PC vs Mac

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

It was just a suggestion, if you have 10+ processes you have to manually stop then whoever clean installed XP or something has happened that shouldnt. I have been running my Vista Home Premium machine for about 8 months with no problems at all.

At work I imaged my XP Pro machine 14 months ago and no problems at all with processes.

Pentium D 3.2 GHZ, 3.00 GB RAM.

Also, I would get rid of Panda quick, that would definately be slowing your system up more than what it needs to IMO.

It's usually just Outlook, Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome that I need to stop, obviously only when they hang up.

Two different computers on the network running differnet operating systems both have similar problems, that makes me think it might be something on the network.

Re Panda, we've already been told by someone that we should shut off Panda's firewall, and just use the windows firewall instead, and just use panda's Antivirus. I haven't gotten around to changing it yet.

[Russic]

Originally Posted by bigtmac19

Before we had the Wi-Fi cord plugged into the USB on our PC. When we plug it into a USB on the Mac, nothing happens, then someone told me that the WiFi only works on Windows XP, so I was just assuming that it was because of the Mac.

Oh I see. My apologies I didn't realize that was your set up. Unfortunately I know absolutely nothing about that.

[llama64]

Originally Posted by bigtmac19

Before we had the Wi-Fi cord plugged into the USB on our PC. When we plug it into a USB on the Mac, nothing happens, then someone told me that the WiFi only works on Windows XP, so I was just assuming that it was because of the Mac.

The WiFi adaptor for the DS is a fairly simple WiFi access point. It's designed to be used only with Windows as far as I know. Basically it takes your computer's network connection and transmits it as a wireless signal that your DS can use.

What you can do is set a wireless router up to be compatible with your DS which means:
- Transmit in mixed mode (DS needs a Wireless B connection)
- Use WEP encrption, or none at all. This is a major security problem.

Really, it's best just to use the adaptor on an XP machine. The alternatives are tricky and problematic at best. This is Nintendo's fault for putting a terrible wireless adaptor in the DS.

[bigtmac19]

^that would be best you're right, but we only have the Mac now.
My son wants an Xbox and wants to play Live and I don't know if this will be possible at all with this computer?

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by llama64

The WiFi adaptor for the DS is a fairly simple WiFi access point. It's designed to be used only with Windows as far as I know. Basically it takes your computer's network connection and transmits it as a wireless signal that your DS can use.

What you can do is set a wireless router up to be compatible with your DS which means:
- Transmit in mixed mode (DS needs a Wireless B connection)
- Use WEP encrption, or none at all. This is a major security problem.

Really, it's best just to use the adaptor on an XP machine. The alternatives are tricky and problematic at best. This is Nintendo's fault for putting a terrible wireless adaptor in the DS.

Now you've got me confused? Nintendo DS? The post was initially about a Wii (And I have my Wii connected wirelessly using WPA-AES) but bigmac19's last post is asking about x-box live.

A wi-fi cable plugged into USB? Wi-fi is a wireless networking protocol (802.11).

Unless you don't have a router and are talking about using internet sharing through your computer.

I'm confused, I'll back away now.......

[llama64]

Originally Posted by bigtmac19

^that would be best you're right, but we only have the Mac now.
My son wants an Xbox and wants to play Live and I don't know if this will be possible at all with this computer?

What you need is a wireless router. Since I totally got confused and thought you were trying to do the DS thing (Wii WiFi adaptor is the same device I think), ignore most of it.

Basically, your internet service is going to come into your house (Cable, DSL, doesn't matter). The network cable that goes from your modem to your computer will instead plug into a Wireless Router (~60$). Another cable will plug into your computer giving your Mac a connection.

The Wii will be able to talk directly to the Wireless router, no need for any external adaptor on the Mac.

The Xbox360 is trickier since Microsoft decided against putting a wireless adaptor inside it. You can run a network cable from the router directly to the Xbox360 (much like how the Mac would be setup). If running a cable isn't possible, you'll need to buy the Xbox360 wireless adaptor (~$100) or try to find a slightly cheaper one that works with the unit (~70-90$).

Running a direct network cable is the easiest, most reliable way to connect the Xbox though, so if you can lay your house out to accomodate that (cables through vents maybe), I'd recommend it.

The way I have my house setup is as follows:

- Router: Apple Airport Extreme Basestation (router)
- Desktop connected to the router
- Internet shared by the router over wireless

- Access point: Apple Airport Express
- It's a wall unit I plugged in near my Xbox/TV setup. It's set to connect to the wireless network and share the connection over a ethernet port to the Xbox.

Hope that makes some sort of sense... at least more then my last post.

[llama64]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Now you've got me confused? Nintendo DS? The post was initially about a Wii (And I have my Wii connected wirelessly using WPA-AES) but bigmac19's last post is asking about x-box live.

