OK. I'm making the switch...a few questions....

I have current software for Windows XP from a prior purchase of a Dell. Will that XP simply install and run properly on the new Apple MacBook? Do I need anything else(software) to make it work?
Also, once I install the XP, will my current programs designed for XP then work on the Apple? I am thinking of getting my new Apple with Word for Mac installed, but would that be wasting money if I already have a Windows version of Office?
I waited a few weeks before buying in hopes that a sale for the holidays would take place. It paid off in that the MacBook now has the C2D processor, and the ram I wanted is now standard. My question now is, does Apple usually run any type of sale during the holidays? Say, between Thanksgiving and Christmas? $$$ off, free item with purchase, etc? I have checked the Apple site as well as MacMall, and as of todays date, it seems I will get a $100.00 rebate(and some additional savings on a printer, etc), if I ordered it from MacMall. What's the catch? If I go to an Apple store in person, will I also get a deal like that?
What are your suggestions? Right now, it appears my best bet costwise is to NOT get it direct from Apple, and that makes little sense to me.
Also, seeing I am new to the world of Mac, you can feel free to offer any other bits of help or info you may feel of benefit to me during this "switch", based on your own experiences. Any information is helpful, and appreciated. I'm not a computer guru, and this has be a bit apprehensive. What little I do know is all PC.
Thanks in advance for any answers/help.

Whether your XP install disk will work depends on whether Dell ships a real XP install CD or an install CD that only works on Dell hardware. Legally you cannot install XP on your Mac while it is being used on your Dell so whether it actually works or not is one question - being legally compliant with Microsoft's license is another.
I've tested BootCamp on both my MacBook (and then wiped it away) and on my Mac mini (which I've kept) and I'm quite pleased. So pleased that I sold my PC. When I boot into XP on my mini it is just like using Windows...including the need to keep my virus and anti-malware software up to date. Due to how I use my MacBook I decided to give Parallels Desktop a try and found that it is just what I need - for that computer.
Parallels Desktop lets me run XP in virtualization so I can have both the MacOS and WinXP running at the same time. I can switch between them instantly and cut and paste data between them. Because I do webpage creation on my Mac this is great because I can see how IE6 and IE7 mangles (I mean renders) my pages instantly rather than shutting down the Mac and booting Windows.
Should you buy Mac Office when you already have Win Office? Good question. I belong to the campus computer users group and among switchers I see three groups: those who switch, hate the Mac, and sell off quickly. In most cases these people expected their Mac to work just like their Windows computer and hated that it didn't. To me that makes as much sense as buying a motorcycle and expecting it to drive like a car. The second group go to the other extreme and fall way into the Mac camp, eventually selling off their Windows stuff. The third group find that they like Win better for some things and OS X better for others. Why not wait until you get a sense of which camp you fall into?
I have just a few words to say about MacMall. "Run Away brave Sir Robin" Getting a rebate out of MacMall can, getting service from MacMall, can be a most frustrating and fruitless activity.
Apple tends not to run sales on currently shipping hardware though they sometimes offer bundle deals - buy the computer and get a printer free, or such like. Amazon is often the best place to find currently shipping computers at slightly lower prices.

Similar Messages

Making the switch finally

Hi everyone. After almost a decade of designing my websites
in Front Page my employees have finally convinced me to make the
switch to Dreamweaver. We will be upgrading to CS4 Design Premium
at the beginning of the year, and to say I'm a bit "worried" would
be an understatement.
I have built over 400 websites, and we currently
host/maintain almost 200 sites for our 140+ clients. My staff is
trained in Dreamweaver so they are very excited about finally
making the switch. I myself am self-taught and can build a FP site
in my sleep. I have taught FP, trained staff and colleagues, etc. I
am VERY comfortable in FP, and have won over 30 awards for my
designs in FP (thank goodness and can read/write some code in code
view). So to toot my own horn, I am very comfortable/confident in
FP and have always been a fan of the software. I have always told
people that it is not the software that builds the site, but the
designer and the software is just a tool to get it done.
But after much debating, thinking, researching, etc... we are
finally ready to take the plunge. I am obviously nervous leaning
new software, and being able to keep up with our steady work
(exisiting and new clients) and really cannot afford to have much
downtime in the way of a learning curve.
I have started the Lynda.com training, and that is making me
sleepy. As great as I'm sure the training is, I feel like I'll be
listening to that forever. I have DW already on my computer and
thought I'd just jump right in, but find the UI so different that
I'm a bit overwhelmed.
So I thought I'd come join the forum, as hearing from others
is often such a better learning method for me. I will continue my
training at lynda.com as well as a few other tutorials I've seen
around the way... but wanted to ask a few quesitons to the experts
here...
1. What software/training program would you guys recommend
for learning DW for someone already very familiar with building
websites (I'm finding that the Lynda.com training is geared to
beginners and I'm forced to re-learn things I already know)?
2. What is the best method for changing from FP to DW?
Meaning, is there software or a plug-in available that I can
import/transition my exisiting FP sites to DW? With so many sites,
just this task alone seems almost impossible.
3. Currently we use Xara Webstyle for our drop down menus. I
have been using this program for years and years, and it
quickly/easily creates javascript drop down menus for our sites.
Easy to use, easy to edit, inexpensive and works in FP almost
seamlessly. When we switch over to DW I'd like to use something
more search engine friendly - do you guys have anything you
recommend?
4. For once we are up and running on DW, what else do you
guys recommend?
TIA for your help!

