Switch To A Mac ----->

Switch To A Mac Guides

2008-04-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

A great resource for anyone who would like to learn about Macs and the Mac OS X operating system should head over to the Switch To A Mac Guides.

The guides are a great starting point especially for switchers. The Guides will help you learn about some of the key features of Mac OS X

Switch To A Mac: Key Mac OS X Security Features

2006-07-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

Switch To A Mac: Key Mac OS X Security Features

Great read about default security and additional security features that can be enabled in Mac OS X.

Switch To A Mac: New To Mac - 50 Percent of New Macs to Switchers

2006-04-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Switch To A Mac: New To Mac - 50 Percent of New Macs to Switchers

A great read that demonstrates that 50% of new Macs sold at Apple's retail stores are purchased by Switchers.

Switch To A Mac: U.S. Patent Office e-filing system now Mac compatible

2006-03-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

Switch To A Mac: U.S. Patent Office e-filing system now Mac compatible: "U.S. Patent Office e-filing system now Mac compatible"

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on launched a new e-filing system on March 17, 2006 offering support for Mac OS X. The system allows patents to be submitted online via the USPTO website. Prior versions of the system were not OS X compatible which made it difficult for patent applications to be submitted by Mac users. The revamped system allows Mac users to submit their applications directly from OS X instead of having to submit them from a Windows based system.

Continue to the read the full article.

Switch To A Mac: Microsoft Messenger for Mac 5.1

2006-03-14T11:39:00.000-08:00

Switch To A Mac: Microsoft Messenger for Mac 5.1

Information on the updated Microsoft Messenger software for Mac.

Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.2.3 Update

2006-03-14T11:21:00.000-08:00

Microsoft today released an update for Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac. This updates Microsoft Office 2004 Standard Edition, Office 2004 Student and Teacher Edition, and Office 2004 Professional Edition to version 11.2.3. In addition to improved security and stability, the update allows users to leverage Mac OS X Sync Services and Spotlight searches. Mac users can now sync and locate Entourage items and use smart cards with Entourage 2004. Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac consists of Microsoft Word 2004, Excel 2004, PowerPoint 2004, and Entourage 2004.

switchtoamac.com: Apple Q1 2006 Earnings and Conference Call

2006-01-18T21:12:00.000-08:00

Switch To A Mac: Apple Q1 2006 Earnings and Conference Call

From the article:

Apple Computer Inc. reported a 95 percent rise in its December quarter profit compared to the same quarter last year. Surging sales of its iPod music players played a key role in Apple registering more than $1 billion in sales through its company owned retail stores. Apple sold 14 million iPods in the quarter, a 207 percent increase year-over-year. iPod sales accounted for $1.74B in revenue, up 46 percent from the same quarter last year.
Apple sold 1.24 million Macintosh computers during the quarter comprising 667,000 desktops and 587,000 notebooks/laptops, figures up 20 percent from the year earlier period. Notebook sales accounted for $812M in revenue, up 34 percent from the same quarter last year. Desktop sales accounted for $912M in revenue, down 9 percent. Overall, Macintosh computer sales accounted for 41 percent of the company's total revenue in the quarter.

Macintosh sales exceeded the company's internal expectations in the quarter. According to Tim Cook, Apple's Chief Operating Officer, Apple saw "a bit of a pause" in the holiday quarter associated with the transition to Intel microprocessors. "We did see what we think was a bit of a pause from some customers associated with the Intel transition."

Cook also stated that Apple was “very pleased with customer and analyst response to our new Intel based Macs.” The first Intel based iMac and MacBook Pro were unveiled at last week’s Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. Cook said that Apple may end the current quarter with an inability to meet demand for the MacBook Pro.

The strong Mac sales lead me to believe that more consumers and businesses are making the switch and that the trend will gain momentum during 2006 as Apple completes its transition of the Mac line to Intel Corp processors. I expect Apple to add a significant number of users to it's base and to expand its marketshare.

Apple to Report Earnings

2006-01-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

Apple's earnings are due out today at 2pm PST. Wall Street analysts are looking for earnings ranging from 59 cents to 69 cents per share on revenue of $5.7 billion for the December quarter. Estimate have moved up following Steve Jobs' keynote speech at last week's Macworld Expo. The EPS estimates ranges from $1.95 to $2.53. Fiscal year 2006 estimates range from $19.4 billion to $22.3 billion, an increase of $2 billion to $3 billion over 2005.

I am looking for signs of increased Macintosh computer sales. Furthermore, I am looking for more evidence of the "iPod halo effect". Increased Macintosh sales are a key metric as it points to ongoing strengh and more consumers to making the "Switch To A Mac". I would however be open to the possibility that Macintosh sales lagged as consumers may have held off on purhases in anticipation of new hardware announcements at Macworld. Steve Jobs already commented that iPod sales reached fourteen million units in the quarter.

Switch To A Mac: Quicktime: Play Windows Media Files

2006-01-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

Switch To A Mac: Quicktime: Play Windows Media Files

Software from Flip4Mac™ allows you to view Windows Media® files on OS X.

Switch To A Mac: Apple Intel and Increased Market Share

2006-01-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

Switch To A Mac: Apple Intel and Increased Market Share

Commentary with a prediction:

"The new Macs will usher in a new wave of Switchers. I predict that Apple will gain significant market share on a percentage basis in 2006 whereas Microsoft will see a slight decline."

Apple Sales Exceed Expectations

2006-01-10T13:08:00.000-08:00

Apple Computer Inc. Chief Executive Steve Jobs stated at Macworld 2006 that sales for Apple's December quarter exceeded expectations on strong demand for the company's iPod music players. Revenue for the quater came in at $5.7 billion, well above the $5.04 billion average estimate of analysts. In addition, the company's retail stores posted revenue of more than $1 billion for the first time in their history. Shares soared to a record high following the announcement.

Apple Computer sold 14 million iPods and 1.25 million Macintosh computers during the quarter. Apple has sold a total of 42 million iPods and 850 million iTunes songs since the launch of each product. The 14 million iPods sold in the December quarter represent 33 percent of all iPods sold by the company. An amazing metric demonstrating that demand for iPods is surging and that the company is not seeing a slow down in demand for it's music players. Apple now has an 83 percent share of the legal music download market.

Mr. Jobs also unveiled new Intel microprocessor powered Macs a full six months ahead of schedule. Jobs also indicated that all Apple computers will have Intel chips by the end of 2006.

The new iMac is based on Intel's Core Duo processors. The nee systems boast speeds two to three times faster than previous iMac G5 models at the same $1,299 starting price. The new iMac are now available for order at the Apple Store.
Jobs also unveiled the new MacBook Pro notebook based on Intel's Core Duo processors. The system runs four to five times faster than the company's prior PowerBook notebooks and will begin shipping in February. Prices start at $1,999. Orders can be placed at the Apple Store.

I would expect to see a continuation and strengthening of the "iPod Halo Effect", the idea that the popularity and strong sales of iPods to Windows PC owners translates into increased Macintosh computer sales

It's clear that Apple experienced a new wave of iPod sales during the 2005 holiday shopping season and this provided addition fuel to drive the "iPod Halo Effect". This is demonstrated by the sale of 1.25 million Macs, marking the fifth straight quarter of at least 1 million Macs sold. It's likely that a significant percentage of those units sold were from consumers who purchased thier first Macs. Apple is gaining market share demonstrated by these numbers and by the increase in Safari market share.

On a prior post, I indicated that I expected the Halo effect to gain momentum.

Consumers and businesses are making the Switch to Macintosh computers and OS X platform. With these new systems and the popularity of iPods, I expect the Switch trend to continue and to gain momentum.

Safari Gains Marketshare in 2005

2006-01-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

Apple computer's Safari Web browser continues to gain market share and checks in as the number three on the most used browsers. Safari experienced a growth of approximately 85 percent in 2005. By comparison, Microsoft's Internet Explorer lost market share during 2005 down to 85.05 percent in December from 89.44 in January, a decline of 4.9 percent Firefox, the number two browser finished 2005 with a 9.57 percent share of the market, an increase from 5.59 percent in January, an increase of 71 percent.

In September 2005, Safari's market share was 2.39 percent. According to MarketShare, Safari's market share was 3.07 percent in December 2005. That's a growth of over 28 percent in just three months. You can view the growth of Safari during 2005 at the following link.

Considering that Safari is only available on Mac OS X, this is a strong indication that number of Mac users is on the rise, another sign that more switchers are moving to the Mac. This is a very positive report that demonstrates Apple's increasing market share gains. I expect Safari's market share to increase in January following the recent holiday shopping season and I expect the trend to continue during 2006 as Apple continues to gain popularity across most market segments.

iMac G5 Recommended - Forget Dell, HP, Sony or Gateway Desktops - Make the Switch

2005-12-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

"A New Gold Standard for PCs" WSJ.com - The Mossberg Solution: "A New Gold Standard for PCs"

According to a new review by Walt Mossberg and Katherine Boehret of the Wall Street Journal, no desktop on the market from the four largest Windows based PC vendors can match the new Apple iMac G5. My view on the review is that it will encourage those considering the switch to purchase their first Mac.

The following is a powerful quote from the article:

"We've been testing this new iMac, and our verdict is that it's the gold standard of desktop PCs. To put it simply: No desktop offered by Dell or Hewlett-Packard or Sony or Gateway can match the new iMac G5's combination of power, elegance, simplicity, ease of use, built-in software, stability and security."

The review has great comments about Apple's Front Row software. Front Row is seamlessly integrated with Apple's other software to allows iMac users to play music (from iTunes), view photos (from iPhoto) and watch videos stored on the iMac's hard drive. You can also control Apple's DVD player to watch DVDs. All this made possible with a remote control that comes shipped with the iMac G5.

For you potential switchers you'll like to know that the reviewers stated the following:

"From setup to performing the most intense tasks, it's a pleasure to use. And, contrary to common misconceptions, this Mac is competitively priced, when compared with comparably equipped midrange Windows PCs; and it handles all common Windows files, as well as the Internet and email, with aplomb."

The article demonstrates that most current Windows users no longer need to be reluctant to make the switch. Mac OS X handles all of your Windows based files. Be sure to read my previous post on how easy it is to make the switch, Part 7- It's Easy

Mossberg and Boehret go on to state, "The combination of the new, improved hardware, plus Front Row, makes the iMac G5 the best consumer desktop you can buy this holiday season, period."

The review also outlines the benefits of using a OS X over Windows:

"Like all Macs, the new iMac comes with Apple's excellent Tiger operating system, which hasn't yet attracted any successful viruses and has no reported spyware. Tiger already includes the key features Microsoft is promising for its next version of Windows, due in about a year. These include an integrated desktop search, parental controls and tougher security. And it comes with Apple's iLife suite of first-rate multimedia programs for managing and creating music, photos, videos and DVDs -- better than any similar software for Windows."

To top off the review, they state, "All in all, we can heartily recommend the iMac G5."

For those of you who are considering the Switch, this article speaks for itslef and demonstrates the benefits of using a Mac. No other desktop on the market from a Wintel vendor can give you all the features, software, security, and stability that the new iMac G5 offer.

Computerworld Journalist Loves the New iMac

2005-11-29T07:49:00.000-08:00

Computerworld > Dreaming of a White Christmas

Ulrika Hedquist of Computerworld, recently reviewed the new iMac G5. Her biggest complaint, "please, don?t make me part with this wonderful machine"

She was able to get the iMac unpackaged, setup, and in use in ten minutes. In addition, she was impressed with the overall design stating: "The Mac is beautiful ? shiny, white, minimalist. It is flat (about an inch deep) with a slightly convex back to fit in the whole computer behind the screen. Fancy." Her PC on the other hand suffered from a lack of design and was loud and bulky.

Ulrika also praised the included Mighty Mouse, built-in iSight camera, and Front Row remote control.

A Switcher's Experience

2005-11-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

The following is an experience from a someone who recently made the Switch. This person purchased thier first Mac, a new 17" Powerbook G4 and sent me an email describing the experience. The writer outlines their transition from a Windows user to one who truly enjoys Mac OS X.

My hope in posting his email is that thier experience will encourage those of you who are considering the Switch. I've removed thier name and email address for privacy reasons.

Impressions of Switching to my 17" Powerbook

- It looks awesome, the slim aluminum enclosure is better than any laptop that I've ever owned. It does have an inherent "wow" effect on others. When I take it to work, my co-workers tend to check out my system and ask what it is. The complements are a nice experience as I never got that from my previous Windows based laptops. Many have asked why I bought a Mac. On numerous occasions, I end up in a long discussion with and often find myself engaging in demonstrations showing it's ease of use and great features. I've launched the preinstalled iLife suite of applications and many are surprised how easy they are to use. My more technical colleagues find the UNIX underpinnings to be quite useful on a laptop when compared to it's Linux counterparts.

