I do mostly writing (Word, Open Office), some desktop publishing (Pagemaker/InDesign), a bit of video work (Premiere Elements), and most of all, website maintenance, which for me means less Wordpress (a little) than just raw HTML (a lot) and a ton of low rez graphics (FTP, Paintshop Pro, ACDSee). Heavy into file management, folders, file extensions, backups, my business depends on email/website/FTP. Tired of the totalitarian nature of Windows, though I have stuck it out since DOS 6.0 and Windows 3.1, now a miserable year and a half into Windows 10. I would prefer the big monitor of a desktop. Am writing right now on an iPad Pro, my fifth iPad (still have 1-4) and have owned three or four Android devices. Between home and business, not counting phones, have more than 12 computers on the premises, took Mac classes in college but have never owned one. Not at all a "techie", so the Linux option is just a little beyond me. What say you? What Mac do I buy? Thank you for all replies.
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Am I allowed to just jump right in? Question from Windows refuge.
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I am not sure what you mean by "totalitarian" Windows because Apple is far more controlling. What you need to do is check and see if the programs you want to use have a Mac equivalent or can be run with the new Rosetta. If that is the case that a 16 gig spec M1 should work. Otherwise, an Intel mac that you can boot camp. I lean toward the M1 because who knows how long Apple will continue to support Intel. MacOS is quite different than Windows in a lot of ways, so expect a learning curve. As for Linux, I like KDE Plasma and I dual boot it onto my Intel Mac.
In addition, I would suggest that you read some of the threads in this forum to see some of the issues that can come up. Apple OS is Unix, much the same as Linux, so glance at a few threads and see if you think you will be comfortable with the change in OS. Sometimes the devil you know...
In addition, I would suggest that you read some of the threads in this forum to see some of the issues that can come up. Apple OS is Unix, much the same as Linux, so glance at a few threads and see if you think you will be comfortable with the change in OS. Sometimes the devil you know...
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If you think that windows is totalitarian, wait until you get into the apple ecosystem.
if you like a nice monitor, the 27 inch iMac is lovely and can also run windows in boot camp if you need it.
I think that the upcoming larger apple silicon iMac will be even more embedded in the apple ecosystem than the current intel iMac so if you need to do windows, I would stick to the intel macs.
Do you mean with "totalitarian" that you feel out of control with Windows?
If so with the Mac it won't be a big difference.
Probably even less control.
But for me the difference is that I mostly trust Apple and Microsoft less so.
My best bet for you would be a modern form of Linux like Ubuntu.
If so with the Mac it won't be a big difference.
Probably even less control.
But for me the difference is that I mostly trust Apple and Microsoft less so.
My best bet for you would be a modern form of Linux like Ubuntu.
If we were back in the "CAT" OS days of Mac, I would say jump in and plenty of folks to help out in getting you situation with most software counterparts or Mac version of the software you listed. You'll still btw, have to do your homework on making sure you have viable software options if you change over to a Mac.
Today, it seems both Microsoft and Apple forget the consumer as they compete for markets, and by that I mean what was great about Mac was how easy it was to cross over or start with as compared to moving to Windows. Apple no longer makes fun and intuitive as part of their vocabulary but like Microsoft who was like Ford in its early days told us what we will like in the way of product offering.
My take - explore Mac a bit first and perhaps wait until the new chip is more commonplace (what follows the M1 chip). While I have not addressed it yet on my M1 Mini, I have used both Parallels and VMware Fusion with virtuals of Windows that worked well for my purposes (about 3 applications total). You may want to check into that as well as I believe at least Parallels has made reasonable strides in offering that work with the M1 chip Macs.
I have as I said an M1 Mini (sweet spot - 16/512) and I would be dishonest if I were to say I was totally satisified. Whie it is nice not to hear the internal fan whirl (stays relatively cool enough to avoid fan at high speeds), I do have some serious challenges that are in the official Apple issues forums as related to screens with the M1, odd reboots with a watchdog error and more. I should add that odd memory issues with using Safari causing pauses and temporary freezes. Some USB hardware evidently is problematic as well but not so on Intel Macs. If I am making you worry, then know I would still continue to use this Mini before switching over to Windows as a primary source for any home use.