> 1. What software/training program would you guys
recommend for learning DW
> for
> someone already very familiar with building websites
(I'm finding that the
> Lynda.com training is geared to beginners and I'm forced
to re-learn
> things I
> already know)?
Discard this idea completely. Learn HTML and CSS. That's
really a key to
the effective use of DW. Forget the tool. Learn the
technology.
> 2. What is the best method for changing from FP to DW?
Meaning, is there
> software or a plug-in available that I can
import/transition my exisiting
> FP
> sites to DW? With so many sites, just this task alone
seems almost
> impossible.
Before doing anything else, take a couple of weeks to
gothrough the DW
tutorials, and also to study HTML and CSS. The more you know
about those,
the easier your transition will be. DW expects alot more from
you than FP
did, and as a result, you may find it much more frustrating
to have the raw
reality of web development staring you in the face rather
than the wizards
of FP.
> Is there a way to convert a Frontpage site into a
> Dreamweaver site
1. I'd define a Dreamweaver site that points to a location on
your hard
drive for the local site's root, and to the current FP site
on the web as
the remote site
2. I'd use Dreamweaver (if your host supports FTP
connections) to download
the remote site to the root of the site you just defined on
the hard drive.
This will pick up all the pages *after* webbot action so that
shared borders
and all are already present in the page HTML. This will also
pick up all of
the server scripting. Note - in the event that you are not
able to connect
using FTP since some FP hosts block that protocol, you will
have to use a
third party 'site copier' like Black Widow, QuadSucker, or
WebCopier, (or
even the DW extension called SiteAssist from WebAssist) to
connect and
download using http protocols. Doing it this way will *not*
retrieve any of
your server-script code, if any (unless you have used the
WebAssist
extension).
3. I'd create a DW template for the pages, that captures the
"shared
border"
effect you had in FP.
4. I'd copy and paste content from each FP pages to a new
template child
page and then save the new child page with an easily
identifiable
nomenclature that is distinct from what was used on the FP
site (since you
are saving the new child pages into the same local site as
the FP pages).
5. When the basic site is completed, I'd upload the new DW
pages to some
staging area/webspace, and by using the browser, I'd verify
that the site
(as it now exists remotely) is complete.
6. Then I'd create a *new* DW site in a new location on the
hard drive, and
connect to and download all the files from the staging site.
7. You can now delete the original FP site from your local
system if you
want.
You now have a complete site (minus any of the FP extension
server-side
code) that has no FP footprint.
If you have used any FP server extension functions on the
original FP site
(form processing, guestbooks, tables of contents, etc.), you
will have to
recreate those functions in DW using 3rd party scripts, or
scripts that you
write yourself.
> 3. Currently we use Xara Webstyle for our drop down
menus. I have been
> using
> this program for years and years, and it quickly/easily
creates javascript
> drop
> down menus for our sites. Easy to use, easy to edit,
inexpensive and
> works in
> FP almost seamlessly. When we switch over to DW I'd like
to use something
> more
> search engine friendly - do you guys have anything you
recommend?
I would not touch Xara with a ten foot pole, or any menu
system that writes
all-javascript menus. There are many reasons for this, but
accessability is
right at the top of the list.
Anyhow - check the uberlink and MacFly tutorials at PVII -
http://www.projectseven.com/
and the Navbar tutorial/articles at Thierry's place
http://tjkdesign.com/articles/dropdown/
Or this one (more recent article):
http://tjkdesign.com/articles/Pure_CSS_Dropdown_Menus.asp
Or to get it done fast, go here -
http://www.projectseven.com/tutorials/navigation/auto_hide/index.htm
> 4. For once we are up and running on DW, what else do
you guys recommend?
Keep coming here. 8)
Murray --- ICQ 71997575
Adobe Community Expert
(If you *MUST* email me, don't LAUGH when you do so!)
==================
http://www.projectseven.com/go
- DW FAQs, Tutorials & Resources
http://www.dwfaq.com - DW FAQs,
Tutorials & Resources
==================
"onelily" <[email protected]> wrote in
message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi everyone. After almost a decade of designing my
websites in Front Page
> my
> employees have finally convinced me to make the switch
to Dreamweaver. We
> will
> be upgrading to CS4 Design Premium at the beginning of
the year, and to
> say I'm
> a bit "worried" would be an understatement.
>
> I have built over 400 websites, and we currently
host/maintain almost 200
> sites for our 140+ clients. My staff is trained in
Dreamweaver so they
> are
> very excited about finally making the switch. I myself
am self-taught and
> can
> build a FP site in my sleep. I have taught FP, trained
staff and
> colleagues,
> etc. I am VERY comfortable in FP, and have won over 30
awards for my
> designs in
> FP (thank goodness and can read/write some code in code
view). So to toot
> my
> own horn, I am very comfortable/confident in FP and have
always been a fan
> of
> the software. I have always told people that it is not
the software that
> builds
> the site, but the designer and the software is just a
tool to get it done.
>
> But after much debating, thinking, researching, etc...
we are finally
> ready to
> take the plunge. I am obviously nervous leaning new
software, and being
> able
> to keep up with our steady work (exisiting and new
clients) and really
> cannot
> afford to have much downtime in the way of a learning
curve.
>
> I have started the Lynda.com training, and that is
making me sleepy. As
> great
> as I'm sure the training is, I feel like I'll be
listening to that
> forever. I
> have DW already on my computer and thought I'd just jump
right in, but
> find the
> UI so different that I'm a bit overwhelmed.
>
> So I thought I'd come join the forum, as hearing from
others is often such
> a
> better learning method for me. I will continue my
training at lynda.com as
> well
> as a few other tutorials I've seen around the way... but
wanted to ask a
> few
> quesitons to the experts here...
>
> 1. What software/training program would you guys
recommend for learning DW
> for
> someone already very familiar with building websites
(I'm finding that the
> Lynda.com training is geared to beginners and I'm forced
to re-learn
> things I
> already know)?
>
> 2. What is the best method for changing from FP to DW?
Meaning, is there
> software or a plug-in available that I can
import/transition my exisiting
> FP
> sites to DW? With so many sites, just this task alone
seems almost
> impossible.
>
>
> 3. Currently we use Xara Webstyle for our drop down
menus. I have been
> using
> this program for years and years, and it quickly/easily
creates javascript
> drop
> down menus for our sites. Easy to use, easy to edit,
inexpensive and
> works in
> FP almost seamlessly. When we switch over to DW I'd like
to use something
> more
> search engine friendly - do you guys have anything you
recommend?
>
> 4. For once we are up and running on DW, what else do
you guys recommend?
>
> TIA for your help!
>