- It's easy to use. I find OS X to be a more intuitive operating system. It's easier to use and navigate. I like the interface. I am always working in multiple applications at any given time and therefore liked to use the "Show Desktop" icon in the Windows Quick Launch taskbar to minimize all open programs in XP. In OS X, I've come to love Expose as I can hide all open programs and windows with a simple keystroke. I am also able to switch from one running app to another in much less time than in XP.

- Logical and customizable. With OS X, I can launch the terminal application to access almost anything from a command line. I can easily do whatever I want from a UNIX perspective from writing and modifying scripts, navigating across directories, viewing log files, modifying permissions on files and directories, or anything else I want to do. Mac OS X gives me the ideal computing platform. I get a great looking, easy to use and learn GUI (thanks to Aqua) and I have the ability to customize the UNIX underpinnings. I can modify the OS to be as simple or as customized as I want. Thanks Apple!

- Integrated and optimized. OS X allows me to run those critical Windows based applications thanks to Virtual PC. I can stay productive with my colleagues by running Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac. We can easily share Word documents and Excel spreadsheets. My Powerbook allows me to work seamlessly with Windows-based systems in my employer's network. I can easily access the network; get email, and access files/peripherals that the Windows based systems use. Furthermore, there is a vast developer community out there that provides open-source applications/software. For example, the Firefox browser is available for OS X as well as chat programs, file transfer (ftp), and countless other software for free or minimal costs. I love checking out the http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/unix_open_source/ site and I highly recommend it.

- More stable than XP. I've had better stability with my Powerbook running OS X compared to my previous laptops running Windows XP. I constantly find myself more productive in completing my day-to-day and workload intensive tasks.

- Community. I love the friendly, intelligent, and open OS X/Apple community. I've found that Mac users go well beyond the "general" interest in using their systems. Most are technically savvy and are willing to assist fellow Mac users. I find the community to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I've found the Apple Discussion Forums to be a great resource and the people there helped me get up to speed on OS X as they answered my questions clearly and coherently.

Additional Comments
Those of you who are considering the purchase of your first Mac, I can say from personal experience that you will not be disappointed. The decision to invest in an Apple Powerbook, iBook, G5, iMac or Mac mini may provoke you to ask yourself numerous questions. You will likely be inclined to compare the specs with a Dell, HP, or other PC manufacturer. In most cases, those systems will be less costly than a Mac but the difference in functionality, ease of use, and overall computing experience speak for themselves. I have no regrets paying the Apple "premium" as my experience has surpassed my expectations, it was worth it. I encourage you to make the investment and to reclaim your computing experience.

My hope is that potential switchers will find this write-up beneficial to making their decision and you can post it on your blog.

Opinion: 1 Million Switchers

2005-11-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

Analyst: Viruses Pushing Windows Users To Mac - Yahoo! News

A Yahoo! News article makes the point that Windows users are making the Switch To A Mac as a result of thier desire to get away from the viruses plaguing the Windows platform.

From the article:

"Needham & Co. analyst Charles Wolf observes that cumulative iPod sales have reached 28 million since 2001 and that the momentum of the iPod, in conjunction with the ubiquity of malware on the PC, has created a halo effect that benefits the Mac platform. "Windows users are buying Macs in increasing numbers," he wrote. "We estimate in the first three quarters of calendar 2005, over one million of them have purchased a Mac compared to our estimate of 500,000 for the entire calendar year."

A releated article can be found at AppleInsider. I found the following to be a powerful statment:

"According to checks with Apple Store Specialists, Wolf also said a larger than expected percentage of Windows to Mac converts appear to be purchasing Apple's higher-end systems and that their transition is fueled by the epidemic of viruses and malware on the Windows platform."

My view is that Apple's compelling operating system, hardware, and innovation are driving the transistion. The migration to OS X and Macs is just beginning.

I've indicated in earlier post titled Macworld UK - 400,000 Windows users switch to Mac - analyst that I expected the number of switchers to gain momentum. I stated the following:

"Up to 400,000 users thus far this year is a huge number which could potentially double by the end of the year if the trend is maintained"

Based on the current numbers, I underestimated the number of Windows switchers moving to the Mac. In an earlier post titled, "How to Switch to a Mac - Part 7 - It's Easy" I stated:

"there are no known malware and spyware that are able to compromise a Mac. Tiger is the safest and most secure release of OS X to date. New viruses, spyware, and malware infect Windows systems on a daily basis. Windows based systems require daily software updates and frequent installation of Windows security patches to close vulnerabilities, an inherit problem with Windows. OS X comes shipped with an industrial UNIX firewall that outperforms it's Windows counterpart. The Windows firewall is weak and ineffective. OS X allows you to enable firewall logging to keep a track of blocked traffic and failed break in attempts. With Tiger, you can enable "Stealth Mode" which hides your Mac's existence on the Intenet. For parents who want a safer online experience for their children, Tiger comes with "Parental Controls" that limit what can be done on a Mac. In order to get these secure features on Windows, you'll have to purchase costly third-party software."

In another post titled, "With OS X you spend time working", I wanted to make the point that Microsoft agrees that Windows is an insecure operating system:

"We all know that Windows systems are prone to virus infection, spyware, malware, and unpatched systems are begging to be exploited. In fact, Windows is the most attacked, least secure operating system around. A Windows system is unsecure out-of-the-box and keeping a Windows system safe demands a high degree of vigilance. After purchasing a new Windows computer, it's vital to run Windows Update to download the numerous "critcal fixes" that if unpatched "could allow an attacker to remotely compromise your Windows-based system and gain control over it". Now that's a scary quote from Microsoft. They admit in thier security bulletins that an attacker can gain control over your computer thanks to holes in Windows! In fact, it's highly likely that an unpatched Windows system will be exploited within minutes if connected to the Internet."

All in all, Windows users are realizing that there is a choice and that choice is OS X running on a Mac.

Strategic Move: Intel-Based Mac Mini at Macworld 2006?

2005-11-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

Apple Could Unveil Intel-Based Mac Mini In January - Forbes.com

Could Apple release an Intel based Mac mini in January? A quote from the Forbes.com article:

"the company may be ready to launch lower-end Intel (nasdaq: INTC - news - people )-based Macs earlier than its original June 2006 target, with the possibility of an Intel-based Mac Mini at Macworld."

Strategic Play
With stories indicating that the PowerPC and Intel builds of Tiger 10.4.3 are esentially identical, I would have reason to believe that a release of an Intel based Mac mini at Macworld 2006 is possible. Furthermore, it would be a great headline story to jump start Macworld as it would demonstrate to the market that Apple has the ability to make the transition.

If Apple can get an Intel based system out well in advance of Leopard OS X 10.5 (scheduled for release as early as late 2006), they'll likely to accomplish the following:

- The ability to increase the test base as Apple would get more feedback from users on any problems faced on the new platform. This would give Apple plenty of lead time to resolve these issues prior to the release of Leopard.

- Get the ball rolling from a developer perspective as Apple would have a "non-development" environment to test applications

- Kick off a new wave of buying from potential Windows switchers as consumers wouldn't be restricted from running Windows on the mini

- Generate momentum and fuel the interest for the next wave of the Mac upgrade cycle. Many current Mac owners have indicated a willingness to hold off on upgrading their systems until the Intel based Macs are released. The success of an Intel based Mac mini could drive those current Mac owners to purchase the intial round of Intel based iMac, iBook, Powerbook, and Powermac systems instead of opting for second generation systems.

- Get another leg up on Microsoft, yes, I said another!

How to Switch To A Mac - Part 2

2005-11-07T07:01:00.000-08:00

Revised November 7, 2005

Where to Start?

For those of you considering the Switch, here's what you need to start thinking about and answering:

Are you a Windows user tired of all the security holes and vulnerabilities?
Are you willing to free your computing experience of viruses, Spyware, and the "blue screen of death"?
Are you ready to start enjoying your computing experience?
Are you ready become a more productive computer user?
Are you ready to become a more knowledgeable computer user?

If you've answered yes to any of the above questions, then a Mac and Mac OS X will be your refuge.

Mac OS X
OS X is the operating system that runs on a Mac and according to Apple, it’s the "world’s most advanced operating system". It offers an ease of use, simplicity, and user interface that are not found in any other operating system. OS X makes it very easy for you to be productive and have fun at the same time.

Today's cyber threats range from viruses, trojan's, spyware, arbitrary code, pop-up ads, and security vulnerabilities. As a result, a computer user needs a safe, secure, and stable computing environment. The answer is a Mac running Mac OS X.

Mac OS X was initially released on March 24th, 2001. OS X 10.4 known as Tiger, represents the fifth version of the operating system. Leopard will be the next version of OS X and will be numbered 10.5.

Darwin is the core of the OS X operating system. Apple designed OS X around UNIX, the industrial-strength operating system originally developed by AT&T Bell Labs. For you techies, Darwin is comprised of two major components: Mach 3.0 and BSD - Berkeley Software Distribution, particularly FreeBSD. The Mach kernel, originally developed at Carnegie Mellon University, manages the tasks and processes that run on a Mac. The beauty of the Mach kernel and thus Mac OS X is “Protected Memory”, where the operating system gives unique space in memory (RAM) for each running application/program. The benefit of this implementation is that the operating system will not allow applications to share memory space. In other words, one application cannot use the memory space that is utilized by another program or the operating system itself. This provides an inherient crash-resistent safety mechanism.

This contributes to the safe, secure, and stable computing environment mentioned above. When applications/programs are isolated from each other in their own chunk of memory and the application crashes or becomes unstable, MAC OS X doesn’t require a restart! All you need to do is either let OS X shut the program down, you manually quit the program or kill the “process” under which the program is running. As a result, the program will cease execution and OS X will clear it's memory space. The benefit is that the other programs running on the sytem will not be affected. WOW, what a difference from Windows. Too often do we see a program running in Windows lock up and the likely outcome is an unusable system or a system crash, better known as the “blue screen of death”.

UNIX has historically been a “command line” operating system where users send commands to the operating system via a terminal. Although Mac OS is UNIX at it’s core, Apple created the beautiful and easy to use “Aqua” interface. All you Windows users will feel at home in this environment.

For those of you wanting a more in depth read on the architecture of OS X, read this from Apple http://images.apple.com/macosx/pdf/MacOSX_UNIX_TB.pdf

Viruses and Spyware
Windows users exposed to the Internet are well aware of the viruses, spyware, malware, and hackers goals of attacking and compromising PC's. Microsoft, the company who created the Windows operating system, urges users to install anti-virus programs, firewalls, and other securing software because they built an operating system full of security holes that make an unprotected system vulnerable. In fact, Windows is the most attacked, least secure operating system on the market.

How does a computer user who wants to leverage the vast benefits of the Internet and the Digital Age avoid viruses and spyware? The answer, Switch To A Mac. As of this posting, there are no threatful viruses written and spyware targeted at Mac OS X. Furthermore, the vast majority of viruses floating around are written to exploit the Windows operating system and if one of those viruses were to find it's way onto a Mac, it would be incapable of infecting OS X.
Combine this with preceeding write-up on OS X, it's easy to see that Mac OS X is not only more secure, but it's the operating system of choice for the Internet. With Apple's vast collection of Internet based software such as iTunes, iPhoto, iChat, Quicktime, Safari, and Mail, the union of a safe, secure, stable, modern, and easy to use operating system with the benefits of the Internet is not only possible, it's a reality.

An Enjoyable Computing Experience
Windows based systems require that you spend a lot of time and effort to keep them secure and operational. With Macs and OS X, you spend your time working which in turn, leads to productivity and an enjoyable computing experience. With OS X, less time is spent securing and protecting the operating ystem and compuer, your time is focused on the issues that matter most; work, productivity, and having fun.

Mac OS X allows users to enjoy their computing experience. With OS X, Apple has made using a computer fun again. In fact, Macs and OS X enable your Digital Life. With Safari, it's easy to surf the Internet. OS X has made it easy to transfer photos from a digital camera to iPhoto. Once uploaded, you can easily edit and organize those photographs. You can easily trasfer your home movies to iMovie. You can edit and create your own DVD's with iDVD. You can easily share your moments with family and friends by uploading your photos and movies to .Mac. You can communicate with the world via email using Mail or participate in a video chat by using iChat. You can purchase and download music with iTunes. You can keep that music on your Mac or load it onto an iPod. You can create and record your own music with GarageBand. With Spotlight, you can find your documents and files with ease. OS X provides the tools and ease of use for today's fast paced lifestyle.

Computing doesn't have to be a headache, with a Mac and OS X, using a computer is a fun and enjoyable experience. Thanks to Apple, we have a choice. Make the Switch To A Mac.

Check out the previous update, "Key Questions"

Check out the next update, “What kind of user are you”?

