Time for a new laptop

[Phylodog]

It's time for a new laptop, my Thinkpad is on it's last leg. I don't have the free money laying around to plunk a couple hundred bucks down for antivirus, malware and spyware software on a new computer and based in past experiences with Norton's and McAfee I don't particularly care for how they infect every portion of a computer they're installed on anyway. I've used Avast, AVG, Spybot and CCleaner on this laptop and they haven't done nearly a good enough job. I stick to known sites and this thing is still running slower than frozen molasses after two years. I'm sure it's infected with all kinds of shit.

Soooo, I'm considering buying a Mac and I'm looking for advice. I'm not familiar with them at all and the salesman at Bestbuy made a pretty good argument in favor of them (of course). Primary uses will be internet, photo's, video and minor word processing/spreadsheet work. I'll have to recreate my website because the software I've been using won't work on a Mac but it needs and overhaul anyway.

I'd like to hear from the Mac users or those who use both on what they'd recommend and why. I'm by no means a computer expert so I could use some guidance.

 

[JCH]

Re: Time for a new laptop

why not just back up all your data and re-format your hard drive? Basically starting over.

 

[JCH]

Re: Time for a new laptop

and by the way, if you upgraded to Windows Vista or 7 then you need 4MB of RAM, that may be another reason your pC is running slow

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Time for a new laptop

I got tired of reloading Windows OS on my PC, 4 years ago it happened 2X in one month. Reloading the OS in Windows is a pain in the ass. I bought a Macbook. It is a little bit of a learning curve, but not much getting used to it. I have been very happy with the hardare and the OS. Solid, starts quickly, runs most anything including Windows if you use Bootcamp and install 2 operating systems. I've not had any virus issues with the Mac, but be aware you can have virus troubles if you install the Win OS just like on a PC. I do a scan every so often for malware and spyware, but only find tracking cookies when I do.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Macs kick ass, and if you really have to you can dual boot it with windows 7 on it. Not to mention the last time I upgraded my Macbook Pro, i got a $650 trade in for a new one, and just last month I traded up my G5 from 2004 and got $750 trade in.

you can use Office from MS and it is cross compatible with Windows machines, as well there are no drivers to speak of with stuff running in OSX.

Get a mac and never look back --

 

[shankster..]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Only product I use: http://www.gd-itronix.com/index.cfm?page=Products:GD8000

Turn it on and run it through the dishwasher. Take it out and put it in the freezer. Take it out of there, stand on it and drag it behind your vehicle to the coffee shop. Pick it up and check your emails.
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HQ0_HDJkatY"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HQ0_HDJkatY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>


Here's a review: http://www.laptopmag.com/review/gd-itronix-gd8000.aspx

 

[cavscout1983]

Re: Time for a new laptop

I love my Mac...I'll never buy a PC again. There's just no point in having a PC when I can do everything I want on my Mac and never even worry about viruses.

 

[Donut]

Re: Time for a new laptop

I run a MacBook with Windows Xp on it, and other than the occasional RAM-related issue (I'm only running 1GB of RAM) it's a champ.

The only major issue I have with it is that there's no provision for right-clicking on a MacBook, running XP, so an external mouse is a necessity.

 

[bachelorjack]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Mac.

The only reason I transitioned was because of how it was like UNIX. The secure simple way of doing business.

The stories I could tell...

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Donut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I run a MacBook with Windows Xp on it, and other than the occasional RAM-related issue (I'm only running 1GB of RAM) it's a champ.

The only major issue I have with it is that there's no provision for right-clicking on a MacBook, running XP, so an external mouse is a necessity. </div></div>

I believe right click is control+click. On the new touchpad you can also use two fingers to right click.

 

[Guest]

Re: Time for a new laptop

It's a bit ridiculous to dump perfectly good hardware just because the software is knackered.
You have many options.

1. As indicated above, backup your files and restore the factory image from the recovery partition.

2. Backup your files and Install Ubuntu.
It's a version of Linux that simply works, and works well. It's at least as virus-proof as Mac, if not more. You can even run it from a live CD as a test drive, without having to trash your Windows installation if you wish. It runs Open Office and it comes with a nice software download utility that takes you to tons of more free and useful programs.

