Technobuddy

By Jake

June 12, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

As a Linux user, I hear this a lot against Linux as well. At least on Linux there are efforsts being made with software such as Cedega. I don’t know of anything similar for OS X.

By Bill

June 12, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Jake - it’s almost embarrassing for me to admit how important games are when it comes to a computer. I did try the xBox but - for the sort of games I play - the availablity has been pretty much PC only. I tend to find one game, like Guild Wars, and then play it exclusively for way too much time each week.

By Larry

June 12, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Playing any PC games on a Mac is a lead pipe cinch now. Just load Paralells and a copy of Win XP and all the games you want will run on your Mac. I have several windows only software running on my Mac and they work great. Be sure to use the latest version of Paralells, the previous versions do not do 3-D graphics at all. Enjoy.

By Threll Malingor

June 12, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

This is precisely what needs to happen to allow Apple to propel its machines into 15-20% of homes. Hopefully, it will be a snowball effect—the more software ported to Mac, the more developers will port to Mac. Beginning with games is a great angle, because it will prevent younger people from choosing between the “cool” and (imo) more stable Apple platform and their desire for a Windows gaming machine. If Apple can garner enough development support, by starting with a gamer base, I can really see Apple taking a big bite out of the current business Wintel segement in another 5-10 years. [Threll is my Guild Wars name—look me up sometime. There are many of who are 12-years-old-at-heart out there.]

By Threll Malingor

June 12, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

This is precisely what needs to happen to allow Apple to propel its machines into 15-20% of homes. Hopefully, it will be a snowball effect—the more software ported to Mac, the more developers will port to Mac. Beginning with games is a great angle, because it will prevent younger people from choosing between the “cool” and (imo) more stable Apple platform and their desire for a Windows gaming machine. If Apple can garner enough development support, by starting with a gamer base, I can really see Apple taking a big bite out of the current business Wintel segement in another 5-10 years. [Threll is my Guild Wars name—look me up sometime. There are many of who are 12-years-old-at-heart out there.]

By Bill

June 12, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Hey Threll, good comments (and I’m Just Axe Me in the game, so same goes for you - feel free to look me up). The strange thing is that there seems to be an overlap of the folks who read the blog and play that game - you’re the third person who mentioned an IGN (in game name) here on the blog.

By supercrewdrew

June 12, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Anyone downloaded Safari yet? I’m using it as I type. Not sure if I like it yet but I’ll give it a good try. Another way that Apple can let PC folks see how Apple does things. A different look and feel for sure.

By shan

June 12, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Can you say “Cha-Ching” for me and my Apple stock?!?

By rick

June 12, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Is the windows update easy fix on ms discussions site safe or any good not too easy . is there a faster way ,Bill

By Ted P

June 12, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

I hope Apple gets more market share so more virus writers will attack it. I am so sick of the illogical and often lying Apple commercials. MAC’s do get viruses but they don’t spread because there are too few of them. Kind of like being all alone and getting sick, you just don’t infect others if you have no contact. Just remember that any difference that the Apple/MAC’s had were in the chipset that they used, or used to use, they no longer use a Motorola chipset that was faster that Intel chipsets. The reason that they are bombarding us with commercials about the OSx is that is the only deference now. MAC’s run the same chipset as PC’s, so much for the MAC advantage. Jobs accused Gates for years about pirating software for there systems, I guess he said if you can’t beat them then join them. Jobs is using open source that he has copyrighted as his own. Makes you say Hmmmm

By BillGates

June 12, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Just come on over to the real thing. We have apples, oranges and everything else.

—Dollar Bill

By webboy634

June 12, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

I’ve never understood how Microsoft could command such a large share of the PC market with such a bad operating system. If my games could run on a new Intel Mac, Windows would outta here!!

By WTH

June 12, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Ted P,

You say Macs have viruses?

Name one. Seriously, tell us the name of a single self-propagating virus or worm that has been detected on OS X. Can’t do it, can you?

I’m not saying that OS X is immune to potential exploits, and I have no doubt that more hackers will try harder to attack OS X as Apple’s market share grows. But even if OS X (or Linux) had Window’s market share, you wouldn’t see a tenth of the problems that you see with Windows today.

Sorry, Ted, but any way you cut it, Windows will always suck compared to OS X or Linux, no matter how hard you try to spin it otherwise.

By Paul A.

June 12, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

It’s interesting that more comments weren’t posted on this topic. I have struggled with this topic for many years.

First, I am a current MacBook Pro, OSX owner however I’m not going to blab about how great it is. I also own a PC running XP Pro.

I began using the Mac in 1984 or 85. My dad was a hot shot USAF engineer so I was always around computers. I have gone back and forth between PCs and Macs for 20+ years.

I AM NOT A COMPUTER ENGINEER OR PROGRAMMER. I earn my living as a “live-sound” engineer. I am not a computer expert by any means.

That being said here comes my opinion.

Windows XP works fine. I have only used a laptop running Vista once and the jury is still out for me.

In my opinion Microsoft just designs boring, complicated and unattractive software. Their public image is terrible. The senior management team at MS has never tried to polish the company’s “brand” or change the negative public perception of MS.

Computer engineers LOVE complicated systems. Ask an engineer what time it is and he’ll tell you how to build a watch.

Apple has always led the way when it comes to simplicity and creative applications. If you need a computer for graphics and AV this is exactly what you want.

Gaming was never a priority for Apple. I never understood why. They could have crushed the market ten years ago…

They make a lot of BIG MISTAKES at Apple. A lot of stuff still just doesn’t work easily.

I tried to purchase a wireless broadband card card to use with Sprint.

