Would you buy Macs for a new business?

[Eddy Munn]

You could always use an MacBook Pro and at the end of the day take it home with you, I know one local business that does so.

 

[macsmurf]

Just for future reference, this is a non-issue. You can use Terminal Services (Win Server 2003) or Remote Desktop Services (Win Server 2008+) to allow multiple users access to one server/application, obviously there are licensing fees to do it but it is a solution to the issue at hand.

Only one user can be logged in at the time. That is the issue.

 

[Ap0ks]

The whole point of TS/RDS is to allow multiple users access to a Windows application or desktop on a single server.

I think you may be confusing the functionality with Terminal Services for Administration, which is the default mode when installing Windows Server (doesn't require additional licensing and only allows for 2 Administrative connections), once you purchase and add licenses you can allow more connections.

The Stone Edge Order Manager can be used on a single workstation or across a local area network (LAN Local Area Network). It was not designed to be used across the Internet, although some of our customers have been able to configure the program for remote access by using MS Windows Remote Desktop Connection (Terminal Services).

 

[Winni]

First of all, I have to say that I, personally, love OS X and Macs in general. I have a 27" iMac and a 13" Macbook Air on the way, and have owned many other macs. I think OS is outstanding and the hardware is excellent. I prefer to work in a Mac environment over PC, however I am accustomed to both.

I'm faced with a choice. A new, start-up business needs computers. Should I use PCs or Macs? My personal choice would be macs, and I would shop the refurb store and online/used to save money. PCs are comparably cheaper, but are they cheaper in the long run?

I do not believe I will need Windows for anything. I will keep it on one or two machines just to have it, however I will be running a windows server (my order management / inventory management software needs a windows database). I can run the windows software using remote desktop to access the software on the windows server. I believe only one or two macs would have to run Windows in boot camp (Point of Sale machines).

What would you do? Why? Please keep in mind this will need to be from a practical standpoint. If I decide to go with PCs, I will still have a couple of Mac's in the office.

You obviously still need Windows and you also need client licenses for each machine that uses RDP (in case you didn't know that). So there is zero economic sesnse in buying OS X machines in your scenario. You will need to support two platforms, you spend more money on hard- AND software and you have zero business case to justify that. Safe your money and buy Dell systems with business support instead.

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Only one user can be logged in at the time. That is the issue.

Terminal Services were designed for hosting as many concurrent sessions as the hardware can handle. Don't mistake admin sessions and the limitations of the desktop OS for the real thing that the Windows Terminal Server is.

 

[macsmurf]

Terminal Services were designed for hosting as many concurrent sessions as the hardware can handle. Don't mistake admin sessions and the limitations of the desktop OS for the real thing that the Windows Terminal Server is.

I wasn't aware of that. I've only used admin sessions so I thought it was a general issue.