3. Have you tried running Combofix in safe mnode, then running Malwarebytes in safe mode?
You can also control your startup items with a free utility from MS Technet called Autoruns.

If you do go back to Windows, forget Norton's.
AVG or MSE are the top free offerings these days, but neither will stop you from screwing yourself up by clicking on the wrong shit.
Most of my clients are getting their malware through Facebook these days.

Links
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

 

[Donut]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dennis Muldrew</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Donut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I run a MacBook with Windows Xp on it, and other than the occasional RAM-related issue (I'm only running 1GB of RAM) it's a champ.

The only major issue I have with it is that there's no provision for right-clicking on a MacBook, running XP, so an external mouse is a necessity. </div></div>

I believe right click is control+click. On the new touchpad you can also use two fingers to right click. </div></div>

It is if you're running Mac OS. Windows XP doesn't recognize any right-click shortcuts, as far as I've found.

 

[shankster..]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's a bit ridiculous to dump perfectly good hardware just because the software is knackered.
You have many options.

1. As indicated above, backup your files and restore the factory image from the recovery partition.

2. Backup your files and Install Ubuntu.
It's a version of Linux that simply works, and works well. It's at least as virus-proof as Mac, if not more. You can even run it from a live CD as a test drive, without having to trash your Windows installation if you wish. It runs Open Office and it comes with a nice software download utility that takes you to tons of more free and useful programs.

3. Have you tried running Combofix in safe mnode, then running Malwarebytes in safe mode?
You can also control your startup items with a free utility from MS Technet called Autoruns.

If you do go back to Windows, forget Norton's.
AVG or MSE are the top free offerings these days, but neither will stop you from screwing yourself up by clicking on the wrong shit.
Most of my clients are getting their malware through Facebook these days.

Links
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix
</div></div>

Don't listen to tucker... it's obvious from his vague post he has no idea what he's talking about.

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Donut</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dennis Muldrew</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Donut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I run a MacBook with Windows Xp on it, and other than the occasional RAM-related issue (I'm only running 1GB of RAM) it's a champ.

The only major issue I have with it is that there's no provision for right-clicking on a MacBook, running XP, so an external mouse is a necessity. </div></div>

I believe right click is control+click. On the new touchpad you can also use two fingers to right click. </div></div>

It is if you're running Mac OS. Windows XP doesn't recognize any right-click shortcuts, as far as I've found. </div></div>

Got ya, no Win OS on my Mac

 

[Guest]

Re: Time for a new laptop

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[Goldbeachman]

Re: Time for a new laptop

I run both macs and windows at home and at work. The only reason I have windows computers is because of the profession specific software available for windows that I haven't seen matched in mac, yet. That being said, I far prefer mac for everything else (which is what you listed you'd be doing with your computer.)

To speed up your computer a bit, I would suggest running a registry cleaner. Go to www.download.com and search for registry cleaner. The freeware versions work great and will speed up an older clogged up windows machine greatly. Also, clean your cache out and defrag. Those three things should help quite a bit.

Edit: and run a startup program controller as references above. That will help. Still, go get a mac. You can dual boot to either system, but with the programs available on mac, you may find you don't need windows at all. For instance, openoffice.org. Good luck.

Then go get a mac. You won't be disappointed. Good luck.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: Time for a new laptop

I wish I had've went with a MAC, my HP takes over a min starting up or shuting down. Not to mention the 1,000 updates for vista in a little over a year. When this bitch bites the dust I'll get a mac.

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Thanks for the info gentlemen. I won't be dumping good hardware, when I said my laptop was on it's last leg I meant it. One of the two hinges which hold the screen on is broken, I only have a couple mb of free space on the hard drive and the power jack is fubar. It's definitely time for a new one.

I just filed my taxes last night so I can get some of the money back I let them borrow last year. I'll be looking to buy a Mac as soon as they cut my check.

 

[Froggy1129]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Macs are a pleasure to work with. I will never go back to a PC.

