Is The Apple OS More Stable Than MS Windows?

[Angel Tarragon]

I'm sick to death of computer problems. I have enough money set aside to get a new computer, and now I'm wondering if Apple computers are less prone to problems than Windows computers.

Anyone in the know?

 

[Remus Lupin]

It's not without its problems, but in large measure, yes.

 

[fba827]

Completely without problems? No
Fewer problems when compared to Windows? Yes

 

[Raevynn]

yes, however..... there are some things that won't work on OSX.. such as DDI. this is due in large part for an applications support of proprietary formats. But you can use programs like VMWare Fusion or Parallels to run windows "in a window" on OSX...

Look at it like this: if you buy a new PC and you have XP now.. you have to learn a new operating system... either MS Vista or OSX. so make your decisions based on things like:

Do my apps run on this OS?
Are the things that I want to do supported?
Are there "work-arounds" that I can deal with?
If I need help what kind of support do I get from the OS and Hardware manufacturers?


Hope this helps?!

 

[fba827]

Raevynn brings up a good point that should weigh in your decision (if it isn't already).

Apple stuff does have less compatible software made for it than Windows does.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Raevynn brings up a good point that should weigh in your decision (if it isn't already).

Apple stuff does have less compatible software made for it than Windows does.

It wouldn't be too much of a problem. It's not like I'm going to be Windows-less. I still intend to keep the computer I have now and make a few small upgrades to it.

I mostly just net, play computer games (old shool stuff like MOO2, AoE1, Diablo, The Sims, etc.) and use MS Word and Acrobat 7.0.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

I own a MacBook Pro (not upgraded to the new Mac OS - Leopard - yet) and a Vista PC, and I also have a Vista Notebook at work.

My Vista PC never had any trouble I can remember.

I remember that my MacBook Pro had some trouble with some videos I once tried to play with FrontRow, but since I switched to the VLC Media Player, I haven't had any problems. (VLC is definitely my choice both on PC and Mac)

My Vista Notebook is "Designed for Windows XP" ad "Windows Vista Capable", which isn't exactly optimal for Vista, but it works fine (it's a bit slow for software development purposes, though), but I'd like better graphics driver and coming from sleep mode doesn't work all the time. But I also attribute this to the PCs.


I am not sure I would choose a Mac again. As a secondary machine it works, and I am doing a lot of my role-playing stuff on it, and I am watching movies on it (connecting it via DVI to my wide-screen LCD.)

But if I look at the games I am interested in (and that aren't limited to video consoles), the PC is a must. I think OpenOffice works a little better on my PC then NeoOffice on my Mac, but I can't lie on the sofa with my PC.
I also usually surf the Internets more with my PC than my Mac.

If you go Apple, you will undergo a small learning phase with the slightly different keyboard layout and differences between Windows and Mac GUIs)


EDIT: I love the Apples "Viewer" - way faster then Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing PDFs. It eventually lead to me getting FoxIt for my PC, since I couldn't stand the slow loading times for Adobes Reader any longer.

 

[Eldritch_Lord]

Allow me to suggest Linux. It's free, whether by download or CD; the Ubuntu distribution is as easy or easier to use than Windows for people who haven't used Linux before; and its WINE emulator means it can run almost any Windows-compatible programs.

 

[Raevynn]

I agree while linux is free and stable. there is a matter of support. and WINE is cool.. but unless you wish to invest time not for the timid.

I have linux on several servers and it works great. I also have OSX Server running on a few too.

When it comes to a desktop/laptop... My MacBook Pro is all I need. Been on 6 continents (not Africa yet... yes Antarctica...) and worked fantastically. I have had some h/w issues but Apple handled those fantastically.

Now before you label me an Apple/Mac fanboy... I also run BOTH XP and Vista in VMWare on the MBP (MacBook Pro)... and mainly for RPG related stuff... and Quickbooks because the mac version blows...

All in all.. it is what you make of it.. I used to travel 250+ days per year for the last 4 years.. and the stability and worldwide availability of support sold me, and payed off.

As an example... I was traveling to Seoul Korean when I had my power supply stolen at LAX. I called AppleCare (their tech support) from the plane and they had one overnighted to my hotel in Seoul... that is support I have NEVER seen from IBM/Dell/Etc....


Hope this helps... remember.. no one can tell you what is right for you, spend the time to investigate... look at support, program availability and cost.. weigh the options.. then decide...


If there are specific "does it do this?" type of things I am happy to answer if you need.... just PM or post here...

 

[Steve Jung]

One quetion you should ask yourself is "Who do I lean on for computer help?" If you have Mac-using friends, go for it. Otherwise be careful. For me, using a Mac doesn't feel like I'm fighting with the computer to do what I want.