That question has been asked a million times but I never listened to the answers. I have always used PC ---- many years! At my brothers insistence (he teaches multi-media and graphic arts) I purchased a Macbook to help me "expand" my video and pics. Of course he's 2,000 miles away and currently on vacation so I'm all alone with Mac. While I'm starting to understand some of the things I'm doing--- I can tell you the two are completely different. Is there a book or a website anyone can recommend to help a real Mac dummy?
Fungo

quote:

Is there a book or a website anyone can recommend to help a real Mac dummy?

I would lay big money that if you go to your local library (or bookstore if you want to purchase) that there is a book entitled "Mac for Dummies"
http://www.amazon.com/Macintosh-System-7-5-Dummies-Levitus/dp/1568841973

Fungo,

I'm a PC gal (used a Mac very briefly at least 20 years ago, but always preferred PCs).

But here are a couple of tutorials directly on the Apple website:

Mac 101 for new computer users:
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/

...and Switch 101 for PC users going to Macs...probably what you need:
http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/

Let us know how it works out for you!

Julie

P.S. This part of the first tutorial looks interesting...now you have me getting more curious about Macs!
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/tour/

First off Fungo, if you bought a new machine you're about to discover a very easy way to manage your data such as contacts, calender, pictures, etc. I use both due to work demands, but I can tell you if I had a choice it would be all Mac. You're eventually going to find that the similarities between XP and OSX are greater than the differences. I have found that it usually takes a step or two less to get what I need on a Mac. In addition to the sites that Julie has given, I suggest you make yourself an appointment at the nearest Apple store for session or two at the Genius Bar. They can usually answer any questions that you might have, and for about $100 you can get a whole year of one-on-one training and support. Seeing that there's only so much that I can absorb in one sitting, it made a lot of sense to me.
Apple Store Concierge

I also use both - and given a choice would use Mac everytime. I agree with the Genius bar suggestion along with this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Mac-Book-Leopard/dp/032150...id=1216432426&sr=1-3

Robin Williams (the author not the comic) has been writing about Macs for as long as I can remember... always very much written for the non techie...

08

Perhaps you've noticed this Mac feature, perhaps not, but we all know that File Management is always a big deal. Anyway, as you lean into the learning curve, make sure to make "spotlight" your friend.

Assuming your Mac is new or relatively new, the top right corner of your screen should display an icon that look likes a magnifying glass. Thats the spotlight.

Fungo - Just made the switch myself. Please tell me (after you learn) how to use this dang thing!

The hardware platform PC/MAC is not as important as the seamless functionality the user experiences across software file conventions and structures.

MAC was born out of the UNIX environment which evolved from the academic world, whereas the PC evolution was always cognitive of its relationship to IBM business applications.

With the advent of Windows the users Graphic User Interface (GUI) makes the underlying OS and network software the key components for file management and file transfer.

The Open Architecture Standards (OAS) have eliminated any concerns as which platform is better. The key component is user application software that can run on either platform or seem to be in "Compatibility Mode" and the user sees the same conventions (key strokes).
JMO

Not to get religious but as someone who has both - the mac just works all the time... the PC is always the one that is a pain...

I prefer the PC. My boss bought himself a PC and bought each of his kids MACs last year and he said he's not convinced about the MACs.

Both my parents' computer and my computer have Windows Vista Home Basic.

LLorton, I think I understand what you are saying. Maybe not.

All I know is that my PC needs are pretty basic; internet, music, photos, and a common application or two (Office kinda things).

My Toshiba laptop runs Vista. I don't like it. Seems bloated. Some day I will get around to deleting all the services and startups that I don't need. It would be nice if there was an option to start the computer with only the basics necessary to get up and running and then add features that the user wants.

I'm ready to try a MAC but the Windows headaches somehow are forgotten when I start pricing computers. Maybe next time...

