View Full Version : PC to Mac
CarGuys
12-01-2011, 11:05 PM
I would like to hear from all that have switched from a PC to a Mac Book and or the I Mac.
Sorry this request is for a PC to a Mac convert - Not a lifetime Mac only user.
This is because I want to know the re-learning curve. If you miss anything from a PC or did you never look back. After our trip to the Apple store tonight it looks like trying to learn Spanish after a life of English.
We are at that point where our 9 year old laptop and Desk Top are end of life
I do need IE for one Automotive program that will not run on FireFox or Safari. I can buy a program for the Macs that run Windows 7 and IE for that need.
The Macs seem so much better for retired life. Video, pictures I Tunes E mail etc.
Thanks Hervey
chuckinca
12-01-2011, 11:42 PM
PC's do video, pictures, I Tunes, E mail, etc.
I switched from Mac to PC about 15 years ago due to work issues (not an issue now). There isn't anything stopping me from switching back to Mac but I am comfortable now with PC and will probably stay.
.
Tom Hannon
12-02-2011, 03:11 AM
I switched to Mac a few months ago. The learning curve is little. Go for it
Gerald
12-02-2011, 05:42 AM
I went from PC to mac in august 2011. The mac can as you know work with the PC programs. However please note that it does so at a much slower speed and sometimes with a few problems. By it self the mac is very good and fast but so is the PC based windows units when set up at the same level. The learning curve to go from PC to Mac depends on how good you are on the computers to start with. It took me a few weeks to get the feel of using the Mac. My wife found that some games she plays on the net do not work well on the mac and used the parallel program (with windows 7) to play those games. Again when in that mode the mac works much slower then you may be used to. So far it seems that the Mac has far less problems with hackers etc. Not to say that they can not get in. Even with the Mac protection is not perfect.
rhood
12-02-2011, 05:51 AM
I switched to a Mac Book Pro two months ago and now I seldom use my desktop. I thought I would miss the mouse but the touchpad is very nice. Yes, there is a learning curve but I don't miss the PC. I have one program (HTML editor) that won't run on the Mac so I still use the PC for that. The more you use it, the easier it will get. There is a Mac users group here in The Villages that is really active and and knowledgeable and will help you with any issues. Here's their sites: http://www.thevillagesmug.org/ and http://www.thevillagesmug.com/
Taj44
12-02-2011, 06:41 AM
My spouse and I switched a few months ago after 30 years on a PC. There is a learning curve, but if you are diligent, it shouldn't take you more than a month to reprogram yourself. Apple has tons of on-line videos which show you how to do everything from email to iPhoto, etc. They also offer a one-on-one service (but nearest Apple store to get this is Orlando) which we purchased ($100 for the year) where we can go online and make an appointment and then get help with whatever we want in person in Orlando from a Mac expert. I have an IMac, and love the wireless mouse and wireless keyboard that came with it. The screen graphics are phenomenal. It seems to run a lot faster than my old PC because you don't have all the antivirus software slowing things down. Mac has built-in security measures so it isn't susceptible to may of the viruses and malware that PC's get.
We also asked about using a windows program on the Mac. My understanding is, the way it works is they partition your hard drive and you have Mac on part of it and Windows on another part of it. Our sales person says this does slow the computer down, so we opted not to do it. We have an old PC laptop we've designated as our Windows source to use the couple of programs that must be run in windows.
We are extremely happy we made the switch. I've had a lot of fun putting together slide shows with music, that I used to struggle with the software on my old PC, but its just a breeze on the mac. Be warned that the prices of the computers are more expensive buying them at the actual Apple store in Orlando. Being a resident of Florida, I found a cheaper price buying it online at an approved Apple dealer out of New York City. They had free shipping and I didn't have to pay tax. I think I saved $100-$150. Good luck.
FoPAA
12-02-2011, 09:52 AM
I'm another convert, around 2005, and I love my iMac!
It was REALLY no big deal for me to change, don't let your concerns stop you!
mhblau
12-02-2011, 09:55 AM
Hervey,
I switched from a PC to a MacBook Pro in Oct 2010. I signed up for the $99 lessons for a year at the Apple Store in Cincinnati and went about 4-5 times before moving down here. Also bought the 3 year Apple Care support. They always answer the phone. While there is a learning curve and sometimes I still have trouble figuring things out, in total I love it, did not find it overwhelming at all and am not looking back
Mitch
angiefox10
12-02-2011, 10:28 AM
Once I figured out that the Mac was easier.... it clicked.
