PC User Switching to iMac - Need InPut

[sdw]

Hi,

I am a long time PC user that has been comtemplating switching to an iMac for several months. I could really use some advice from the experienced Apple users!

This past week I was told by Comcast Cable that I needed to switch virus protection from McAfee to Norton. Unfortunately, I made the switch. I immediately contacted a virus after switching. I called Comcast and was told to contact Norton and pay a "fee" to get rid of the virus. After paying $139.99 and speaking to three technicians and one supervisor in India (no U.S. assistance), I am still having some of the the virus problems in certain areas. I am told my files can not be copied to another computer now until they can get the virus completely taken care of for good. Through my research, I feel it may be a rootkit virus that affects the entire operating system. Needless to say, I have been sickened by what occured on my PC this past week! Neither Norton or Comcast seems remotely concerned and have provided no feedback.

The above problems only cement my intentions to purchase an Apple computer as I have heard you are not apt to get a virus. The iMac 21.5" is my intended computer of choice. I keep my computers for years and years (at least 7 years). I am not one to jump on the latest computer with updates. For that reason, I like to get a more powerful computer when I purchase, regardless of price. I am looking at the $1499.99 upgraded iMac with possibly the 3.33 GHZ Intel Core upgrade. I am on a computer most of the day as I sell through the internet. I also take numerous pictures daily for selling purposes. I would really like speed in my computer because I have been operating on a PC snail in the last few years!

Can you offer me some advice on the iMac? Will another iMac version be out later this year that may offer an i5 in the 21.5"? I see it is only in the 27" version and also the Macbook Pro. How is the customer service with Apple? Are they U.S. based or country based for Help? ANY information you can provide will be greatly appreciated!!

 

[bluskale]

check out the buyers guide for release predictions: https://buyersguide.macrumors.com//

Apple customer service is usually considered very good, or quite possibly the best in the industry (see consumer reports... they review this sort of thing ~yearly). I've never called for apple tech support, so I can't speak to that... otherwise, there's always the apple stores you can bring your computer to. You probably want to buy applecare.

I imagine any new imac (or PC, for that matter) will provide the speed you're looking for.

BTW, if you immediately detected a new virus when switching to different software, most likely the virus was already there, and the previous software didn't find it.

 

[Jamo12]

If you're going to want to keep your computer for 7 or more years, I would go for a quad core iMac, as the Core 2 Duo chips are reaching the end of their lives. Software will soon be written for multi-core machines so that you can really get all of the power that a quad core has to offer.

As for customer service, you can't go wrong with Apple (just make sure you get Apple Care w/computer). As for viruses, Mac has very few and I have yet to get one, though I am enough of a geek that I can delete viruses off a PC w/o any anti-virus software.

So I would get an i7 iMac w/Apple Care if you are going for "future-proofing".

If you don't want the 27" screen, then just wait for quad core in the 21.5"

As for viruses, if you don't go, or don't download things that you shouldn't go to or download, you will never get a virus, Mac or PC.

 

[OasisNYK]

I am a long time PC user who switched to the i7 27 inch iMac in December....it is a pretty easy switch and I am sure you will be impressed. I love my iMac more every time I use it.

It is lightening fast
Awesome UI
Amazing screen (I highly recommend it over the 21.5)

Just a really well put together and fun to use system. In terms of cost if you add in the expense of a 3 year on site Dell warranty and a couple of other items Mac's and PC's cost about the same. You might get a little more horsepower out of the PC initially but its really not a big difference. Apple customer service is excellent as others have stated. I have had no problems with my iMac but they have been great when I have had issues with my iPhone.

 

[tkingart]

Great move! I believe you'll be happy with whatever Mac you get, especially the iMac. Whether the 21.5" or 27", the screens on both are amazing. I didn't get the 27" because I wanted a desktop Mac for the interim while I wait for the new Mac Pro's.

The iMac is an elegant and powerful machine. If you're working with photos, you'll especially love OS X. I've used Photoshop in both Windows and OS X, and maybe it's just me, but Photoshop seems to perform better on OS X.

 

[imnew2hu]

I was like you before

Yes for many years I also was a pc user built them sold them and the entire lot. Now three years ago I think my wife at Christmas bought be a dual core 2 gig MacBook and man I have never looked at a pc again.

Since then we have acquired manny apple products and I have never had to call customer service myself my son did one time and the treated him like he was gold.

