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Windows XP or Mac OS-X - Would you make the Switch?

Not long ago, I posted this same review in the Mac Forums here and found all the Mac users hate me now.... But I was wondering what other Windows XP users would think, especially any of you who have crossed over to Mac OS-X, perhaps with the new Mac Mini. Mac OS-X or Windows XP - Which one is most user friendly? These are my observations based on using both operating systems and what I have experienced as I have been using Mac OS-X. The Mac defenders posted messages that seemed like I had desecrated their idol computer God or something by offering some opposing Mac views and pro Windows XP views.

Please feel free to give my review a once over and let me know your opinions, especially if you are familar with both operating systems.

I think your perspectives as someone who has used both systems may help other Windows users who are considering the Mac.

Thanks,

dj_white_rice
Here is a link to my review of the new Mac Mini.
http://www.epinions.com/content_171727359620

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I regularly use Windows XP and also Mac OS-X. I find that the Windows XP in more customizable and user friendly in that it does a lot of the work for me.

Here are my feelings on both operating systems.... what has been your experience?

Windows XP - Desktop Navigation: Excellent - You click on anything and it opens or at least tries to open. Folders open with a click and you can go as deep into the folder as needed, folders can be made to open in their own window, folders can be customized.

Mac OS-X - Desktop Navigation: Average - Your stuck with limited folder viewing options. Folders branch out with a funky menu when you open them, it takes more work to find what your looking for because you can't just pop open folder after folder. (What happened?? Used to be easier with the pre-OS-X versions)

Windows XP - Desk Top Customization: Excellent - Customizing the desk top is easy. Move things where you want them, have a trash can on your desk top, use most any graphic for your desk top picture, change your icons without needing an additional piece of software, change the desktop colors easily. Move the main menu to any side of the screen.

Mac OS-X - Desk Top Customization: Average - (Was better with OS-9 and OS-Cool - Requires additional software to customize most desk top and menu features. Your pretty much stuck with the one Apple gives you without the software other then being able to change the photo on your desk top. No trash can (pre-Tiger) on the desk top, Top menu is stuck at the top (Can't relocate it)

Windows XP - Program Navigation: Above Average - Stick a shortcut of any program on your desktop, go to the main menu start button and a menu pops up that is easy to browse from the get go. Move the menu to any four sides of the screen as you like.

Mac OS-X - Program Navigation: Average - Unlike Windows XP's menu the Mac OS-X menu is firmly stuck to the top of the screen. Unlike previous versions of the Mac Operating system in which all of your control panels, menu items, printers were available from a drop down menu, the OSX version may have that option available but if it does I sure in the heck can't figure it out. I feel sorry for those upgrading from a previous Mac OS who are used to having the drop down menu. The main navigation with OS-X is something we saw under previous versions of the Mac OS..... a desktop launcher. It's a cute launcher, but personally I, like so many others, disabled the launcher in previous versions of the Mac OS. Unfortunately, our pretty much stuck needing it in order to launch your program applications unless you want to dig around in your hard drive folder (If you can find it). While the launcher bar can be moved to any side of the window, it often gets in the way even if you have it set to hide automatically when not in use. Basically, you have to use additional software to add back in many of the features lost between OS-9 and OS-X.

Windows XP - Loading files: Above Average - Open or download a file that windows does not recognize and it will attempt to locate something that will open it via the Internet. Of course you will need additional software to open some of the different types of compress files like Stuff-it, ZIP, Rar, etc. Most are available for free. Installing a new program is pretty much straight forward as well and many programs offer the ability to customize the software as you install it.

Mac OS-X - Loading files: Above Average - Most OS-X programs come installed in a disk image that opens up like a folder or a virtual disk on your desk top. You then either click it to being installation or move it to a folder on our hard drive. Installation this way makes it pretty simple though for the most part likes the customization features that installing a windows program offers. Since the current version of OS-X also comes with a emulator of OS-9, you can still open and load those programs too unless they are programs that interfere with OS-X and therefore disabled in advance to prevent installation.

Windows XP - Disk Clean Up: Above Average - Windows XP like the previous versions of windows software creates tons of little files all over the hard drive in different folders, so you need a intelligent way of digging them back out when you no longer need the program. Fortunately, Windows has a control panel that lets you both add and remove installed programs. (It doesn't always work) You can buy additional software that keeps tracks of all the files for easy removal but I have never felt the need to buy it. I bought a software uninstaller once and it was worse that what windows has built it. One excellent feature of windows is it's Scan Disk and Defragmenting software. Works great.

