I don’t think so. And what’s worse, there are millions upon millions of YOUNG people who don’t know computers. Sure, they can boot up and most of them can make a supremely annoying MySpace page (so they clearly know web design [read: sarcasm]) and they can load an iPod or a Zune (yes, I know 2 people who own a Zune), but that doesn’t mean they “know comptuers.” The kind of people I’m talking about here don’t know how to connect to a network, successfully backup data, use a jump drive, install anything that isn’t plug-and-play, or type using more than 4 fingers.

Don’t say that we’ve reached the point that computers are a common-knowledge device just because they are common.

We all drive cars but what percentage of us could repair, let alone explain, an automatic transmission. I can’t make that claim.

“To a nerd, the world is full of nerds.”
–Me

I have and still do use both operating systems. Actually, all three. I used a few different distros of Linux before getting my Mac and my daughter’s computer runs Ubuntu to this day. That’s the background to my current opinion. Have you tried all three?

I said it before and I’ll repeat it now. People should use whatever works best for them. When people ask my opinion I let them know that my Mac has worked great for me. These are usually the people who are going to want free tech support from me, so by recommending Apple I reduce the amount of work for myself. I still stand by my original point that anyone who thinks that Windows is more secure out of the box than a Mac out of the box is out of their mind.

I know nothing about the security of Apple products because I don’t want to “accept” finding mac-compatible versions of everything I use to do what I do. I also don’t want to pay 999 bucks for an entry level product! Since I don’t buy entry level I would have to look at 1999 bucks as the starting price. Since I always tell whoever is selling me a box to up everything to whatever it can handle, apple’s product checks in at almost 3900 bucks. WTF!!! Sorry, but for that I could have bought my current machine AND made a payment on the more expensive of my two vehicles.

As to security, a little common sense goes a long way. The stereotypical idiot who doesn’t do anything about anything is a thing of the past. Much like the “war” between apple and the other PC makers and OS writers. The “old person” who doesn’t know computers died of old age. The kiddies who were in grade school when computing became normal are now caring for their grandparents. The world has moved on is what I’m saying.

As you said: use what works for you. At the same time, don’t turn yourself into a mindless billboard for a common household product. If you love a Mac for how well it does what you need to do, that’s cool. If you’re comforable buying Sony’s name-brand value despite what they did in the name of DRM then go for it. If you have the smarts to build the most rockin’ machine imaginable for your specific focus then have a blast. Of course in this case you won’t be buying apple, which is apple’s biggest flaw, but the point is the same: use what works for you and be just a wee bit smarter than a rock.

Blue Skies to you my friend!

And if you haven’t been running anti spyware or antivirus solutions how do you know your clean?

LOL … interesting comment by MR. BG ( wonder if his middle name is Isaiah, because IF SO … he could be called “Mr. B.I.G.” :p )

Anyway … nope, I can’t say that I’ve run the last 1.5 years without antivirus, antispyware or haven’t had problems. But then again, I’m a republican. :|

Fact is, folks should have a good experience no matter their O/S and H/W choice. ( I miss my 286 :(( … Instant ON, no SPAM … no spyware … - - mind you … no connectivity either :p )

Cheers,

-stk