Let's just say that I saw the writing on the wall when Windows Vista came out and jumped over to Apple at that time. Btw, DOS 6 was nice with its added features but I go back to the very beginning of DOS when it was made available to the public. : )
Today, it seems both Microsoft and Apple forget the consumer as they compete for markets, and by that I mean what was great about Mac was how easy it was to cross over or start with as compared to moving to Windows. Apple no longer makes fun and intuitive as part of their vocabulary but like Microsoft who was like Ford in its early days told us what we will like in the way of product offering.
My take - explore Mac a bit first and perhaps wait until the new chip is more commonplace (what follows the M1 chip). While I have not addressed it yet on my M1 Mini, I have used both Parallels and VMware Fusion with virtuals of Windows that worked well for my purposes (about 3 applications total). You may want to check into that as well as I believe at least Parallels has made reasonable strides in offering that work with the M1 chip Macs.
I have as I said an M1 Mini (sweet spot - 16/512) and I would be dishonest if I were to say I was totally satisified. Whie it is nice not to hear the internal fan whirl (stays relatively cool enough to avoid fan at high speeds), I do have some serious challenges that are in the official Apple issues forums as related to screens with the M1, odd reboots with a watchdog error and more. I should add that odd memory issues with using Safari causing pauses and temporary freezes. Some USB hardware evidently is problematic as well but not so on Intel Macs. If I am making you worry, then know I would still continue to use this Mini before switching over to Windows as a primary source for any home use.
Let's just say that I saw the writing on the wall when Windows Vista came out and jumped over to Apple at that time. Btw, DOS 6 was nice with its added features but I go back to the very beginning of DOS when it was made available to the public. : )
Thank you for all the replies! Totalitarian in terms of you no longer own your own Windows machine. I swear the thing updates seemingly every month and that can't be turned off. And with each update there is always some app that disappears or is broken, sometimes more than one. I never saw that before Windows 10. And all that invasive data gathering I keep hearing about. A friend who has a Macbook Pro is not even aware that it updates, if indeed it does.
On the Mac, you can TURN OFF "mandatory updates".
That is, you can choose to be notified of updates, after which you can then install "manually" if you wish.
That's what I've done for many many years on the Mac.
I DO NOT WANT updates that install "behind my back".
Offer me the update, and let ME decide.
If you're investigating the Mac, be aware of the fundamental "CPU shift" that's going on with Apple right now as they move from Intel-based computers to ones that use their own "M-series" CPUs.
If you absolutely, positively need the ability to still boot Windows, you need an Intel-based Mac.
Otherwise, you might consider the M-series.
If you want a laptop, WAIT a few more months.
Apple will announce/release NEW M2 or M1x laptops around Sep/Oct.
They'll be the MacBook Pro 14" and MacBook Pro 16".
Around the same time, Apple will also announce a new "larger-screen" iMac.
I recommend that you WAIT for it, and DO NOT buy the current 24" iMac, which is somewhat lacking, especially in the "ports" department...
That is, you can choose to be notified of updates, after which you can then install "manually" if you wish.
That's what I've done for many many years on the Mac.
I DO NOT WANT updates that install "behind my back".
Offer me the update, and let ME decide.
If you're investigating the Mac, be aware of the fundamental "CPU shift" that's going on with Apple right now as they move from Intel-based computers to ones that use their own "M-series" CPUs.
If you absolutely, positively need the ability to still boot Windows, you need an Intel-based Mac.
Otherwise, you might consider the M-series.
If you want a laptop, WAIT a few more months.
Apple will announce/release NEW M2 or M1x laptops around Sep/Oct.
They'll be the MacBook Pro 14" and MacBook Pro 16".