Mac OS-X - Disk Clean Up: Less than average - Almost every Mac operating system I have ever used has required the use of additional software in order to scan and defragment the drive, fortunately I always had a friend who had a copy to give away. Mac OS-X seemingly optomizes the disk after the automatic installation of each OS-X based program. I'm not sure what exactly it is doing when it does that, but it sure slows down your progress. Like previous versions of the OS you will want to invest in one of those stinking costly programs that can defragment and scan your disk for problems. (That's a bummer) As far as removing a file or program, you'll have to do that by hand as well. (Another bummer) Unlike Windows XP which has built-in software for removing programs, OS-X doesn't. Now to be fair, most of the OS-X programs are self contained and located in your applications folder (assuming your able to locate it), but there are some additional preference files and other files that get left in your mac even after you remove the software (That sucks) and unless you are an advanced OS-X user, well it's gonna be there for a long time. That is a bummer if you like to keep your system clean of the places you have been and the things you have done...

Windows XP: Security - Below Average/ But Improving - Let's face it, Windows operating systems have more holes than swiss cheese. If there is a hole in it, there is also a bug on the Internet or on a friends floppy, CD, Flash Reader, looking for that hole to climb into. Not only that, use Windows XP as is and your gonna have 5,000 or more spyware files and other pieces of creatively written software living on your computer sending hidden messages to it's masters around the globe. However, I have to give Windows XP makers a big thumbs up when it comes to their recent determination to plug up holes, offer perhaps the most advanced spyware blocking software and plans for the release of a anti-virus software... that gets them big Kudos in my book. It simply took them forever and ever to figure out that this was their responsibilty. After all, they made the software with lots of holes, whey should we the consumers who already have to pay mega-bucks to keep up with their newest operating system releases have to also buy additional software to fix the holes they left open? Additionally, Windows XP release SP-2 adds basic firewall protection for no additional cost. Cleaning out internet browser cache on windows versions of browsers is similar on all the browsers and requires minimum computer user skills.

Mac OS-X: Security - Above Average - Mac OS-X has one of the best reputations for having the least amount of bugs and most secure system. It would be hands down the best computer to use online the Mac versions of browsers were capable of all the things a Windows browser is capable of. Spyware? What's that! Most spyware is targeted at Windows computer users as is most of the current virus. I've only found one or two virus softwares available for the Mac. Virex by Network Associates is the cheapest if you can actually find somewhere that sells it. Network Associates has tons of virus updates and software options for windows users and so do tons of other vendors, but on the Mac OS-X these simply not enough business for them. Mac OS-X has a built-in fire wall as well as a pretty tight security set-up to keep wanna-be hackers out of your computer. It's kind of funny cause you can take a new Windows computer out of the box and plug it into the Internet for a few hours and end up with tons of virus and spyware files in your system. But with the Mac OS-X I'm not even convienced the antivirus software has done anything yet, not to mention the lack of need for extra software to block and capture spyware bugs. So in this area Mac OS-X wins hands down, at least until the operating system gets popular to become the future target of all those little boys with way to much time on their hands who look for the holes and ways to send their bugs into them. Sadly, if anyone makes any spyware bugs that dig deep into the OS-X system... most people will be out of luck since there is nothing I know of available for OS-X that easily removes files. Unlike Windows XP which the daring could dig in the files and yank out the bugs, Mac OS-X just isn't that easy to dig through.

Windows XP: Overall - Above Average - Depends on what your going to use your computer for. If your going to want to surf the web safely then you might want to get a Mac OS-X based system. If your looking for gaming, Internet compatibility, or a fast computer then your going to want to go with a computer offering Windows XP.

Mac OS-X: Overall - Average - Yes, it's got the security issue beaten unlike the hole infested Windows XP, but at this point Macs for the most part are still G4 processors with a max speed limit slightly above 1.25 ghz. The new Mac G5 processors come with a maximum 800 Front Side Bus speed and are breaking the 2 ghz barrier with a 64bit processor, but they cost up to $2,000 more. If you can swing the cost then go Mac. I think OS-X is still just an infant. Should Apple continue borrowing ideas from Windows XP and maintain it's security features, they will eventually out shine Microsoft. (But, honestly... I've been watching Apple since the 1980's and their management teams assigned to coming up with the corporate visions and directions for the Mac processors and operating systems have a terrible reputation for doing the obviously stupid. Sadly, while I own a brand new Mac Mini that sits on top of a newly custom built Pentium 4 3.2 ghz processor running Windows XP pro. Apple still has not re-earned my trust from tons of stupid things it's done in the past that cost me and many others some of our cash. It may be a few years before Apple computers is able to fully redeem itself. I switched to Windows and left the Mac operating systems in the 1990's, its only now I am trying them out again (Something I had sworn I would never do). They make a great computer and great operating system and since OS-X is now based on a unix platform, tons of people are flocking to it over Windows XP. However, Windows XP is a more consumer friendly and consumer industry accepted platform than the Mac OS-X.

