I'm a Mac user wannabe

[nero885]

I have never owned a Mac. I haven't even used one for more than an hour, so i don't know all the features so i have some questions for you guys.

1) I am a PHP programmer/Student so I need to be able to switch between "profiles" with ease. An example would be one profile that runs apache mysql and php4. Another profile that runs nothing in the background for some WOW playing. And maybe even one more for homework with IM and Itunes running. How easy will this be to setup?

2) As stated above I will need to run apach/mysql/php4 on this Mac. would the MacBook 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 1GB memory be able to run this without issue while editing files? This isn't for production by any means I just need something to work with while i travel.

3) I'm coming from a mostly Windows/Linux background. What should i watch out for if i do go Mac?

Thanks guys

 

[artov]

1) You can make each a separate user. You can have several users logged in at the same time and switch between them.

2) I guess; I have PB with 1G, and it works fine (ok, I have only one user but still)

3) For Linux: OSX is Unix, so don't forget that you can use Terminal.app (OK; I use iTerm) to run shell.

 

[Satcomer]

I have a possible solution for you. Just buy a Apple Mac mini and use it along with your PC by following the directions for HOWTO Use Your Mac From Anywhere. You will have the best of everything then at a low price (to dip your toes into for a start into the Mac universe).

 

[Sunnz]

MacBook 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 1GB memory should be way more than enough for (L)AMP, since you are using it for development NOT production, these it will take very little RAM what so ever.

I am not sure what you mean by "profiles". Do you mean like virtual desktops in Gnome/KDE/Xfce on Linux? You can surely install Virtue Desktops on a Mac which gives you multiple virtual desktops.

 

[ApeintheShell]

Or you could wait for Apple's implementation of virtual desktops called Spaces in Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. You can drag n drop between desktops and keep everything seperate. I have WOW running on Mac OS X 10.4 and it works beautifully.

I think the Macbook will do fine for those functions (Apache/PHP/MySql). Technically, you could use an older Mac for that without any issues but a new one is usually the route most switchers go.

If you need references or guides check out http://developer.apple.com and just search for mysql, apache, php, etc. I think Mac OS X has some strength and weaknesses but this site will show you what it does offer in clear detail.