Making the switch - any suggestions?

So, I did it. I finally ordered a Mac (Mini) and am making the switch from MS/Intel to Apple. My Mini isn't even here yet (due next week), but I have been browsing the forums here to get an idea of any pitfalls I need to avoid, suggestions that look like a good idea, etc...
So, I ask the forum -- what do you suggest? I am fairly computer-literate (built my last PC from pieces), but have absolutely no experience with Apple/Mac/OS X...
Any books to learn the new lingo? Any apps that will make the transition a little smoother? While I am excited in the switch, there is some trepidation in learning a new language...
Thanks in advance...
mac mini, 1.66 Core 2 Duo, 2 Gb RAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Blankmange, welcome! And congrats on your choice to switch.
We can probably give tips that are better directed if you tell us a bit about how you used your PC, what programs and tasks you did with it, etc. And what you want to do with your new Mac.
Some tips up front:
1) The Mac equivalent of CTL-ALT-DEL to get the attention of a non-responsive program is Apple-Option-ESC. Or WinKey-Alt-ESC, if you are using Windows keyboard. The "Apple" key is also referred to as the "Cmd" or "Command" key. Or the "squiggle" key.
2) Don't rename your home folder, ie the one with the House icon.
3) Stay out of the iPhoto Library folder. It's contents are best used via the iPhoto program.
A thread on how to be a smart Mac user here:
http://discussions.apple.com/click.jspa?searchID=-1&messageID=4086431
4) 512 Meg RAM on an Intel Mac is not a good match for MS Office. Need 1 Gig for decent performance. With 2 Gig, the Mini really shows its stuff when running multiple apps.
5) The equivalent of the Windows Control Panel is Apple Menu > System Preferences.
6) Unless you have more than 512 Meg RAM memory, don't get carried away with running "Dashboard Widgets". They can consume a fair amount of memory, and slow down your system.
7) You can use a two-button mouse with scroll wheel. The right mouse button will supply "context-sensitive" menus, which can be a real time saver.
8) The equivalent of "Properties" is "Get Info".
9) The equivalent of "Shortcut" is "Make Alias". Aliases have a little arrow in the bottom left corner of their icons. Be sure to note this, so that you can tell the difference between an alias and the original. Copying an alias will not make a copy of the original, only a copy of the alias. Deleting an alias will leave the original intact. Deleting the original, deletes your data.
10) The Mac has a very efficient virtual memory system and file system, and you usually don't need to concern yourself with either. Just make sure you leave 10% or more of your hard disk free, so that the OS has elbow room. The OS will even keep your disk defragmented automatically if you give it enough room to work.
11) If you buy external storage, firewire is much preferred to usb. Will be substantially faster. A dual-interface (Firewire+USB) will give maximum flexibility for devices that need to be used with PCs and Macs.
12) My personal opinion is that Norton Anti-virus is not a good choice for OSX. It hooks deep into the OS, and appears to be correlated with a number of mysterious problems reported here. Clam-AV would be a safer choice -- though most Mac users don't run any anti-virus, including yours truly. I would recommend that you turn on the Apple firewall and/or use a router with firewall protection.
13) Have a look at the free NeoOffice suite, if you'd like to keep some money in your pocket instead of giving it to Bill Gates: http://neooffice.org Reads and writes MS formats. Produces great PDFs, too. I exchange documents with many organizations using NeoOffice; never had a bit of problem.

Making the switch from PC to Mac.

I am a dedicated Apple fan, to say the least. Like, I need a t-shirt and a tattoo. I have an iPod and iPhone currently and I've played a bit with the iPad but that's not what I'm asking.
My whole life I've had a PC. I hate Windows and PCs have always seem to fail me. I'm an extremely heavy computer user.
In school, I use Macs. I'm in Graphic Design. I also am a musician. I've been begging for one for a super long time. Now that I'm getting ready for college - a Mac could very well be my Christmas present.
In the past five years I've went through quite a few laptops due to Windows failing and what not, just dumb things that could happen I suppose. Being an Apple lover, I've heard that Macs are very could quality laptops, it's harder for them to get viruses, ect. Is it true?
Would it be worth it to make the switch?
What tips can you give?
& what antivirus software should be used for a Mac?
Previously, I used Norton and I haven't had too good of an experience.