Discussion is locked

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I still like XP, though i do use Macs
Jun 6, 2005 6:08AM PDT

I'll switch to mac if i get a free top-of-the line Powermac G5, but for a mini, i don't think so.
Roger

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ok, depends...
Jun 6, 2005 8:51AM PDT

on what your doing
i've met video students who abosolutly love their mac minis due to the portability (given a monitor is provideD) and the DVD burning capabilities, and high powered computing avliable from them


Mac is usually favored by the more creative people
not only for their high quality case designs
but for their user interface, and the programs they can run

it really depends on what your doing
if your into gaming, a Mac is not the ideal solution
as it doesn't provide support all games (it can run quite a few, just not all of them) and the hardware is slightly more expensive/harder to get, and your limited in what you can have in terms of hardware

if your into DCC (Digital Content Creation) a Mac should be considered, as they include quite a few features for that sort of thing, and you can have them configured at Apple to include more (more software for music/video from the factory, and 3rd party is always avliable)

if your into basic, general use
for nothign but internet and text document stuff
with hardly any gaming
and hardly any DCC type things (so your just using it for internet access, e-mail, IM, text documents, very basic use things)
Linux should strongly be considerd for a few reasons:

A) it's free, and if your not doing much, why pay $100-$300 for an OS?

B) it's a cross breed between Apple and Windows (not actually so, it's UNIX based, simmilar to Apple's OS, but it feels like it has elements of both (a GUI simmilar to Apple (Xwindow) and a file system/general operation simmilar to Windows)


C) there are many versions avliable, so you can swap if you don't like what you currently have

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"found all the Mac users hate me know"
Jun 8, 2005 7:43AM PDT

Your suprised?? Well, it would be interesting to find out how they feel about "the next Mac they buy may have an Intel inside sticker on it"
The problem is that the number of people that have actualy used both is rather small. I have used both
the are things I like about the MAC and some things I don't. There are some things I like about XP and a lots of things I don't.
I feel you did a good job of summerizing this.
Sometimes the one who wins is the one who makes the least dumb mistakes.
Like Apples stupid mouse that still ships with each MAC.
At this time the only difference in the hardware is the processor. Since MAC uses standard memory,HD, Video cards etc. John

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Mac is more expensive...
Jun 8, 2005 10:35AM PDT

Mac is just more expensive. Not only the machine itself, but also the software designed for it. That's probably the reason most people wouldn't even considering getting a Mac. A pity, really...

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Intel
Jun 11, 2005 8:06AM PDT

It's not the processor, it's the OS that makes a Mac a Mac.
Although you will find the occasional PPC diehard who would complain if they were hanged with a new rope, you have to remember that this is not the first time that Apple have changed processor manufacturers. Some years ago it was Motorola that were given the shove and it was probably the same diehards complaining then about the sky falling as are complaining now. IBM just dropped the ball and had no interest in pursuing the PPC chip in the way that Intel will with their next generation of processors. Intel have the capacity to produce enough processors to meet the demand, unlike IBM. Dual Core, 64bit Processors running OS X will show what the Mac users have been saying for a long time. It's all about the OS and now we get to show that on a level playing field
One day the mouse will GO!

P

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What are the Mac users saying?

Ever wondered why people who use Macs are so stuck in the Mac world?

Some defend it like they would their politicial party. It's interesting.... but why is that?

Is the Mac a better computer?

Where is the original topic post in the "Mac" forums that lead to this topic in the Windows forums.

Check it out and see if you agree. Maybe you'll change your mind about a Mac. Maybe you will help change the mind of a Mac person towards windows.

Regardless, it's interesting feedback.

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6126-0.html?forumID=10&threadID=105691&messageID=1208948

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I switched to Mac...
Jun 12, 2005 2:00PM PDT

and I have to say I am very impressed by the big things and suprised at a few things that mac users defend with there lives.
I personally started on a Mac Powerbook 190cs running os 7.5 back in 1995. I found it a pleasant experience but soon went over to a win98 machine (I still have it for playing old games) and later built a couple AMD machines (personal preference). I bought an E Machine xp pc last year and was more impressed by it than the dell I got for my mom 2 years ago...I also have to say that a pc preloaded with sp2 seems tons more stable than original xp with sp2 patched in (but then again I'm talkin about my mom's p.o.s. dell) I am the pc user in the house but there is a total of 5 macs and 1 pc in the residence right now.

I bought a 12 inch iBook in february 2005 because I could not find a comparable pc notebook that would do what the IBook did for the $900.00 (1 grand before rebate) I paid. CNet has a current comparison of adobe graphics capable notebooks and the least costly was $1700.00 and they said it still wasnt as stable as the Mac. Does this answer the cost question? (your right though...the higher end models are expensive as heck).