On a virus note I have never contracted a virus on my apple products and in 3 years I have spent countless hours repairing my other sons pc that stays infected.

My opinion by a mac you will be glad you did in the long run.

 

[old-wiz]

I switched from Windows to Mac 5 years ago for my home use and never had a hardware problem or a virus. I've never needed to consult Apple support. I'm careful what I download (just reputable stuff like Firefox or purchased apps like 1Password).

I only had one issue with 4 Macs in all that time; I got a bad update on an iBook G4 and had to re-install OSx.

 

[sdw]

Thanks everyone for your replies. You have been quite helpful and encouraging. I am convinced I will be an Apple user this year!!

As far as my virus goes on the PC, I have never had a virus in over 7 years until I downloaded Norton Antivirus. I am very cautious of what I download. I only downloaded their product as I was told to do so by Comcast. I don't have any personal experience with their product, but needless to say I am not impressed. I stay virus free for years and suddenly I switch and wham - a virus!! I expect to stay virus free on the Mac from what I am gathering from all of you.

From reading some of your replies, it seems possible that the iMac might have an update later this year from the Core 2 Duo? I seem to need a computer now, so I am at a loss as to what to do. Ideally, I would like to be upgrading to an i5. I am surprised this is not an offer yet since they just upgraded in Fall 09. What do you think?

 

[tkingart]

Thanks everyone for your replies. You have been quite helpful and encouraging. I am convinced I will be an Apple user this year!!

As far as my virus goes on the PC, I have never had a virus in over 7 years until I downloaded Norton Antivirus. I am very cautious of what I download. I only downloaded their product as I was told to do so by Comcast. I don't have any personal experience with their product, but needless to say I am not impressed. I stay virus free for years and suddenly I switch and wham - a virus!! I expect to stay virus free on the Mac from what I am gathering from all of you.

From reading some of your replies, it seems possible that the iMac might have an update later this year from the Core 2 Duo? I seem to need a computer now, so I am at a loss as to what to do. Ideally, I would like to be upgrading to an i5. I am surprised this is not an offer yet since they just upgraded in Fall 09. What do you think?

You know, there are just WAY too many viruses out there for it to be blamed on kids in their basements with nothing better to do. Virus protection is big money, and I wouldn't be surprised if the biggest companies of Anti-Virus software, are also producing them.

On a somewhat relevant note, my neighbor works at Symantec, and a couple of months ago- he told me that they were all getting a whole bunch of new Mac's. Interesting...

I've never had a virus on my Mac before, and honestly- I once estimated that I lost 5 hours per week average when I was on a PC due to crashing. Since I started using OS X exclusively, that has gone down to nearly nil.

 

[akkkmed]

I'm not doubting you in the slightest, but why would Comcast tell you what software to use? That seems quite odd to me. Comcast is dominant in our area (we had it before we got AT&T UVerse) and no one I know uses Norton. Or has been told by Comcast what to use for that matter.

Even though I support you switching to Mac, I would continue to fight and fight until you get your $140 refunded from Comcast. Even though they don't make the software, you listened to THEIR order to switch anti-virus programs. So in the end, IMHO, it's their fault. Get them to give you a $140 credit or something.

 

[sdw]

I'm not doubting you in the slightest, but why would Comcast tell you what software to use? That seems quite odd to me. Comcast is dominant in our area (we had it before we got AT&T UVerse) and no one I know uses Norton. Or has been told by Comcast what to use for that matter.

Even though I support you switching to Mac, I would continue to fight and fight until you get your $140 refunded from Comcast. Even though they don't make the software, you listened to THEIR order to switch anti-virus programs. So in the end, IMHO, it's their fault. Get them to give you a $140 credit or something.

The reason they told me to switch to Norton is that is now their virus free protection. It officially begins in May, but I have been receiving e-mail notices for months. When you call the local Comcast phone number, an automated message also tells you to switch over to Norton for continued virus free use. As I did not want to pay for McAfee protection, I switched to Norton, not thinking I would have a problem. They have used McAfee for years, but I can only think they were offered a better deal by Norton. So, that is how it happened. The rep I initially called said he had received calls with identical virus problems when switching over.