A wi-fi cable plugged into USB? Wi-fi is a wireless networking protocol (802.11).

Unless you don't have a router and are talking about using internet sharing through your computer.

I'm confused, I'll back away now.......

Nintendo released a DS/Wii wireless adapter that functions as a wireless access point. I thought that's what the OP was talking about. Please don't take away my nerd card!

[bigtmac19]

Originally Posted by llama64

What you need is a wireless router. Since I totally got confused and thought you were trying to do the DS thing (Wii WiFi adaptor is the same device I think), ignore most of it.

Basically, your internet service is going to come into your house (Cable, DSL, doesn't matter). The network cable that goes from your modem to your computer will instead plug into a Wireless Router (~60$). Another cable will plug into your computer giving your Mac a connection.

The Wii will be able to talk directly to the Wireless router, no need for any external adaptor on the Mac.

The Xbox360 is trickier since Microsoft decided against putting a wireless adaptor inside it. You can run a network cable from the router directly to the Xbox360 (much like how the Mac would be setup). If running a cable isn't possible, you'll need to buy the Xbox360 wireless adaptor (~$100) or try to find a slightly cheaper one that works with the unit (~70-90$).

Running a direct network cable is the easiest, most reliable way to connect the Xbox though, so if you can lay your house out to accomodate that (cables through vents maybe), I'd recommend it.

The way I have my house setup is as follows:

- Router: Apple Airport Extreme Basestation (router)
- Desktop connected to the router
- Internet shared by the router over wireless

- Access point: Apple Airport Express
- It's a wall unit I plugged in near my Xbox/TV setup. It's set to connect to the wireless network and share the connection over a ethernet port to the Xbox.

Hope that makes some sort of sense... at least more then my last post.

Perfect, this is exactly what I needed to know. THANK YOU!!!

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

As a musician who has his own home recording studio your choice of software boggles my mind! Cubase is garbage unless you are into just farting around. Pro Logic 7 owns it in all category's. Regardless, if you are serious about recording you should be using Pro Tools anyhow and it runs like on a PC compared to a PowerMac.

Holy man I searched BFD2 in CP for a laugh and found this thread.

You are right, however, sir...I have since played with Logic and you are very correct. It owns good. Oh yes...it owns real good! You were very right!

[Buff]

After 8 or 9 months of being a mac user I thought I'd come back here and report my feelings on Mac vs PC. Macs are nice computers, but I'd rather have a PC. We've been led to believe that Macs are infallable, but they are prone to their own little problems too. This is what really got me with Macs. Supposedly they are bullet proof and don't have any glitches. Just use a Mac and you'll find that they have their own little misgivings too.

I'm not disappointed that I have a Mac, but if I were given the choice again, I would go with a PC. I haven't experienced anything in a Mac world that gives me any benefit of going Mac over PC.

[HelloHockeyFans]

Originally Posted by Buff

After 8 or 9 months of being a mac user I thought I'd come back here and report my feelings on Mac vs PC. Macs are nice computers, but I'd rather have a PC. We've been led to believe that Macs are infallable, but they are prone to their own little problems too. This is what really got me with Macs. Supposedly they are bullet proof and don't have any glitches. Just use a Mac and you'll find that they have their own little misgivings too.

I'm not disappointed that I have a Mac, but if I were given the choice again, I would go with a PC. I haven't experienced anything in a Mac world that gives me any benefit of going Mac over PC.

Such as?

[llama64]

Originally Posted by HelloHockeyFans

Such as?

Don't bother, it was flame bait.

Mac's aren't for everyone. If you've been using Windows for 10 years and can't find anything in OS X to change your mind, then you probably aren't the target audience for a Mac.

Anyone who thinks a Mac is infallible is, quite frankly, a dumb ass. The reality is that a Mac is easier to setup, configure and maintain compared to the average PC. They are also built using higher quality parts. But, just like anything else, they have their own issues.

After using OS X for a year, I really don't like working in XP or Vista at all. That's just me. I don't do anything in .NET and am not a fan of how the file system is setup. Perhaps Windows 7 will change my mind, but I'm not holding my breath.

[Ronald Pagan]

My partner's Mac has had nothing but problems with it. Been in for repair 4 times. POS.

[llama64]

Originally Posted by Ronald Pagan

My partner's Mac has had nothing but problems with it. Been in for repair 4 times. POS.

And my Macbook, my friends Macbook, my co-workers Macbook Pro (two of em) haven't malfunctioned in nearly two years. Heck, none of us has even had to reformat our machines to solve performance issues.

The Toshiba laptop I had 2 years ago required it's powersupply to be fixed twice and I had to reformat the damn thing every 6 months to maintain efficiency. My parents Acer and Toshiba laptops are disaster zones, one having a couple keys fall off through normal use and the other consistantly has wireless issues. Both machines have been to the tech shop at least once.

