Time to go Mac

Fergz99

Fergz99

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Oct 14, 2008
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I have finally reached the point where I know I'm getting a mac. In the last 6 months I have had over 30 trojans and no matter what anti-virus or anti-malware software I run I keep getting infected. I have 5 different programs that I run weekly now to try and keep the crap off of my pc and I'm driving myself nuts.

I mostly use my pc for internet, music, and a few online games, so I don't need to have a super computer, but what I am stuck with is whether to buy a slightly older macbook and save 600-700 over a new one, a new mac mini and build as I go, or a new imac.

I really don't want to spend more then 1200.00 and would prefer a some from of a mac book, but at this point the sooner I can dump MS and their shitty OS the better.

So does anyone have any opinions on which would be the way to go ?
 
T

TSSJimmyCoN

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Oct 13, 2008
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I have been a mac user for as long as I have been using computers in my 25 years of life. I can't stress enough how much easier/user friendly they are. Everyone I know who has switched to mac from PC has become a mac person for life. I have never had a virus nor have I ever had any real software glitches that have me on the phone with customer service.

With that said. I would probably go with the older macbook. The new ones are mostly pro and it sounds like you don't need something that advanced. I probably wouldn't go with a mac mini as you will need a display/ maybe adding memory etc. I run music programs and software with files that take up TONS of space and memory on my 2008 15 inch black macbook and I haven't even begun to really deplete my memory. I paid about 1500 for it with a couple extras. I think it was $1299 for the computer but keep in mind this was before they switched to the new (uglier) models. Go with a 13-15 inch macbook. I guarantee you will be very happy.

One thing I would HIGHLY suggest is purchasing applecare. Just in case. I have dropped a couple of my older powerbooks back in the day and the repairs are INCREDIBLY expensive. It's like an extra 150 for 2-3 years of coverage I believe.

good luck!
 
DAB

DAB

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Oct 9, 2008
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You can go with an older MacBook, but I'll be honest with you, I highly recommend the MacBook Pro 2.27GHz, 2GB Ram, 13'3 display with Nvidia Chipset 160gb hard drive and a great screen, though it is glossy.

I've seen these on Amazon for $1097.00, which free shipping and no tax. This is certainly in your price range and of course you can always add more memory, get a bigger hard drive if you need too, along with a $9.95 upgrade to Snow Leopard. Not to mention that really great backlit keyboard. I didn't realize how much I would appreciate this feature until I had it.

I've had my MacBook Pro for a week or so and I can tell you I am not looking back. Yes I still have a PC that I use at work, but I am strongly considering buy a Mac Mini for my office. Initially I thought so many of the programs I use everyday I would have to find other solutions, but not in every case. For example, Firefox, Thunderbird for email, which actually has a plug in that syncs my Google contacts, which also works in tandem with my iPhone and Google Sync. It is a perfect setup for me. Office 2008 for Mac this way I can still edit and work with MS documents from all my co-workers.

So, let me just make one final point. Don't sell yourself short. Spend the money on the MacBook Pro and I can assure you, you'll have a computer you will be able to use for years. I really liked buying the cheaper MacBook Pro and recommend it because you can expand the memory and hard drive should you need too. Nothing worse than buying cheaper and then discovering or wishing you had gone with the version up.
 
jef

jef

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Oct 12, 2008
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One more assimilated to our happy cult!

But as DAB noted, go for the 13" Unibody Pro, even if it's the lowend model - they are easy to upgrade, even if you don't do it right away. The white non-pro model is a perfectly fine system, too, if the $200 price difference is a show stopper. Spec-wise, it's really close, you just won't get the longer battery life (or the SD card slot, not that that is a big deal) or the sexy aluminum body :)

Jon also makes a good recommendation about Refurbs - get them from apple, and I think you can get a relatively recent model, save a few bucks, and still get it easily covered under Applecare.
 
memebag

memebag

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CPT. Badmotherfarker said:
If you're getting that many infections, you're doing it wrong. I use PCs (and even download torrents) and have no problem.
Click to expand...

Ditto. I've never been infected.

But I encourage everyone to buy Macs. Once their market share is high enough to attract more security hacks we'll stop hearing about this part of the Mac smugness.
 
MAJ Badmotherfarker

MAJ Badmotherfarker

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Oct 11, 2008
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memebag said:
Ditto. I've never been infected.

