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rubicon · 01-31-2005, 03:58 PM

I stopped using Windows and switched over to Mac full-time. I've since nuked my XP install and installed Mandrake 10 running as a server.

I'm a full-time IT consultant and all of my clients run Windows networks. I also manage web development projects, mostly Linux based. In either case, I found that *NIX-based network management and development tools are consistent and already in the OS. This applies to Mac as well as any Linux distro.

As for Windows, I got tired of installing a myriad of third-party apps to do the same thing I could already do with a *NIX box. Here's what I found in my saga of Mac vs. Linux vs. Windows.

From an application point of view, Mac has as much software as Windows. Commercial software such as Quicken, Office, Adobe products, etc. There isn't a single piece of software (even for my Palm) that doesn't have a corresponding Mac version. OK, I'm sure someone will point out a piece of software but I think you get the point.

Linux on the other hand...well you've got Gimp, OpenOffice, and a nice array of built-in software. I've found most of it kicks ass, however you're learning all over again. Unless you want to mess around with WINE or CrossoverOffice, Linux isn't a seamless transition from Windows nor does it support any of the commercial software.

Windows has games galore. Although I'm finding many a new game on the Mac platform as well as Windows. It's pointless bashing on Windows, it does that well enough on its own. It works and most people get it because it comes bundled with every x86 compatible box.

Hardware upgrading is largely a myth. Well, not a myth exactly but it's what we say to convince ourselves that we can somehow eek out another generation of use from our computers. Sure, I could pop out my Athlon XP 2000+ and install the latest Athlon XP chip. However, my mobo won't support a 64-bit Athlon chip. The FSB is only 333, not 400. Sure, I could rip out the mobo and deal with re-installing XP but that's not "upgrading" it's called a "ground up restoration." Seldom are restorations an inexpensive or time-saving project once you've bought that new $300 video card, two new SATA hard drives running in a RAID, your new 1 GB of FSB 800 RAM, or whatever else you fancy.

In all, I found the Mac to be hassle-free, based on a familiar *NIX OS, and compatible with everything I need to do.

Who cares if you can build a screaming PC for $2000 and the equivalent Mac costs $3000? Some people can afford it, others can't, or choose to save that extra $1000. Whatever. It doesn't matter to anyone but your own wallet and feelings of self-importance. (no offense)

As a PC-to-Mac/Linux convert, I'm really not sure what all the fuss is about.

01-31-2005, 03:58 PM	#37 (permalink)
rubicon Stop. Think. Question. Location: Redondo Beach, CA	I stopped using Windows and switched over to Mac full-time. I've since nuked my XP install and installed Mandrake 10 running as a server. I'm a full-time IT consultant and all of my clients run Windows networks. I also manage web development projects, mostly Linux based. In either case, I found that NIX-based network management and development tools are consistent and already in the OS. This applies to Mac as well as any Linux distro. As for Windows, I got tired of installing a myriad of third-party apps to do the same thing I could already do with a NIX box. Here's what I found in my saga of Mac vs. Linux vs. Windows. From an application point of view, Mac has as much software as Windows. Commercial software such as Quicken, Office, Adobe products, etc. There isn't a single piece of software (even for my Palm) that doesn't have a corresponding Mac version. OK, I'm sure someone will point out a piece of software but I think you get the point. Linux on the other hand...well you've got Gimp, OpenOffice, and a nice array of built-in software. I've found most of it kicks ass, however you're learning all over again. Unless you want to mess around with WINE or CrossoverOffice, Linux isn't a seamless transition from Windows nor does it support any of the commercial software. Windows has games galore. Although I'm finding many a new game on the Mac platform as well as Windows. It's pointless bashing on Windows, it does that well enough on its own. It works and most people get it because it comes bundled with every x86 compatible box. Hardware upgrading is largely a myth. Well, not a myth exactly but it's what we say to convince ourselves that we can somehow eek out another generation of use from our computers. Sure, I could pop out my Athlon XP 2000+ and install the latest Athlon XP chip. However, my mobo won't support a 64-bit Athlon chip. The FSB is only 333, not 400. Sure, I could rip out the mobo and deal with re-installing XP but that's not "upgrading" it's called a "ground up restoration." Seldom are restorations an inexpensive or time-saving project once you've bought that new $300 video card, two new SATA hard drives running in a RAID, your new 1 GB of FSB 800 RAM, or whatever else you fancy. In all, I found the Mac to be hassle-free, based on a familiar *NIX OS, and compatible with everything I need to do. Who cares if you can build a screaming PC for $2000 and the equivalent Mac costs $3000? Some people can afford it, others can't, or choose to save that extra $1000. Whatever. It doesn't matter to anyone but your own wallet and feelings of self-importance. (no offense) As a PC-to-Mac/Linux convert, I'm really not sure what all the fuss is about. __________________ How you do anything is how you do everything.