“RickGeek,” writing for Geek.com tries “to get a pulse on what people honestly think about Windows and the x86-based PC systems now that we’ve had a few years of Windows 95-like operating systems to work with, and to look back honestly on all of the problems that go with them, and to find out your thoughts on a possible escape route to jettison the Windows baggage once and for all.”
“Users of Windows XP know how much time they spend each week on Microsoft’s Windows Update website. And I doubt there are many of us not running some type of anti-virus program and/or pop-up/ad-blocker software, all of which take time away from our productivity,” RickGeek writes. “I’ve read about a few Mac viruses, but they’re nothing compared to Windows-based PCs where you have to perform updates on your anti-virus software every few hours every single day because there’s some new threat out there that’s been discovered–never mind the ones that haven’t been discovered yet, many of which are incredibly damaging before they’re fixed.”
MacDailyNews Note: There are no (0) Mac OS X viruses.
RickGeek continues, “Microsoft Windows-based operating systems have so many security holes in them that the time for a switch is now. I can’t imagine Windows Vista–Microsoft’s follow-up to Windows XP–solving any of these problems. The reason? Because Bill Gates is still the CSA (Chief Software Architect). And he already has a track record dating back 10 years (since Windows 95) showing that he doesn’t know how to write or buy systems that are secure. Buffer overruns going unchecked on incoming streams of data … what kind of programmer writing something as important as an operating system doesn’t think of such things?! It makes me angry to think about it. It’s inexcusable. Period.”
“In my opinion, Steve Jobs made a huge, HUGE mistake by not simply releasing OS X to operate on any PC-based architecture. He could’ve taken over the operating system world before Windows Vista even had a chance. He could’ve already had legions of crossover users following him holding little apples in their hands, myself included. Had he released a full version of Mac OS X to run on any x86-based system, his revenue streams would be through the roof today, let alone next year,” RickGeek writes. “Steve, are you listening? Are you even remotely in tune with the needs of PC users? Are you listening to what I and many others are saying? We need your product. We need its stability, features, and ease of use. Release OS X for everybody to use on any x86-based PC. The legions that will crossover, probably overnight, will put money in your pocket beyond your wildest dreams… Windows’ days are over. The time for a switch to a reliable, user-friendly operating system is now. Bye bye, Bill.”
Much more in the full article (with a must-read reader comments section that illustrates just how much work Apple has to do to overcome Joe Windows Sufferer’s massive Apple, Mac, Mac OS X ignorance) here.
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Windows to Mac switchers: recommendations and Total Cost of Ownership analysis – September 29, 2005
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All he has to do is buy a Mac and stop complaining about what Apple should do. If he thinks OSX is so great then he should go to the Apple store and buy a Mac. Apple is a computer company that sells computers. It is not a software OS company and that’s why Apple is not releasing OSX to the general PC population. Apple’s thinking in the box by controling the hardware and the software to get the best performance possible. If they released OSX to the general PC population there would be tons of problems because of all of the non-standard hardware out there. That’s another reason why Apple will not release OSX to the masses.
Well you gotta let Linux have its pick of the litter too
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CMUGeek,
I read your original post as a response to the posted article. I again read it here, so I’ll respond.
I’m sorry that you can’t afford to use Mac OS X. I really am. You say it’s not worth it. In my eyes, the price I pay for using OS X is worth it every day.
Read the responses to that article. How many of them say “There’s no way that a Mac works perfectly every time. No computer does.” This is the mindset of the PC user. My Mac works PERFECTLY every time. It should, and it does.
I’ll gladly spend whatever it costs to have OS X over Windows XP because I need my computer to always work perfectly. If you can’t afford to run OS X, it’s a sad day for you.
How much time (remember, time is money) do you spend per year on removing spyware, updating anti-virus software, killing popups, dealing with other malware? How about the BSOD? How about other frustrations? Remember again, time is money. Now, how much is your time worth?
Hey rick geek we’ll make it easy for you:
1) reach into your pants
2) pull out wallet
3) pull out MC/Visa/Amex
4) type http://www.apple.com on your browser
5) search Apple G5
6) click Buy
7) go ye and whine no more.