Around the same time, Apple will also announce a new "larger-screen" iMac.
I recommend that you WAIT for it, and DO NOT buy the current 24" iMac, which is somewhat lacking, especially in the "ports" department...
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Right now? Buy any more recent 27" iMac - models from 2019 or 2020(please see if there's even a 2020 model iMac - I believe there were, but I am not sure)
I think even a 2017 model would suit your style of a big monitor and a Mac.
If you can then I would in the same breath advice you to hold off until the larger monitor M1 iMac's come out. Which shouldn't be long according to rumors from China.
There's a thing here I'm a bit afraid of suggesting--- switching over to the Apple Silicon Macs coming from Windows. I think you might enjoy it and the CPU translation service; Rosetta 2, should handle all the Intel woes.
The top 27" tier iMac from just a few years back is no slouch and I think you would enjoy having an iMac with 1TB SSD or half that as well as 32GB ram and 8GB or more graphics card RAM.
How well the supposed 32" Apple Silicon iMac's will hold up is anyone's guess. Judging from the current 24" M1 iMac models I think you're good on selecting that one too.
Adobe's applications are slowly getting rolled out for M1 processors - I think Photoshop is in Beta right now.. someone could correct me on that. Be careful with Adobe and modern Macs. Since more modern macOS are 64bit only - your only choice is their Creative Cloud service. No older 32bit versions of Photoshop will work. This has been discussed many times and there's been a lot of cursing behind the screens I imagine.
For your viewing applications you could look into an oldie called XnViewMP - that is primarily a Windows application. Not that you asked for tips on applications, but that should get you going.
There's plenty of these viewing applications for the Mac. macOS has great built-in viewing services too. Preview and the famous QuickLook feature. XnViewMP gives you a good overview.
A more modern solution for the Mac is using Pixave.
FTP is carried out best using ForkLift, Transmit and CyberDuck.. beware that these last two programs mentioned has become somewhat of a money grabbing service. ForkLift is multi purpose and is really a file manager at heart, but it does so much more than that.
Again, I know you didn't ask for tips on applications.. I'm only helping you out so that you have a starting point at least. You can try asking for further assistance in the Mac Applications sub-forum here on MacRumors. There's probably lists too. Of course, should you be so bold to try MacPaw's service for applications called SetApp - then go right ahead. Again, this is a money-grabbing situation of sorts as it's mostly or yearly subscriptions that is the worst right now. Some Mac application developers kindly offer a free switch over license for a competing application or swap out a Windows license code for a given app in return for you getting the macOS equivalent license code.
If you try writing a macOS app developer in kind tone, then there's a chance they return with an equal kind tone - especially if for the purpose of achieving a license code for an application, let's say.
Or maybe I am too naive 😛
I think even a 2017 model would suit your style of a big monitor and a Mac.
If you can then I would in the same breath advice you to hold off until the larger monitor M1 iMac's come out. Which shouldn't be long according to rumors from China.
There's a thing here I'm a bit afraid of suggesting--- switching over to the Apple Silicon Macs coming from Windows. I think you might enjoy it and the CPU translation service; Rosetta 2, should handle all the Intel woes.
The top 27" tier iMac from just a few years back is no slouch and I think you would enjoy having an iMac with 1TB SSD or half that as well as 32GB ram and 8GB or more graphics card RAM.
How well the supposed 32" Apple Silicon iMac's will hold up is anyone's guess. Judging from the current 24" M1 iMac models I think you're good on selecting that one too.
Adobe's applications are slowly getting rolled out for M1 processors - I think Photoshop is in Beta right now.. someone could correct me on that. Be careful with Adobe and modern Macs. Since more modern macOS are 64bit only - your only choice is their Creative Cloud service. No older 32bit versions of Photoshop will work. This has been discussed many times and there's been a lot of cursing behind the screens I imagine.
For your viewing applications you could look into an oldie called XnViewMP - that is primarily a Windows application. Not that you asked for tips on applications, but that should get you going.