Thanks for the many responses. They have (and continue to be) been a big help. After a few days under fire I'm starting to like the Mac. Actually I'm starting to fall in love with it. The first thing I notice is the quality of the workmanship and the simplicity of the actual hardware. There are no "aftermarket" stickers on the mac saying it's compatible with a particular program or has been designed for a particular software. You get the feeling that Mac could care less about Microsoft, IBM or PCs. Next you notice the bells and whistles seem to be an integral part of the hardware instead of being "attached" to the hardware. For instance you insert the CD/DVD smoothly into the machine instead of "popping" open a tray and having to snap a disk into a tray as you do on the PC. The power cord doesn't plug into the laptop, it is magnetized and holds itself to the laptop contacts and disconnects if you accidently snag the power cord.
I also notice that one Mac program works much the same way as other Mac programs. In other words as I begin to understand how to navigate through iPhoto, I also develop an understanding of iMovie, iDVD, Spaces, iCal and other "i" things. In PC it seems as if you have to often "change" your thought process when you change programs.
The buzz word "seamless" (which was stressed by my brother) and which LLHorton touched on is starting to make much more sense. There seems to be a smooth transition from one program to another or the "seamless" integration of more than one programs when needed.
The negatives? The Mac cost a little more. Mac, while gaining market share, is not the business world's standard. To make your Mac work for you I think you have to learn to do it the "Mac way" instead of trying to make it a PC clone. In making the laptop less cluttered Apple has eliminated some "extras" I had become used to on the PC laptop. For instance it has no media card readers, no air card slot, and only has 2 USB ports. I have to carry a portable USB hub in my laptop case and my aircard is of the USB type (but it works great).
I'm sure the iPhone interfaces well with the Mac (both being Apple) but the Palm platform which I have used for years works --- but is not quite as slick as on the PC.
I'm very happy at this point and have already got my sights set on a 20" iMac desktop to replace a PC I have.
Fungo

quote:

Originally posted by Fungo:

For instance you insert the CD/DVD smoothly into the machine instead of "popping" open a tray and having to snap a disk into a tray as you do on the PC.

Fungo, I finally finished wrestling with what to get younggun for college in a laptop. I've never even touched a Mac but did consider one when all the kids at student orientation raved about it. I succumbed to a Dell with Vista. I've personally always had a Dell and never had any problems with them which was a big purchasing point for me. I almost paid extra for XP but opted not to since a lot of kids at school will have Vista and can help him walk through any issues that may arise. I bought it with the thought in mind that it is his and will be away using it, and not here for me to use. (Talk about a hard train of thought to change!)

I bought him the new Dell Studio 15. It has 15.4" monitor. What I think he'll like best is sorta what you got on your Mac above and that's simply sliding a CD into the unit without that tray popping out. Also, in the dark the keyboard is backlit. I thought that was a pretty neat function if needed. As a parent the best thing I purchased was the accidental damage and theft coverage. 24 hour next day service if damaged and a lojack installed in it should it come up missing. Now if I could find a laptop case for him to put it in that is 20 inches of padding on both sides I'd rest more easier!

Thanks for this topic.
The new trend now is pc to Mac, I was in teh Mac store the other day and it was packed solid. I think lots of people are just tired of all the pc issues.
Yes they are real expensive but those that have switched over love it, my son is in the market for a new laptop and Mac is the way he's going. Seems like everyone one he knows making the switch.
As far as laptops, we purchased an IBM thinkpad for son when he went off to college many years ago, and it was a great investment, never any issues. However, we have found that they are NOT indestructible.

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Last week I read an article that said Microsoft is countering some Apple ads, saying that Vista is not to blame. Whether it is the truth or not, the perception is that Vista stinks. My experience with it is not better than XP. Therefore, Apple is a strong consideration for my next computer. Linux is still a novelty for the consumer market IMO.

quote:

I've personally always had a Dell and never had any problems with them which was a big purchasing point for me. I almost paid extra for XP but opted not to since a lot of kids at school will have Vista and can help him walk through any issues that may arise.