I’m with Mr Reese and all the other posters that are just sick of all the whining. Get out your wallet and spend a few bucks and get a real operating system and a real computer instead of the collection of Kludges we call Windows.
When it comes to viruses and worms, he’s sort of right. Sofar as I know you can’t get a virus or worm just by clicking into a website in the OS X world unlike the world of windows. So do something smart and spend the bucks.
RickGeek was just ranting. He is confused and frustrated. Ranting is not the same as thinking and being logicial. RickGeek knows he’s one of Bill’s slaves but he cannot bring himself to run away from the M$ plantation yet. Ranting is good, even when illogicial. Once Rick calms down he’ll be able to think more clearly or he’ll just slip back into his deluded mental state.
Anyway who gives a crap what this Windoze whore thinks!!! I don’t!!! Let them eat crap and complain.
Jimbo,
“I’m sorry that you can’t afford to use Mac OS X. I really am.”
STFU and read – I have a PowerBook and am keepin it.
My point: Apple’s mistake is switching to x86. My Dual 2.5 GHz G5 was better than any comparable PC, in specs & price. Years ago, when I bought it, dual processing was almost non-existant for desktop PCs, and unbiased benchmarks show the Dual G5 pretty close to current dual core Athlons. The Quads pack an even bigger punch. Once they drop that proc though, they’re building x86 machines that I can build, spec’d the same or better, for cheaper. Since they won’t open OSX to PCs I can make for less, I’ll stick with Windows on the desk. Simple.
Get off your high horse and pay attention, idiot. You Macbois are just as bad as the Windows flamers – ignorant all around.
I don’t know why the Mac’s marketshare is always toted as a negative, whether it is 5% (or as high as 16% some say) here’s another group that are about the same proportion.
Americans represent 5% of the world’s population, obviously their influence is greater (for better or worse) than their numbers. Very much analogous to the Apple vs. PC world.
CMUGeek: you can make it for less but you can’t maintain it for less.
I too believe Apple made a serious mistake in moving to Intel. But only time will tell. The reason behind the move is still fuzzy – you can’t really believe anything that’s been written about the subject. So there’s no real point in arguing about it and the shoulda’s. The bottom line here is that if you can build it cheaper go ahead (I’ve done it myself). But in the end the Mac costs less in lost productivity than any PC I’ve ever used. And Jobs is correct to not open the OS to whatever box a tinkerer/hobbiest might want to use. This isn’t the ’80s. There’s work to be done!
CMUGeek,
You made 2 statements about price:
” I can’t see spending so much for a Mac when I could build a far better system for much cheaper.”
and
“OS X just isn’t worth THAT much money plus a sacrifice in performance. I love the Mac platform, but I don’t see people buying a $3000 Intel system when they could get a similarly configured PC for half price.”
My point is that you think that because the benchmark is faster on some shitbox that you built yourself, that somehow makes up for all the shortcomings in Windows XP. I disagree. I’d rather run a box that is reliable, secure, and always works rather than some superfast machine that runs Windows XP.
Ignorant? I don’t think so. I’ve been working on a Macs and PCs since they came out, so I’ve been around the block a few times. I’m not making my choice based on the fact that this is what everyone else uses, or based on benchmark speeds. I’m making a choice based on real world experience.
So suck on that one, little man.
I don’t believe in AlanAudio. So there.
“Never ask what sort of computer a guy drives. If he’s a Mac user, he’ll tell you. If not, why embarrass him?”
Tom Clancy
The only thing different between a Mac and the PC in terms of hardware is the motherboard. Apple charges too much for what the rest of the components can be bought a NewEgg. Open up a PoweMac G5. What’s different??? Yeah, Apple’s logo over the Toshiba’s sticker and the $3000.00 price tag.
If everybody who built their own computers paid for all the software they used, including the operating system, then they would barely save any money. Add to that a warranty and technical support that covers more than just an individual part w/ a proof of purchase smaller than a wad of spit and you get into major convenience and peace of mind. You are not technically gifted. You have a hobby. More power to you. However, just because you enjoy doing something doesn’t mean that it is in any way applicable to the mass market.
