Mac OSX vs Windows

[MrKat]

I havent used a Mac for years, and tired of Windows and all its complications (and this is coming from a fairly experienced Windows user here). Really tempted to get a Mac this weekend. What do you see as the pros and cons of OSX over Windows?

So far, what ive been told.
+ No need to run A/V software
+ No spyware and dont have to scan for it
+ Dont have to reformat/defrag nearly as often if at all
+ Quicker boot up and shut down

- harder to find software
- no right click
- no maximizing

[Defiant]

I want to try out OSX so Im going to install it on an old 40gb hard disk. Getting it to run on x86 can be a pain(hence the 2nd hdd) so I can go back to XP when I need to.

I'd suggest you do the same thing - you'll have the answers you want by exploring the OS yourself.

[MrKat]

I want to try out OSX so Im going to install it on an old 40gb hard disk. Getting it to run on x86 can be a pain(hence the 2nd hdd) so I can go back to XP when I need to.

I'd suggest you do the same thing - you'll have the answers you want by exploring the OS yourself.

You can actually run OSX on a PC? Can I install OSX on my drive without having to reformat?

[Evil Baby]

What exactally is complicated about Windows?

Anywho OS X has right click.


If you're getting a new mac then there isn't much of a downside except for possibly price and upgrading depending on what you do. You can always dual boot it, but if you play games in the future it will be a lot more difficult to upgrade your mac than it will a typical pc.


When I do use OS X I find its controls for the OS itself and its applications counter-intuative compared to Windows. For example the "end" key goes to the end of the document instead of teh end of a line

[ProfessorChaos]

You can actually run OSX on a PC? Can I install OSX on my drive without having to reformat?

OSX X86 has many problems, compatibility problems, software problems....it's not worth it if you really want to use OS X. I've used JaS 10.4.6 and even though....sure it's usable....it's a real pain. First off you have to make sure all the hardware is supported. Usually graphics cards are not fully supported( other than SOME X1600 Pros) so you can only run up to like 1024x768 without any fancy shadows or anything. Next, the system is quite slow and not optimized...also be sure you have an external network card with a specific chipset as most onboard solutions dont work. next up...make sure you also have usb support or your screwed....overall its a very complicated solution and whatever people tell you.....a real mac is always better...

By the way...with OS X, you can run Boot Camp to dual boot windows and os x or use parallels desktop to run a virtual windows or any OS.

[jason9945]

+ No need to run A/V software
True
+ No spyware and dont have to scan for it
True
+ Dont have to reformat/defrag nearly as often if at all
The machine handles the maintenence itself, you can download a utility to manually run all the maintenence features yourself. Onyx is a good one
+ Quicker boot up and shut down
My 450mhz G4 boots os x in a 10 seconds.

- harder to find software
Not really, I find windows software hard to find. Your going to find one or two programs for mac, both will be excellent and probably free. For windows your going to find 10,000 pieces of crap, and about 99,998 will be shareware. Google whatever you want the software to do +Mac and your set.
- no right click
CTRL + click or buy a 2 button mouse.
- no maximizing
The + button does something similar. Takes some getting used too

[IronMac]

- harder to find software
Not really, I find windows software hard to find. Your going to find one or two programs for mac, both will be excellent and probably free. For windows your going to find 10,000 pieces of crap, and about 99,998 will be shareware. Google whatever you want the software to do +Mac and your set.


LOL!!! Look, it all depends on the software. I very much doubt that you will be able to find something for the Mac that's excellent and free that you cannot find on the Windows side.

"10,000" and "99,998"? Your math's off. :lol:

[ProfessorChaos]

LOL!!! Look, it all depends on the software. I very much doubt that you will be able to find something for the Mac that's excellent and free that you cannot find on the Windows side.

"10,000" and "99,998"? Your math's off. :lol:

sorry but your just a hater.

[jason9945]

LOL!!! Look, it all depends on the software. I very much doubt that you will be able to find something for the Mac that's excellent and free that you cannot find on the Windows side.

"10,000" and "99,998"? Your math's off. :lol:
Probably, but it will take a lot more searching.

[Evil Baby]

Probably, but it will take a lot more searching.



you should start using wiki. It'll give you a list of all the software avaliable and if it is freeware/shareware/for sale.

Just click the link and you're at the developers site.



Another positive for OS X is adium. Easily the best msn client out there and that is coming from somebody who doesn't like the apple environment


edit: it would probably help if you let us know what you want to use it for. Some software just doesn't work for os x

[kev*]

Will someone find me a free alternative to DVD Shrink for OSX?

[jason9945]

Will someone find me a free alternative to DVD Shrink for OSX?

Mac The Ripper (http://www.mactheripper.org/) is good for extracting the dvd's then toast can compress/burn them for you.

I use a $50 LG dvd burner in a firewire case to burn dvd's, no expensive hardware is needed.

[bottomfeeder]

I already asked about building a Hacintosh
see here
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317191

Good links provided there

[kev*]

Mac The Ripper (http://www.mactheripper.org/) is good for extracting the dvd's then toast can compress/burn them for you.

I use a $50 LG dvd burner in a firewire case to burn dvd's, no expensive hardware is needed.

Does Mactheripper compress the movie to single layer as dvdshrink does?