Using the PC is so complicated to using the Mac. I kept trying to complicate the Mac when it's really simple!
Go for it!
Sunshine Mary
12-02-2011, 10:29 AM
I would like to hear from all that have switched from a PC to a Mac Book and or the I Mac.
Sorry this request is for a PC to a Mac convert - Not a lifetime Mac only user.
This is because I want to know the re-learning curve. If you miss anything from a PC or did you never look back. After our trip to the Apple store tonight it looks like trying to learn Spanish after a life of English.
We are at that point where our 9 year old laptop and Desk Top are end of life
I do need IE for one Automotive program that will not run on FireFox or Safari. I can buy a program for the Macs that run Windows 7 and IE for that need.
The Macs seem so much better for retired life. Video, pictures I Tunes E mail etc.
Thanks Hervey
Hervey I'm another convert, around 2006, and I love my iMac!
My son from Houston talked me into it .He Director of Photography, and Editor.and not sorry I now have my lap top and Two ipads and looking to get a desk top IMac 27 inch well be good to Skype back home and I want to get a Macbook air .You well not be sorry I never got a virus since ,It easy to learn took me no time .I would not go back to a PC
So I am extremely happy I made the switch.
Go For it you well not be sorry
borjo
12-02-2011, 03:56 PM
I transferred to a desktop Mac about 4 years ago, and now I also have the 13" Macbook Pro which i what I use all the time. I did miss Word but have Pages now although I liked Word better. Keypad very easy to use, have had no problems with either. Husband started learning the computer at age 76 but on the Mac, no problem. Went to a free class at the Orlando store, helpfu,l and if you have a laptop, the Mac Users club would be very helpful too. There's so much more this computer can do but I'm happy I have it!
CaptJohn
12-03-2011, 02:11 AM
I bought an iBook G4 laptop from a friend a couple of years ago whose whole family have Macs (they're my customer support) and as everyone has said there is a learning curve, not hard just different way of doing some things. Mac owners are quite helpful if you get stuck on something. I still used PC's at work and now at home but use the iBook when traveling and for Powerpoint presentations. Oh yeah, and when this Dell with Windows stops working occasionally the reliable Mac carries the load.
Taj44
12-03-2011, 05:56 AM
I transferred to a desktop Mac about 4 years ago, and now I also have the 13" Macbook Pro which i what I use all the time. I did miss Word but have Pages now although I liked Word better. Keypad very easy to use, have had no problems with either. Husband started learning the computer at age 76 but on the Mac, no problem. Went to a free class at the Orlando store, helpfu,l and if you have a laptop, the Mac Users club would be very helpful too. There's so much more this computer can do but I'm happy I have it!
I missed Word too on my mac, but I downloaded OpenOffice.org, which is free, and used their word processor and spreadsheet programs, which are almost the same as Microsoft's.
samanthagal
12-03-2011, 10:09 AM
I've tried Mac for a week, but it was too weird. I'll stick to PC.
CarGuys
12-04-2011, 11:58 AM
I've tried Mac for a week, but it was too weird. I'll stick to PC.
I hear ya! I go into the store start playing with the Mac and come out with a Huge headache.
I still have time to process. I am leaning toward the 13 inch Macbook.
Any one have a problem with the 13 inch screens> I am used to a 15 inch as I type on my faithful Think Pad. Mac wants a bank MTG to afford one of those. Seems like they are not wanting people to afford a 15?-
I still have a open mind as we are going to have to buy something. I am NOT taking the office Desk top and tower. Once cool looking now a dinosaur.
Apple TV is awsome! What a cool item. Anyone having fun with a I pad
Tom Hannon
12-04-2011, 12:02 PM
I missed Word too on my mac, but I downloaded OpenOffice.org, which is free, and used their word processor and spreadsheet programs, which are almost the same as Microsoft's.
There is a program ($29.00) that allows all Microsof programs to load into Apple. I loaded my Word 2008 with no issue.