But I encourage everyone to buy Macs. Once their market share is high enough to attract more security hacks we'll stop hearing about this part of the Mac smugness.
Click to expand...


There was an article this week where a well known hacker is saying that OS X is easier to hack than Windows.
 
DAB

DAB

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CPT. Badmotherfarker said:
If you're getting that many infections, you're doing it wrong. I use PCs (and even download torrents) and have no problem.
Click to expand...

memebag said:
Ditto. I've never been infected.

But I encourage everyone to buy Macs. Once their market share is high enough to attract more security hacks we'll stop hearing about this part of the Mac smugness.
Click to expand...

I think there are those that like to use the issue of trojans and viruses as a means of feeling better about Macs. I have personally never had an issue with these on my personally operated Windows computers. However, I can't say the same for the 80 or so my agency has in operation. My IT guy has at least 3 or 4 a week that he has to go out and clean up. Generally this is because folks aren't careful and when things pop up a lot of times they use reverse negatives, so when you say no, you are actually saying yes. People just don't take the time to read. However, IE is the biggest problem for Windows. Most users that use FF don't have nearly as many issues.

Macs right now don't have a big enough market to be a target, I think that is pretty clear. There is no doubt as time goes and their market share continues to grow that will change. By the way to say that there are no Mac viruses is BS, because there have been, but because they impact so few it is never a big deal.

I also don't think for most it is smugness, it is a fact that when using a Mac you are indeed currently much less susceptible to viruses. There is nothing smug about making that statement because it is a fact. It is also a fact that Windows especially using IE is HIGHLY susceptible. This has been proven time and time again. I think the point is that currently most Mac users don't have to worry with this, but the day is coming!
 
mrpacs

mrpacs

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Oct 11, 2008
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Fergz99 said:
I have 5 different programs that I run weekly now to try and keep the crap off of my pc and I'm driving myself nuts.
Click to expand...

THAT is your issue right there!

Run 1 AV program (AVG Free or Esset NOD32 - pay - are good)

Use Windows Defender (Free) for Spyware.

I use AVG Free and Defender and I am on porn sites all day and night and I've never been infected to the point of disaster. Sure, I'll get hit with a bug/worm once or twice a year but both named program's above zap that shiite right out of my PC.
 
DAB

DAB

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mrpacs said:
THAT is your issue right there!

Run 1 AV program (AVG Free or Esset NOD32 - pay - are good)

Use Windows Defender (Free) for Spyware.

I use AVG Free and Defender and I am on porn sites all day and night and I've never been infected to the point of disaster. Sure, I'll get hit but both named program's above zap that shiite right out of my PC.
Click to expand...

Windows Defender is CRAP! It is a total waste of time to even bother with it. I have never had it find anything and I don't know anyone who has.

I use Avast on my PC's and it is a work horse! I've had it catch many, many spyware programs and trojans/viruses trying to get on my PC. You can use the free version or like me because I have a Windows Home Server they have a special package where you can the Server and 10 PC license for 3 years for $99. This also ads script protection.

I also like that Avast will do an offline scan where it can really check out even your Windows files to make sure none of them are infected. If hey are it will remove them and replace them with a clean version. In my opinion one of the best AV/Spam-ware programs available. It has s small footprint and uses very little in the way or resources, unlike MaAfee and Norton's which is more crapware than anything else.

I like it so much I am having our IT guy put it on all our work PC's.
 
X

xan_user

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I recently switched to avast from avg as it was becoming too bloated, been very happy so far.
A firewall with outbound protection is important, especially when concocted to a broadband modem with no router. (comodo or zonealarm.)

In over ten years on windoze I can count the trojan/viruses ive had on one hand.

People with tons of problems usually have auto update off, are using IE to surf and are still on sp1.
 
memebag

memebag

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mrpacs said:
I use AVG Free and Defender and I am on porn sites all day and night and I've never been infected to the point of disaster. Sure, I'll get hit with a bug/worm once or twice a year but both named program's above zap that shiite right out of my PC.
Click to expand...

What about the blisters?
 
X

xan_user

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DAB said:
Interesting, but I think it begs the question how many does this REALLY have the potential to impact?

It does show that Macs are not totally exempt from attack, though I don't know anyone except the most loyal fan boy/girl that ever believed that anyway.
Click to expand...
I just though it was interesting that a keyboard could be compromised. feel free to move it over to BMF's new Mac thread, or delete my posts and I can repost it over there.
 
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