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TICKET ARCHIVE -> New to Mac

opwonder - Dec 20, 2005 - 12:46 am

Could someone please give me the pros and cons of a Mac? I'm new to it. I love computers, but I've only dealt with Pc's. They are so easy to work with, but then again, I've never had the money to buy a mac. Plus I like the hands on feel, and taking things appart wich is why I was really never interested in apple, or mac. But now with all these new cool looking things coming out, I can't help want one. Along with the first question, how do I get into working with an apple, or imac computer? I mean, will it be the same when my hardrive malfunctions, or end up having to re-format my drive and re-install my operating system?, or Can I even do that? Can I add multiple partitions, or is there a reason I would even do that anymore? What if I get a virus??, o is It True that there is no Virus problems with these??? That would be great!!, but if anyone can let me in on what the deal is, The main thing I would be looking forward with this fast forward technology, is the upgrades. Can I upgrade my ibook, or imac, or whatever with what ever new item comes out???

I would begin my quest to involve my life around the ibook, wich is the first thing I would buy. Thanks.

LovesMacs - Dec 20, 2005 - 1:17 am

Season's Greetings!

LOL Thanks for giving me the easiest tech question I have EVER had!

Let's see if I can keep this down to say maybe.. 10,000 words or less? And since I am also a Windows XP user... I'm not totally biased... but I'm getting there.

Ok... I'll try to answer your questions in order... As far as a hard drive malfunction, Macs come with system disks that have a great utility that can be used to restart an ailing drive to repair it. You can even access UNIX commands from this disk if you need to find files when the drive is acting up and the files can't be accessed through a normal boot process to the Desktop. You can re-format by a total Erase and ReInstall. That wipes the drive spanky clean... or you can Archive and Install which doesn't touch your files but reinstalls system data. You can paritition the hard drive! YES!! I've seen dual Macs at the Apple Store running Tiger and Windows XP on the same drive.. just paritioned of course. Virus? Huh? What's that?... not on Macs... I started with my first Apple IIE in 1984... then an iMacG3 in 1999... and on up the ladder... up to a PowerBookG4 running Tiger and never once any bugs or virus. You can set up Firewall/Network protection without worry. You can upgrade your operating system like Tiger...most recent version right now is 10.4.3. You cannot upgrade the actual Mac itself.. like an iBook or iMac. My hubby has had his iBookG4 for 2-1/2 yrs this Christmas and (crossing my fingers so I don't jinx myself)... not one second of a problem. You can download free utilities from the Apple site that can help to maintain and keep the drive clean.

Now, switching from Windows... click this link:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.h...en/disc15.html

If you need tech support you've already come to the right place. There are Mac experts here, I wish I were one of them, who can help you with just about any support need whether software/hardware... Do you by chance have an Apple Store nearby? If you want to burn DVD's, get the superdrive. That you have an interal drive to burn DVDs and that is handy to not have to deal with an external drive. I have one in my PowerbookG4 and have created some really nice slideshows/video and audio using iDVD software. The possibilties are endless with a Mac.

I have to say there is one utility on Windows I do like that a Mac cannot offer. Windows has System Restore you as you know and if your OS is acting up you can rollback to a date where you had a stable environment... not so with Macs. BUT, you can do a Restoration of system software from the system disks that come with a Mac.

Here is info on iBooks: http://www.apple.com/ibook/

With an iBook comes the iLife suite of software: iDvd/iPhoto/iMovie/iTunes/Garage Band/


You Can Take It with You
Built-in wireless capability on every iBook G4 means you can work or play anywhere. With AirPort Extreme technology standard, the iBook can surf the Web in any Wi-Fi hot spot, from hotels to bookshops. With an AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express Base Station in your room or office, you can get online from the comfort of your couch. And the included Bluetooth 2.0+EDR module lets you connect wirelessly to a wide range of peripheral devices, from mobile phones to wireless keyboards. The iBook also offers an incredible six hours of battery life, so it keeps going as long as you do.

I use the wireless connect at the airport hot spot on occasion and it works like a charm. Comes with 2 USB ports, one Firewire port. Get yourself an iPod at the same time and start jamming!

Ok.. am I under 10,000 words? LOL Probably not... if there is one more point I might make... when spending that much money... you already did homework by coming here and asking for advice... also go to the www.apple.com/support site and just surf around the Discussion boards. Apple experts hang out there all of the time... and you can read posts from people who need help with an issue without having to create a username and password. This is a good way to get as much information before making up your mind on a purchase.

Good luck and have a very merry holiday! If you need any more help... or have any more questions... just replay back and I'll be happy to assist you.

Regards,
Carolyn :-)