Also, I completely agree with you about the $140 dollars and needing a refund. I have contacted Comcast three times requesting a call back from the reps supervisors and have had no results. Also, each time I have called Comcast I have requested a call back for a review (per the message prompt) and suddenly no call backs are coming for review. They must be avoiding the call! Norton sent a review through e-mail and I sent a detailed explanation of what happened and nothing on their end either. If they can't remove the virus, I am disputing the charge on the credit card as no services rendered.

 

[akkkmed]

Good for you. Don't give up. This is a stupid situation. We had similar issues with HP and their "virus removal services" from India. In the end, they gave us our $60 back, but they weren't apologetic at all.

I'm switching to Mac in the next month too

 

[jessep28]

Macs tend to be beefier systems out of the box, so you shouldn't have any speed issues for what you do. I’m would classify myself as a general home user and my 20” iMac is still running fairly quick 3.5 years later.

In terms of your current virus issues, the best anti-malware utility I’ve found is Malwarebytes (www.malwarebytes.org). We use that here at the office and I’ve cleaned a few PC’s with it as well. I would install that, update the databases, boot into safe mode and let that utility run.

 

[wordoflife]

Hi,

I am a long time PC user that has been comtemplating switching to an iMac for several months. I could really use some advice from the experienced Apple users!

This past week I was told by Comcast Cable that I needed to switch virus protection from McAfee to Norton. Unfortunately, I made the switch. I immediately contacted a virus after switching. I called Comcast and was told to contact Norton and pay a "fee" to get rid of the virus. After paying $139.99 and speaking to three technicians and one supervisor in India (no U.S. assistance), I am still having some of the the virus problems in certain areas. I am told my files can not be copied to another computer now until they can get the virus completely taken care of for good. Through my research, I feel it may be a rootkit virus that affects the entire operating system. Needless to say, I have been sickened by what occured on my PC this past week! Neither Norton or Comcast seems remotely concerned and have provided no feedback.

The above problems only cement my intentions to purchase an Apple computer as I have heard you are not apt to get a virus. The iMac 21.5" is my intended computer of choice. I keep my computers for years and years (at least 7 years). I am not one to jump on the latest computer with updates. For that reason, I like to get a more powerful computer when I purchase, regardless of price. I am looking at the $1499.99 upgraded iMac with possibly the 3.33 GHZ Intel Core upgrade. I am on a computer most of the day as I sell through the internet. I also take numerous pictures daily for selling purposes. I would really like speed in my computer because I have been operating on a PC snail in the last few years!

Can you offer me some advice on the iMac? Will another iMac version be out later this year that may offer an i5 in the 21.5"? I see it is only in the 27" version and also the Macbook Pro. How is the customer service with Apple? Are they U.S. based or country based for Help? ANY information you can provide will be greatly appreciated!!

I downloaded Norton from Comcast (to replace McAfee) and had no problems. There were some things on my computer that needed to be cleaned up, but Norton did that without asking me for any payment. It was totally free, and legit. It's the Comcast special edition Norton so you don't have to pay anything. I have no idea what went wrong, but I would demand a refund.

 

[auditdirox]

From reading some of your replies, it seems possible that the iMac might have an update later this year from the Core 2 Duo? I seem to need a computer now, so I am at a loss as to what to do. Ideally, I would like to be upgrading to an i5. I am surprised this is not an offer yet since they just upgraded in Fall 09. What do you think?

dont plan on seeing any updates for a while now...go with the 27'' if you really want the new core processors

 

[Raje]

Thanks everyone for your replies. You have been quite helpful and encouraging. I am convinced I will be an Apple user this year!!

As far as my virus goes on the PC, I have never had a virus in over 7 years until I downloaded Norton Antivirus. I am very cautious of what I download. I only downloaded their product as I was told to do so by Comcast. I don't have any personal experience with their product, but needless to say I am not impressed. I stay virus free for years and suddenly I switch and wham - a virus!! I expect to stay virus free on the Mac from what I am gathering from all of you.

From reading some of your replies, it seems possible that the iMac might have an update later this year from the Core 2 Duo? I seem to need a computer now, so I am at a loss as to what to do. Ideally, I would like to be upgrading to an i5. I am surprised this is not an offer yet since they just upgraded in Fall 09. What do you think?