Whereas no Windows computer would last very long without products like Norton, a Mac already includes all the protection it needs against viruses and malware. Norton a/k/a Symantec functions well on Windows PCs but it will cause no end of problems on a Mac.
A Mac is far removed from a Windows PC. It has always been so. Evolution of the two systems has been completely separate from the beginning, and have followed very different philosophies. Whereas OS X draws its roots from mainframe OS with multiple user accounts that must be separated from one another and the system that runs them, Windows took a very open approach from the beginning. It got much worse with Explorer and Active Destkop. Microsoft has been trying to shut the door on that Pandora's box of viruses and malware ever since.
Norton and its many Mac variants are one of the worst pieces of trash you can install on a Mac. All commercial Mac anti-virus software is superfluous and some of it is harmful. Apple Support Communities is full of horror stories describing the effects of installing such junk.
OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. You don't need to buy anything else.
This is an interesting thread you might enjoy: Virus count?

Making the switch - but to where, and when?

Hi All
I'm a graphic designer who's been PC based for many years and am now ready to make the switch to a Mac. Almost 100% of my work is done with Adobe products and i'm looking at getting my new computer around the same time as when CS3 comes on the market. I do have a couple of questions that I'm hoping someone on here can help me out with...
My current machine has an AMD Athlon 64 processor, 2.40 GHz with 2GB Ram. I have an 80GB & 120GB harddrive with an increasingly unpredictable Windows XP. My graphics card is an NVIDIA GeForce4 MX4000.
I work with Photoshop and Illustrator for the majority of my work and providing i'm not doing anything too radical I get good performance out of both. I also work with After Effects 7, Premiere Pro 2.0 and Cinema 4D 10 and get satisfactory performance from these programs.
As my work is taking me further into the motion graphics and video side of things, I'm wanting my new machine to be optimized for these programs.
My main question is - will I achieve better results and faster rendering time with an iMac or will I need to go up to a MacPro to really see a difference?
I'm also wondering when is the best time to buy? The CS3 Master collection ships from June 1st - but I understand that Apple is coming out with its new operating system later this year. Should I hold out for this? Will there be new machines?
Ultimately I want to get everything ASAP but I also don't want to make such a large purchase only to have a better or more suitable model released soon after.
Would greatly appreciate any help/guidance in making this decision!
Cheers, Heath K.

Hi, if you look on page 5 you will see pretty much the questions you asked & the replies. In addition you will get answers from our tekky savvy mac users.
Mac's have a learning curve, not steep but definately there, the nuances of the OS are easily learnable just takes a little time. I am a professional photographer and switched to macs 2 years ago, no regrets. Buy Applecare, it's the best deal since sliced bread..I also keep my PC (Prostar) updated and ready to use as back-up...L

Making the switch from Word to Pages

I'm trying to make the switch from Microsoft Word to Apple Pages. For my job, I push Word to the point of not working anymore with large, 150+page reports, that have many figures (images), tables and cross-references. I am trying to see if Apple pages will handle these documents any better than Word.
My problems are many, and any help would be very much appreciated.
I need to learn how to use the styles the right way,to set up my main report like so:
1. Heading Primary
     1.1 Heading Secondary
          Bodytextbodytextbodytext
     1.2 Heading Secondary
          Bodytextbodytextbodytext
          1.1.1 Heading 3rd
and so on. This can easily be done with the default heading tool and a simple press of the tab button-but I need to be able to change the font size on the different level headings, and the only way I can manage this is when I define each sub-heading as a different paragraph style (like 1.Heading 1 and 1.Heading 2), but it seems whenever I do this the table of contents has a hard time indenting the right topics.
Also, I'm not fully sure how to add captions to pictures and tables, and then how to below the table of contents make a list of figures and a list of tables, respectively. In word, it is as simple as inserting a caption and defining it as a figure or table.
Like I said, any help would be appreciated-I can't seem to pick these things up from tutorial videos or the user manual, so I've turned to the trusty Apple Support Community.
Thanks,
     -Skyler

Table of Contents doesn't adapt to the automatic lists numbering, sad to say. The TOC has it own Styles you can set.
For caption use a text box that you group with the image, table or any other object.
To make a list of images and tables you have to do them manually.
Pages doesn't have all the feature Word has.
Have you downloaded the Pages User Guide from your Pages Help menu?
There is a rather good boo you can get "The missing manual for iWork".