There's plenty of these viewing applications for the Mac. macOS has great built-in viewing services too. Preview and the famous QuickLook feature. XnViewMP gives you a good overview.
A more modern solution for the Mac is using Pixave.
FTP is carried out best using ForkLift, Transmit and CyberDuck.. beware that these last two programs mentioned has become somewhat of a money grabbing service. ForkLift is multi purpose and is really a file manager at heart, but it does so much more than that.
Again, I know you didn't ask for tips on applications.. I'm only helping you out so that you have a starting point at least. You can try asking for further assistance in the Mac Applications sub-forum here on MacRumors. There's probably lists too. Of course, should you be so bold to try MacPaw's service for applications called SetApp - then go right ahead. Again, this is a money-grabbing situation of sorts as it's mostly or yearly subscriptions that is the worst right now. Some Mac application developers kindly offer a free switch over license for a competing application or swap out a Windows license code for a given app in return for you getting the macOS equivalent license code.
If you try writing a macOS app developer in kind tone, then there's a chance they return with an equal kind tone - especially if for the purpose of achieving a license code for an application, let's say.
Or maybe I am too naive 😛
I’m not sure why you can’t turn off auto update in Windows 10. I install the updates manually. I keep my Windows Desktop for things that run better in Windows. I have been a reluctant Mac user for 11 years now and still prefer Windows for most things. I have a feeling that Mac may be more “secure” for general use, but it can be frustrating sometimes. Right now I am going to stick with what I have (2015 MBP+ 2010 Dell Optiplex)until I am sure the new Macs will run all the programs I want.
Thanks, Thirio2. I have searched for ways to stop updates, and tried one recommeneded on a Google search. It didn't work. Near as I can tell, unlike Windows 7 which I came from before Windows 10, updates can be delayed, that is, you can choose the time, but they can't be thwarted in Windows 10 even though there is a setting that seems to say you can turn them off. I haven't been able to get it to work. Any enlightenment on this score would be very appreciated.
Good input/advice from all of you, thanks! Some things to think about. The advice about apps is especially helpful, because in the end, that factors in, for sure. I think I have no interest in being able to run Windows apps on a Mac, not sure. I knew of this facility but I am not sure I need it. Another point, I kind of like 32-bit world at present as all my Windows 10 machines are 32-bit that enable me to run long-time favorite apps. But with the seemingly good choice of alternatives now out there, I may be able to let go of them eventually. I recently messed around with ArcaOS and Haiku OS, and have been reading and gleaning all I can about Linux--can you tell I'm desperate? But all of these require, just to install, a level of computer knowledge I just don't have, made very obvious by the to-me very technical (and virtually indecipherable) language that characterizes even the simplest installation tutorials.
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You can defer updates in Windows 10 Pro for up to a year I believe.
As for buying a new Mac - go for an Apple Silicon model (or wait for the next versions if 16Gb RAM isn’t enough for you). Intel is a dead platform on Mac now, with no future. The roadmap is Apple Silicon only in the medium to long term. The current Intel Mac Minis even have 8th gen Coffee Lake processors from 2017.
I went through the PowerPC to Intel transition and don’t trust Apple to support Intel Macs for anything beyond begrudged security updates. The next version of macOS (Monterey) already has features that won’t work on Intel Macs so it‘s easy to see where this is going. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the last version of macOS for Intel - maybe one more at best.
As for buying a new Mac - go for an Apple Silicon model (or wait for the next versions if 16Gb RAM isn’t enough for you). Intel is a dead platform on Mac now, with no future. The roadmap is Apple Silicon only in the medium to long term. The current Intel Mac Minis even have 8th gen Coffee Lake processors from 2017.
I went through the PowerPC to Intel transition and don’t trust Apple to support Intel Macs for anything beyond begrudged security updates. The next version of macOS (Monterey) already has features that won’t work on Intel Macs so it‘s easy to see where this is going. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the last version of macOS for Intel - maybe one more at best.