Get an Intel based Mac and make the price comparison, but don’t forget to add a good 50 percent to the cost of the highest priced non-bundled version of Vista or XP just to come close to the reality of Mac OS X. It’s not just 50% better or an operating system and a half…it’s a good twice as good. Not only don’t you have to deal with assorted malware, but you can actually use it. Is it perfect no, but it’s the best.
Does Apple need to appeal to the top 20%? Funny they make the ipod for everyone. The ibook is consumer and the mac mini is as consumer as it gets. Apple is appealing to everyone. It’s the bottom 50 that need something easy and powerful (provided it isn’t a button on some military hardware). Then there’s cloning or releasing for other vendors…
About 15-20 years ago would have been the time for large companies to have continuously developed their own OS. It would take a good 5-10 years for any current MS vendor to be even somewhat viable with their own operating system. The value of Mac OS X on a different platform over MS is more than just Windows v whatever-else-ran (OS/2, Amiga whatever, PET, TRS-80 ++ v2.5, etc) it’s about a company even having an OS. They don’t now. That’s one of the big fights because if MS goes they are completely out.
Microsoft took advantage of a small window of opportunity. That trick doesn’t work twice. Apple would have to dominate every single part of the industry (kinda monopolistic) before they were able to pull head to head with the entrenched villain and make the majority of their profit on other software (office…but done by Apple).
So…nobody else is able to compete with MS head to head..yep that’s about the way it is. Should Apple license OS X? Not without some serious market dominance. If Dell or anyone else wants a piece they need to give it up and merge (although that would be a blessing)..better to just be acquired.
Reading the article and the posts, I’ve come to the conclusion that we Mac users should just let the MS Windows shitkickers have their useless OS. Its not going to matter one iota what the facts really are or who is stating them as in recent articles and comparisons.
They are living in a bubble created by Microshit and theres no way to convince them of.
I’m happy with my Mac, as all of you are, so lets leave them to their selected misery and let them feed the MS kitty.
As one of the posters resonded about no longer helping his MS buddies when their systems went down, I too have stopped. Since then, one has even GIVEN his Sony VAIO w/XP away to purchase a Mac, and has never had a problem since. Even got me a bottle of Vodka for the advice.
It gets cold up here…….
Hey bling your are wrong. I build my PCs and buy all the software and I save alot of money. And as for technical support I do not need any, because my PC’s hardly ever goes down with the right stuff and If a part does fail, I can replace it in 24 hours.
@ bling –Building a PC is no different than people doing their own car maintance. Alot of money is saved. People do oil changes, buy their parts at pep boys for 1/2 the price for what they give the dealers. I have a 5 year old sound blaster, a 2 year old motherboard, a 3 year old hard drive, an outdated modem in one of my PCs and it’s still going strong. My Friend’s DELL needed serviceing 3 times this year for bad parts.
Apple is NOT porting shit over to x86 PCs!
No company that spends millions of doallars and thousands of man hours to keep OS X on Apple hardware only would just one day say “we’re giving up…” thats BIZARRE!
Loser: not only are you a loser but you’re a liar also. You can’t build a PC cheaper than the big boys can make it. Your breath must smell like crap because you’re full of it. And hardly ever goes down? Must not use them except as space heaters…
Just another Windoze loving wannabe tech… troll
Jimbo:
Methinks you have pissed off our guest enough, so take it easy on the language – you’re just making it worse. I’m sure the “ignorant” remark came from the fact that your original post clearly gave him no credit for being a Mac user. Who knows – after this little exchange he may actually give it up (jeeze, lost another one)!
Aside from his comments about G5 – which we all know I agree with – his assesment on the economics of building your own PC are probably right … for an experienced builder comparing the likely cost of an Apple-made rig at the high end. Modding is largely a labor of love when compared to what you can get from OEM PC makers, and a lot of software to make them useful is swaped, freeware, reused from before, etc … to keep the cost penalty from being too ridiculus. Yet a fully decked out PowerMacintel, going for the same prices PowerMacs have traditionally been, IS going to be quite high, and without the G5 (or even an AMD chip) as its basis, it won’t be price/performance competitive when compared to a lot of potential x86 based rigs built at home (especially ones using AMD processors).
