Mac OS X Bashers

[ArenaBoy]

Something that's been of annoyance as of late is stated in the title. I do understand that the majority of the computer user market will use Windows as their OS but the way some go about treating Mac it's as if the devil himself made it. I understand the OS was pretty bad a while ago but for crying out loud it's A FREAKING DIFFERENT OS! I like it and I gave Windows a shot but it wasn't my cup of tea. I like Macs, I had an SE many years ago and I loved that but the way some people go about bashing it, it's as if the OS X personally beat them up and then stole their soul. Rant over.

I do understand that the commercials are annoying but that's marketing for ya.

[Boozy]

I'm not much of a computer expert myself, so I've always been surprised at the vehemence of people's opinions regarding operating systems, whether it be MAC, Windows, Linux, whatever.

I agree with you. Why can't someone just feel free to pick what works for them and leave everyone else alone?

Of course, there's the flip side of the coin. As annoying as some people can be, you should try not to get personally offended when someone says Windows is better than MAC. Your choice of OS has nothing to do with your character.

[ArenaBoy]

I'm not offended, just annoyed in general. While some people who openly bash it may have never used the OS to begin with and there are some who used it 10-15 years ago. I remember one poster on CS said that he/she was traumatized by using a mac computer. When I used Windows I wasn't traumatized but more or less annoyed with its interface.

[HYHYBT]

Of course, this goes both ways: It's hardly rare for Mac users to make fun of Windows. Then again, so do Windows users....

Personally, I don't hate Windows. I don't make fun of or hate people who use it... I just like Macs enough better that that's what I use when it's my choice. But then, I liked them better ten and fifteen years ago, too, and still can't see why anyone would have preferred Windows 3.1 to System 7.5. But really it's a matter of what works for you and as long as there are enough people buying what I like to keep it in production I don't care that much what others have.

[squall]

Apple is a bag of hot wind. They love to over-hype people into buying their products, so that the people buying their stuff are basically buying a lifestyle. They don't spend enough money on making their OS friendly to all of the specialized programs, games or hardware that is out there. Moreover, they want you to pay alot more for "Mac compatible" hardware, like video cards that lag behind the power of Windows and Linux compatible hardware. I will not buy into Apple's inflated ego. I would rather buy a reliable, upgradeable, and more universal compatibility at a more friendly price. As far as I'm concerned, Apple is the devil.

[ElMarko]

Something that's been of annoyance as of late is stated in the title. I do understand that the majority of the computer user market will use Windows as their OS but the way some go about treating Mac it's as if the devil himself made it.

Actually It's pretty much Free BSD with some tweaks and cosmetic changes made by Apple.


I do understand that the commercials are annoying but that's marketing for ya.

That's what Apple is, marketing. One thing that really annoys me is the way people will bash microsoft for protocall polluting and general control freakishness and give Apple a pass when they are much worse.

It's not a trivial concern. If an OS doesn't have enough of a base, app developers won't make versions of their products for it. Believe me, as a former OS/2 user I know.

When most people compare OSes they are only considering the UIs and with a well designed OS that is all they should have to consider (BTW IBMs WPS is still the best UI ever made).

[ArenaBoy]

Apple is a bag of hot wind. They love to over-hype people into buying their products, so that the people buying their stuff are basically buying a lifestyle.

That's advertising and marketing at its finest. The "lifestyle" approach is one of the most effective ways of advertising. Look at Nike and how rappers tend to be associated with them, grocery stores do the same thing, and I definitely know that Microsoft loves to over-hype their products. (Vista and Zune anyone?)

[squall]

That's advertising and marketing at its finest. The "lifestyle" approach is one of the most effective ways of advertising. Look at Nike and how rappers tend to be associated with them, grocery stores do the same thing, and I definitely know that Microsoft loves to over-hype their products. (Vista and Zune anyone?)
Ok....I've never even heard of Zune. I have never seen a windows vista advertisement on tv, and it is somewhat rare that I run into anybody who uses Vista yet. If anything, I think Vista has been getting less media exposure than its predecessors. (I remember when Windows 95 was the must have item. Supposedly, people who didn't have computers were buying it because the advertising campaign was relentless). People think because they buy and ipod or mac os x computer that they are on the cutting edge. The only thing that Mac Os X is on the cutting edge of is marketing. It looks cool, has jet engine-like power. But it might as well have training wheels on it because it lags behind other machines on compatibility. Advertising does not make the product....people in China in sweat-shops make Nike. Therefore, advertising is not a determination of a product's excellence, only how deep Nike and Apple's pockets are.

[ArenaBoy]

Ok....I've never even heard of Zune.

I follow the technology market quite frequently and Zune was rumored to be the ipod killer at the time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zune

People in China in sweat-shops make Nike. Therefore, advertising is not a determination of a product's excellence, only how deep Nike and Apple's pockets are.

I never even said that advertising makes the product and nothing along those lines. I only said that the lifestyle approach to advertising is very effective.

Product excellence is determined by the user. Deep pockets will however give one an advantage and last time I checked Gates is the richest man on the planet.