How to Switch to a Mac - Part 1

2005-11-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

Revised on November 4, 2005

This is the first post on how one begins the process of switching to a Mac. The goal of the this post is to get you to start thinking about the answers to a few general but simple questions:

Where to start?
What kind of user are you?
Which Mac should you buy?
How do you use a Mac?
What to transfer and install on your Mac and how?

I'll be updating this series to address each one of these general topics and to provoke you to think about making the switch. Check back on a periodic basis for updates.

Once you make the Switch To A Mac, you'll find your computing experience free of all those malicious viruses, spyware programs, Microsoft security vulnerabilities, and the dreaded "blue screen of death". Thanks to Mac OSX, you will also be in for a treat, your computing experience will become enjoyable as you become more productive. You'll have time to devote to actually using your computer as opposed locking it down, updating your anti-virus and spyware programs, recovering from crashes, and reinstalling your operating system.

Sit back and let's begin the Switch To A Mac journey!

Read part 2 - Where to start: http://switchtoamac.blogspot.com/2005/04/how-to-switch-to-mac-part-2-where-to.html

Why Worms Shun Apple's OSX

2005-10-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

Why Worms Shun Apple's OSX:

A nice article from BusinessWeek. The headline of the article starts off with the following statement:

"Successful assaults by viruses and other malware on the Mac operating system are rare as it has better security and attackers are less keen"

Overall it's a nice article and it demonstrates that OS X is a more secure operating system than it's Windows counterparts.

Apple's Market Share Increase and Growth

2005-10-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

According to an IDC report, Apple's sales and marketshare are on the rise.

In the U.S., Apple Computer Inc. ranked fifth on IDC's report with 737,000 total shipments which equates to a 4.3% share of the market and a 44.6% increase on a year-over-year basis. Based on IDC's numbers, the increase to 4.3% is up from 3.3%, a significant US marketshare gain. Gartner, who measures shipments differently than IDC, reports that Apple ranks fourth in U.S. with 744,000 shipments and a 4.2% share of the market.

In a Yahoo News story titled, "PC Sales In Q3 Top Forecasts; Apple, Acer Up" an IDC analyst stated the following:

"Apple continues to experience a halo effect from its popular iPod portable music players.

The company has been able to win converts to its Macintosh computers, thanks to positive media exposure and happy iPod customers, who want to give Apple PCs a try. Apple also updated its low-cost Mac Mini computers during the quarter."

There have been several reports about the iPod Halo Effect. The "halo effect" surrounding the iPod is believed to drive iPod owners to purchase Mac computers. Many of these purchasers are first time Mac owners:

- 400,000 Windows users Switch to Mac - Analyst

- Apple to begin a new Ad campaign highlighting Macs?

- IPods, Tiger to head up Apple report - Computer Hardware - Technology, Hardware and Equipment - Earnings

- Apple Announces the iPod Nano and iTunes Phone

- New Video iPod, stronger iPod Halo Effect, More Switchers

Apple's growth in PC shipments has also been strengthened by an increase in shipments from company's education division. Apple ranks third in worldwide education computer shipments behind Dell and Hewlett Packard. However, in the U.S. Apple ranks second behind Dell. On a fourth quater to fourth quarter comparison between 2005 and 2004, Apple experienced a rise of 15.08% percent in worldwide education shipments and a 13.79% increase in U.S. education shipments.

The "Switch To A Mac" is a real observable occurance and these latest data points demonstrate that Apple is experiencing a dramatic growth in market share. I expect this growth to continue as more people purchase their first Macs and make the switch.

Apple and Pixar, a match made in Cyberspace?

2005-10-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

With Pixar short films available on the newly released iTunes 6 software and the release of the Video Capable iPod, I am led to predict that we will see additional synergies between Apple and Pixar or an outright purchase of Pixar by Apple Computer.

Think about it, Disney and Pixar's relationship hasn't been the greatest of late and in fact, is on shaky ground. In January of 2004 Pixar announced that it was not going to continue it's relationship with Disney.

A brief history of the Pixar-Disney relationship:
Disney bankrolled Pixar's early days as it provided a majority of the funding to create the hit movie "Toy Story". Disney made a fortune on the film leaving Pixar with a small piece of the profit pie. Disney and Pixar later collaborated on "Monsters, Inc.", "Finding Nemo", and "The Incredibles"

The CEO of Pixar, who happens to be Steve Jobs (the same Steve Jobs of Apple Computer), wanted to negotiate a better deal for Pixar that would allow it greater flexibility and control over sequels to previusly released films. Disney wasn't keen on the idea and rejected Pixar's proposals. The rest is as they say, "History".

I think that Apple would be an ideal company to distribute Pixar's movies and content online. Pixar is already developing their content with Apple's PowerMacs line of professional computers. Apple is the world's leading Digital content provider. Apple's strength in the consumer segment and the popularity of it's iPod and iTunes music store allows the company to distribute content directly to the end user. The video iPod is just the beginning of video delivery to the consumer and is a harbinger of things to come.

The union makes sense. Not only would it save money for both companies but it will also drive the video content and delivery revolution. It's a match made in Cyberspace!

New Video iPod, stronger iPod Halo Effect, More Switchers

2005-10-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

The new video capable iPod is yet another product that should increase Apple's popularity in the market. The iPod has generated what is known as the "iPod Halo Effect", the idea that the popularity and strong sales of iPods to Windows PC owners translated into increased Macintosh computer sales. There has been anecdotal evidence to suggest that the "iPod Halo Effect" does indeed exist. In fact, Apple released metrics on October 11, 2005 that showed the company exceeding market expectations for Macintosh sales (story).

The new iPod should take the "iPod Halo Effect" to the next level. The new features in the iPod along with iTunes 6 should provide additional momentum to halo effect.

Apple will likely experience a new wave of iPod sales during the upcoming holiday shopping season and this will provide addition fuel to drive the "iPod Halo Effect" engine. This in turn will result in more consumers purchasing thier first Macs in the not too distant future. Apple will see increased market share gains as more "Switchers" come to the Mac and OS X platform.

New Video Capable iPod and iTunes 6

2005-10-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Apple computer announced the new iPod today. It's capable of playing videos and supports MPEG4 and h.264 video formats. The new iPod features a slightly wider color screen (2.5 inches) than previous models for the purposes of video playback. The iPod can can display album artwork, photos, play video, video Podcasts, home movies and television shows.

The iPods can store 15,000 songs, 25,000 photos or over 150 hours of video. Two models are available, 30GB model for $299 and a 60GB model for $399 in your choice of white or black.

Some specs of the new iPods:

- 2.5-inch diagonal color LCD screen with LED backlight
- 320 x 240
- 30 frames per sec
- 260,000 colors
- MPEG4, h.264 Video Support
- Video Out for Television playback
- Holds over 150 hours of video
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
- Apple Click Wheel
- Mac OS X or Windows 2000/XP compatible

Apple also released iTunes 6. The new version includes many new features and content in the iTunes Music Store but the key addition is video content and sales. At launch, Apple has over 2000 music videos, six short films from Pixar Animation Studios, and television shows from ABC for sale at $1.99 each. Past and current episodes are available. New episodes will be available the day after they air on Television.

The new iPod is yet another product that should increase Apple's popularity in the market. Apple should experience a new wave of iPod sales during the upcoming holiday shopping season and this should result in more potential "Switchers" that will purchase thier first Macs in the not too distant future.

Apple's Earnings

2005-10-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday October 11, 2005, Apple Computer announced record revenues and profits profits for its fiscal fourth quarter, which ended September 20th, 2005. Here are the details:

- Revenue: $3.68 billion US (vs. $2.35 billion in the year-ago quarter)
- Profits: $430 million or $.50 per diluted share, $.38 per share after a one-time tax benefit (vs. $106 million or $.13 per diluted share

During the quarter Apple sold and shipped 1.236 million Macintosh computers and 6.451 million iPods. The number of Macs were higher than market expectations but iPod shipment were lower than expected, expectations were for at least 6.7 million iPods to be sold.

The higher than expected Macintosh sales are a key metric as it points to ongoing strengh and the much talked about "iPod Halo Effect". I've been saying for a while that there are more people making the "Switch To A Mac" and the increased Macintosh sales could demonstrate that assertion.

The Oklahoma Daily Online Edition - Switching from PC to Apple OS X

2005-10-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Oklahoma Daily Online Edition - Switching from PC to Apple OS X

A nice read from University of Oklahoma. The following is a quote from the article:

"For me, “the switch” has been a truly revolutionary and life-changing experience. Computing is no longer a tedious and boring task plagued with blue screens of death and pop-up windows."

Chalk up another switcher!

Macsimum News - Safari now number three Web browser

2005-10-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

Macsimum News - Safari now number three Web browser

Apple computer's Safari Web browser checks in at number three on the most used browsers. According to the article:

"In September, Safari and Netscape Navigator and Apple’s Safari continued their modest gains for the second straight month, while FireFox lost market share for the second time in 2005."

It goes on to say:

"Safari checked in at 2.39 percent up from 2.20 percent"

If we do the math, that equates to a 8.64% increase. Considering that Safari is only available on Mac OS X, it is a strong data point that can lead us to conclude that the number of Mac users is increasing. It could also indicate that more people are making the Switch To A Mac.

This is a very positive report that demonstrates Apple's increasing market share gains.

Interesting URL on Apple's Website

2005-10-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Apple Computer will hold a special event on Wednesday October 12, 2005 to introduce something new. Apple starting distributing special invitations to analysts and members of the media for the event. The invitation features a red curtain and state "One more thing..."

It's been rumored for months that Apple may release a Video based iPod. As a followup, here's an ineresting find on the Apple website.

When you go to http://www.apple.com/music you're automatically redirected by the Web Server to the Apple iPod and iTunes page. If you then attempt to go to http://www.apple.com/movies you'll get the generic Apache Web Server Forbidden error:

Forbidden

"You don't have permission to access /movies on this server."

Now this behavior is a bit interesting because if you type another URL for the Apple Website such as http://www.apple.com/hello or http://www.apple.com/123.html you'll get an Apple branded version of the Apache "error 404 (page not found)". It reads:

"Looking for something at Apple.com?
The page you tried was not found. You may have used an outdated link or may have typed the address (URL) incorrectly. You might find what you’re looking for in one of these areas:"

Is the http://www.apple.com/movies URL evidence of an upcoming Movies page for the much rumored video iPod? We will know shortly.

Apple release new version of .Mac, Backup 3

2005-09-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Apple announced an update to its online .Mac service today. .Mac is a membership-based online service that allows Mac users to fully leverage their Macintosh experience on the Internet.

New features of the service include:
.Mac Groups: A service that helps members communicate and coordinate schedules. It also allows users to stay in sync with private groups of friends or colleagues.

Backup 3.0: An updated version of .Mac Backup software that makes it easy for members to archive their iLife and other important files. Specfically, iPhoto files, iTunes libraries, iMovie movies, iDVD projects, and GarageBand projects. It includes a number of new features, including incremental backups, the ability to backup multiple Macs, and a number of new presets for iLife applications.

Increased Storage: A dramatic four-fold increase in combined iDisk and email storage from 250MB to 1GB for individuals and 2GB for families.

Localization: Full French and German localization.

.Mac is available as a subscription-based service for $100 per year for individuals and $180 for familes (Family Pack) which includes one master account and five sub accounts

I was happy to see the increase in storage as 250MB wasn't adequate. Whenever I wanted to share new photos with family and friends, I often found myself removing a site or two from my .Mac Homepage. I'm confident that I won't have to do this as often. I now have the ability to post and share more photos. The added storage to my .Mac account will prove useful for Backup 3. I'm eager to start using Backup 3 as I want to test the variety of presets and I'd like to implement my own custom backup plans.

Sign up for a free, 60-day trial of .Mac

Apple Releases New Intel Build and Locks it Down

2005-09-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

Apple has seeded build 8B1027, the first major update to the Apple Developer Platform owners for its Intel-based Transition Kits. The build, at 2.7GB, brings Transition Kit systems up to version 10.4.2 by reinstalling Mac OS X and places it in-sync with the current Mac version of OS X.

Build 8B1027 includes new lockdowns to prevent piracy of Mac OS X, something that Apple wasn't happy about with the original release of Mac OS X for Intel. The key restriction is that software built with 8B1027 will not run on the previous Intel build. In other words, universal binaries built with Xcode 2.2 and build 8B1027 of Mac OS X 10.4.2 for Intel will not the initial version of OS X.

At this stage, Apple is indicating that they will meet the hackers head on. Expect Apple to implement more stringent TPM checks on all future builds, in an attempt to ensure that Mac OS X and Universal Binary based software will not run on non Mac systems. I see this as a statement that Apple intends to ensure that Macs are the only systems that will be able to run OS X.

