buttons in the titlebars of windows are in the same places, and of course Linux can run on your computer.

You can have Linux alongside your existing Windows, and if you decide to buy a Mac in the end, you can put Linux on that too.

I recommend Linspire or Freespire for someone who wants "Windows with the blue screen" but who can't cope with the OS X interface.

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Mac vs PC
Jul 24, 2006 2:30AM PDT

This will be the 33rd post on this and related posts on this string.Just read the posts and you decide. I am new to Mac and have started with a used powerbook G3 Bronze Keyboard, It has 10.2 and I expect to rec ver 10.3 in the next few days. It's very obvious that Mac works very well: Certainly not a "high maintenance item like a PC running M$ XP SP2. If you are into "brain damage" stay with the PC. O.K. I am a real newbie on Mac's so I will hold on to my PC but I plan to "use the Mac".

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Max vs PC
Jul 26, 2006 11:56AM PDT
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(NT) (NT) Beware the bogus surveys
Jul 26, 2006 9:44PM PDT
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Not really sure?
Jul 27, 2006 3:03PM PDT

?if the survey is bogus or not. I do not believe in a blog (or blob as I call them mostly).
Probably have to rely on the TIME Magazine as usual. Business Week would also be a good one to rely on.
I do not trust Mac World or PC magazine either.

The only part of the Mac sales and usage stats I believe is the Nano iPod and iSongs sold each year that keeps Apple alive to develop new software and computer hardware for the following years.

I also believe in the Adobe products. (The largest software company in the world.) Wish I had initial stock offerings with Adobe. Don't we all!?
Adobe software is just awesome. Use it daily.

Cheers!