Thinking about making the switch

Hello, my name is Bryce. I purchased an HP Pavilion tx 1000 Tablet PC about 8 months ago, and while I love the model, I've been very unhappy with Vista, and with the HP tech support policy. Recently, I've learned of a widespread problem with the motherboard used in my laptop's model - this issue is well documented online but not recognized by HP, and I'm beginning to see the symptoms in my laptop (the failure progresses from a wifi card failure to a motherboard failure, apparently caused by the use of bad materials in the NVIDIA motherboard/HP overclocking of the AMD processor to sell it off as a more powerful machine). At the moment I am hoping that my now-updated BIOS and the new wifi card HP is sending me will tide me over, but I fear that the issue is worse and I'll be stuck dealing with this for awhile.
So, I have been thinking about switching over to Mac. I used to have a G3 iBook (back when they were new), and I was quite unhappy with it. I'm hoping that I can get some feedback regarding the following questions. My budget is around 2,500 dollars.
1.) Generally, when I'm on a computer it's to use Microsoft Office, IRC, AIM/MSN/YIM, HTML/CSS editors, Gimp and web surfing. I occasionally play computer games, but nothing too high end. What Mac laptop would best be suited for me? Does Mac sell Microsoft Office 07 pre-installed? How expensive would that be? What IRC clients are available for Mac? What AIM/MSN/YIM clients? HTML and CSS editors? Does Gimp run on Mac?
2.) What's the latest Mac OS? Is it a real resource hog?
3.) How much does a full accidental damage warranty for a Mac cost? Can Mac tech support be contacted online?
4.) I'm sick of NVIDIA components. I've just had too many problems with them in my life. Are NVIDIA chips used in Macs?
5.) Is WiFi standard on Mac laptops these days? When I bought my G3 iBook, I had to buy the Airport Exterme card separately. Additionally, I regularly reside in locations with weak WiFi signals. Which Airport card would be best for long range/weak signal detection? Is bluetooth and ethernet standard on Macs?
6.) I am often on the move, and dragging my laptop with me. How sturdy are Mac laptops? Which laptops will scratch easily, and which are more stolid? How much would a good, sturdy laptop case go for?
7.) Are webcams/microphones standard on Macs? One of my favorite things about my current laptop is the plethora of USB/headphone ports. How many can I get on a Mac?
8.) How is the Mac networking software?
9.) What type of anti-theft systems can I get for a Mac? Lo-jack?
10.) I use my laptop 8-10 hours a day. I need whatever computer I have to run relatively quiet and relatively cool. How are Mac cooling systems?
11.) I'm on the move a lot. I need a computer that can go to sleep and wake up quickly. How fast can a Mac wake up from sleep mode?
12.) Are most of the Mac laptop ports on the sides of the laptop, or the back?
Thanks for your time.
EDIT:
13.) I've used my iPod Mini (It's ancient, I know) on Windows. Can it be converted to Mac? It's a sentimental item so I'd rather not retire it (Engraved for my graduation).
Message was edited by: Ephriam Grey

Ephriam Grey wrote:
(the failure progresses from a wifi card failure to a motherboard failure, apparently caused by the use of bad materials in the NVIDIA motherboard/HP overclocking of the AMD processor to sell it off as a more powerful machine).
I don't think the Mac will help you much with hardware failures. While Apple's failure rate is half that of PCs, the overall failure rate is still pretty low. If the failure is with some 3rd party product, such as a video card, the problem will affect any machine that uses said card - HPs and Macs.
Mac hardware quality is statistically twice as good as PCs, and there is documentation for this. All the other aspects of the hardware - style, ease-of-use, etc is much better than that of PCs -but that is a purely subjective opinion
So, I have been thinking about switching over to Mac. I used to have a G3 iBook (back when they were new), and I was quite unhappy with it. I'm hoping that I can get some feedback regarding the following questions. My budget is around 2,500 dollars.
That iBook was one of the few machines that had serious quality problems. Still, mine ran with no problems for 4 years. It was a nightmare to take apart though. You can buy quite a bit with $ 2500.
1.) Generally, when I'm on a computer it's to use Microsoft Office, IRC, AIM/MSN/YIM, HTML/CSS editors, Gimp and web surfing. I occasionally play computer games, but nothing too high end. What Mac laptop would best be suited for me?
The most expensive one you can afford. Macbooks can play games and do video, but it really heats up the CPU and the fans get quite loud. Macbook Pros are more powerful but seem to have more quality and software problems. (I can't verify this as I don't have one - I'm just repeating what I read here - a place known to be inaccurate).
Does Mac sell Microsoft Office 07 pre-installed? How expensive would that be?
I don't think you can get it pre-installed. Apple reserves that for Apple products. However, it is now quite cheap (barely $100) and very easy to install. Office 2008 is a .0 product and has some flakiness, but at least doesn't use the "ribbon". I like it.
What IRC clients are available for Mac?
No clue.
What AIM/MSN/YIM clients?
iChat is the best as it also does video. Adium will work with just about any protocol out there, but no video.
HTML and CSS editors?
Only a couple of hundred. Personally, I don't like my editors to do too much and get in my way. I actually do my web sites in Xcode and Safari. You'll have to find out which one you like the best.
Does Gimp run on Mac?
Yes, but why would you want to? I am an admitted anti-Adobe bigot, but I have to admit that Photoshop Elements put Gimp, Pixelmator, and all the other tools to shame. I use Corel Painter for some things that Elements can't do. I use Preview and PDF Clerk Pro for a few things that are outside Element's realm of image expertise.
2.) What's the latest Mac OS? Is it a real resource hog?
10.5.5. Yes, in objective terms, no, in relative terms. 2 GB RAM is the minimum. 4 would be better. RAM it cheap so don't skimp on it.
3.) How much does a full accidental damage warranty for a Mac cost?
I don't know about accidental damage. I know that is explicitly excluded from AppleCare.
Can Mac tech support be contacted online?
Don't know - never needed it in 20 years of owning Macs. I guess that might be a factor in deciding whether to switch.
4.) I'm sick of NVIDIA components. I've just had too many problems with them in my life. Are NVIDIA chips used in Macs?
NVIDIA is the graphics card for Macbook Pros. You might want to consider a Macbook or Macbook air. You will either 1) save lots of money or 2) be really stylish and cool. Either way you don't want to play too many games.
3rd party video has never been well supported on Macs. You might be able to get a different card for a Macbook Pro. Good luck.
5.) Is WiFi standard on Mac laptops these days?
Yes.
Which Airport card would be best for long range/weak signal detection?
It doesn't matter as you have no choice about that. Welcome to Apple. If you had to, you could get an external wifi adapter with maybe a range booster. If you have a Macbook Pro, you can use some wifi cards, but not all.
Is bluetooth and ethernet standard on Macs?
Yes, but only turn bluetooth on when you need it as it will make the Mac a little flaky.
6.) I am often on the move, and dragging my laptop with me. How sturdy are Mac laptops? Which laptops will scratch easily, and which are more stolid?
They seem more sturdy that the plastic PCs. The Macbooks are still plastic so they can get scratched and broken. But there are far fewer little plastic pieces, flaps, and doors to break than on a standard PC. The Air and Pro are both metal.
How much would a good, sturdy laptop case go for?
Same as in town.
7.) Are webcams/microphones standard on Macs?
Yes - built-in.
One of my favorite things about my current laptop is the plethora of USB/headphone ports. How many can I get on a Mac?
How many headphone ports do you need? My Macbook only has two USB ports, but they are both powered.
8.) How is the Mac networking software?
As Apple makes both computers, cards, and hubs, they focus on Apple equipment working correctly with Apple equipment. For everything else they just code to the published standards and hope the 3rd parties do the same. Many 3rd parties don't do the same and only test with their own cards running XP. Consequently, Mac wireless isn't going to be as reliable as PCs. Whose fault that is should be discussed elsewhere.
9.) What type of anti-theft systems can I get for a Mac? Lo-jack?
Same as in town. You would be wasting your money. Nobody ever gets their stuff back.
10.) I use my laptop 8-10 hours a day. I need whatever computer I have to run relatively quiet and relatively cool. How are Mac cooling systems?
Very good at dissipating excessive CPU heat onto your lap. A Macbook Pro might be better for that. Macbooks run hot and loud when you push them.
11.) I'm on the move a lot. I need a computer that can go to sleep and wake up quickly. How fast can a Mac wake up from sleep mode?
2-3 seconds?
12.) Are most of the Mac laptop ports on the sides of the laptop, or the back?
On my Macbook, all the ports are on the left. The CD is on the right.
13.) I've used my iPod Mini (It's ancient, I know) on Windows. Can it be converted to Mac? It's a sentimental item so I'd rather not retire it (Engraved for my graduation).
I don't see why not. It might be additional work to move your purchased music over to the Mac. The iPod will be easy.