Get Ready for the "Mobo Effect"

2005-09-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

The iPod generated what is known as the "iPod Halo Effect", the idea that the popularity and strong sales of iPods to Windows PC owners translated into increased Mac sales. There has been anecdotal evidence to suggest that the "iPod Halo Effect" does indeed exist.

With the release of the Rokr iTunes enabled phone from Apple and Motorola, Apple is demonstrating that they want iTunes to be ubiquitous. I expect the Rokr E1 phone to expose more people to Apple products for the first time specifically, iTunes. This in turn should translate into people purchasing their first Mac. I say this will generate a "Mobile Halo Effect" or as I call it, the "Mobo Effect" (yes, I just coined the phrase) in the not too distant future.

Apple Announces the iPod Nano and iTunes Phone

2005-09-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

iPod Nano

Today, Apple announced the iPod nano, the replacement for the iPod mini. The iPod nano comes in 2GB ($199) and 4GB ($249) sizes in your choice of white or black. The iPod nano comes in a MUCH smaller form factor than any iPod to date. Apple's currently marketing the nano with the following phrase, "1000 songs. Impossibly small. iPod nano".

The specs are as follows

- 1000 song capability
- A Bright LCD color display that can support up to 25,000 photos
- A 14 hour battery life (rechargeable)
- Apple Click Wheel navigation
- 1.5 ounces
- 80% smaller in volume than the original iPod
- 1/2 the thickness of the iPod mini
- Support for the dock connector
- Flash based memory instead of a hard drive
- New graphical clock, stopwatch, games, lap timer, screen lock

The iPod nano should continue Apple's run in the market for digital music and it should continue to fuel the "iPod Halo Effect" that has brought so many Switchers to Mac and OS X.

Motorola Rokr E1 - iTunes Phone

Apple and Motorola announced the iTunes-capable, a phone that has been speculated for over a year. The Rokr E1 is the first mobile phone with iTunes built-in. It will allow music enthusiasts to transfer up to 100 iTunes based songs from a Mac or PC to the phone.

Cingular is the exclusive carrier for the phone in the U.S. The phone is available for $249.99 with a 2 year contract.

With the release of the phone, Apple is demonstrating that they want iTunes to be ubiquitous. I expect the phone to expose more people to Apple products for the first time specifically, iTunes. This in turn should lead to more people purchasing a Mac for the first time as we may see a "Mobile Halo Effect" or "Mobo Effect" (yes, I just coined the phrase) in the near future.

Today was a great day for Apple as it demonstrated to the market that it intends to keep it's position as the market leader for digital music and digital music players.

Evidence of a Video iPod?

2005-09-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

Apple invited media to a special event to take place at 10:00 a.m. in the Moscone Center in San Fransisco California on September 7, 2005. The invite featured a pair of denim jeans and the caption "1000 songs in your pocket changed everything. Here we go again."

Rumor has it that we will see the iTunes enabled mobile phone from Motorola. One question, could today be the day that we see the Video iPod?

A couple of sites are already making references to the Video iPod:

http://www.cinematology.com/ states "Feed your video iPod"

http://www.consumers4choice.org/site/PageServer states "Find out if you won an Apple Video iPod November 9th"

If we do see the Video iPod today or at some point in the near future, it will be a great move by Apple to have it out ahead of the 2005 holiday shopping season. I welcome any product that could provide Apple an avenue to sell products to a larger customer base as it should further fuel the "iPod Halo Effect", a term used to describe how iPods have led to sales of Macs.

Donate money to Hurricane Katrina Victims via iTunes

2005-09-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

Donate to the Red Cross for vitims of Hurricane Katrina through the iTunes Music Store. Donations can be provided in amounts ranging from $5 to $200. All of your donation goes directly to the Red Cross and Apple will provide you with an iTunes Music Store receipt for your donation. Apple states that they will not share your personal information with the Red Cross.

Apple drops the Mac mini money-back guarantee

2005-09-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

In a quick turnaround, Apple pulled the plug on the Mac Mini test-drive. Apple was offering customers the chance the try the Mac mini risk free for 30 days. If a customer decided that they didn't want to keep it, they could have returned the Mini within 30 days.

I would speculuate that Steve Jobs didn't approve the promotion prior to its initiation. Perhaps the promotion was so popular that Apple would have run out of Minis in a short period of time. Note that Apple would not have been able to sell any returned Mini's as new, Apple would have to sell them as refurbished systems. Perhaps this is something that Apple didn't want to do as it would eventully eat into profits and margains. Either way, it looks bad for Apple to offer such a promotion and then cancel it in very short order.

I thought that the Mac mini test drive promotion was an excellent way to open the door to more switchers. I encourage Apple to do whatever it takes to get more people to switch. The world must learn from Apple itself why a Mac and OS X make sense. Apple needs to design a strong marketing campaign to push sales of Macs and OS X. I think that a Mac advertisement is LONG overdue. I'd like to see Apple place advertisements on television, not just Mac based magazines or the occasional newspaper article. Apple should inform consumers that Macs and OS X are the best platform for one's Digital Lifestyle. If Apple markets the safety, stability, and security, of OS X given today's cyberthreats, Mac sales would likely increase and more people will "Switch To a Mac"

Apple offers 30-day Mac mini money-back guarantee

2005-08-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Apple offers 30-day Mac mini money-back guarantee

Apple has kicked off a new promotion that enables customers to "test drive" the Mac mini for 30 days without risk. Anyone who purchases a Mac mini is eligible for a refund if they are not satisfied. Apple states the following:

- "We’re so confident you’ll love your new Mac mini, we’ll let you test drive it for 30 days with no risk. If you decide you don’t want it, we’ll take it back."

- "If you don't love it, call us within 30 days of your order and we'll arrange for you to return your system — including the Apple keyboard and mouse — for a full refund."

The offer also applies to the purchase of an Apple keyboard and mouse alongside the Mini. The offer is valid until October 31, 2005.

Overall, I think this is a smart move by Apple as it will get those who are considering the switch to try a Mac and OS X. This should end up bringing more people to the platform and it will be a win-win for Apple and the people who made the Switch To A Mac.

Ariz. School Trades Textbooks for Laptops - Yahoo! News

2005-08-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Ariz. School Trades Textbooks for Laptops

Arizona's Empire High School in Vail has issued iBooks to each of its 340 students as it becomes one of the first public schools in the country to turn away from printed textbooks

From the article:
"School officials believe the electronic materials will get students more engaged in learning. Empire High, which opened for the first time this year, was designed specifically to have a textbook-free environment."

With OS X you spend time working

2005-08-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about how one has to devote their time to a Windows based system versus OS X and a Mac. We all know that Windows systems are prone to virus infection, spyware, malware, and unpatched systems are begging to be exploited. In fact, Windows is the most attacked, least secure operating system around. A Windows system is unsecure out-of-the-box and keeping a Windows system safe demands a high degree of vigilance. After purchasing a new Windows computer, it's vital to run Windows Update to download the numerous "critcal fixes" that if unpatched "could allow an attacker to remotely compromise your Windows-based system and gain control over it". Now that's a scary quote from Microsoft. They admit in thier security bulletins that an attacker can gain control over your computer thanks to holes in Windows! In fact, it's highly likely that an unpatched Windows system will be exploited within minutes if connected to the Internet.

Attacks by viruses, worms, spyware and browser hijackers can be reduced but you have to put in time and effort on an almost daily basis to secure your Windows system. For one you have to install anti-virus software and a better firewall than the one that ships with Windows. Installing anti-virus software isn't enough, it's critically important that you keep your virus definitions up-to-date. You should also install a Spyware and Malware cleaner to clean your Windows system of those malicious programs that found their way onto the hard drive.

Prior to Microsoft's Monthly Update (where they release patches for vulnerabilities) it wasn't uncommon to find a new patch every few days or weeks. I've been on a Mac since September 2004 and can count on my hands the number of security patches that have been released to address vulnerabilities. The thing I've noticed is that Microsoft releases a patch after a vulnerability has been identified whereas Apple releases a patch well in advance of the public learning of the vulnerability.

I have a background in Enterprise Hosting but on the UNIX side. I've seen so many examples where sites must go down in order to apply a patch to a Windows machine and often, that can cause problems to an application and/or site. Futhermore, when a problem is faced a common workaround is to reboot the Windows machine which in turn causes a site to go down. This is very serious when a customer's business relies on the uptime of their site. In addition, many customers decide to hold off on a patch until they can test the patch in a staging environment. This delay in patching a production environment exposes that site and it's customers to the vulnerability.

The point I'd like to make is that Windows based systems require that you spend a lot of time and effort to keep them secure and operational. With Macs and OS X, you spend your time working which in turn leads to productivity. This is the case with UNIX based systems. Less time is spent securing and protecting the Operating System and server, your time is focused on the issues that matter most work, productivity, and uptime.

Opinion: OS X Hacked to run on any x86 PC

2005-08-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

This story has been around for a few days so I thought that I would give my opinions on the matter. To start off, I pose the following two questions:

- Did Apple intentionally release the developer version of OS X so that it could be hacked?
- Was Apple's agenda to get current users of Windows and other OS's to try Mac OS X?

My Comments
============
The fact that OS X has been hacked could be a blessing in disguise for Apple as it has potentially exposed OS X to an untold number of users.
I'm sure that when OS X is offically released for x86, it won't be as easy to hack. What Apple may have done here is get more people excited about OS X and this may draw more users to the platform once the Mactels are released. Either way, more people are going to get their hands dirty by playing with OS X and I'm sure that many will find it appealing. I think that Apple has more to win here than loose as it will bring more "Switchers" to OS X.

Techworld.com - Oracle 10g for Mac OS X

2005-08-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Techworld.com - 10g for MacOS

This is for you Oracle DBA's who'd like to try Oracle's 10g database on Mac OS X.

The Oracle database has been around since the 1980's but 2005 marked the year it was ported to OS X. The heart of Oracle 10g is Grid Computing and the Oracle Grid. Oracle Corporation states that the "Oracle Grid runs applications faster than the fastest mainframe". A grid is a framework that enables the sharing of a variety of resources among distributed applications and hardware. The Oracle Grid leverages blade servers and Apple's XServe servers are an ideal platform to deploy an Oracle Grid.

With Oracle's decision to port the Oracle database to OS X, it's a vote of confidence from a major enterprise software vendor.

MacDailyNews - Once you go Mac you never go back

2005-08-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

Once you go Mac you never go back

An article written by a Switcher. A nice quote:

Computerworld: Once you go Mac you never go back; Apple Mac OS X has abundance of software available

Monday, August 01, 2005 - 09:23 AM EST

"Having spent countless hours repairing my family's, friends' and co-workers' computers after the ravages of malware, it occurred to me that there must be a better alternative. With its Unix core, the Mac OS X operating system was very appealing to me,"

"When it comes to raw, out-of-the-box security, the Mac has you covered from the minute you plug it in. Most ports are closed by default, and like Windows XP, OS X comes with a built-in firewall that can be enabled with a few mouse clicks."

Check it out.

Macworld: News: First family of Windows Vista viruses unleashed

2005-08-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

Macworld: News: First family of Windows Vista viruses unleashed

Wow that was quick! Thanks to Apple and OS X, we don't have to worry about Viruses infecting our Macs.

From the article:

"Written in July, the viruses take advantage of a new command shell, code-named Monad, that is included in the Windows Vista beta code."

It then goes on to quote the hacker:

“Monad will be like Linux’s BASH (Bourne Again Shell) — that means a great number of commands and functions,” he wrote. “We will be able to make as huge and complex scripts as we do in Linux.”

Will it be the same story for Windows Vista, an OS plagued with security holes and open to infection? So far it looks like it will be. I suspect that if Microsoft releases Vista as it's done with it's previous OS's, many people will finally thow in the towel and Switch To A Mac.

CNN.com - An early look at Windows Vista

2005-08-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

CNN.com - An early look at Windows Vista - Aug 4, 2005

Our friends in Redmond have decided to take a page from Mac OS X. The article states the following in bold at the beginning:

"Known for years by the code name "Longhorn," the successor to Microsoft's Windows XP has been dubbed "Longwait" for its numerous delays. As features have been announced, it's also been accused of copying Apple Computer Inc.'s Mac OS X."

Later on it states:

"Mac fans are probably screaming. Yes, this is very similar to the Spotlight function in the recent update of Mac OS X. At this stage of development, Vista does bear a significant resemblance."

And:

"With Windows Vista's User Account Protection, even administrators are prompted for a password whenever anything is installed or a system setting changed. It's an extra layer of protection that's long been a part Unix-style operating systems, including Mac OS X and Linux"

So I guess Redmond did start those copiers!! When Leopard is released, OS X will still be two steps ahead of Vista

Another related article: Windows' Vista feels like a Mac

Check out the section of the article titled, "More Mac Similarities"

"Mac lovers also are likely to fume once they see Vista's graphics. Green progress bars shimmer. The Minimize-Maximize-Close buttons look something like glowing Chiclets when moused over.