You will (at this point in time) never get a virus on a Mac. To date a virus has never been developed for OSX, a couple trojans have been developed by can only be contracted through torrents and other sketchy downloads(and they require you to input your admin password so they are easy to detect)

I recommend the 27" with i7 for a computer that will last 7 years. The i5 is not an option on the 21.5" as it uses the MBP logic board and processors for this board were not available until January and just became available in the MBPs a week ago. An update would seem likely in June. But I would go 27" for overall longevity and the screen is beautiful.

 

[sdw]

This is such a helpful forum. I really appreciate all the replies. Your replies definitely make me know I am doing the right thing by becoming a Mac user. I don't think the transition will be hard. I welcome the change.

To tie up my loose ends on the PC computer, I will be calling tonight again to the sixth Symantec tech to remove the virus. I have very little hope that it will be removed. It seemed hopeful with the Norton/Symantec tech last night, but I am still being rerouted on the internet today. Also, she did something to the HP routings for Image Zone and I can no longer work on my pictures. When I click on the Image Zone it immediately routes me to the internet. I have no idea what she has done. I feel like I am in a PC nightmare with Norton! I hope to never go through this again. It must be a very strong sign to race to the Apple Store!!!

Thanks all!! I appreciate all the comments you have provided.

 

[iMacThere4Iam]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Mac! I suggest, if you don't presently use a wireless router with your Comcast modem, picking up an Airport Express, so that you can keep whatever garbage Comcast's modem configuration placed on your PC, on your PC.

You don't need anything from Comcast on your new Mac when all you want is the connection. I know too many PC owners with situations similar to yours, who end up having to pay service fees to get a technician to their home. Comcast can keep its "preferred" anti-virus and its UI that looks like it's from the early 90's.

 

[TiberiusXavier]

I am not a iMac user (I own a MacBook Pro), but my coworker has the 27" iMac quad-core and recommends it highly.

In my opinion, Norton is a virus. The only anti-virus I would put on a PC is AVG (my parents use it). It is free and works well. Most malicious software are trojans (user actively downloaded and installed), not viruses (remote program capitalizing on inferior firewall, OS deficiency, weak/non-existent user password protection or open sharing of "trusted" networks). Even though they are unheard of on macs, malicious software exists for every platform. So remain vigilant.

 

[jessep28]

To tie up my loose ends on the PC computer, I will be calling tonight again to the sixth Symantec tech to remove the virus.

Did you try Malwarebytes?

 

[illy123]

Be careful though; although OSX at the moment is safer than windows it is less secure (e.g. http://www.tomshardware.com/news/hack-windows-security-snow-leopard,8704.html). Which means that in several years it might not be safe anymore - exercise the same caution as you would with Windows: don't go to dodgy sites, open unknown attachments, etc.

As Apple slowly expands its market share, it is gradually becoming a bigger target for attack. Two years ago there were zero pieces of malware targeting the Mac platform, and in the past year, there were a few hundred, according to John Viega, a security researcher and author of the book The Myths of Security.

Those hundreds of pieces of malware are small compared to the 1.8 million total pieces of malware discovered last year, but it would be unfair to compare these numbers directly, Viega said. He noted that because so few Mac users are running anti-virus software, there’s far less need for malicious coders to create hundreds of different variants of the same attack, as they do for Windows.

Read More http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/09/security-snow-leopard/#ixzz0ljhi1Mau

 

[AdamA9]

I recently -past couple of months- traded in my PC for the 21.5" iMac. I'm glad I did it, but sometimes don't think I got full value for money. It's not as fast as I hoped it would be. I have the standard 3.06GHz with 4GB RAM. For over £1,200 I would have hoped for better performance.

My main issues are;

Speed: It's not as quick off the mark as I would have hoped. I get the beachball quite often when running multiple programs and waking up from sleep is sluggish.

Screen: I had a yellow tint on my first one, but as far as I can tell the second one is fine.

Magic Mouse: The batteries don't go a long way, maybe 40/50 days use before changing them. Okay it's not a HUGE problem, but hey, I would hope they last longer.

Graphics: Sometimes on some games/video I get a wavey screen, like the refresh is not quick enough. I don't know if this is a faulty graphics card, or if this is just because it's an old graphics chip, but I am dissapointed it cannot handle some video/games.

Sound: The speakers are not great, however, I had some from my old PC that I could use on this, no problem. So not really a big deal for me, but if you're listening to music through it, I would recommend some external speakers.

