Bootcamp Switchers

[XenoTom]

I switched over to a Mac about a month ago. It was actually just because I wanted to try something new and different. (I had some experience on a Mac, but not much). Finding out that I could use Boot Camp to run Windows XP was a much appreciated bonus.

I originally thought I'd use Windows fairly often, however at the moment I don't even have it installed on my comp. After learning to use OS X, every program I used to use, either has an OS X version, or there is another perfectly good, if not better, replacement. The only upside to Windows is game support. (For now.. I think I remember reading that having OS X run on Intel's will make game porting a whole lot easier, and some companies might start to develop using OpenGL right from the start).

I've been pleasantly surprised at the lack of error messages I receive, not to mention I haven't gotten a single virus in a month. I know what I'm doing in Windows, and I'd still have to be pretty lucky to not come across one in a month!

Just the thought of returning to a computer running Windows scares me!

[Red Octopus]

I am buying a Macbook Pro today because it is a Mac, but I do need to be able to use some of my business Windows stuff - like MS Access which has my customer data base. I have more that 12 years of business stuff in Windows.
I would be really happy if I could convert Windows file to Mac.
Hank
Augment & Finagle

[XenoTom]

I am buying a Macbook Pro today because it is a Mac, but I do need to be able to use some of my business Windows stuff - like MS Access which has my customer data base. I have more that 12 years of business stuff in Windows.
I would be really happy if I could convert Windows file to Mac.
Hank

The files wouldn't need any conversion to be able to run on a Mac vs. a Windows PC, you'll just need to make sure you have a program to read them.

You'll have a few options to continue using your MS Access files. The first would be to obtain MS Office 2004 for Mac, which runs in OS X and reads the same files types the Windows version does. (It's not Universal Binary as of yet, but it still runs quite well, I use it frequently).

The second option would be to install Apple's Boot Camp software, and have the option of booting into Windows when you need to, to use any of the old programs you'r familiar with. (Keep in mind, there are some requirement to be able to do this, like having a full copy of XP with SP2, more info is on Apple's site).

The third, which sometimes might be easier because you wouldn't have to reboot into another OS, would be to use a program like Parallels Desktop, which allows you to run Windows (or Linux) inside Mac OS X. It doesn't support 3D video, however it runs quite smoothly doing most tasks. Just don't expect to play games in it!

I have all 3 on my Macbook Pro, and they all have their uses, so I can't really say which is the best option. You may not care about 3D gaming though, in which case Boot Camp might have less of an appeal...

[firman]

Yes, I have purchased this Macbook because it can run Windows XP courtesy of Bootcamp. I have tried Parallels but it does not do everything I need.

I have 2 main IT jobs, one which requires the use of specialist software that only runs in Windows XP. My other IT job is web design and of late, video editing. Enter the Mac. A friend who is a film producer / director suggested Final Cut Express.

The main impetus for me to change platform is the increasing instability of Windows XP, with endless OS patches and reboot errors after application of these. I had also been experiencing frequent & significant Windows Explorer (Finder equivalent) slowdowns which could be due to a plethora of reasons - external network disc drivers, raid drivers, or simply Windows itself.

Now I am running a soho network with a draytek router, 8 port switch, 2 external maxtor network drives, 3 windows desktops, 3 windows laptops & 2 macbooks.

The macs co-exist on the network fine with the windows devices and the share the maxtor drives with no issues.

I dont anticipate upgrading to Vista and am unlikely to spend anymore on PC hardware.

The learning curve on OSX is challenging, but the support community seems very good so far.

thanks
Eric

[vtxrider]

I have been wanting to switch for a year or two, but use some proprietary website building software that only has a Wintel version. I just ordered a iMAC Intel 24" with glee. I will be able to learn Mac OS X, have a MUCH more stable machine, and still be able to run the 2 windows programs I need for work. And as soon as I find Mac equivalent software for them then the Parallels software is toast. What will I do with all the time i save by not having to trouble shoot that pile of patches called Windows. And to think I went to the dark side after starting with an Apple 1 (breadboard), which is in a box in the Attic, then Apple 2 & 2E. I think my downfall was the Lisa, I was so dis-enchanted I went over to Windows 3.1. Now I'm Back for good.

[DavePCAndMac]

I have a 17 inch WinXp notebook and just wanted something smaller and easier to lug. Most of us when we travel really only use a web browser and the Microsoft Suite of apps. When I saw a MAC running Parallels I said, "gee, I could take the few other apps I need should I need them." Then saw boot camp and realize it was the ONLY app that non destructively allowed you to partition a MacBook...a whole nuther issue. Then realized that I could move all contacts over...use web applications instead of real apps....hmmmm. And saw that the MacBook networked faster than any PC notebook. And booted up faster. So, Bootcamp was the excuse to get this neat travel companion.

Which brings up a question...anyone know of any true "image software" for a MAC..not copying...IMAGING just like Acronis True Image or Ghost. How the heck is that done on a Mac?

[fryke]

Do you mean something like Carbon Copy Cloner?

[Satcomer]

i think he means for something the updates regularly like SuperDuper.

Note: If you are coming over to OS X stay FAR away from discontinued products. IMHO all that company's products do nothing but give headaches to OS X users. Look for the alternatives please.