 

[Guest]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HillbillyfromAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wish I had've went with a MAC, my HP takes over a min starting up or shuting down. Not to mention the 1,000 updates for vista in a little over a year. When this bitch bites the dust I'll get a mac. </div></div>

HP loads a ton of crap on their retail machines, and they typically supply them with a minimal amount of RAM in order to make the discount ads look appealing.

With Vista, make sure you have at least 2GB or RAM and that Service Pack 1 or higher is in place. MS rewrote the kernel in SP1, and replaced it with their server 2003 kernel. Massive performance improvements after they did that.

To check how much RAM you have and how much more will cost you go to www.crucial.com and run their system scanner.
RAM is by far the best bang for the buck in improving a PC's performance. It's relatively dirt cheap.

To remove unwanted and useless crap from the HP, simply go into the Control Panel's "Programs" section and begin uninstalling the crap you don't use.

If you're running Norton Internet Security or McAfee, dump it and use either AVG, AVAST!, or MSE antivirus software. You'll see performance improvements with that as well.

Use the Autoruns program linked above to further trim down your startup items. If you're not comfortable with that, then export the list to a text file and send it to me in a PM, and I'll tell you what can be safely turned off and what can be removed completely.

PC's are very much like our beloved rifles.
You can use them right of the box, and they'll work. Or you can tweak them into what you want and have a really great one.

 

[Austan]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Are you saying I can stop paying for norton security and get AVG for free and it does the same thing or better cause that would be ideal.

 

[Guest]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Yes, Austan. That's what I'm saying.
No protection is 100%.
The most prevalent attacks today aren't from viruses anymore. They are from malicious programs that are socially engineered to trick the user into allowing them to be installed.

Turning off Flash animation, or at least having the ability to toggle it on and off, can provide as much or more protection than Norton and McAfee combined.

Here's a recipe for a safer system.

1. Uninstall Norton or other paid antivirus and install MSE or other free antivirus.

2. Use Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome instead of Internet Explorer. Use the Firefox Add-on "Adblock Plus" to block advertisements. Fake antivirus and other malware are heavily distributed through rogue flash advertisements. Add "Flashblock" to be able to toggle Flash on or off to see content you want to see.

3. Use free filtered DNS from OpenDNS.org. OpenDNS actively blocks known malicious sites so that your computer can't get to them. Don't worry, they aren't Baptists, so you can still get the porn if you want it.

4. Set user restrictions. If you have others in the household who share the computer, especially teenagers, then set them up with a separate user account with restricted or limited permissions. In fact, it wouldn't hurt for you to surf under the same accunt, and toggle back to an Administrator account when you need to make system changes.

5. Use WinPatrol. Another free utility that monitors your system for changes to the registry that make programs auto-start when the computer starts up.
Malicious software and viruses rely on being able to restart themselves automatically. Having WinPatrol prompt you to allow or disallow the changes gives you an added level of security and a last line of defense against the malicious programs.

6. Either manually or with the aid of software like CCleaner, delete temp files and cache files on a regular basis. If you notice a new toolbar or changes to your system, immediately run a full scan with Malwarebytes. Don't assume that that new My Web Search toolbar is something that Microsoft just added to make your browsing easier.

7. Use common sense. If a stranger walks up to you on the street and hands you a bag and says, "take this.", do you take it without questioning his intent or motives? Treat e-mails and social networking messages with the same amount of care. Facebook is rapidly becoming a favorite conduit for the spread of malicious software.
A user will get a message from someone they know. It will be something like, "Is this really you?" and there will be a link or an attachment. By the time you figure out the message was fake, it's too late.
Social Networking spreads computer viruses like STD's at an orgy.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Re: Time for a new laptop

I'll second what Tucker is saying. I'm familiar with some of it, and he goes further than my 'pooter-fu'.

I've used AVG (free) since '04 and haven't had a problem.
I've used Firefox for almost 2 years now, and wish it'd been out for 10. It's so much better.
I also use "Registry Mechanic" to straighten out (small glitches) and that only is needed about 2 or 3 times a year. It sure helps though.
I also have NO extra 'toolbars' or any of that other crap "constantly running" as there is enough going on already. I recommend against them.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Currently typing on a Toshiba Satellite, $329 Best Buy weekly special, Win 7 Home Premium.