Each window has a drop shadow while borders and title bars are slightly transparent. Folder icons now show the documents inside, such as a very small picture thumbnail for an image file. The icons also can be enlarged.

Finally, when a program is launched, its window doesn't just appear but pops open in a slick animation. When minimized, the window slides into the taskbar."

FORTUNE magazine recommends iMac G5 for for back-to-school

2005-08-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

Peter Lewis - The Savvy Shopper's Tech Checklist - FORTUNE:

From the article:

"Apple Computer's sleek iMac G5, in particular, offers maximum power in minimum space. It was my pick as best technology product of the year for 2004 and remains my top choice for a student desktop computer, especially when running Apple's Mac OS X Tiger operating system. Prices for the iMac G5 17-inch widescreen model start at $1,299."

A Mouse to attract more Switchers?

2005-08-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

Apple Computer introduced the Mighty Mouse, the next generation mouse that has multiple buttons and a scroll ball.

From the Apple website:

"Meet the mouse that reinvented the wheel. The scroll wheel, that is. At $49, Mighty Mouse features the revolutionary Scroll Ball that lets you move anywhere inside a document, without lifting a finger. And with touch-sensitive technology concealed under the seamless top shell, you get the programability of a four-button mouse in a single-button design. Click, roll, squeeze and scroll. This mouse just aced the maze."

This is a shift away from Apple's position that a single button mouse offered all a Mac user needed. Is this a move to get more people who are considering the Switch To A Mac to finally purchase their first Mac? Windows users have historically complained about Apple only offering a single button mouse. Will this move by Apple finally get more people to Switch? I think it will and I applaud Apple on this initiative. Good job Apple!

The new Mighty Mouse is available at the Apple Store for only $49.

Hardmac.com: A must see picture - Why you should buy a Mac

2005-07-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

The best argument to buy a Mac

Need I say more?

Macs can work with, yes, everything

2005-07-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Macs can work with, yes, everything

"Macs can work with, yes, everything", an article\ that takes the position that the the long-held belief that Macs can't network with Windows PCs and applications ius just wrong. The article demonstrates that Macs can handle all common file formats, specifically MS Word, MS Excel, PDF's and MP3 files.

"By "all my files," Windows users think they're referring to programs, but what they really mean is all their documents. Mac programs handle Windows documents just fine. MP3 files? Use iTunes. Documents? Microsoft Word for OS X. Videos? QuickTime player or iMovie. Excel spreadsheets? Microsoft Excel 2004. Quicken files? Quicken for OS X. PDFs? Preview is designed for PDF viewing."

The author's postion on networking: "Windows users who ask that question don't realize that Macs network with Windows PCs better than Windows PCs network with Windows PCs". The article also takes the position that OS X is ready for most USB printers and digital cameras. All one needs to do is connect a printer or digital camera to their Mac and OS X automatically recognizes it.

Overall, a great read that attempts to break down the argument that Macs will not handle today's popular file formats and products.

Macworld: News: Apple making big inroads in business with OS X

2005-07-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

Macworld: News: Apple making big inroads in business with OS X

This was a pleasure to read and to share with all of you. OS X is experiencing increased adoption inside the business community. Jupiter Research, a market research firm, states that Mac OS X is taking away market share from other UNIX vendors and even Windows inside companies with more than 250 employees.

Furthermore, OS X is looking like a better alternative to Linux in many corporations. A quote from the article:

“I’m surprised to see just how much Mac OS X has captured the interest of potential Linux switchers,” said Wilcox. “Companies that were considering Linux are now buying Mac OS X instead.”

Overall, this is a great research report and is speaks of Apple and OS X's growth in the business sector. I feel that Apple will continue to see growth in this area and I expect Enterprise software makers to begin offering OS X versions of the products.

Programming for the Mac: Introducing AppleScript

2005-07-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Programming for the Mac: Introducing AppleScript

This is a great article for those of you who are interested in learning Apple Script.

AppleScript is an English-like language used to write scripts that allow your to automate actions the applications on your Mac. It's great source to start your Scripting!

Mac News: Enterprise : Apple Rolls Into the Data Center

2005-07-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

Mac News: Enterprise : Apple Rolls Into the Data Center

Now this is the kind of article and news that I love to read. I've mentioned in prior posts on this blog that I expect the enterprise market to adopt Mac OS X.

According to the article, a reseller has created new business opportunities by integrating Macs with Microsoft's Active Directory environment.

Overall, I think it's a great read.

Mac sales soar; are we seeing more switchers?

2005-07-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Mac sales soar; are we seeing more switchers?

Another article providing additional commentary and support of more Switchers. It goes on to state that Apple's plan to lure people to Switch To A Mac is working.

Here's a powerful quote from the article:

"The analyst then goes on to cite the proliferation of viruses associated with the Windows platform as the major reason behind Apple's sales spurt, although they decline to offer much proof behind this assertion. According to Apple, 40 percent of their mac sales in the retail stores are to customers that are new to the platform, and a report published a few months ago by PiperJaffrey suggests that 16 percent of new Mac sales is to neophytes"

Overall, the Switch To A Mac transition is on and I expect this trend to gain momentum in the months ahead. I would like to see an Apple marketing campaign highlighting the benefits of using a Mac.

Macworld UK - 400,000 Windows users switch to Mac - analyst

2005-07-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Macworld UK - 400,000 Windows users switch to Mac - analyst

My first reaction when I read this was WHOA. Up to 400,000 users thus far this year is a huge number which could potentially double by the end of the year if the trend is maintained. Combine the Holiday shopping season and a Macintosh advertising campaign and you could kick off a new wave of purchases.

Yet another indication of the iPod "halo effect". Apple is firing on all cylinders.

This is a must read article and it gives further support to my "Switch To A Mac" efforts!

IPods, Tiger to head up Apple report - Computer Hardware - Technology, Hardware and Equipment - Earnings

2005-07-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

IPods, Tiger to head up Apple report - Computer Hardware - Technology, Hardware and Equipment - Earnings

Apple's earnings are due out today and Wall Street analysts are looking for signs of increased Macintosh sales. Furthermore, they are looking for more support of the iPod "halo effect". This article references the data points from SG Cowen that were reported in yesterday's post.

An interesting quote from the article about Mac sales:

"Keith Bachman, of Banc of America Securities, said he expects Apple to report Macintosh shipments to rise between 26% and 28% over last year's 876,000 units."

Forbes.com | For Apple, It's Nothing But IPod

2005-07-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

For Apple, It's Nothing But IPod - Forbes.com

The future over the next few years looks very positive for Apple over the 2005-2008 time frame.

A June 2005 survey of over 1400 households by the Wall Street firm S.G. Cowen & Co. provides further evidence of the so called iPod "halo" effect driving Macintosh hardware sales.

Apple current domestic market share is at 3.3% and is expected to increase to 3.7% by the end of 2005. Apple's 2006 market share should reach 4.2% and 6% by 2008.

It's a must read.

Apple website dominates

2005-07-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Apple website dominates site traffic

According to Internet Retailer magazine, Apple saw a 26 percent increase in site traffic attracting 24.67 million visits compared to 19.51 million a year ago. Overall, Apple logged the most traffic of the the top ten online manufacturers. In somewhat of a surprise, Dell came in at second place attracting 14.33 million visits.

Furthermore, the average visit time at Apple was 45 minutes, 30 seconds, good enough for second place. These data points indicate that more people are visiting Apple's website and this should show up on the bottom line. I wonder how many of these vistors are potential switchers.

Macworld Boston: Apple Specialists expect 'Mactels' to grow Mac business market

2005-07-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Macsimum News | Apple & Macintosh Related News Reviews & Opinions

According to this article, businesses are welcoming the news of the Intel switch. This is great news for Apple as it shows that growth in the enterprise space is likely. Mac's have always had a difficult time penetrating the enterprise market but the switch to Intel processors appears to be opening the door to more customers.

We all know that most enterprises and businesses choose to use Microsoft but this news may be one of the first signs that commercial clients are willing to part with Microsoft and make the Switch to a Mac. Combine this news with my previous post relating to Oracle and Cisco's acceptance of OS X and it's a trend that we all should keep our eyes on. It may be the beginning of Apple's growth beyond the creative professional space and may signal a shift in corporate IT and lead to a crossover to the Mac.

Furthermore, my post from yesterday points to an article that indicates that the Switch to Intel Will Lure Developers to OS X.

I've been saying for a while that I think Apple is about to see growth in the enterprise. Check out my post from May 13, 2005.

Mac News: Developer : Expert: Apple Switch to Intel Will Lure Developers

2005-07-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

Expert: Apple Switch to Intel Will Lure Developers

Arnold Reinhold, from the consulting firm Hurwitz & Associates, states that that "standardizing in Intel will lure developers" to the Mac platform. If this happens, I think that it will be great for the Mac and OS X platform.

PCWorld.com - Computing Without Windows

2005-07-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

PCWorld.com - Computing Without Windows

"You don't have to run Microsoft's omnipresent OS--it just seems that way. What's in it for you if you try an alternative?"

A nice read, check it out.

Students - Get a Free iPod at the Apple Store

2005-06-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Apple Store is offering free iPods for students with the purchase of a new Mac. This offer is great as you can still use the Education discount on the purchase of your Mac. The offer ends on September 24, 2005.

For all you students considering the Switch ... DO IT NOW!

Details
Rebate Form

How to Switch to a Mac - Part 7 - It's Easy

2005-06-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Part 7 in my series of posts titled "How to Switch to a Mac"

It's a known fact that Microsoft and it's Windows operating system are behind the technology and security curve. Microsoft has been selling XP for four years and the next release of Windows, Longhorn, is at least 18 months away. Microsoft has released countless security patches and two Service Packs to close holes, address vulnerabilities, and to introduce new or enhanced features. Microsoft's lack of progress and innovation with the Windows operating system has allowed Apple and OS X to jump ahead of the pack. Apple's recent Intel switch announcement is a clear indication that Apple is ready to take advantage of the numerous deficencies and problems plaguing the Window's platform. In fact, by the time Longhorn is released, Apple will have released the fifth iteration of OS X - Leopard.

For those of you who are interested in switching, OS X is a simple and intuitive operating system. It's easy to use and it's impressive. When I started to use my Mac in September 2004, I was up and running in a matter of minutes. I've even helped friends set up thier new Powerbooks on their existing wireless networks with no problems at all, the network was easily detected. I was able to connect their systems to their ISP's and they were surfing the Internet is short order. Web enabling a Mac running OS X is easier than performing the same task on a Windows network.

Moving files over to a Mac is easy and straight forward. Choose a transfer method (network, CD's, USB drives, etc ...) and you'll be able to see your files in no time. OS X has a built-in PDF viewer for your PDF files, photos will open and edit with iPhoto, HTML files will be accessible with Safari, and you'll be able to view your Word documents. OS X comes with an e-mail client called Mail. All you need to do is configure your Mail's settings and you'll be off and away sending and receiving emails. You can instant message with iChat and browse the web with Safari. New Macs arrive on your doorstep with iLife installed, it's a suite of applications that will make the Switch To A Mac a smooth experience. iLife provides all the necessary applications to enable your digital lifestyle. It includes the popular iTunes software for purchasing and managing your digital music, iPhoto for your digital photos (the beauty about iPhoto is that it doesn't require you to install drivers on your system. It comes with support for alomst all digital cameras in the marketplace), iMovie for video editing, iDVD to create your own custom DVDs, and GarageBand for music creation and editing.

Office for Mac is for you PC users who can't live without Microsoft Office. It's the Mac equivalent of Office for Windows but many people say that it's better on a Mac. Several vendors offer Mac versions of their software. For example, Adobe offers it's key applications on OS X such as Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Acrobat, etc ... Users who rely on these applications on the Windows platform will find the switch smooth becuase these programs are available on a Mac.

The Internet is a dangerous and malicious environment for non OS X and Safari surfers. Mac switchers will find that their online experience is easy and more enjoyable on OS X. I say that because to date there are no known malware and spyware that are able to compromise a Mac. Tiger is the safest and most secure release of OS X to date. New viruses, spyware, and malware infect Windows systems on a daily basis. Windows based systems require daily software updates and frequent installation of Windows security patches to close vulnerabilities, an inherit problem with Windows. OS X comes shipped with an industrial UNIX firewall that outperforms it's Windows counterpart. The Windows firewall is weak and ineffective. OS X allows you to enable firewall logging to keep a track of blocked traffic and failed break in attempts. With Tiger, you can enable "Stealth Mode" which hides your Mac's existence on the Intenet. For parents who want a safer online experience for their children, Tiger comes with "Parental Controls" that limit what can be done on a Mac. In order to get these secure features on Windows, you'll have to purchase costly third-party software.

