Just so you know: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7079777.stm

Oh My God, where do I go now!!!!

I am in the middle of a disastrous meltdown of my PC O/S WindowsXP Home. I am stuck.

Earlier today, I decided it was time to either (a) Go to Mac or
(b) buy a Dell with Vista installed.

What do I do now?
Looks like Dell is the winner

Everybody agree?

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Eddie from Rotherham
Skype:eddiefromrotherham
www.yamahakeyboards.info

Not being able to modify my previous mail, I have to do this.....
I forgot to add that I am mailing by using an old PC of mine which has Windows98SE.
This was a faithful old warhorse and I am seriosly considering installing it on my newest PC which has the XP problem.
Why not? It has served me well.



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Eddie from Rotherham
Skype:eddiefromrotherham
www.yamahakeyboards.info

It does not use any holes in the operating system, but tricks the user into believing that he/she needs that codec to view the video, enter administrator password and install it. I think that vulnerability will be there no matter what computer you buy. No door would save me from a burglar if I'm going to fall for his/her trick and open the door for him/her.

Shiral

Yep, that's it in a nutshell. This isn't a Trojan in the PC sense, because all you have to do on a PC is just click on a file... POOF! there goes your drive.

Anyone stupid enough to first, download a piece of software from an untrusted site (porn? trusted? give me a break!), then actually install that software manually (that's the difference between Mac and Windows - Windows never even asks you), and finally provide an admin password to an untested piece of software... They basically deserve anything they get.

That's not a Trojan Horse, that's the Trojans opening up the horse, looking inside, seeing the Greeks hiding in there, and then going 'Come on in, I'm sure you boys don't mean any harm!'

All the Antivirus products available for PCs would easily pick up a rouge codec and eliminate it. (MacAfee Site Advisor (As well as other security programs) would also tell you if the site was dodgy)
As far as I am aware, virtually all the media programs available for Windows, will ask if you wish to download the codec first. (Even QuickTime)

Bill

However, I've been on broadband for seven years or more, without ANY virus, spyware or Trojan detection software at all, and nothing but the software firewall in OSX.

ZERO problems...

What's that worth to you? A few hundred dollars more than a Dell? For those that don't WANT to learn to be a geek, just so's you can post here and do some music with your computer, the Mac is looking more and more attractive (and the sales numbers reflect this) every day.

I am a musician, NOT an IT guy. I want a computer that is good for music and general stuff, and doesn't need constant vigilance to prevent malware from ruining your day. For now, Mac's are that computer...

This is an opinion which I read many times.....but I would have to wait quite a while before being able to buy one......and I need a PC now!
cheers



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Eddie from Rotherham
Skype:eddiefromrotherham
www.yamahakeyboards.info

I would definitely go for the vista pc. I just upgraded and am very happy! The interface is cool, and I love the gadgets. You might want to go to the widescreen monitor that allows you to see the gadgets, and also see 2 pages side by side.

I invested in latest versions of my software apps to avoid compatibility issues, but do still have a problem with the printer driver for my 2 year old HP printer (!, they are working on it) and cannot use my Nikon film scanner (yet, they say they are working on it).

Graham

How much a year does all the virus protection software, spy-ware blockers, phishing and trojan protection cost you? Include the price of upgrades (that you HAVE to buy to be able to use revised virus definitions), etc..

Add three times THAT to the cost of your Vista PC (if you anticipate not buying another PC before three years use) and the TCO price of a Mac starts to plummet. Add in the price of a full features audio app like Garage Band 2 to it, and suddenly it looks even better. Add in all the other apps for video and photography that are full versions, not trial-ware (like you usually get on a cheap Dell), and all of a sudden, the Mac looks like a bargain.

Before you jump in with the cheapest PC you can get away with, don't forget what the software will add to your total, especially virus protection, that you have to pay for every year (or few months)...

For most people the available free antivirus, spyware etc is fine
Many open source software programs are available which are suitable for most people
Software for PCs is cheap compared to Mac
Virtually all software (Free and paid for) will work on a PC, whereas it’s limited for a Mac
If you want to update a piece of hardware the Mac costs you an arm and a leg, whereas PC hardware is cheap off the shelf
If you do have a problem it is easy to find someone who can help you with a PC, not so with a Mac
A PC is most likely used at work so there is no learning curve at home
There are also many other advantages of a PC
Taking the above into account, the Mac is just a very expensive style item

Bill

Didn't these kind of conversations used to occur 20-25 years ago?

The 80's are back!!! Yay !!!

You can't stop a 14 year old guy (the son of the atricle's writer) from accesing porn sites, unless you shoot him point blank. And he doesn't give a rat's foreskin if the site is "trusted" or not.

Here (Greece) Macs have never accounted for more than 5% of the total computer sales, and that 5% may be exaggerated. I had the chance of sitting in front of a Mac only once, worked in IT, and NEVER saw a Mac used in an environment outside graphic arts/design. Of course things are different in the U.S.

But to my knowledge, if you want what Diki wants, you can get a Mac, but with that, ALL the negatives Abacus noted.

But needed, unlike the Mac. And freeware antivirus software trails the commercial stuff by several weeks, Pray nothing happens until a free version comes out (if at all).

Advantage, Mac.



The vast majority of things that most people do with a computer (email, calendars, web browsing, music, photography, video, IM etc.), Macs already contain FULL versions of what many consider some of the best programs available, designed for simplicity and ease of use (unlike most open source software). And the main productivity apps like Office are comparably priced.

Advantage, Mac (or at least a tie!)



How many of us have the skills to upgrade even a PC effectively? And if you have a PC you definitely NEED a guru to help you. Most Mac users get by without one. Granny wants a computer? Get her a Mac every time, unless you WANT to be over her house fixing it all the time!

Advantage, Mac (unless YOU are a 'guru'!)



If Mac users can figure Windows out for operation (and probably work), how hard can it be for a Windows user?

I'm sorry, but if you are a IT guru, on a VERY tight budget, looking to squeeze the most value out of a home built computer, using primarily open source software, yes, the PC is a FAR better choice than a Mac.

But I have a sneaking suspicion that the vast majority of posters on THIS forum are not that skilled, and, just like with arrangers, would happily pay a bit more for something that was easy to operate, full featured, and didn't need constant upkeep, that did everything they needed to do with the minimum of fuss, looked great, and came with full featured music and audio apps out of the box.

The days of Macs being 50-70% higher in price than PC's has long gone. A $1000 iMac Core Duo will keep up with anything our members are likely to throw at it (and it will run Windows, too, if needed) without breaking a sweat, all in a stylish package that needs almost NO maintenance, or OS skill (unlike Windows machines).

If you ARE a geek, go PC (and best of luck!). If you are NOT, consider an alternative to having to rely on others to keep you up and running.

Advantage.... us, for at least having a choice!