On to the meat of the question.

The Mac is amazing for the stability it displays. I have a 1.2 ghz processor and 256 ram...Check this out...I can have Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and Firefox open at the same time and switch from one to the other in a second! I do this every day.This is a $900.00 NOTEBOOK!!! with 256 ram!!! Try that with a compaq or toshiba that weighs 4 pounds more and cost more as well.

Security...everytime I go to my mom's house, I spend an hour or two downloading updates for spybot (Awesome immunization feature), adaware, norton antivirus and the consequential running of these same programs along with defrag and registry doctor check ups...With my Mac...I turn it on and work. No need to buy or download extra programs because Steve Jobs never pissed anyone off enough to have them write a virus.

I was spammed with email virus attacks for about 5 weeks recently (I emailed everyone I knew and told them to check for viruses). I wasn't worried by all the .pif and .zip attachments because I had a mac and even if I had been stupid enough to open one it couldn't have hurt me.

Mac Loads a full suite of digital media software...Standard...NOT DEMO'S !!! I'm talking iPhoto (digital pics editing) iMovie (movie editing) iDVD (full dvd burning program) iGarage (Music mixing studio) and the famous iTunes(need I explain that one?) Plus Appleworks is a full function word processor...not the BS MS Works that many pc's come with.

Microsoft Office for Mac is far superior to Office on a win machine!

For the originators of the first broadly used GUI system, I'm suprised the OS10 desktop is so clunky. Functionality is sacrificed for style in my opinion. The Mac os9 and lower had a centralized APPLE menue simular to the Start Button. OS10 scatters menue controls all over the desktop

Things that bug me...XP has a more polished interface (keep in mind, I'm running panther...not the new Tiger os). I wish the Desktop was more customizable and I hate the windows management of Icons (not to mention a window won't resize to fill up the screen...you always have part of the desktop showing). Shift and Control buttons do not function consistantly from program to program when used to select groups of docs/files/pics/folders.

Expose' is a way of cycling through programs by tapping f9 through f11 and it does a cool partial minimizing of the window screens so you can see all of them at once...then click on the one you want to work with. The Win Taskbar Is much faster and I can see all the programs running at any time which you can't on the mac desktop.

You get used to the menue bar always on the top of the screen rather than it being on the the window you are working on...but...it does take up space all the time while using a web browser.

Mac advocates will tell you that you can use a 2 button mouse and you can! But it dosn't ship with one and has no provision for assigning button functions. You have to get aftermarket drivers for full mouse functionality

The Mac OS help menue is often time less than helpful, but then again xp's isn't the greatest either.

Stock XP is more logical in layout and more easily adapted to how the user wants the desktop to appear. more programs and more games...BUT...More easily messed up (the Mac os kernel is harder for the average person to get into) and nearly naked to a multitude of mean people with evil in their hearts. Lets face the BIG issue...Bill Gates is more worried about market share and piracy than he is about how well his product works for us, the users.

Apple controls the equipment production as well as the os so the machines just run better.

The original thread was about which was more user friendly...I have to say I think Win98 still rules...followed by xp and then Panther (I can't comment about TIGER...yet).

But, which is the best machine? From what I've seen so far, I have to say the Apple.

Grim

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People love their Macs... ^_____^
Jun 12, 2005 2:30PM PDT
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Macs Make Great Art
Jun 12, 2005 2:49PM PDT
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Tools do not make a great artist.
Jun 12, 2005 8:54PM PDT
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Yeah !
Jun 12, 2005 11:55PM PDT

Free Toys , Cool !

Can't wait to play!

Grim

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Tools
Jun 15, 2005 1:19PM PDT

Bob. thanks for the URL link. Your original was better and to the point. Tools do not make a great artist. Tools are a great help for some. Just that.
Artists are artists, no matter what tools are available.
The masters did not have computers.

Kevin

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Switch
Jun 15, 2005 1:10PM PDT

No one hates you, you are just so long-winded. What a long post.
I use both Windoze and Mac 10. Mac is really easier to learn than Windoze. I run Adobe Photoshop on the PC and Mac, PC has the control button instead of the Mac's Apple /Command key. Big deal! I think the Mac is more stable as a system. Wait until the Intel group gets involved with Apple and you will see hoards using the Mac.
I like PC for the games advantage and all the creators writing for the PC.
If you were a programmer for games it would be best to write the PC code and when you have a chance later, write for the Mac users. Money talks!

Switch from PC to the Mac? Yes. No virus scares daily or yearly is another reason!

Kevin

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RE:
Jun 15, 2005 1:35PM PDT

Only because there's not as much users. With a surge of users, who knows. The MAC platform might not be as stable.

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(NT) (NT) Am not reading all of that..
Jun 21, 2005 3:46PM PDT