Pturner
12-04-2011, 12:29 PM
I have used both. Many who have posted switched to Mac did so before Windows7. With Windows7, I like PC and Mac about the same. Prefer Word and Excel to Pages and Numbers, but you can get Office for Mac or use Open Office free on either.
If you're using a lot of Windows-based programs, you might want to consider ability to access those files, what programs you would use instead, how you would like them and any costs to purchase them, if necessary. I have quite a few Windows-based programs I use regularly, so a complete switch would be problematic and expensive for me.
Just some additional thoughts for consideration.
Sunshine Mary
12-04-2011, 12:38 PM
I hear ya! I go into the store start playing with the Mac and come out with a Huge headache.
I still have time to process. I am leaning toward the 13 inch Macbook.
Any one have a problem with the 13 inch screens> I am used to a 15 inch as I type on my faithful Think Pad. Mac wants a bank MTG to afford one of those. Seems like they are not wanting people to afford a 15?-
I still have a open mind as we are going to have to buy something. I am NOT taking the office Desk top and tower. Once cool looking now a dinosaur.
Apple TV is awsome! What a cool item. Anyone having fun with a I pad
Yes having fun with my ipad 1 and 2.. take it every were I go .I have both ipad and well get Ipad 3 when it come out .
CarGuys
12-04-2011, 12:52 PM
If the Ipad could only act as a mac air wow. I almost bought one last night. Them not being able to run Office could be a problem if I wanted to pull off something sent to me. My Driod will read office docs.
Don't know about a I phone. They look awsome but only 3g
borjo
12-04-2011, 09:27 PM
Carguys, I have the 13" screen and love it. The smaller computer is more manageable, can see the screen with no problem and can enlarge the print if I need to with a swipe of my fingers. Don't forget, the Mac air has no optical disk.
ducati1974
12-04-2011, 10:30 PM
After enduring years of problems with PCs we made the switch to an MacBook Pro and will not go back to the nonsense we had to deal with Windows. Have had no issues with viruses like we experienced in Windows, found the learning curve to be no problem and enjoy the many helpful young gurus available at the Apple store.
CarGuys
12-05-2011, 01:22 AM
ducatti1974
Which Mac Book did you get?
The Apple Sales Rep was at the store today and told us the base Mac Book 13 would be more than fine for what we are doing- save my money and get a Ipad also
The 15 inch and 17 are very pricy.
CarGuys
12-05-2011, 01:35 AM
Yes,
You nailed my concerns right on the head! The Automotive industry is not Mac friendly.
If they were your car would stall or fail to start! When I saw a Flash drive being able to be placed into a media system and now all cars have everything on a can bus net I said Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh man. Ford and it's Microsoft sync.
Huston we have a PROBLEM! Someday a car virus?
However when I semi retire those days will soon slip behind me. I will be off to a new dimension of that.
As long as I can get a Mac Book to run a IE system I can use my PC program.
The Sales Rep did a down load and showed me it would work.
Tom Thanks for the Word info. As teachers we can g et Micosoft Office for the Macs at a discount that will allow file to swap back and forth on a PC-Mac.
And Pturner I still have my IBM Think Pad next to me at all times.
Herv
Many years ago, I decided to give the Mac a try. But after several hours of trying to get to the C: prompt, I gave up on the idea. :undecided:
ducati1974
12-05-2011, 07:37 AM
ducatti1974
Which Mac Book did you get?
The Apple Sales Rep was at the store today and told us the base Mac Book 13 would be more than fine for what we are doing- save my money and get a Ipad also
The 15 inch and 17 are very pricy.
CarGuys we got the MacBook Pro 13" and have been very happy with it. We feel no need for the larger screen unless perhaps it were a desktop.
faithfulfrank
12-05-2011, 10:03 AM
I switched from PeeCee's to a mac 11 years ago......never looked back.
That being said, PTurner is indeed right in that Windows 7 is the best windows yet, (Thanks to Apple:laugh:) and if you have programs important to you sticking with them might be your best option. A windows computer is cheap purchase so for many it is the way to go.
I personally do not want to use parallels or ever run windoze on my mac. I do not want to open my macs to problems, etc.