[Outphase]

expose rules for multasking between programs.

[DaFonz]

Expose indeed does rule. When I'm using my windows machine, that's what I miss the most.

[jason9945]

Does Mactheripper compress the movie to single layer as dvdshrink does?
No, but toast does IIRC

[jacksont123]

For those who haven't already read the guide on installing OSX86 on a compatible PC it's right here (http://domination17.com/2006/07/installing-apple-mac-os-x-104.html) .

[kev*]

No, but toast does IIRC
Is Toast Free?

[Computer500]

if you are a PC guy, stick with PC.

if you are a graphic designer, and a creative person etc, use MAC

[jacksont123]

if you are a PC guy, stick with PC.

if you are a graphic designer, and a creative person etc, use MAC
well said!

[Wasgo]

if you are a PC guy, stick with PC.

if you are a graphic designer, and a creative person etc, use MAC
I totally disagree. I'm a techy and I definately prefer my Mac. This is the first PC that I haven't built from scratch and I still prefer it. Once I got used to all the many changes, I found that I was able to more effectively streamline my process for web use, document creation and some of the other more complicated tasks I do. It might not be for everyone, but definately isn't just a 'creative platform.'

[jason9945]

Is Toast Free?
As free as the movies you are copying :lol:

[kev*]

As free as the movies you are copying :lol:

So does a free OSX alternative for DvdShrink exist that will rip, decrypt and compress?

[IronMac]

if you are a PC guy, stick with PC.

if you are a graphic designer, and a creative person etc, use MAC

That used to be true.

[IronMac]

sorry but your just a hater.

Please, I've been using Apple products since the II+.

[CoinSaver]

One thing that was mentioned that I totally agree with. Get a good mouse. I like most of the Apple hardware, but that "Mighty mouse" just doesn't do it for me. Pick up a Logitech or Microsoft keyboard and mouse.

[spatel63]

let me tell you guys.. i was a strict pc man with no room for compromise, if you use a mac for a week... you wont go back..



IM SELLING A 12" POWERBOOK IF ANYONES INTERESTED, LOOKING TO GET A DESKTOP!;) 1200 with 1.5 and 2 gigs ram, 80 gig hd and superdrive.

Macs just make things simpler..hands down.

Sanjay
pm me if interested about the powerbook

[jason9945]

So does a free OSX alternative for DvdShrink exist that will rip, decrypt and compress?

Not that I know of.

Handbrake (http://handbrake.m0k.org/) is a great program if you want to extract dvd's to any other format.

[slowpoke]

I havent used a Mac for years, and tired of Windows and all its complications (and this is coming from a fairly experienced Windows user here). Really tempted to get a Mac this weekend. What do you see as the pros and cons of OSX over Windows?

So far, what ive been told.
+ No need to run A/V software
+ No spyware and dont have to scan for it
+ Dont have to reformat/defrag nearly as often if at all
+ Quicker boot up and shut down

- harder to find software
- no right click
- no maximizing

Me too! I used to use Macs and supported them for the company I used to work at. I'm overdue for an upgrade as my PC is about six years old and this time I'm going to get a Mac.

There are rumours going around that there are some new Macs coming out so I'll wait for a few weeks: (I know, they're only rumours)

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

In the meantime, I'll work on my ponytail :lol:

[bottomfeeder]

Checkout my post #22
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317191&page=2

My setup cost me $1,000 plus tax
SWEET - runs nice.

Yes I bought the hardware specifically to meet OSX specs.
Well worth it.

[Gee]

Is it possible to install just OS-X without XP?

I think I will take the plunge and get a machine specificly for OS-X. I just can't afford the prices that Apple wants.

Where can I find a hardware compatibility list?

[bottomfeeder]

Yes - you can boot only to OSX.
That is what I am doing.

Note - you WILL have to edit some kext files.
Maybe get a techie firend with Mac experience to help you out just in case.

Go here
http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
for info on how to build

[Gee]

Yes - you can boot only to OSX.
That is what I am doing.

Note - you WILL have to edit some kext files.
Maybe get a techie firend with Mac experience to help you out just in case.

Go here
http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
for info on how to build

Been thru the Wiki. I have a spare 865PERL system, so I am going to use it. No dual core but it is on the HCL.

I am acquiring a copy of 10.4.6 JaS ISO file. Where are these kext files located on the DVD?

I assume that I will have to edit the ISO image before transfering to DVD. I hope the file system on the DVD is not HPFS, otherwise I will not be able to read it when I mount it on Daemon Tools.

[bluemount]

This sounds really cool

This might be worth trying out
I might get this
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=348989

Has anyone else tried this?
What happened to bottomfeeder - why banned?
He could have helped out

More info at http://forum.insanelymac.com/

[HowEver]

This answers one of your questions:

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3927543&postcount=142

I understand why people build hackintoshes, but it seems like a lot of trouble when a 2 year old Mac costs so little and runs so well, and a brand new Mac runs Windows XP Pro SP2 "out of the box" (once you install bootcamp and Windows etc., i.e., with no hacking whatsoever).

This sounds really cool

This might be worth trying out
I might get this
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=348989

Has anyone else tried this?
What happened to bottomfeeder - why banned?
He could have helped out

More info at http://forum.insanelymac.com/