Small gripes: No 'minimise all' like windows that I could find. This is really useful for me working of desktop documents on projects. Email cannot be reversed when deleting items, so rather than moving down the list it going up. The aesthetics of the microsoft suit are not great, not sure if this is Microsofts doing, but I don't feel at home using them as I do on a PC.

Other than these small things, everything else about this machine is perfect. I love the fact that it's free from malware (for now), that I get regular and non-intrusive updates, I don't have to click confirm 12 times just to delete a folder or move something. It's seemless with the time capsule and time machine meaning I'm always backed up. Not only that, but it saved me on a second monitor for watching DVDs in bed, as I use this, as the screen is plenty big enough.

Make the move, you wont regret it

 

[sdw]

I recently -past couple of months- traded in my PC for the 21.5" iMac. I'm glad I did it, but sometimes don't think I got full value for money. It's not as fast as I hoped it would be. I have the standard 3.06GHz with 4GB RAM. For over £1,200 I would have hoped for better performance.

My main issues are;

Speed: It's not as quick off the mark as I would have hoped. I get the beachball quite often when running multiple programs and waking up from sleep is sluggish.

Screen: I had a yellow tint on my first one, but as far as I can tell the second one is fine.

Magic Mouse: The batteries don't go a long way, maybe 40/50 days use before changing them. Okay it's not a HUGE problem, but hey, I would hope they last longer.

Graphics: Sometimes on some games/video I get a wavey screen, like the refresh is not quick enough. I don't know if this is a faulty graphics card, or if this is just because it's an old graphics chip, but I am dissapointed it cannot handle some video/games.

Sound: The speakers are not great, however, I had some from my old PC that I could use on this, no problem. So not really a big deal for me, but if you're listening to music through it, I would recommend some external speakers.

Small gripes: No 'minimise all' like windows that I could find. This is really useful for me working of desktop documents on projects. Email cannot be reversed when deleting items, so rather than moving down the list it going up. The aesthetics of the microsoft suit are not great, not sure if this is Microsofts doing, but I don't feel at home using them as I do on a PC.

Other than these small things, everything else about this machine is perfect. I love the fact that it's free from malware (for now), that I get regular and non-intrusive updates, I don't have to click confirm 12 times just to delete a folder or move something. It's seemless with the time capsule and time machine meaning I'm always backed up. Not only that, but it saved me on a second monitor for watching DVDs in bed, as I use this, as the screen is plenty big enough.

Make the move, you wont regret it

I guess no computer is absolutely perfect, but it sounds like you are still pleased. That is encouraging.

I will definitely miss the fact that you can't minimize screens because I minimize the screens all the time. I do hope I don't get a iMac with any tint problems. Also, I do think I will wait a bit longer and see if the iMac is upgraded at least through the summer months (if virus can be removed).

To those who posted about advice on removing the virus, thank you! I am going to use the advice and try to remove the virus myself. I have given up on the techs at Norton/Symantec.

 

[illy123]

I guess no computer is absolutely perfect, but it sounds like you are still pleased. That is encouraging.

I will definitely miss the fact that you can't minimize screens because I minimize the screens all the time. I do hope I don't get a iMac with any tint problems. Also, I do think I will wait a bit longer and see if the iMac is upgraded at least through the summer months (if virus can be removed).

To those who posted about advice on removing the virus, thank you! I am going to use the advice and try to remove the virus myself. I have given up on the techs at Norton/Symantec.

You shouldn't have to - you can minimize screens on OSX.

Regarding the virus I suggest installing Spybot, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Avira Antivirus

 

[AdamA9]

I guess no computer is absolutely perfect, but it sounds like you are still pleased. That is encouraging.

I will definitely miss the fact that you can't minimize screens because I minimize the screens all the time. I do hope I don't get a iMac with any tint problems. Also, I do think I will wait a bit longer and see if the iMac is upgraded at least through the summer months (if virus can be removed).

To those who posted about advice on removing the virus, thank you! I am going to use the advice and try to remove the virus myself. I have given up on the techs at Norton/Symantec.

Sure, I'm still pleased and glad I made the move. However, I just wish I didn't by the Genius talk when buying it about not needing more RAM or the faster chip, as for what I do, I certainly need it.

In responce to your other point about waiting, if you can wait, then wait. If, like me you couldn't wait, then don't.

You shouldn't have to - you can minimize screens on OSX.

Seems this is the answer: Option-Command-M - however, I'm not at home to test.