Moving to Belgium - and making the switch?

hello,
I'm in the market for a new laptop; have been a pc person for a while but am pretty much sold on switching to mac. I'd go ahead and buy a macbook, except for one thing - I'm moving to Belgium in a few months, and I've been warned that it might be difficult there to get service & support, and that there might be the odd compatibility problem since fewer people use macs over there. Can anyone weigh in on this issue?
thank you!
Lucy

Welcome to Belgium. Indeed, about 95% of the population has never heard of Apple or Macs. There are quite a lot of Mac dealers around (but I wouldn't say plenty, you might have to search around - then again, Belgium is only the size of a stamp compared to the US). The reason why there are so many PC users and so little Mac users is partly Apple's fault : you won't find any advertising anywhere : not in newspapers, not in magazines, and certainly not on radio or TV. But you won't have any problem finding support for your Mac : most dealers (although there are a few exceptions, check out some local discussion forums if you can, people will gladly help you in English) are really passionate about macs. In any case, welcome to Belgium, enjoy the food and the beer !
G4/800 QS - G3/400 Pismo PB Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Making the switch to Mac from pc

Hey gang, I've had enough of microsoft and windows. It seems like everytime I get and install a windows update, my system gets worse. At this point it's very unstable and always crashing/rebooting. That, and viruses and maintaining all the various programs that go along with windows (ad-aware, spybot, norton anti virus) have forced me over the edge.
I figure most of my software won't work with the new window's vista, so it's time to move to Apple. I hope some of you can answer some questions for me.
1. I'm taking online college courses and it says that I can use Firefox for my browser, so I assume all should be well with my mac and the classes? I can't imagine it wouldn't.
2. I have to uses ms word, powerpoint and excel for school and work, so I will buy it for mac. If I create a document on the mac using ms word, excel or powerpoint, will I be able to access/modify it on a pc using the pc versions of these programs? I have to use a pc at work and the ability for these two systems using the same programs to be compatible is imperative.
3. Last but not least, I use a program that came with my camera, it's called Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 It says its for windows or macintosh, but it's probably 5 years old. Do you think it would work with a new version of mac?
Thanks in advance, I'm a total knothead when it comes to computers and need all the help I can get.
Steve

My wife recently started taking on-line classes. She was a diehard Windows user for years, but she was tired of the maintenance, and wanted a machine just for school. She has run into only a few obstacles. Her institution uses Blackboard. Blackboard works fine with Safari, but does not provide the advanced editing tools that are available in Internet Explorer. The recent Firefox betas provide the advanced editing tools that her PC counterparts see, so the final version (due soon) should work even better.
With MS Office... She is using Office 2004, and it has worked OK. In the preferences, it is possible to set it so that it saves with the ".doc" extension by default. If you let it save in its normal format, it does not include the extension. If you upload the file for Windows users, they will complain that they can't open it. It is also possible to automatically save in older formats with an extension in Office 2008... Office 2007/2008 save in the DOCX format, which is not even remotely compatible with older versions.
As a "just in case"... She has a copy of Windows XP in Parallels with Office 2003. She has not had to use this, but it's there, just in case. We maxed out the RAM in her Macbook to 4GB ($100 from Crucial), and it is more than fast enough.
As a new Mac user, I would check out: NeoOffice, OpenOffice 3 (beta), VirtualBox...
My photos are my most important files, and I have been taking digital pictures since long before it was popular. My collection goes back to 1996, and I have about 20,000 pictures and short video clips- mostly of the kids. I presently use iPhoto for managing my archives, and for making minor adjustments. I would not use anything else... When I need to make major changes, I use the Gimp. It is not an Apple application, and I became familiar with it in my Linux days. Check it out- It may or may not work for your needs.
Steve