Searching for files on a OS X Tiger is easier than searching on Windows. Tiger comes with Spotlight, the amazing search tool that it built into the core of the operating system. Unlike Google Desktop Search, Spotlight takes searching to a new level. You can access Spotlight from almost anywhere. Spotlight can be customized to fit your needs, Windows doesn't allow customization of it's Search utility. I recently met an author who switched to Mac after using Spotlight at the Apple store. He needed a tool to allow him to search his entire hard drive for documents, articles, research papers, and prior work. He didn't have the time to search his Windows system for the facts he needed for the new book he was writing. After he purchased his Powerbook, he stated that he moved all his files over to his Mac and then used Spotlight to locate the information he needed in a fraction of the time Windows XP required.

The Switch To A Mac can be a smooth process with the help of a sofware package called Move2Mac.

Apple also has a document that shows how to use an iPod to transfer your files from a Windows based system to OS X. All you do is use the hard drive on the iPod as a temporary storage device:

http://www.apple.com/switch/howto/ipod/

Macworld: News: Survey: Intel transition may cool Mac sales

2005-06-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Macworld: News: Survey: Intel transition may cool Mac sales:

"Intel transition may cool Mac sales"

This article posts some interesting data points. The survey took place from June 15 to June 17, about a week after Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference. These data points back up my stance that Mac sales will likely slow as a result of the Intel processor switch. I would hope that Apple offers a promotion to prevent Mac sales from slowing to a crawl. I've spoken with several Mac owners and many indicate that they will wait to purchase a Mac until Intel based systems start shipping.

I've also posted a poll that has run the past few weeks. As of this posting, the data is as follows: (If you haven't voted, please submit your vote)

Now that Apple has announced the switch to Intel processors, will you wait to purchase a new Mac?

Yes 38%
No 35%
Not sure 28%

112 votes total

Ok, so one would interpret the results as fairly balanced. I would be inclined to state that those who voted "Not Sure" will most likely wait to purchase a new Mac.

Overall, I think Apple needs to respond to any slowdown in sales, and must do so quickly.

Are Mac sales slowing?

2005-06-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

Think Secret - Are Mac sales slowing

An article at ThinkSecret states the following:

Inventory checks across the board for Apple warehouses show most products in lower than normal stock, although most items still are reflecting same day shipping status at the online Apple Store. In contrast, inventory checks at Apple distributors Ingram Micro and Tech Data show plentiful quantities of Apple products across the board, although sources note a curious downtick in the number of new orders for Apple hardware at Ingram Micro.

Is this the beginning of a trend or is this a problem at Ingram Micro. Does this have anything to do with the Intel announcement. Overall, I expect Mac sales to slow as a result of the transition to Intel processors. The slow down in new orders at Ingram Micro may be one of the first data points to indicate that Mac sales are beginning to slow as a result of the Intel switch.

PC World | Mac OS on a Dell? Dell in favour, Apple opposed

2005-06-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

PC World Mac OS on a Dell? Dell in favour, Apple opposed:

Interesting read ... It states that Dell could sue Apple to allow it to sell OS X. Some quotes from the article:

"Principal analyst with Insight 64, Nathan Brookwood, said it was only a matter of time before someone in the PC industry sues Apple for "tying" its operating system to a specific type of hardware available only from Apple."

"If you sell software that can run on hardware that you do make and hardware that you don't make, you can not require people to buy your hardware to run your software"

"If Dell really wanted to sell Mac OS X hardware, it could force the issue through the legal system"

Check it out! The move to x86 gets more interesting every day

David Kirkpatrick - Dell Says He'd Sell Apple's Mac OS - FORTUNE

2005-06-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

David Kirkpatrick - Dell Says He'd Sell Apple's Mac OS - FORTUNE: "Dell Says He'd Sell Apple's Mac OS "

Michael Dell, the founder and Chairman of Dell computer stated that Dell would be open to selling systems with Mac OS. Check out the article.

'Mactel' Desktops May Offer Triple-Threat OS

2005-06-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

'Mactel' Desktops May Offer Triple-Threat OS:

"'eWeek: Mactel' Desktops May Offer Triple-Threat OS "

This is a very interesting read as it offers insight/thoughts into the upcoming Intel based Macs.

A few quotes from the article:

- "While Apple developers initially looked upon Apple's choice to move to Intel processors with mixed feelings, the ability of the new Macs to also run Windows—a practice long since adopted by some Mac users who run virtualization software such as Microsoft Virtual PC—may be the fulcrum for the company to gain some new customers, ranging from computer enthusiasts to businesses."
- "Apple will not prevent Windows and applications that run on the operating system from working on its future Intel-based Macs, company executives said"
- "Microsoft executives have already conducted internal meetings on what Apple's move to Intel could mean. Microsoft's thinking, according to sources familiar with its plans, is although Apple faces the potential for an initial dip in shipments following its processor switch, it ultimately could recover to gain a couple points in market share."
- "Although it's unlikely that an individual or a business would buy an Intel-based Mac and wipe its operating system just to install Windows, the capability could woo enthusiasts who might prefer Apple's designs but still want to run Windows. It could also make it easier for others, such as educational institutions, government agencies, and small and midsize businesses, to choose Apple hardware."

I've stated in my previous posts that I think Mac sales will slow as a result of the Intel switch. Microsoft shares that view. I do agree that Apple has the opportunity to regain any loss in hardware sales and can gain market share once the Intel based Macs are released. However, I don't want to see Apple sacrifice current growth and market penetration for "potential" sales a year and half from now. That's why I would like to see Mac ads and promotions to keep sales up. Overall, I think we are just beginning to see Apple's strategy to dramatically grow it's market share. All in all, I see a bright future for Apple and the Mac.

Brand Republic | Apple tops list of fastest growing brand in the World

2005-06-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Key data points:

- In the past four years, Apple has increased its brand value by 38 percent
- Coca-Cola and McDonald's did not even make the top 20 despite spending the most on advertising
- Nike came in at number 16
- Toyota came in at number 17 despite having the highest brand value - $25.8 billion

This demonstrates the power of the iPod to Apple's growth. Now, we have to see how Apple moves forward from this point. Do they widen the lead or fail to capitalize on this rapid growth. Will the switch to Intel processors help or impede growth. I still have the opinion that it will take consumers time to digest the Intel news and it will likely slow Mac sales. With rumors of upcoming Mac television ads, hopefully Apple can persuade consumers to continue to purchase Macs, especially those who are considering the switch. I'd like to see Apple run a promotion to spark sales of Macs and continue this rapid growth.

Apple tops list of fastest growing brand in the World:

In-Depth Review: PC User Loves new 15" PowerBook

2005-06-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

This is a very extensive and in-depth review of a 15" Powerbook with SuperDrive from a PC user. The reviewer went to their local Apple store to test drive the sytem and stated the following, "In a matter of minutes, I was sold".

Overall, it's a great read for us all and I recommend it to anyone who is considering the Switch.

A great quote from the site:

"I think I've outlined enough praises in this review. Still, I want to reassure any Windows user that there really isn't much hassle in moving from windows to Tiger. It has turned out to be well worth it, as it has shifted my love/hate relationship with computers toward the more positive end."

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2400

Nokia, Apple Partner on New Mobile Browser

2005-06-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Nokia, Apple Partner on New Mobile Browser:

Nokia said it is developing a mobile browser for its Series 60 smartphone software in conjunction with Apple.

The statement listed the following:
- "The Series 60 browser will use the same open source components, WebCore and JavaScriptCore, that Apple uses in its popular Safari Internet browser,"
- "Nokia intends to continue its collaboration with Apple and actively participate in the open source community to further develop and enhance these components, contributing Nokia's expertise in mobility."

Nokia's Chief Technology officer Pertti Korhonen stated, "Open source development also enables close cooperation with the industry's best innovators, such as Apple,"

Does this indicate growth of Apple's software in the mobile phone area? We've already heard rumors of an iTunes capable Motorola phone. This is an interesting bit of news as the two largest mobile phone makers appear to be adopting Apple technology.

I have to start wondering what this may mean for Apple. If users get their first exposure to Apple software via a mobile phone, it may open the door to iPod and Mac sales.

UK Visitors: Wrigley's to have a huge iPod give-away

2005-06-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with Apple, Wrigley's is to launch a huge iPod give away which is to start sometime this month. According to the details, the prizes are only open to residents of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

About 10,000 iPods (5,000 iPod Shuffles & 5,000 20GB iPods) and thousands of other prizes will be part of the promotion such as tickets, and iTunes gift certificates.

For more details, check out www.closertomusic.com

AppleInsider | Apple to refresh retail copies of Tiger with 10.4.2

2005-06-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

AppleInsider | Apple to refresh retail copies of Tiger with 10.4.2

Apple will be updating their retail copies of Mac OS X Tiger - 10.4 to 10.4.2. This will update the software DVD's with the first two maintenance releases to the OS.

This is good news ... I haven't upgraded my 2.5 G5 to Tiger yet as I've been waiting for a few updates to 10.4. It's good to know that when I purchase Tiger, I'll have at least 10.4.2 right out of the box and hopefully, it will make the transition much smoother.

O'Grady's PowerPage - Your Mobile Technology Destination

2005-06-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

O'Grady's" PowerPage - Your Mobile Technology Destination

Four pics of Intel Inside a G5

Switch To Intel

2005-06-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

The rumor hit its peak this weekend following an article from CNet's News.com website and today, the CEO of Apple Steve Jobs, confirmed the rumor. Jobs made the announcement during his keynotte speech at the company's annual WWDC conference for software developers in San Francisco.

Starting next year the first Macs with Intel processors will be shipped. Indications are that you'll see the first Intel based Mac by WWDC 2006 and the transition of the entire Mac line will be complete by the end of 2007.

A few interesting quotes from Steve jobs:

"secret double life" and "cross-platform by design" references to every version of OS X secretly built for both the PowerPC and Intel processor.
"Our goal is to provide our customers with the best personal computers in the world, and looking ahead Intel has the strongest processor roadmap by far”
"We have great products right now, and we've got some great Power PC products still yet to come"

Overall, I think this will immediately hurt Mac sales. I know that I wouldn't want to purchase a new Mac if I knew that the processor will no longer be available next year or in 2007. I expect anyone considering a Mac to feel the same way. I think today's news will seriously slow the Switch To A Mac. I believe that potential switchers will have second thoughts about purchasing a Mac until the move to Intel is complete.

I think it would be wise for Apple to cut the price of Macs to keep the revenue numbers up. The iPod can only do so much for the bottom line.

What are your thoughts?

Please place your vote in the poll on the upper right side of this page.

What's your Switch Story?

2005-06-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

Did you Switch To A Mac?

What's your story?
Why did you Switch?
What did you like/dislike about the Switch?
Do you have any advice for potential Switchers?

Please share your Switch To A Mac story for those who visit this blog.

Thanks

What kind of Mac do you have?

2005-05-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

Anyone interested in sharing the configuration of your Mac or Macs?

I bought my first Mac in June 2004 ... a Dual 2.5 PowerMac G5. Yeah I know, an awesome system to have for a Switcher! However, the system didn't arrive until the last week of August 2004 as a result of IBM's manufacturing and yield problems with the PowerPC processor when they bumped the speed to 2.5 GHz. Thousands of people who ordered the Dual 2.5 had to wait several weeks to get their systems. I couldn't believe the wait and my first experience buying a Mac wasn't the greatest. I didn't start using it until September 1, 2004 and I can now say the wait was worth it. I love my Mac and it's been an amazing Switch experience.

So here are the stats of my system and add ons:

- Dual 2.5 GHz PowerMac
- 3GB RAM
- 256MB ATI Radeon 9800XT Graphics Card
- 8X SuperDrive
- Bluetooth with Apple wireless keyboard and mouse
- 460GB internal hard drive
- 250GB external Lacie D2 hard drive
- 23" Cinema HD Display
- External Plextor 708UF DVD/CD Burner

AppleInsider | Apple's June quarter strong as consumers switch to Mac for security

2005-05-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

AppleInsider | Apple's June quarter strong as consumers switch to Mac for security:
"People Switch To A Mac for security and stability"

The article is from Appleinsider.com and it's good news for those of us who want to see more people Switch To A Mac. Here's a quote from the article:

"an increasing number of studies are showing that most PC users switching to the Mac platform are doing so because they're fed up with the security and stability woes currently plaguing the Wintel platform."

The article also states that the investment firm PiperJaffray has conducted research indicating that the main reason why people are switching is "stability/security".

All in all, I'm happy to see that more people are beginning to see the benefits of Mac OS X from a security and stability perspective. If you're reading this article and have Switched To A Mac because of security, please post a comment and share your experience.