I currently have a Dell with Vista and it will soon become the property of my son. I liked the Dell laptop too but I also wanted to change from Vista back to XP and thought Dell would help me make the change but they said NO --- upgrades YES ----- downgrades NO. I don't know what's going to happen with Vista since Microsoft Windows 7 has been announced and as I understand will be completely different from previous Microsoft products. http://www.windows7.cc/windows7-news/microsoft-working-...n-windows-7/#more-92
Personally I think Vista will soon become the Edsel of the computer market.
Fungo

quote:

Now if I could find a laptop case for him to put it in that is 20 inches of padding on both sides I'd rest more easier!

So true. I bought what I think was a good laptop case --- A Timbuk2 Commute. Double padded and waterproof bottom.

quote:

However, we have found that they are NOT indestructible.

Having purchased at least a dozen mac laptops, (over a dozen years) for family and business. I can tell you, Mac laptops aren't indestructable either. My "travel version" never has remained solidly reliable for more than 30 months. BUT it does gets slammed to death!!

That said, its clear to me that Mac end-users benefit from Mac's integrated software/hardware package. This bundled integration, is of course, one reason they cost more and Apple's "business reason" for refusing to license MacOS.

During the past decade, several companies have tried to end-run the OS license. This example: Second Mac clone maker set to sell systems appeared online, just Friday.

Meanwhile, the fact that most (all?) Macs are now made in China has slightly improved their price competitiveness.

infidel_08 said:
LLorton, I think I understand what you are saying. Maybe not.

All I know is that my PC needs are pretty basic; internet, music, photos, and a common application or two (Office kinda things).

My Toshiba laptop runs Vista. I don't like it. Seems bloated. Some day I will get around to deleting all the services and startups that I don't need. It would be nice if there was an option to start the computer with only the basics necessary to get up and running and then add features that the user wants.

I'm ready to try a MAC but the Windows headaches somehow are forgotten when I start pricing computers. Maybe next time...

Have fun!
__________________________________________________________

Historically MAC users learned their loyalty to the Apple platforms from their time as students since Apple targeted the education market for its main revenue source. The idea was get them while their young and when they get older they won't depart from the faith. Apple even has "evangelist" who preach the gospel of MACism.

Meanwhile the business industry wanted something that could talk to the IBM mainframes via high-speed multidrop LANs and provide interactivity at the desktop level that would provide real-time power to the user so files could be updated as the transaction was happening, and update the inventory reserve level and generate automaticity for replenishing of the the supply chain.

When the MAC user finally graduated and got a job in corporate America they found themselves having to deal with the application software whose functionality was geared to meet a vertical requirement and not the "fun" of the open MAC environment.

The truth is the PC was meant to be a business platform from its inception and has had a long curve to incorporate the functionality of business and not the academia emphasis that MAC users have taken for granted. The problem is that MAC users will find that their platforms do no fit as well in the business environment because so many of the vertical third party software business applications limited by license restrictions and copyright have not been ported over to the MAC and probably never will if Microsoft prevails and refuses to give its source code over to third party developers.

If you have a kid going to college you will find the MAC is a better platform because the software products available to him are very much geared to meeting his academic requirements.

But if you're in a serious business you might pause before you switch to a MAC.
JMO

On those occasions that something does not run on the Apple OS, you can simply run Windows on the Mac, assuming you have a newer mac, (e.g one sold in the last 3 years roughly) it has an intel chip at its core.

As far as I know, everything runs just fine in that mode...

The only reason I still have a PC on my desk is that is what my employer gives me. I do 90% of my work on the Mac and move it to the PC at the last minute. I am currently using a roughly 5 year old mac laptop. I will probably go buy a new one in the next few months and simply tell my employer that they can keep the Dell.

P.S. Not to go all geeky here - but at the core of the Apple OS is a Unix operating system - the same Unix that runs in nearly every major business on earth. The Mac can operate just fine in any business.