Making the switch from iPhone 3GS to iPhone 4 today. Purchased a SIM adapt

I have a 2 ATT/Apple/iTunes questions.
I am switching from a 3GS to a 4 today. I purchased a SIM adaptor so I can use the new mirco SIM in my 3GS. Once I activate my 4 will my 3GS be deactivated? ie will be able to swap my sim from one to the other and use each seamlessly?
My second questions is if iTunes will allow two iphones to be synced on a single computer/account simultaneously?
Thank you for the help everyone!
Kalel

Kalel wrote:
I have a 2 ATT/Apple/iTunes questions.
I am switching from a 3GS to a 4 today. I purchased a SIM adaptor so I can use the new mirco SIM in my 3GS. Once I activate my 4 will my 3GS be deactivated? ie will be able to swap my sim from one to the other and use each seamlessly?
Yes, Upon activation of the SIM in the iphone 4, the SIM in the 3GS will be simultaneously deactivated. Only one SIM per mobile phone number can be active at one time.
My second questions is if iTunes will allow two iphones to be synced on a single computer/account simultaneously?
Yes.
Thank you for the help everyone!
Kalel

I am Making the Switch: Vaio to Macbook... What do I need to Know?

So I am moving over to a mac
My vaio has been a great machine, but i dropped it last week, so the data is being pulled right now and I have been looking for a replacement.
I decided on the 15" Macbook Pro...
250GB
4 GB RAM
2.6GHZ INTEL duo
so i need a few tips ...
like what software will i need to get?
Should I get "parallel" so i can run XP?
What about the data from my vaio? the tech says he still pulling it from a week ago since there are a lot of "damaged sectors"
oh - and is there a way to run HDMI from a mac to my plasma when i download movies?
and what kind of virus software should i run on a mac, espcially since i will also install XP so i can operate windows programs ...
so please talk to me like im 5 and tell me if this software (below) is standard on a Macbook or if these are added perks
1. Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard
a. Time Machine
b. Quick Look
c. Spaces
d. Spotlight
e. Dashboard
f. Mail
g. iChat
h. Safari
i. Address Book
j. QuickTime
k. iCal
l. DVD Player
m. Photo Booth
n. Front Row
o. Xcode Developer Tools
2. iLife '09
a. iTunes
b. iPhoto
c. iMovie
d. iDVD
e. iWeb
f. GarageBand

With the one exception that your computer will come with OSX 10.6 (Snow Leopard) rather than 10.5 Leopard, all of the software you mention comes with the Mac.
As far as virus protection is concerned, on the Windows side, especially if operating under Boot Camp, you should run whatever you would normally choose for Windows. On the Mac side virus checkers generally cause more trouble (a fair bit) than they are worth (next to nothing), but if you feel you really need it then ClamX is the least problematic and cheapest (its free) option.
Yes you can run movies on your HDMI TV from the MBP. You will need either a Mini Display port to DVI adaptor and a DVI to HDMI cable, a Mini Display Port to HDMI adapator and an HDMI to HDMI cable, together with an appropriate sound cable from the headphone socket to a sound input on the TV OR one of the new "combined" cables, like the one at http://kanexlive.com/products/item.aspx?id=3495 which includes all the necessary connections in one .
Cheers
Rod

Making the switch. 3g to 5g

Hey. recently I bought a new laptop. I also just received my new 5G ipod (from freeipods.com :P )
I am wondering if someone can run me through the process of moving ALL of my music and playlists and such from my old computer and ipod, to my new computer and new ipod.
Thanks.

Yeah it does work. The catch is that it's ridiculously hard to get 5 people to put their CC info on the line for your benefit. Also, if you forget to cancel an offer, even by 1 day, you can end up with a hefty charge for the service. Ancestry.com charges you like 300 bucks for a years service. (this is how they count on making their money)
They also try to catch you using CCs from the same billing address, which they don't allow.
Then theres the fact that after completing my 5 offer things, it took a little over a month to arrive.
I coped. It was worth it. Can't complain with a 300 dollar item for free.

Maybe making the switch from AVID to FCP, would like some input please.

Happy T-Day to all. Would really appreciate any thoughts on this. I have many questions and need some answers from folks who are not always pushing AVID ( my vendor) I am a one man shop and use all Apple apps (LiveType, Motion, etc.) but have always stayed in my comfort zone with AVID Xpro and MOJO. Am thinking of going to Media Composer but after a few days of consideration and a trip to an Apple store, I may do a complete turn around and commot to FCP. Recently made the move to HD with the Sony XDCAM HD system. Here are my questions...plese be patient, this is a major move for me.
1. If I purchase a new Intel G-5, will the internal SATA drives be OK for 35MPS HD?
2. What AJA card or product should I buy so I can view HD SDI on a client monitor and output HD to a Sony XDCAM HD F-70 Deck?
3. What graphics card should I order on the new machine?
4. Can I use the FAM ( File Access Mode) to tranfer content?
5. Any other considerations when ordering the new Intel machine?
I know I have many questions, but I really believe it is time for me to make the move. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks again.
Tdub