Thanks

With Macs, you spend time working

2005-05-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about how one has to devote time to a WinTel machine versus a Mac. Prior to Microsoft's Monthly Update (where they release patches for vulnerabilities) it wasn't uncommon to find a new patch every few days or weeks. I've been on a Mac since September of 2004 and can count on my hands the number of patches that have been released to address vulnerabilities. The thing I've noticed is that Microsoft releases a patch after a vulnerability has been identified whereas Apple releases a patch well in advance of the public learning of the vulnerability.

I have a background in Enterprise Hosting but on the UNIX side. I've seen so many examples where sites must go down in order to apply a patch to Windows and often, that can cause problems to an application and/or site. Futhermore, when a problem is faced a common workaround is to reboot the WinTel machine ... which in turn causes a site to go down. This is very serious when a customer's business relies on the uptime of their site. In addition, many customers decide to hold off on a patch until they can test it in a staging environment. As a result, some open themselves to the vulnerability and get exploited on their production systems.

The point I'd like to make is that Windows based systems require that you spend a lot of time and effort to keep them secure and operational.

On Macs, you spend your time working and find yourself productive. This is the case with UNIX based systems. Less time is spent securing and protecting the server, your time is focused on the issues that matter most ... work, productivity, and uptime.

Any thoughts or comments?

David Kirkpatrick - Steve Jobs: Souping Up Macs? - FORTUNE

2005-05-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

David Kirkpatrick - Steve Jobs: Souping Up Macs? - FORTUNE:

This is a link to an article from Fortune Magazine. The quoted text below indicates that more people are considering the Switch To A Mac

It also states that Fortune has learned that PC makers view Mac OS X superior to Windows and they want to capitalize on it. Furthermore, it states that Apple, Intel, and PC manufactures have Mac OS X running on Intel chips in labs.

The following is quoted from the article:

"For one thing, Intel badly wants to sell its chips to Apple. For another, PC makers realize that the Mac OS X operating system is superior to Microsoft's Windows, and they want a piece of that market. FORTUNE has learned that Apple, Intel, and several PC companies already have the Mac OS X operating system working on Intel chips in their labs. And then there's the fact that more PC users are considering switching away from Windows."

The article goes on to state:

“Most tantalizing of all is scuttlebutt that three of the biggest PC makers are wooing Jobs to let them license OS X and adapt it to computers built around standard Intel chips. Why? They want to offer customers, many of whom are sick of the security problems that go with Windows and tired of waiting for Longhorn, an alternative.”

This is an interesting article to read. Let's hope that whatever happens on the processor front, more people decide to Switch To A Mac.

Intel CEO: Buy a Mac if you're concerned about Security

2005-05-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

Paul Otellini, the new CEO of Intel, confesses that he spends an hour a week removing spyware from his daughter's Wintel PC. He also states that if users want a quick security fix, they should probably buy something other than a PC ... he implies purchasing a Mac.

Link

Macworld: News: Macs replace university's Linux desktops

2005-05-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Macworld: News: Macs replace university's Linux desktops:
"Macs replace university's Linux desktops"

The University of Melbourne’s Trinity College makes the Switch. A lab with 20 Debian GNU/Linux based systems are on the way out and will be replaced by G5 iMacs. Furthermore, their library and administration offices will be outfitted with 33 eMacs. An Xserve RAID system for backups will be implemented as well.

Now ... when will other Universities across the globe realize that the switch makes sense? The penetration of iPods across college campuses is a well known fact. It's time for Apple to take the iPod Halo effect to the next level. Apple needs to capitalize on people's love of the iPod and iTunes. If Universities begin to adopt Mac and OS X, that will expose many students to the platform and should help the switch to a mac. There's nothing like using a sytem before purchasing one. If Apple can make a serious pitch to get more of their system in Universities and Colleges, I think more people will decide to purchase Macs after experiencing OS X.

MacDailyNews

2005-05-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

MacDailyNews - Apple and Mac News - Welcome Home:
"Apple Computer debuts two-page Mac OS X Tiger print ad in Time Magazine"

The ad shows two of Apple's Cinema Displays. It's a full ad that shows screenshots of Spotlight and Dashboard Widgets.

This is a good step ... we need to see more Ads to get people to Switch To A Mac

Wow, am I happy to see this! It's about time that Apple begins a serious marketing campaign. I hope this is just the beginning. Overall, Apple needs to make a strong push of OS X Tiger and Macs if they want to capitalize on the iPod Halo effect. iPod sales can only do so much for Apple's bottom line. I hope we see Television Ads in the near future.

Appleinsider published this comment from Steve Jobs:

Meanwhile, Jobs expressed his belief in the iPod "halo effect," noting stronger Mac growth over the company's last few quarters. Asked when Apple would reach a 10% market share, he said didn't know. "It's possible," he said. "...if people learn about our products, many of them choose them."

So if Steve Jobs is taking about people learning about Apple's products, this may mean that Apple is about to make a serious marketing push.

Apple's Jobs Announces iTunes Podcast Support

2005-05-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

Apple's Jobs Announces iTunes Podcast Support: Podcast support will be available in the upcoming release of iTunes 4.9, expected within the next 60 days.

What is a Podcast?
Podcasts make it easy to download digital audio files from the Internet to your computer and/or digital audio player such as your iPod. Think of it like Tivo for audio except that it's currently free. All one has to do is subscribe and "pull" the content to your computer or device automatically. You can listen to the download at anytime you desire.

A Podcast combines audio files and RSS to publish descriptive data and metadata (dates, titles, descriptions) about the audio. There are also links to audio files within RSS. Podcasting applications use this information to pull the content.

Inside Bay Area - Business News

2005-05-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

Inside Bay Area - Business News: "Despite glitches, Apple's Tiger is most powerful Mac OS yet"

Eseentailly a read about Spotlight and user experiences. There is also a mention of Dashboard.

Apple Loves Intel?

2005-05-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

Apple Loves Intel?

Will Apple use Intel based processors in Macs? Rumors have it that Apple and Intel are in serious discussions.

Apple to begin a new Ad campaign highlighting Macs?

2005-05-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

Read the bottom of this article:

The bottom of the following article states the following:

"The note also indicated Apple may begin another heavy ad campaign highlighting Macs. Currently, Apple's TV spots only feature the iPod, but the analyst is lookig to coming Mac ads to augment the halo effect"

What are your opinions? I think a Mac ad is LONG overdue and it's about time Apple begins to get the word out how a Mac is an overall better platform to use for one's Digital Lifestyle. If people begin to learn how safe, secure, and stable Macs and OS X are, perhaps more people will "Switch To a Mac"

TMO Reports - Analyst Says Tiger Server Should Make 'IT Managers Sit Up and Take Notice' || The Mac Observer

2005-05-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

TMO Reports - Analyst Says Tiger Server Should Make 'IT Managers Sit Up and Take Notice' || The Mac Observer:

A nice read about an analyst's note view of Mac OS X Tiger Server and it's potential in the enterprise/data center.

I've always felt that it only a matter of time before Mac OS X makes it's mark in the enterprise. Also, OS X Server has been given a vote of confidence my major companies such as Oracle and Cisco. See my previous post

Apple Releases iTunes 4.8 - Videos available

2005-05-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

Apple released iTunes 4.8 on May 9, 2005. What's interesting is that Apple has started bundling videos with some of the music albums. The videos do not contain DRM restrictions and can be transfered to non-authorized computers for viewing.

iTunes 4.8 provides the ability to store video files and play them in the thumbnail window which has historically been used to display album covers for downloaded songs and albums.

Does this development point to an iPod Video at some point in the future? It will be interesting to watch.

Apple shatters Windows with Tiger

2005-05-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

Apple shatters Windows with Tiger:
"Apple shatters Windows with Tiger"

A great read from columnist Andy Ihnatko of the Chicago Sun Times.

How to Switch to a Mac - Part 6 - Will I have the time to invest and learn a new system?

2005-05-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Note: I’ll capture screen shots from my system and either upload the pictures or provide links of the different components and views that are discussed below. Check back in a few days.

Learning to use Mac OS X will take time but Mac OS X is so easy to use, you’ll be productive in a short amount of time. When I switched to a Mac, I felt uncomfortable but over time I’ve found the OS X environment to be more intuitive and easier to use than Windows. In today’s post, I’ll highlight the major components of the OS X environment.

Aqua
The inviting, beautiful graphical user interface (GUI) to Mac OS X is called Aqua. One of Apple’s slogans is to "Think different", a slogan that sure does apply to Aqua. When one sees the Aqua interface for the first time, they’ll notice the vibrant colors and icons. Although Windows switchers will have to devote time to learning Mac OS X, the process will be streamlined because the OS X environment will be relatively familiar. You’ll find a desktop, windows, folders, menus, navigation, and keyboard shortcuts. In fact, most switchers will appreciate the ease of use and simplicity of OS X, I know I did. Aqua includes a Desktop, Finder, Dock, and Menu bar that work together to help you navigate and organize your Mac environment. The Dock is used to allow you to access your most frequently used applications, folders, and minimized windows.

Desktop
Most of your work in OS X starts from the Desktop. The first and probably most important icon that you’ll see in the upper right corner of the Desktop is the Macintosh HD. In fact, when you launch OS X for the first time on your new Mac, the Macintosh HD is the only icon you’ll see on the Desktop. You can view the files and applications on your hard drive by simply double-clicking it. When you access the hard drive, the Finder application launches, the Finder will be described in a bit. You can store documents, folders, files, pictures, and almost anything on the Desktop. When you insert a CD or a DVD into your Super Drive or Combo Drive, OS X intelligently identifies it and creates an icon and shows it on the Desktop. You can double-click it and easily access the files, music, or movie that is on that disk. When you connect an external device to your Mac, OS X immediately knows what kind of device it is and performs a process known as mounting. An icon is shown on the Desktop that corresponds to the type of device that is connected. There is no need to load or install drivers, what a relief for you Windows switchers!

Finder
The Finder is what Macintosh users use to navigate around the system. It allows one to access almost anything on your Mac such as hard drives, folders, files, CD/DVD drives, and applications. You’re able to view and access just about anything on your Mac. You can move things around, copy files and folders, perform searches, and delete things you don’t want anymore. Windows users often perform these tasks with Windows Explorer. Finder is more intuitive, flexible, and easier to use than it’s Windows counterpart. There are three ways to view things in Finder, by icon, by list, and by path. Now, let’s talk about the Dock.

Dock
You can use the Dock to launch applications. By default, the Dock is the strip of icons located at the bottom of the screen. The dock gives you quick/easy access to your most commonly used applications, files, destinations, and whatever you want to access with a simple click. If you’re not comfortable with the dock on the bottom, you can move it to the left or right side of the screen. You launch an item from the Dock by simply clicking on its icon, the icon pops up out of the Dock to initiate … a really cool effect!. Apple provides you with a pre-configured Dock that has icons for the most commonly used applications that Apple installed with the system such as Finder, Safari, Mail, Address Book, Calendar, and iTunes.

You can customize the Dock to meet your needs. You can add or remove any icon by simply dragging the icon into or out of the Dock. A small black triangle below an application’s icon indicates that it is currently running. Multiple applications can run at the same time on a Mac, thus you’ll see several black triangles. You can view the contents of a folder in the Dock by holding down the mouse button over the folder. You can further define the behavior of the dock via the Apple Menu or in the System Preferences screen. You can control the size of the Dock, its scrolling behavior, its position on the screen, its minimizing behavior, allow it to auto hide, and add or remove icons. The Dock is divided into two unequal halves, partitioned by a vertical bar. The left side is for application icons whereas the right side is for documents, folders, and the Trash icon. You can easily rearrange the position of items in the Dock. All you do is click and drag the icon to the desired location. Note however that applications must stay on the left.

The Trash is used as a temporary folder for deleted items. The Trash is located on the right hand side of Dock. The Windows counterpart is the Recycle Bin. There are several ways to send items to the Trash. You can drag and drop files or folders into the Trash, you can use keyboard shortcuts, or you can use the Menu Bar. To view the items in the Trash, you click once on the Trash icon. You can permanently delete items from the Trash by selecting Empty Trash or Secure Empty Trash from the Finder Menu Bar. Once you delete items from the Trash, they’re gone and can’t be recovered.

Menu Bar
You’ll find the OS X menu bar at the top of the screen. The Menu Bar is where one interacts with an application. It’s also the location where preferences and settings can be viewed/adjusted; users can log in and out, and a restart or shutdown sequence can be initiated. The menu bar changes with the current in-use application. When you switch between running applications, you’ll notice that the Menu Bar changes to reflect that running application and it’s associated menu items. What you’ll notice about the Menu Bar is that some applications have different menu items. The Menu Bar changes to reflect the capabilities and options of the application.

One of the most important Menu’s is known as the Blue Apple Menu, it’s located on the far left and has the famous Apple icon. Some of the most important items are:

About this Mac - Lists information about the installed OS version, memory and processor.
System Preferences - Takes you to a special system configuration and settings window
Dock Menu - allows you to customize the Dock
Recent Items - Lists the applications and documents that were recently opened or used
Force Quit - Allows you to quit programs that are unresponsive.
Sleep, Restart, Shutdown - Self explanatory
Log Out - Shuts down all running programs and documents and returns you to the login screen.

