RootsChat.Com
General => Technical Help => Topic started by: Springbok on Tuesday 13 March 07 15:39 GMT (UK)
-
For some 20 yrs I have been using Windows systems, and have never been entirely happy, (being technically illiterate I suspect ).
I wondered if I might go for Apple Mac, but know absolutely nothing about them.
Would it be difficult to learn a new operating system?would there questions of compatibility with my Family Historian Genealogy Programme? Rootschat etc?
Also I have a Norton Firewall .. Well you can see where I'm heading So help Please
Spring
-
I'm not very knowledgeable about computers (there will be others to help you with the technical stuff) but I have used Macs for years. It drives me crazy when I have to use Windows. Mac software seems so much more intuitive. I'd say you'd find it easy to switch.
This is showing my age but I had typing qualifications and decided to "upgrade" them and go for word processing qualifications when computers started to appear everywhere. I found it quite hard going and then my OH bought a Mac and it was so easy to use!
Not all genealogy programmes are supported for Macs. I use Reunion which is Mac based.
From a totally biased Mac-lover,
Monica
-
Also I have a Norton Firewall .. Well you can see where I'm heading
You can't use Windows software on a Mac. You can import a GEDCOM file into a Mac family tree software program.
A lot of graphics designers like to use a Mac so if you are not a graphics designer then you have to ask what you need the Mac for.
Certainly there are less programs written for a Mac, but then you could say the same about Linux.
downside
-
Thankyou both for your replies.
I see that a FHUG member has suggested a way which enables him to use FH on his Mac (or rather run Windows using Parallel Desktop)
But I shall have to do some more research on the subject ..and then see if it still beyond me!
Spring
-
... so if you are not a graphics designer then you have to ask what you need the Mac for.
Because ... as Shropshire Lass says:
Mac software seems so much more intuitive ... and it was so easy to use!
AND, a Mac doesn't have that damn thing called a Registry!
Springbok, I've been a Mac user for years, so I'm very biased. We do actually have a PC in the house, but it hasn't been turned on for over a year.
:)
Koromo
-
really, now that is interesting!! Thanks, 1 more plus for Apple.
Spring
-
For some 20 yrs I have been using Windows systems, and have never been entirely happy, (being technically illiterate I suspect ).
I wondered if I might go for Apple Mac, but know absolutely nothing about them.
Would it be difficult to learn a new operating system?would there questions of compatibility with my Family Historian Genealogy Programme? Rootschat etc?
Also I have a Norton Firewall .. Well you can see where I'm heading So help Please
Spring
Choosing a computer is very much a personal choice and you should consider that no matter which you choose now you will have to learn a new operating system Vista or Mac OS X (although some would say there is a third choice in Linux but it's not one I personally would advise for someone who describes themselves as technically illiterate)
The software problem is very different and depends on how much time and money you have invested in them. FH can run in an emulator on a MAC and you can also set the new MACs to dual boot to run XP and their own operating system. ..... then again, financially, it may be a more viable option to export a gedcom file and use a native MAC program to continue your research.
Some of the other programs you mention would not be needed on a purely MAC system.
Assess what you need or want the machine for and then try before you buy ..... make sure that you get the opportunity to try both of the main contenders before you commit yourself and then whichever YOU feel more comfortable with go for that.
Ignore claims that either PC's or MACs are better and decide which is better for you.
-
My Son and his girlfriend have both.
She is a graphic designer, and the Mac is far superior for that purpose but for "surfing" and other internet based pastimes ie; downloads; films; music;rootschat type communities; poker playing 8); they both now prefer windows.
hopes this helps
Joanne
-
Thankyou Joanne and Falkyrn,
Yes ,well I would have been very interested in the graphics side a few years ago, but now time is solely taken up with genealogy.And of course age(mine)!
and the time needed to learn a new system etc. does make Mac a bit impractical.
Your comments much appreciated and I have decide to stay with Windows!
Spring
-
I've just replaced my old PC the new one had Vista preinstalled ??? ??? ???
However at 67 yrs of age I find I am enjoying the Pc far more than when using XP.
Of course this is only one persons view, many run down Vista, but speak as you find I like it despite myself.
Mike
-
My OH is just back from a trip away so I asked him for any advice.
I know you've said you're staying with Windows but he suggests looking at the Apple Store site
http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore?cid=AOSA30000023936
and look at the "Go beyond Vista" information.
There's also a Surrey Mac User Group - www.surreymug.org/
It would be good to have a try on a Mac before the final decision is made and MUG members would be able to answer your questions about compatibility.
Enjoy your new computer - whatever you choose,
Monica
(And, before a Windows fan says it, I'll point out that the Surrey Mac User Group's acronym is indeed SMUG!)
-
Thankyou Shropshire, will explore those links and see if there in anyone in the group who is in my area.
Love the acronym
Spring