1. Yes, but just. You'd only get 1 stream. Faster drives would allow you to do more than one layer of real time playback. You could stripe more than one internal sata and get the job done that way.
2. Kona LHe will do this, however you'd gain the ability to upconvert and cross convert the video to just about any format with the Kona 3.
3.The X1900. Motion and some effects in FCP will take advantage of it... down the line FCP is likely to rely more on the GPU is an educated guess of mine. the top of the line card is faster, but not enough to substaniate the price if you're working in Video. If you were working in 3D CAD environments, then the top of the liner would be the best choice.
4.I don't use XDCAM here, so I'm presuming that you're talking about a transfer mode with that. I'm pretty sure FCP 5.1.2 added this capability. Might search the COW on this term in the FCP forum there. http://www.creativecow..net.
5.Working with HD and MPEG streams would leave me wanting the fastest of the three machines. You'll want 4 gigs of RAM, but it's less expensive from other than Apple. I know just how scary it can be to move to a new platform, and did exactly as you are contemplating when FCP 2 arrived. I've never looked back. Hang here once you get started, and we'll help you with the transition. There is a book out there in the pro training series from Apple/Peachpit on ediiting on FCP if you're coming from Avid. I'd recommend you get that book. Will ease the transition no doubt.
Hope you make the jump!
Jerry

Making the switch ... additional considerations?

I was all set to buy a new Windows PC (core i7 950) when I walked through an Apple store over the weekend. With the recent arrival of our second daughter, however, space is now at a premium and the all-in-one appeal of the iMac is very attractive. Now, I'm reasonably certain I'm going to go with the 24"-inch iMac (3.06) with the ATI Radeon 4850 and 4GB of RAM. (I used Macs all thru school before jumping over to PCs.)
A couple of "concerns" (for the lack of a better word) that I do have ...
... I wish there was a quad-core option in the iMac line. (I am aware there is one in the MacPro line.) When compared to the system I was looking at, it does look like I'm paying a premium for yesterday's technology. However, I'm also fairly certain there's a huge benefit to Apple's tightly constrained architecture that's not readily apparent in the specs.
... As I do a fair amount of video-editing, I'm looking really hard at Final Cut Express and like what I see. I've been using Premiere Elements, the consumer version of Adobe's Premiere editing package. I'm assuming that FCE will work nicely on this iMac.
Given that most of my family's computer activity is tied to Web browsing, photo editing and video editing, is there anything else I should consider? Also, if I order in the next few days, what are the odds that it'll come with Snow Leopard already installed?
Thanks in advance for any insight!
--Jason

There is a big difference between an iMac and a Mac Pro.
There are many high-end applications (such as video editing) that do take advantage of multiple processors. The upcoming Snow Leopard (Grand Central Dispatch feature) will make it easier for developers take advantage of multiple processors in their apps. So for a lot of creative work, the 4 or 8 processors in a Mac Pro will come into play. For basic computing, those extra processor are not as important.
The Mac Pro allows RAM above 8GB. And it does not cost a fortune to get it to 8GB, because it has more than two slots for RAM. 4GB is more than enough for most people; getting 8GB in an iMac is very costly at this time. If you buy an iMac with 8GB already installed by Apple, it will cost as much as a Mac Pro.
You can install up to four SATA drives internally in a Mac Pro. The internal SATA connection is the fastest available to Macs. To add storage to an iMac, external drive is the only way; while FireWire 800 is pretty fast, it is not as fast as internal SATA, and USB 2.0 is very slow in comparison.
You can use just about any one or two displays you want with the Mac Pro. As your needs (and budget) change, you can replace the display(s). You can even change the video card, if a significantly better one becomes available (and you need it). With the iMac, you can have a two-display system, but one will always be the built-in display and the video hardware is permanent.
If space is a concern, Mac Pros are HUGE and heavy. The case uses solid aluminum panels. They use generally use more power. Obviously, a Mac Pro is more expensive. As long as you do NOT opt for the iMac with the 8GB RAM option, you can probably buy one iMac now, sell it three years later, and buy another new iMac (2012 model) for the cost of buying a Mac Pro now and keeping it for five years.
Also, if I order in the next few days, what are the odds that it'll come with Snow Leopard already installed?
Probably zero. The current models will come with Leopard pre-installed. At some point, they will come with a Snow Leopard upgrade disc during the transition period (at least that's how Apple transitioned in the past). But the official release data for Snow Leopard has not been announce at this time, so the pre-installed OS on the currently packaged systems in inventory will still be Leopard. However, you can get the Snow Leopard upgrade disc for $9.95 on any eligible new or refurb Mac you buy now.
http://www.apple.com/macosx/uptodate/
Be sure to check the Apple Online Store +Special Deals+ page for refurbs and clearance models. Some are current models. My current iMac is a refurb, and it has worked perfectly (and it looked brand new).

Finally making the switch what files do i need

So I am finally about to make the jump to a brand new MBP. my previous computer was P4 windows XP dell 512 Ram, yikes! so the main question i have is, what files from my windows box am i going to be able to bring over to my new mac. and what is the best way to go about transfering them, ethernet cable like it suggests on switching 101? other than that i am solid on how to use mac

The only files you can use on the Mac would be the documents. Unless you install Boot Camp or a virtualizing solution (VMWare/Parallels), none of the executables (applications, programs, utilities) will run on MacOS X. However, MS Office for Mac 2008 can open MS Office for Windows documents with (mostly) no problems, same for Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.

OK. I'm making the switch...a few questions....

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