You should know about MacUpdate.com and the cool Mac centric web page Accelerate your Macintosh.com!
A Good much cheaper version the Adobe Photoshop on Mac is called PixelMator Pro!
For home Office documents I use NeoOffice.com! I found it will open all Microsoft documents with no problem and export in Office compatible!
A Good much cheaper version the Adobe Photoshop on Mac is called PixelMator Pro!
For home Office documents I use NeoOffice.com! I found it will open all Microsoft documents with no problem and export in Office compatible!
A Mac is much easier to use right out of the box compared to a Windows PC. Most things are very intuitive so you won't have much trouble adjusting. The only problem you will face is that the keyboard shortcuts are radically different from windows. It'll take some weeks to get rid of your old muscle memory and develop a new one.
A very good resource I recommend to newcomers is the MacMost YouTube channel and the website. I still learn new things there after all these years.
As a first Mac, I recommend a MacBook Air M1 + a 4K monitor so you can use your device both on desktop and as a mobile device. Don't worry about it being an entry model. It's faster than the absolute high end devices a few years ago.
A very good resource I recommend to newcomers is the MacMost YouTube channel and the website. I still learn new things there after all these years.
As a first Mac, I recommend a MacBook Air M1 + a 4K monitor so you can use your device both on desktop and as a mobile device. Don't worry about it being an entry model. It's faster than the absolute high end devices a few years ago.
Apple updates as well and can be quite determined about it. Windows updates are for a purpose, mostly security. The very people that complain, are the same ones that will blame Microsoft if they have a security issue that they ignored. Microsoft finally just got tired of it. In addition, it is not hard to schedule or postpone the updates. I usually update about every two weeks. All operating systems must keep up to date with security and other issues. Mac is no exception.
I use all three main operating systems, Windows, MacOS, and Linux... Trust me baby, they all update, and they all have their own issues from time to time.
Be wary of people who say "a 16 gig spec M1 should work". This is Apple's first gen ARM that works in a Mac and it's currently having teething problems despite what the Apple sycophants say. It would be safer to get something like a 27" 2017 or 2019 iMac (intel processor and doesn't come saddled with a T2 chip). You can pick them up used for quite a bit less than Apple's current kit. Then decide if you want to upgrade when the M-series matures a bit more.
Agreed, I have one and as much as I would like to make it my daily driver in my office I use a HP workstation.
in settings/update&security/advanced you can change the date to install the update, but this probably just delays the inevitable, but you might be able to pause updates for 7 days every week.
You can go to settings/Apps&features/Upgrade for Windows 10 for x64-based Systems and either “Modify” or “Delete”. Apparently, when I installed Windows 10 I was given the option to manually download and install updates. I didn’t just accept all the defaults. That being said, every time I start my computer I check for updates and install them for security reasons. If I had picky software installed I would probably wait until others have had a chance to troubleshoot before I installed the update. I do the same on the Mac. I am still on Mojave while my wife instantly installs the latest update on her Mac.
You can go to settings/Apps&features/Upgrade for Windows 10 for x64-based Systems and either “Modify” or “Delete”. Apparently, when I installed Windows 10 I was given the option to manually download and install updates. I didn’t just accept all the defaults. That being said, every time I start my computer I check for updates and install them for security reasons. If I had picky software installed I would probably wait until others have had a chance to troubleshoot before I installed the update. I do the same on the Mac. I am still on Mojave while my wife instantly installs the latest update on her Mac.
Honestly, intel-based Macs can run windows, so I think you’d be able to get the best of both worlds. If you’re doing light stuff, the base model should be ok, but you will probably need a dongle if you’re exporting/importing photos & data and don’t have the upgraded iMac. Boyfriends 2019 MBP laptop has been great for workflow/light browsing w/YouTube, but I imagine it can handle a lot of other stuff thrown at it, it’s just not designed for his workflow.