Runs my DVD's, Connects by Wireless, supports my CAD/target application, Microsoft Office Pro, MS Pub, and Celia's games. Stores and prints my set of over 400 model aircraft plans. I refuse to discuss my Security suite on the I-Net, but it's apparently working so far.

I seldom review my EMails, for all intents and purposes, maybe once a month, I may open 1%, and those, only from known sources.

Individuals wishing to communicate with me privately have only one choice, SH/PM.

Greg

 

[Maggot]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Yes, Austan. That's what I'm saying.
No protection is 100%.quote]

Damn, and I thought my condoms were 100% failsafe.

Guess Ill have to get her to use the ryhthm method.

thanks for all the info Tucker. to hell with John Travolta, your "da man"

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Phylodog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've used Avast, AVG, Spybot and CCleaner on this laptop and they haven't done nearly a good enough job.
</div></div>


That's your problem right there - Spybot - it does NOT play well with antivirus since they all have file-hooks in teh operating system.

The ONLY thing you need is AVG, you don't need spybot and all that other shit.

I use Symantec (Norton) CORPORATE edition - NOTHING More - it stops the spyware as well as trojans, virii etc..

On RARE occasions after doing an uninstall I will do a registry clean - otherwise if it ain't broke don't go trying to fix it - that's how shit happens.

I do this for a living, and your situation is EXACTLY what everyone comes to me for.

Send me the laptop and $100 and it'll run like brand new, and you'll get a backup on DVD (no mu sic however, just photos and docs)...


I'm doing one tomorrow night for a friend, they were going to charge him $250 to remove a virus, WTF? I'll do it for $100 and be done in 20 mins.

I have an arsenal of tools that remove spyware, trojans, etc - and tomorrow will be my first time removing the windows security center virus - it used to not be removable...

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Austan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

If you're running Norton Internet Security or McAfee, dump it and use either AVG, AVAST!, or MSE antivirus software. You'll see performance improvements with that as well.
</div></div>

Are you saying I can stop paying for norton security and get AVG for free and it does the same thing or better cause that would be ideal.

Yes - the civilian versions of Norton suck.

Mccaffee is a waste of time - I've cleaned MORE machines with Comcast free Mccaffee av on it than you can imagine.

If you are DOD civilian or military go get the CORPORATE edition of Symantec AV - it's lightweight and bulletproof - to date it has 100% with me - I've NEVER cleaned a computer with SAV on it. Never had to.

Next best th ing is AVG - it does a great job and is free, although they ask you to buy the $29 model or something - not a bad way to go.

Damn speaking of, I gotta get back to work.

 

[Guest]

Re: Time for a new laptop

The one thing I do like about AVAST! is its ability to run a boot time scan.
You can get rid of a lot of crap when the OS isn't fully loaded.

I agree about the various registry cleaners and optimizers. Unless you REALLY know what you're doing, you can hose a system in a hurry.

If you do get an infection of any kind, the very first thing you want to to do is to toggle off the Windows System Restore.
Nothing does a better job of backing up a virus or other infection than that shit.

I charge $75 for basic cleanups.
$175 for complete reinstall with data preservation. That includes all current updates and scanning your music, photos, etc. for viruses before they go back on the clean system.
$150 for a full reinstall w/o data backup.

Given the above information, I may need to raise the rates.

 

[Austan]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Thanks for the info guys. I have 3 computers to dink with now, albeit for free this time around.

 

[HotIce]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Macs are the best hardware you can buy. Software, depends really what people want to do with them, but from your description of the usage, a Mac will fit great.
If you chose a PC, stay away from Scamantec AV

 

[FARGO]

Re: Time for a new laptop

I have had great luck with Microsoft Security Essentials... its free... just make sure you uninstall all the other security software (norton, mcfee, etc) you have before installing MSE...

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

 

[BugSniper]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Macs are the best hardware you can buy. </div></div>
LOL

To give you credit though, Mac did in fact have the fastest laptop recently. Seeing as it is all standard intel hardware in a partuclar configuration though, the statement is just tickling my funny bone. They stopped really making their own when they fell too far behind to reasonably expect to catch up to wintel boxes.