Keep in mind my Macbook is a 1200$ machine. My parents lap tops combined to cost 1000$.

Calling out incidental experiences with one or two machines doesn't mean anything.

[PsYcNeT]

Originally Posted by llama64

Don't bother, it was flame bait.

How is his opinion flame bait?

[KTrain]

Originally Posted by Ronald Pagan

My partner's Mac has had nothing but problems with it. Been in for repair 4 times. POS.

How about PCs? Have any of your friends had problems with their PCs?

It's all relative. Both will have issues. Typically, an experienced computer user won't have any issues with their computer (Mac or PC).

I've only been a Mac user since September but I love it. I can do all the same things I did on my PC but I can do it easier. Using a Mac takes some getting used to after being a PC user for a couple decades but it's been enjoyable.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by llama64

Anyone who thinks a Mac is infallible is, quite frankly, a dumb ass. The reality is that a Mac is easier to setup, configure and maintain compared to the average PC. They are also built using higher quality parts. But, just like anything else, they have their own issues.

this is dumb. Apple buys their parts from the same manufacturers that PC makers do, the fact that they're on Intel architecture now further exemplifies this. the only reason Apple products are more expensive is because of the name brand, not becuase of any higher quality checks

the reason that Macs are easier to setup for some and are regarded as being more stable is because Apple has total control of everything. they design their OS specifically for the hardware they use, so compatibility issues are a moot point. much like game consoles, Mac's are a closed environment. Microsoft however has to design their OS with an infinite number of hardware configurations in mind, and seeing how many devices that Vista and Windows 7 automatically recognizes and installs drivers for is astounding

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by llama64

They are also built using higher quality parts. But, just like anything else, they have their own issues.

Not at all, most of macs' insides basically come from the same fabs as those who produce PC parts. PCs simply have more problems because there are so many variations in hardware and they are expected to work together or be perfectly compatible and have legacy driver support, etc. Macs simply have tighter control of their OEM stuff and are standardized. It also means less choice but sometimes innovative features and better engineering.

If smart shoppers spent the same amount of money on a Mac to buy a premium PC or Windows notebook, they would have the same quality in terms of hardawre. When it comes down to regarding software stability - is the user not knowing how to use windows properly and the Mac being more foolproof against people messing up their own computer or not maintaining it properly. It is of course true also that PC's have way more holes, security flaws (caused by clumsy legacy support and closed software design) and things designed to screw you over like viruses directed at them because of marketshare.

The main attraction for Macs in the end for savvy users is really the alternative interface, filesystem, unique programs, control aesthetics, and GUI design if it is something they prefer. Underneath, it's just a PC running UNIX. Macs are not my cup of tea because I don't like the interface myself. It's too high on itself thinking it's all tight and pretty. It's like a girl with too much make-up who thinks she is up to the latest fashions but in the end, everybody else dresses like her. That isn't to say that Windows is nice either. Windows is just a mess of ugly design overall mixed with aborted microsoft design aesthetic and icons that should have been retired 10 years ago but it is user fixable if you want to delve into it.

For me, design and appearance is the most important thing for me. I've never found a platform that lets me get all that I want out of it but with Windows I can sort of fake it by hacking away at the shell.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by HelloHockeyFans

Such as?

Programs will lock up from time to time. I've even had a few occasions where the entire Mac has locked up on me.

I'm not trying to bash Mac. It does have a pretty interface, and it certainly does have its benefits. It just isn't my preference.

I'm glad that I got to use a Mac, and I'm still going to keep on using it until I get a new computer here at work (probably two years away). Who knows, maybe when the time comes I'll go with a Mac again, but as of right now, I would choose PC over Mac.

I'm comfortable with both, but PC is home.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by HelloHockeyFans

Such as?

I'll give you my list as a new Mac user.

Time Machine will periodically corrupt my sparsebundle and I'll have to rebuild it from scratch which takes several hours.

My airport will sometimes decide that doing nothing but scanning is a good idea and I'll have to turn it off and on

I've had the whole thing freeze up a few times and had to hold down the old power switch.

My home wireless network is suddenly asking me for the WEP key all the time even though I've told it to remember it every single time.

I think I'll back up Buff's sentiments. I've heard enough of my friends who are long time Mac users tell me "It just works" when I used to ask them why they were better. When I started running into these issues I wanted to punch them in the face for giving me the smug "It just works" when they 'just work' as well as a PC.

Once I got over the rage, I think I do prefer my MacBook Pro over my old IBM laptop for what I use it for (Surfing, email). The hardware is great (The screen, touchpad, aluminum body) and OSX has grown on me. I still prefer windows for a few things, but I'm not too upset I bought the MacBook, and probably would be a repeat customer.