I currently have a 13" macbook pro. I just gave away my 11 year old 17" G4 imac....it is STILL working great. Can any 11 year old PC's say the same?
I like the smaller screen. I actually miss my 12" Powerbook. I drool over the small macbookAir.
I will need to buy another Mac soon for my wife.....debating over a new imac or just get her a ipad. Maybe I'll buy both.:)
I'm as fugal as they come, but my macs are worth every penny.
Frank
starflyte1
12-05-2011, 10:44 AM
I have just bought a 15" MacBook Pro that came with Lion. I have used a Mac for four years, but this new Lion is going to take some getting used to. I wish we had an Apple store closer to TV because I really am going to miss their one-on-one.
I have been using an old Toshiba for a couple of weeks, and find that I am kicked off once in a while. That did not happen with Mac.
CaptJohn
12-05-2011, 10:04 PM
People with small screens can always get a larger monitor and plug into that at home. Best of both worlds, buy smaller laptop, save some money and spend a little for a large monitor as an accessory. I work at a university and most of the people there do that these days. I also plug a regular keyboard and mouse into my ibook when at home. Try it, you'll like it!
CarGuys
12-05-2011, 10:36 PM
Thats the way I'm going Capt- Just going to take awhile until I get off the PC habits.
I look so stupid trying to open and close the windows etc with the MAc in the store.
I will be fromt row in the Mac Club! at TV when we get there
Thanks
CarGuys
12-05-2011, 10:39 PM
Many years ago, I decided to give the Mac a try. But after several hours of trying to get to the C: prompt, I gave up on the idea. :undecided:
Copy con autoexec bat ///
Seems like yesterday! Dos men and women we were. Forgot most of it!
CaptJohn
12-06-2011, 10:02 AM
I look so stupid trying to open and close the windows etc with the MAc in the store.
I will be fromt row in the Mac Club! at TV when we get there
Thanks
I know that feeling! Save me a seat. :laugh:
CaptJohn
12-10-2011, 10:08 PM
Got malware this morning on my PC while posting on TOTV. I'm now on my Apple iBook G4. Read my post under Malware: XP 2012.
faithfulfrank
12-10-2011, 11:31 PM
Got malware this morning on my PC while posting on TOTV. Now on my Apple iBook G4. Read my post under Malware: XP 2012.
Are you saying it is now on your ibook, or that you are just now using your ibook...? One of the great things about a Mac is that it is much more difficult to have problems like malware, etc.....I've had Macs for 11 years and never needed anti-virus, etc.....
Frank
CarGuys
12-11-2011, 12:28 AM
Hervey,
Welcome Home Frank! You must be sorta winding down after the move- My turn soon-
I think Capt got the Malware on his PC and now the Mac is his only working device.
My question is why would we get a Malware on TOTV? Is this possible Frank
No one wants computer cooties!
faithfulfrank
12-11-2011, 08:32 AM
The Moderators are aware of this thread and have made the Administrator aware of it. I'm sure it will be checked out. At this point it has not been verified where it came from or how one "gets it".
I suggest that folks always be wise and diligent and if they have a computer that can get these things they need to have up to date protection and controls, firewalls, etc. The thing not to do is panic from speculation, etc.
Having a Mac I admit I know almost nothing about such things and hope that anyone affected can remedy it without much hassle or cost.
Frank
CaptJohn
12-11-2011, 10:43 AM
I think Capt got the Malware on his PC and now the Mac is his only working device.
This is correct. I haven't had time to look into a fix. Very thankful I have this iBook!
Check the thread about Malware: XP 2012 Home Security
There are 3 others known so far that got it also, one of which was also on the sinkhole thread as I was.
CarGuys
12-11-2011, 11:30 PM
Capt,
Sorry about your crash!
I have been getting pops up attacks on this site for weeks. Admin said it was Ok no problem on TOTV end. I know they are looking for it. My programs say they are blocking a add trying to run? I believe there is a placed bad add in the system.
Funny I get it no where else but here on TOTV. I have had no issues else where but I do have several programs runing defense and I clean the computer every night for bots and malware. End of the day usually three to four of each!
As Frank said- time for a Mac it I am a wimp as to if I can transfer to it from years of PC use.
Regards Herv
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