 

[HotIce]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BugSniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Macs are the best hardware you can buy. </div></div>
LOL

To give you credit though, Mac did in fact have the fastest laptop recently. Seeing as it is all standard intel hardware in a partuclar configuration though, the statement is just tickling my funny bone. They stopped really making their own when they fell too far behind to reasonably expect to catch up to wintel boxes.
</div></div>
Who cares who actually make the box. Do you? I don't, as far as the quality is there.
Have you <span style="font-weight: bold">ever</span> opened a Mac workstation/laptop?
Can <span style="font-weight: bold">any</span> of your Wintel match this?

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Uh he's right guys- MAC's run on Intel hardware.

Near as well can tell they put a flag in the bios to prevent you from installing MAC software on a standard IBM clone- BUT I GOT NEWS..

I acquired a copy of MAC OS 10.2 and I want to test this theory just for shits and grins.

FYI we just got 3 IAVA security alerts for MAC's - they need a security patch so don't tell me they don't have any issues! LOL
Not nearly as many as Windows, and Windows doesn't have as many as Linux but they got em!

<span style="font-weight: bold">
Apple has released Security Update 2010-001 to address multiple vulnerabilities in Apple Mac Operating System (OS) X. Mac OS X is an operating system developed and sold by Apple Inc., currently shipped with Apple systems. To exploit these vulnerabilities, an attacker would use various tactics and techniques on affected systems. If successfully exploited, these vulnerabilities would allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial of service condition, gain elevated privileges or gain access to sensitive data.
</span>

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Time for a new laptop

That's in addition to the ImageIO, ImageRAW, and OPENSSL vulnerabilities that were jsut released, for MAC 10.5 and 10.6

Did CNN broadcast them? Hell no - but they are there...


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Macs are the best hardware you can buy. Software, depends really what people want to do with them, but from your description of the usage, a Mac will fit great.
If you chose a PC, stay away from Scamantec AV

</div></div>

From the public one - please be specific, the CORPORATE/DOD version is damn near flawless - used it for 6 years and have never had a virus. You can't get that on their site for less than $250 I think - I work for DOD tho..

Norton/Mcaffee as I stated above are just bloatware..


Tucker maybe I need to raise *MY* rates!!!

 

[shulette]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Macs have problems just like any other machines. It wast that many years ago that they were considered to be industry laggards. I think it is fairly well known that they have security issues but the lack of overall market penetration is their safety net. The cost/benefit ratio for spending time on exploits just isn't there.......YET.

I switched my personal machine to a Mac Book Pro about 3.5 years ago. Overall it is easier to use but it still locks up occasionally. It really has no magic over a Wintel box. Customer Service and the Apple Store experience have made me a convert.

 

[HotIce]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Macs are the best hardware you can buy. Software, depends really what people want to do with them, but from your description of the usage, a Mac will fit great.
If you chose a PC, stay away from Scamantec AV

</div></div>

From the public one - please be specific, the CORPORATE/DOD version is damn near flawless - used it for 6 years and have never had a virus. You can't get that on their site for less than $250 I think - I work for DOD tho..</div></div>
Had to say that, as I have some involvement with its competitor

 

[Switchblade]

Re: Time for a new laptop

I heard the newest version of the iPad comes with a tape strip on either side, and the smaller version has a longer string...

Really though, the iPad looks cool as hell because it's wireless, has wi-fi and can be used just like a computer AND has the ability to use all those app things people are raving about

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Well I'm definitely shit out of luck now. I started the craptop up this evening and it conveniently informed me that I had less than 1MB of free space on the hard drive. I went in and deleted some old programs and some pictures, etc. and now it won't open Firefox or IE. I used my wife's computer (that I'm typing this on) to download and send the Firefox download to mine and attempted to reinstall it. It still won't open but when I go to shut the craptop down it tells me that Firefox won't close so it is at least running partially in the background. All of my restore points are gone as well so I'm done.

I'll either have to do without for a few weeks until Uncle Sam gives me what he owes or I'll compromise and buy another Windows based craptop...