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!!!!!! 95% of users would have given up. It became a crusade for me but that’s exactly what I’m trying to communicate. It wasn’t easy.

I think they’re out of touch at this point. I almost can’t believe I said that.

I honestly believe that way too many Apple products are designed poorly and marketed disingenuously.

AirPort is the perfect example. It functions fine as a wireless internet but it can’t transmit I-Tunes. If you want to play I-Tunes wireless you need to purchase the Airport “mini” thing. DUH??????

The Genius Bar at the Apple Store is cool. A+++ to them. Those kids know what they’re talking about. Excellent service and FREE.

Apple is a love/hate scenario for me.

They absolutely make the sexiest computers around. They’re fast and easy to use even for someone who’s never touched one before.

But wait … PRICE MATTERS!!

The price point for a decent laptop is $1000.

I think that’s a fair deal. However, the manufacturer better bring their A-Game.

Apple vs. Microsoft …. UNDECIDED.

Firewire 800 - Really cool!

15.4” Widescreen, High Definition. A+++

Apple/Mac Backup Software - TERRIBLE!!

I-Phone… VERY COOL but it only works if you have their Phone Company…. DUH????? Who came up with that brilliant strategy?

$1000 laptop running XP Pro with almost the same stuff but … Hmmmmm. Maybe.

Linux is free. You have to be a computer nerd to make it work. Perhaps that will change but until then it’s still ????????

FINAL ANALYSIS:

1 - My Mac is sexy, fast and powerful 2 - PCs running Windows are cheaper but not near as cool. 3 - I would buy another Mac before I spent my money on a cheap hunk of junk PC. 4 - I do not understand why anybody would purchase a computer that wasn’t portable. Home PCs are DEAD. It’s 2007 …. Get with it or get left behind. 5 - PRICE MATTERS!! 6 - For me personally… Gaming is merely a determination of horsepower. More speed is always better but the reason I spent money was to WORK AND EARN MONEY.

blah, blah, blah ….

MacBook Pro is still a better laptop.

By Susan

June 12, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

First, a question - since Macintoshes can now emulate Windows and run programs written for the PC, does operating the computer in that environment make it vulnerable to PC viruses? After all, as I understand things a virus is simply a small program. So if the Mac is emulating a PC does that open it up to PC viruses?

It’s a real question - I’m not trying to make a point - I don’t know the answer.

Then, as far as the Paul’s comments - all seem on target other than the idea that desktop machines are dead. For a computer (Mac or PC) that is intended to sit in an office (home or at work) all day and run, the desktop seems like a better choice. It has better cooling, has more power for the money and doesn’t have to make any compromises based on size or power consumption.

Notebook computers are great but I don’t think they’re the best choice for a 24/7 work machine.

By Paul A.

June 12, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Susan… Thanks for your interest and questions.

Here is what I know…

First, the new Apple computers are using an Intel chip. That means they are finally using the same chip as PCs.

Macs don’t “emulate” Windows programs anymore. They are capable of running the existing software as long as the computer has been configured to do so.

Older Macs will need to EMULATE.

Viruses are not a primary concern for Mac users. I suppose anyone is vulnerable…. Exercise caution when giving information online.

From my personal experience … I have never had a virus on a Mac. I have had numerous problems with PCs.

As for the issue of laptop vs. desktop:

Today is today … Where will the technology be in 12 months? How about 24 months?

Desktops are doomed. WIRELESS LAPTOPS WILL ELIMINATE THE DESKTOP TOWER.

Already providers are offering content on cell phones, PDAs, Sat Radio, HD Radio, etc., etc.

Computers will get smaller … not bigger.

SEE - I-Phone by Apple Computer.

Just wait… in two years it will be 1/3 size and 20X as powerful.

LOL

By WTH

June 12, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Susan,

If you are running Boot Camp on your Mac, it is certainly possible for the portion of the hard drive that is dedicated to Windows to be infected by a PC virus, but it will not affect the portion of your hard drive that contains OS X.

If you intend to buy a Mac, I recommend that you buy Parallels Workstation for the Mac (www.parallels.com) and run Windows in a virtual machine (VM) instead of using Boot Camp.

The advantage of running Parallels is that you can easily create a copy of your VM. Then, if your VM is ever infected with a worm or virus while you are running Windows, just erase it and restore it from the copy.

I have two monitors in my office. On one screen I have Windows XP running. On the other I have OS X running. Both monitors are connected to the same Mac. It’s like having two computers in one.

By geekboy

June 12, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

mac virus: OSX/Leap-A worm

mac represents less than 5 percent of the global market share, and will never crack 10 percent.

you can play almost any PC game or the latest macs, just create a dual-boot system OSX/Windows XP. for this reason, developers would be foolish to create Mac-specific games.

By WTH

June 13, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

geekboy,

Sorry, but Leap-A is a not a self-propagating virus. The user has to choose to receive and open the file via iChat. When something akin to the Blaster worm hits OS X, that will be news. Until then, the only Mac malware in the wild remains junk that the user has to be fooled into opening and running. And even if you count Leap-A, that means OS X only needs to have about 100,000 or so additional worms and viruses to catch up with Windows.

And by the way, Electronic Arts and id Software have just announced that they’ll be porting their games to OS X. Are they being foolish? No, they’re being very smart.

By Rashid Z. Muhammad

June 13, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

The most powerful gaming platform around now is a Windows PC. Microsoft has invested billions in Windows as a gaming environment, it’s going to take a lot more than this to convince me that Apple is serious. Remember all of the hype around gamesprockets years ago? Direct X wiped the floor with it.