I've had it with Microsoft...

[Bri]

I finally had it with Microsoft all together.. namely Windows, Vista is going to be a huge disappointment so I'm bailing out now before the fire. (There's already at least smoke).

I have to use Windows in safe mode right now because I can't update my video driver that keeps failing.

So this is what I posted on Microsofts support forum

Today Windows just crashed for no apparent reason (in the middle of important work, of course).. and so I find out that the video card driver is corrupted. Tried reinstalling drivers, tried reinstalling hardware; neither did it. So then I eventually found that SP2 needed to be reinstalled, so I looked on Microsoft support, followed their instructions - none of the 3 ways provided worked, because the XP disk I have had SP2 built in, so I could not uninstall it. I was left with having to repair Windows, so I put my disk in to do that, and selected Repair.. it doesn't really repair anything, rather it just reinstalls the entire platform, but that wasn't the real problem. The real problem was I have to reactivate Windows AGAIN after fixing their problem, so I try that and guess what? "Invalid Serial Number", maximum number of activations exceeded. This is downright rediculous, so now they want me to buy an activation for $90? I don't think so.

I'm saying hello to MAC and goodbye to platform problems. I couldn't even get tech support without paying $35. I have backed this company through and through and believed in their product for a decade.. no more.

Isn't that rediculous?
I think I've downloaded 10+ virus patches this week. Windows Update is always running.
Anyway, looking forward to getting a gorgeous Mac and seeing what i've been missing out on, I remember using a Mac when I was about 12 at the library, the colorful ones They were anything but frustrating. I get to be a novice computer user all over again.

Also can anybody tell me if Photoshop will work on Max OSX.. see I really don't know much about it. How about things like a broadband router? Do I need a special one?

Thanks.

[Qion]

Sorry about Microsoft. (Like it's any of our faults)

The Mac doesn't really need any "special" peripherals anymore. Photoshop actually behaves better on a Mac than on a PC (my opinion). Most mainstream Windows programs are available for a Mac, and if they're not, you can just run Windows on the Mac. It's win-win. If you want to make yourself feel really good about getting a Mac, go to www.apple.com/getamac

I would suggest milling around Apple's site anyway, to sort of get a feel for what the computers do.

[nixgeek]

One other thing to mention: Don't expect Mac OS X to do things like you were used to in Windows. While it's pretty similar, there are some idiosynracies that are different than on Windows. Like the fact that closing the window from the red button doesn't quit the app (because of the nature of the Finder). Also that installing applications is usually a matter of just dragging and dropping to the Applications folder on your hard drive....although this is a good thing..

Just be open to the Macintosh environment, and it will be a joy to use. Expect it to work like something that it isn't and prepare to be burdened by self-induced frustration.

Just my two cents on the subject.

[Qion]

Actually, I would completely agree with you. I have family members that create the stress for themselves working on a Mac. They call my cell phone, and complain to me that something isn't working right. My initial reply is always "Do it like it makes sense." 99% of the time, it works.

Don't do things the Windows way.

[sheepguy42]

Originally Posted by Qion

Most mainstream Windows programs are available for a Mac, and if they're not, you can just run Windows on the Mac. It's win-win.

It's actually "mac-win."

Ok, sorry,bad joke. On a slightly more serious note, I would recommend visiting the MacOS X page at VersionTracker. Any Windows programs you use that don't have Mac versions? There are usually better, and often cheaper or even free, alternatives available. Apple has a similar page, but I have more luck with VersionTracker.

[fryke]

Also: You'll need a Photoshop license for Mac OS X. You won't be able to install Photoshop from your Photoshop for Windows installation disk. Look for crossgrade-pricing.

[sheepguy42]

And maybe make do with GIMP in the meantime?

[Natobasso]

If you buy a new Intel mac be aware that the Adobe Creative Suite hasn't been ported to work with the Universal architecture yet so you'll see slower performance till that happens (currently Rosetta is used as a translator so non intel chip apps function on the intel based new macs).

Otherwise welcome, and be sure to go out and buy a two button mouse with a scroll wheel (ditch the one button crap mouse right away!) to ease your transition from windows.