 

[shawn b]

Re: Time for a new laptop

MAC!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8FnACj25xM

 

[jwaj]

Re: Time for a new laptop

I bet Windows updates cause more problems then viruses. I went through the same delima a few months ago and got cold feet because of the price.

I'm definately buying a mac the next time.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Yeah windows updates are a pain in the ass. Especially when they throw 50-60 on at a time.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Time for a new laptop

I turn the updates off guys - don't need them, don't want them.

I have a wireless router which has a built in firewall - that's 98% of my security there - the rest is common sense- don't browse sites that may have an exploit (Ie malware or warez sites) etc etc...


On the MAC - whoever said they do not have magic over windows - yes they do - in ONE specific area....and that is GRAPHICS.


MAC is the defacto standard for doing graphics - however they handle the interrupts from the hardware etc - they can do superb graphics far better (at least in earlier days) than a Windows PC...

Most video games from teh 90's were made on MAC's , to include DOOM - and then ported for WIndows uses.

MAC also used to have the best audio capability.

Most advertisers still use a MAC for graphics.

Windows is great for the average person for the average price, if you have extra bucks buy a MAC...

my g/f uses a MAC as well as Windows, it has advantages and disadvantages - software compatability, Word doc's don't always agree from one to another but for the most part it works for her.

But, for those of us in the PC industry, having WIndows means job security so I teach my g/f the in's and out's of troubleshooting the finer more difficult parts of Windows.



FYI - if any of you have had that "Windows Security Center" Virus - it used to be irrepairable - there is a script now to undo the damage it does WOOT ! I'm doing a removal tonight for a fellow LE guy I served with.

 

[shulette]

Re: Time for a new laptop

I agree that from a professional standpoint that Macs, but not the laptops, are the defacto platform for Graphics work and have been for decades. Nonetheless in the context of the original post and the requirements therein I still say a Mac has no particular magic over a Wintel. That said I would still choose a Mac over a PC.

 

[Cartman]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Using a Mac is like asking for directions when you're dying of thirst in the desert; sorry, your man-card just got revoked!

 

[Guest]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

the rest is common sense- don't browse sites that may have an exploit (Ie malware or warez sites) etc etc...
</div></div>

That's not a globally true statement. While hitting the porn and warez sites can certainly increase your exposure, some of these ransomware fake security infections have been popping up on legitimate websites, through ad servers and unpatched servers on the primary domain.

I know that CNN and New York Times websites got hit.
Heck, I've seen them on Savage Shooters and other forums such as these too.

Current best practice is to either uninstall Flash or at least use Firefox with Flashblock.

I cleaned up three machines today already, and they all had the same fake security crap on them.
One of the clients even gave them her damned credit card trying to get rid of it.
I told her to pay me cash, because her cards were likely headed for trouble.

 

[Cartman]

Re: Time for a new laptop

On a serious note, I think the use safe practices and common sense goes a long way.

I've used Macs at work and experienced daily pinwheel of death freezes. I was not impressed.

I have used PC's for years, and run several today, and do not suffer slowdowns, freeze ups, or any other nightmares.

Macs don't have as many virus issues simply because they are not as popular so not as attractive a target. If they're ever 50% of the user base, I'm sure things will change.

I will give Macs this, however: if you do not want, or an unable to, learn how to be technically savvy with a computer you are going to find a Mac much easier and much more user friendly. If you enjoy learning how it all works, then I think a PC is the way to go for a power user.

I doubt anyone cares, but I liked XP a lot at the end, used Vista without any troubles though I wasn't impressed, and am very happy with 7 and think MSFT is back on the right track.

Used to use AVG but now use Avira and am satisfied. I do have six licenses of the new Norton lying around so I will probably switch as I understand it is really sped up and is now, truly, the top dog.

As for graphics on Macs, that strikes me as yesterday's news. Did CS4 ever come out in a 64 bit Mac version yet?

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Time for a new laptop

Dude, I'm gettin a Dell with Windows 7. Won't be here till mid March unfortunately.

Good news is that I'm back on my craptop running Firefox in safe mode. It'll have to do for now.

 

[Cartman]

Re: Time for a new laptop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Phylodog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dude, I'm gettin [...] Windows 7. </div></div>

Congrats -- you get your man-card back!