I'm seriously thinking about getting a Mac computer, (i now have windows vista) what are the pros and cons of having Mac, i don't run a business i mostly enter contests, play games on Pogo, send email, banking, little shopping, research health matters.

Thank You for any help i know nothing about Mac

Macs are more expensive and generally don't have the variety of software available as on a Windows machine.

However, they are less subject to the "downside" of Windows like Virus infections. Spyware is problem, but if one practices responsible Web surfing practices and uses protective software, it can be controlled.

You would find less computer support in general on sites like this one, but there are sites that specialize in the Mac system, so help is available.


MS Vista has a trouble some Operating System. I note that in the morning paper a story saying that Microsoft is releasing a "Beta" (meaning "test") version of its new Operating System, Windows 7, this coming January with a general release scheduled in one year. Hopefully the new system will be better than Vista. One of the main problems with Vista is that third party vendors did not have adequate time to prepare their software/hardware for the Vista OS prior to its release. This time around, Microsoft is working very hard with vendors to get their drivers and other software up to speed before the OS is released to the public. Hopefully, this action will result in a better system overall.

Dwight

I switched to a Mac about a year ago. Does just about everything I ask of it.

Hardly have to worry about drivers anymore. Most stuff (cameras, drives, printers, etc.) works by just plugging it in. If you plug in an external drive, you can use it as a backup disk (Time Machine) with just a few clicks.

I used to heat my room in winter by simply running my Dell all day. (I used to call it the "200W space heater") The iMac doesn't have anywhere near that kind of heat output, nor the fan noise.

A common con that is brought up is cost. However, that depends on a number of factors. Apple hardware will usually cost $100-$200 more than a similar Dell. However, a Windows PC will need antivirus software, antispyware, backup software, and time to set that stuff up. For many, time is money.

A Mac Mini is probably the best option for a first-time Mac buyer. At $599, its the cheapest Mac that Apple sells. Simply remove your old PC tower, connect your existing keyboard, mouse, network, and screen to the Mac Mini, and you're up and running on a Mac.
NOTE: Apple is rumored to unveil a new Mac Mini model next Tuesday. The current model will likely go on clearance at that time.

Microsoft Office is available for the Mac, as is Apple's own iWork and OpenOffice.org.

A few notes about buying an Apple: If you plan to buy accessories (MS Office, Printer), buying direct from the Apple Store can get you some decent bundle discounts. (Usually they have a $100 printer rebate offer, and free recycling of your old PC) If you don't want accessories, Amazon.com will often offer you the lowest price for the system itself.


Hope this was somewhat helpful.

Thank you so much i will check this out for sure