Install Oracle 10g on Mac OS X - Great Link

2005-05-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

For all you Oracle DBA's, here's a great link on how to install Oracle 10g Database on Mac OS X. Screenshots are included.

http://www.orablogs.com/sergio/archives/000781.html

PC Mag gives OS X Tiger 4.5 out of 5 stars

2005-05-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Apple OS X 10.4 review from PC Magazine:

A nice read and evaluation from the Windows centric site and magazine. Overall, their review is highly positive and worth reading. Items reviewed includes but is not limited to the following:

- Spotlight
- Dashboard
- Safari (good comments about private browsing and security)
- iChat AV
- Mail
- Automator

How to Switch to a Mac - Part 5 - The Misconception: Macs are too expensive

2005-05-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Misconception – Mac’s are too expensive

Mac’s have always been perceived as too expensive. The phrase “you get what you pay for” truly applies to a Macintosh. As I described in my previous post Which Model to buy (http://switchtoamac.blogspot.com/2005/05/how-to-switch-to-mac-part-4-mac.html) you are paying for seamless integration, stability, ease of use, and quality engineering. In January 2005 Apple recognized that the price barrier has always made it diffucult for people to Switch To A Mac and addressed the problem by introducing the Mac mini.

The Mac mini is the most affordable Mac available on the market, with a starting price under $500. The Mac mini is an attractive system for switchers. Please refer to this page and look for the post titled "Macworld: Editors' Notes: The Mac mini: Comparing Apples and Oranges" for a comparison between a Mac mini and a Dell Dimension, an interesting read for those of you who are thinking about switching, you might be surprised! Macs have become more affordable in recent months as Apple has rolled out new systems at lower price points. Apple recently release new Powerbooks, and iMac at lower prices.

In reality, Mac’s are not more expensive than their Windows bases counterparts. In fact, one can make the argument that Mac’s may be more cost effective and a better value in the long run. When one takes the seamless integration, stability, ease of use, quality engineering, and low cost of maintenance, into account one can easily conclude that a Mac is not necessarily a more expensive proposition. A Mac doesn’t run the risk of infection from viruses or spyware. These reasons alone will save the Mac user from headaches, frustraction, lost data, compromsed personal information, time, and money. What you get is ease of use and a secure and stable computing experience. As a result, the argument that Mac’s are too expensive no longer applies. Although you can spend between $500 and several thousand for a Mac, stay within your means and get a system that you can grow with.

How to Switch to a Mac - Part 4 - Mac Hardware & Which Model to Buy

2005-05-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

Deciding to purchase a new computer is a much easier task than deciding which model to take home. The task can be so daunting in the Windows world because there are so many different processors (Intel vs. AMD), speeds, RAM types and speeds, video cards, manufacturers, configurations, features, and security problems. If your Windows computer doesn’t come pre-installed with some sort of Anti-Virus or security software, you’re better off not even getting on the Internet. It will only take a few minutes before your system is compromised. There is an emerging trend towards the exploitation of new and unprotected computers connected to the Internet. This is caused by numerous issues:

Windows default configurations are insecure
By the time you get your Windows system, new security vulnerabilities, viruses, worms, Trojans, and Spyware will likely have emerged since the computer was manufactured. Your system will be vulnerable even if it came with an anti-virus program.
Attackers and hackers regularly scan the common broadband and dial-up IP address ranges looking for vulnerable systems.
The Internet is circulating with worms that are continuously scanning for vulnerable and new computers to exploit.

The time to exploit an unprotected Windows computer connected to the Internet is often measured in minutes. This is especially true for broadband users. It is entirely possible for Windows users to get exploited through a vulnerability when they are downloading a software patch/fix/update for that vulnerability. Mac’s don’t have this problem. There are no known viruses or Spyware that are able to infect a Mac. Furthermore, all you need to do is enable the built-in UNIX based firewall in Mac OS X before you get on the internet. Once you do that, you know your system is safe. You can then feel safe downloading any OS X updates, including OS X security updates.

When you buy a Windows system, you’re essentially getting a PC kit with components from several different 3rd party vendors. When something goes wrong with the system, you’re likely to have to engage those 3rd party component vendors, especially if your manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Often you’ll be faced with a situation where those vendors will deflect blame to another vendor. You’re often left in the dark and will have to figure out the solution on your own.

Mac’s don’t have this dilemma because the operating system and hardware are designed, built, and engineered by Apple. The advantage is that you get seamless integration with Apple. Apple designed OS X to work with their hardware, whereas Microsoft has to write their OS to work in a “generic” fashion that various 3rd party vendors use. Buying and using an Apple is a great experience. Take it out-of-the-box, plug it in, run your setup, enable the built-in firewall in OS X, and start enjoying. With Apple, everything works together with ease. Consequently, Apple stands behind their products. When something doesn't work, you only have to work with Apple, not numerous 3rd party vendors.

Apple’s vision and hardware have made choosing a Macintosh computer a relatively easy task when compared to a Windows based system. Of course, Apple’s have historically been more expensive than Windows systems but you’re paying for that seamless integration, stability, ease of use, and quality engineering. The introduction of the Mac mini in January 2005 has lowered the cost barrier and is geared towards first time Mac users and switchers.

Apple systems are relatively easy to purchase and configure for your needs. Based on the type of user you are (Read my previous post on What kind of user are you?) you’ll be able to zero in on the type of Mac that will suit your needs. This makes the process simple, you choose the system based on the type of user you are and how you'll use your Mac.

Once you've identified the type of system you want, you either pick a pre-configured system or customize it for your needs. Think about purchasing a Windows based system. You have to compare the systems from numerous vendors. This is a difficult task because there is no way to really conduct an effective comparison. Vendor A may have a faster processor but less and slower RAM, whereas Vendor B may have a somewhat slower processor but more and faster RAM, as well as a larger hard drive. This is where Macs have an advantage, identify the type of user you are then choose your Mac.

Check back for the next update - What to do with your new Mac

Envy News - Web Site switches from PC to Mac

2005-04-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

EnvyNews did it ... they Switched to Mac

http://www.envynews.com, a Web site for computer news and reviews has changed from PC news over to Macintosh market news and reviews.

The site states, "we're pleased to make the Switch."

Another sign of the shift in the market ... Are you ready to Switch to a Mac?

Mossberg: Tiger 'leaves Windows XP in the dust'

2005-04-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Mossberg: Tiger 'leaves Windows XP in the dust' :

A great read from Walter Mossberg and the Wall Street Journal. He states, "Mac's general superiority over typical Windows computers as the best choice for average consumers doing the most common computing tasks"

Mossberg states, "Overall, Tiger is the best and most advanced personal computer operating system on the market, despite a few drawbacks. It leaves Windows XP in the dust."

He describes the OS, Spotlight, Dashboard and programs called Widgets, Parental Controls which Mossberg describes as "the first operating system I have seen with built-in, system-wide parental controls", Video Conferencing, Smart Folders, Web Browsing with Safari, Security (a must read section), . and Automator.

Get ready to SWITCH TO A MAC!!

AppleInsider | Apple grabs 3.6% PC market share in March quarter

2005-04-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

AppleInsider | Apple grabs 3.6% PC market share in March quarter:
Apple's 3.6% PC market share in March quarter is a full1% higher than a year ago according to Merrill Lynch. The iPod Halo effect is the real deal!

How to Switch to a Mac - Part 3 - What kind of user are you?

2005-04-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Revised December 11, 2005

What type of user are you, consumer, professional, or a hybrid?

Mac users generally fall into one of two classes, Professional or Consumer. Based on the user type, Apple has hardware and software to cater to that user. Apple currently offers six Mac models that can be customized to suit your needs. A benefit of purchasing a Mac is that the hardware and software are truly integrated, Apple builds both the hardware and the operating system.

Professional User
A Professional user is one whose career or hobby is centered around power, speed, and productivity. Professional users are often Photographers, Graphic Artists, Film Makers, Video Editors, Musicians, Software Developers, IT Professionals, Engineers, Scientists, Universities, Fortune 500 comapanies, and Governments. As a result, these users require powerful and customizable systems and are willing to pay top dollar. Many enterprises and companies purchase from the "Power" line of Mac hardware, PowerMacs and Powerbooks to run their businesses.

Apple offers the following products under their Professional line:

PowerMac G5
PowerBook
XServe
XServe Raid

Professional Users require Professional level software. Apple’s professional software includes the following:

Final Cut Studio – a suite of software and tools for video and audio production
Final Cut Pro/Final Cut Pro HD – a digital nonlinear editing tool
DVD Studio Pro - DVD authoring
Motion - real-time motion graphics software
Shake - Digital composition
Logic - Digital audio editing
Aperture - Digital photography management and editing

OS X's industrial-strength, UNIX-based operating system provides the computing power that professionals demand. The inherient Apple hardware and software integration gives professional users the performance and ease of use they need to be productive.

Many software vendors have professional software for the Macintosh platform such as Adobe, Macromedia, and Wolfram Research. Professional users will also use many of the applications and software listed in the Consumer user section below. A great resource to check out Apple's professional line of products and customers is at Apple's Pro site.

Consumer User
A Consumer User is one who computing experience is centered around functionality, ease of everyday use, and value. Consumer users are often those who use their systems to email, browse the web, have a digital lifestyle where they want to upload/share photographs, and stay connected with friends and family.

A Consumer user will most often answer yes to the following questions:

Do you have a Digital Lifestyle?
Do you listen to music?
Do you make your own music?
Do you take photos with a digital camera?
Do you shoot home videos?
Do you share your Digital Lifestyle with others?

Apple computers and OS X come bundled with a suite of applications that most computer user need. Apple’s iLife suite is a collection of software for music, photography, movies and DVD creation. iLife is made up of the following titles:

iTunes - To purchase and transfer music to your iPod. Burn CD’s
iPhoto - Digital photo organization and editing
iMovie - Home movies and editing
iDVD - For DVD creation, integrates with iPhoto and iMovie
GarageBand - Music recording and editing

Mac OS X comes with several other applications and software that the Consumer user will find useful:

Mail - for e-mail
Safari - Advanced, secure, and safe web browsing
iCal - Calendar management
iSync - Sync’s your Mac with your mobile devices
Address Book - Store contact information for friends and family
iChat AV - Instant Messaging and Video Conferencing
DVD Player - To play and watch DVD movies
QuickTime - Video and Audio playback

Apple offers the following hardware for the Consumer user:

iMac
Mac mini
eMac
iBook

Hybrid User
A Hybrid User doesn’t quite fit into either the Professional or Consumer categories, they are usually a mix of the two types of users. The Hybrid user is one who demands more from their system but doesn’t really need to spend top dollar on a system that a Professional user requires. Most often, these are small business owners or hobbyists that need a bit more than the general user requires. In most cases, Hybrid users purchase PowerMacs and/or Powerbook systems.

Switch to a Mac for FREE - Fly Northwest Airlines to the US

2005-04-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

FREE Apple iMac G5 or iPod mini when you fly to the U.S.:

Wow, what a deal! Get a free iMac G5 1.6GHZ when you purchase your tickets with your MasterCard card and fly Northwest Airlines World Business Class to New York, Los Angeles or San Francisco.

How to Switch to a Mac - Part 2 - Where to Start

2005-04-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

The revised post can be found at:

http://switchtoamac.blogspot.com/2005/11/how-to-switch-to-mac-part-2.html

Briefs: Oracle - Major Enterprise Software Maker Commits to Mac

2005-04-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Briefs: Oracle News Briefs:
Oracle is committed to the Mac. Oracle Corporation, the leading Enterprise database vendor commits to the Mac and OS X. This is an endorsement of Apple's ability and future in enterprise markets. The article states the following, "Companies of all sizes now have a world-class database with the development capabilities to support and grow their business on the Macintosh platform"

Back in January of this year, Cisco Systems deployed Apple's Xsan and XServe RAID solution for global email archiving:
http://www.macminute.com/2005/01/11/cisco-xsan

Apple's future looks bright in the enterprise!

Enterprise Linux I.T. (Linux Enterprise Servers): NewsFactor Network - Open Source - Apple Mythology and Desktop Security

2005-04-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Enterprise Linux I.T. (Linux Enterprise Servers): NewsFactor Network - Open Source - Apple Mythology and Desktop Security:
A great read. Another compelling article to drive your SWITCH TO A MAC.

From the article, "If security concerns are your most important driver for desktop change, and Microsoft Office compatibility is your most significant barrier, then switching to Macs actually offers you the best of all possible worlds: Microsoft Office on Unix/Risc with a better GUI, longer product life, some cash savings and a performance bonus thrown in."