Now, just let the man be in peace!
MacWrath, you’re stupid, I can build PC cheaper. No proof required. And by the way, I’m a Mac user too. I just wanted to make a comment to Bling. Until you build your own, do make stupid comments. GO to egghead.com and add it up.
It’s been said before and will be said again
1: Apple is a hardware company, the OS is the fancy paint job on the fancy car. Paint a Yugo with a Ferrari paint job and it will still be a Yugo.
2: Every version of Mac OS X sold or pirated for generic PC’s means one less, more profitable, hardware sale. If Apple released Mac OS “Classic” for generic PC’s way back there most likely wouldn’t be a Apple today, because M$ had IBM in their pocket, OEMing every new IBM PC with Windows.
3: If Apple releases Mac OS X for generic PC’s now and tries to sell it, Apple will lose hardware sales first, then M$ will give away Windows Vista (a “good enough” copy of Mac OS X) for free, because M$ makes it’s money through, uh it’s office products. (this is why it’s important for Mac users to not buy OfficeMac.)
So basically for Apple Mac OS X is a loss leader for their hardware (until lately when they have been charging for it and we mostly have been paying for it. Now does anyone really expect them to give that up?) and Windows is a loss leader for Office products.
Windows is pirated the world over and M$ sort of enforces making people pay where they can. In new box sales.
Now does anyone really expect Apple to:
1: give up their hardware sales and profits
2: get into a OS price war with M$ just to satisfy some people’s desire for Mac OS X on their generic cheap PC’s?
First they want Mac OS X for cheap generic PC’s and next they will want it for free
GO FSCK YOURSELVES.
YOU WANT MAC OS X. GET A MAC.
That’s the whole reason why Mac OS X works and looks so good, so you’ll buy the hardware stupid.
STUPID CRYING WHINING PC USERS
Loser: Good for you. I have built my own. Doesn’t pay anymore unless you’re looking at the top end. (no recycling of parts!) That’s why Computer Buyer is merely a digest of it’s once enormous self. As I said the day of the computer hobbiest is pretty much over.
MacDude: you are right. They do want it for free. And for that they should be shunned.
Macwrath,
You couldn’t be more wrong. The day of the “computer hobbyist” is at its strongest point since PC building even became possible, and its only getting stronger….to even suggest otherwise shows how far off reality one must be from the industry.
You won’t find the best chipsets in OEM dealers like Dell, HP, or Gateway. ASUS, DFI, MSI, Gigabyte are examples of strong growing companies utilizing the latest in chipset technology from ATI, Nvidia, VIA, and newcomer ULI (ASRock’s 1695 dual SATA PCIexpress/AGP motherboard is a very popular upgrade for AMD chips).
Go into any CompUSA/BestBuy/J&R etc… and you’ll find a large dedicated area JUST for PC cases (and not the plain beige either). “PC building” have evolved to a point where it bares a striking resemblance to the auto aftermarket/tuning industry. It’s big, and it’s there….whether or not you choose to acknowledge it.
This enthusiast community has been growing for some time….and is far bigger than this puny tiny Mac community.
Those clueless people stating PC users who desire OSX for x86 should just buy Mac hardware, plain and simple, don’t realize that is not an option for any PC user who sees that as a “downgrade”. By nature, PC’s are technology leaders while Apple is currently a follower (with inferior hardware). I’m not talking about OEM builders like Dell, which Mac folks like to associate their iMac/Powermac counterparts with….I’m talking about individual chipset/video/memory R&D behemoths (AMD, Nvidia, ATI, Samsung, etc…) and 3rd party manufacturers (ASUS,MSI, DFI, Gigabyte, etc…) that helped innovate and drive the most technologically advanced hardware on the planet into the PC world.
How long did Apple take to equal what the PC world was one year ago?
I know personally many PC users would welcome a MacOSX for x86. Is it worth the price of admission for Apple hardware only?
No.