Advertising is however a determination of who can hype the product better and yes Apple does a good job at that. But don't forget that the public tend to follow reviewers of that company's product. I think the only reason we haven't seen much Vista commercials is probably due to MS's PR department freaking out at the bad reviews. Vista's been having a ton of problems since it came out. Hyping a bad product is bad.

It lags behind other machines on compatibility.

I'm going to presume that you haven't heard of parallels or Bootcamp then? It may have not been compatible with each other at one point but what those two programs do is allow you to run Vista, XP, and Mac on a Apple machine. I made a few runs on Bootcamp and I have to say it's quite nice playing Half-Life 2 on a Mac. Office has been made for Mac for a while now I believe. I don't see the need to play games on my computer anyway. The only reason I got a Mac is because I had experience with them producing videos and music and I liked them; I didn't get one just to think that I was a hipster.

I understand people have their tastes but if you don't like Apple that much JUST IGNORE their ads. Hit the mute button or change the channel if you see their commercials. Apple isn't holding a gun to your head and telling you to use their computers.

[Nightwolf]

Personally, I have 3 OS's at home.

Windows
Linux
Apple OS X

Why do I hate Mac? Simply because it's so expensive to update my G3. Hardware is extremely expensive and even if I went with the maximum upgrades I could get, I doubt I'd be able to play the newest games.

I'm a gamer, and MAC just isn't going to be economical when it comes to hardcore gaming. Linux I just don't understand and I really don't put much time into it as I'm not very fond of programming and computer language. I'm a gamer first and foremost and don't wish to spend my time figuring out an OS.

For browsing and checking email, I'll take the MAC anyday. Don't need an AV, don't need to worry about annoying pop-ups. It's great. At the moment, my browsing experience sucks, simply because I need an upgrade hardware wise.

Now I know what you'll probably say. Buy an Imac, or a Mac Mini, they're cheap and don't take up much space. Yes, thats true, but try upgrading one. Not a simple task. Thats why I went with the G3, for upgrading purposes. G5 would be the way I'd want to go instead of a mac mini or Imac. No way in hell I'm paying that much for a G5 that won't use A.) My gaming hardware and B.) Won't run half the games I play.

So, thats why I bash Mac. But it's not often that I do. ;)

*edit* Just saw that bit about running Half Life 2 on a mac. So, chances are I'd be able to run most of my games on a Mac with the software you mentioned. But then again, is it a guarantee?

[squall]

Well, haven't heard of parallels or bootcamp .....but they make them why?.......So they can be like Microsoft? I'd rather have a Microsoft or Linux supported system and save the money that I'd spend trying to upgrade or buy a Mac OS machine. Change the channel or mute button....I'd rather they just go away when everybody sees through the hype.

As for Vista...I am not championing Vista. XP is much more stable right now. But what alot of casual users don't realize is that all that bitching and nagging (user account control) that Vista is famous for can be turned off by switching a couple of settings. Then it becomes user-friendly. It is having a breaking in period, XP and the others had those times too. I've personally had problems with Vista and my video card, but somewhere along the way it fixed itself either through driver updates or reformats (got a better hard drive). The problems only happened on Nvidia cards by the way. Vista has compatibility problems with some older devices and programs, but has more built-in drivers than XP. And who lags far behind either on compatibility......Mac OS X.

[ArenaBoy]

Well, haven't heard of parallels or bootcamp .....but they make them why?.......So they can be like Microsoft?

No. The program was created for those who still need programs that they can't get but can only get through windows but would like to use apple. I don't see any need for it as I'm not a gamer and Microsoft Office is made for OS X by the way. This will also answer your question. http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20060406/apple-boot-camp-macs/

Change the channel or mute button....I'd rather they just go away when everybody sees through the hype.

You're forgetting that the masses tend to be sheep and that business is doing well for them. As long as the ipod and their computers sell and their stock does well apple isn't going away anytime soon. As for the two options mentioned, it's not worth blowing a gasket over a 30 second commercial. I know if I see a commercial that annoys me I mute it or change the channel.

What a lot of casual users don't realize is that all that bitching and nagging (user account control) that Vista is famous for can be turned off by switching a couple of settings. Then it becomes user-friendly.

A lot of casual users don't follow the market closely either and a lot of them are still behind on basic computer skills even in today's times.

I'd rather have a Microsoft or Linux supported system and save the money that I'd spend trying to upgrade or buy a Mac OS machine.

You do realize that Apple makes everything themselves which is why it is expensive. Microsoft has third party companies make their computers obviously but you get mixed results with that. Again, the compatibility isn't becoming so much of an issue due to bootcamp and parallels.


Hey Nightwolf: http://mailbox.allthingsd.com/20070823/running-windows-vista-on-a-mac/

[squall]

You do realize that Apple makes everything themselves which is why it is expensive. Microsoft has third party companies make their computers obviously but you get mixed results with that. Again, the compatibility isn't becoming so much of an issue due to bootcamp and parallels.


I do realize that intel makes their processor and ati tends to make their video cards. But I'm not with the sheep that buy whatever Compaq or Dell puts out, I build my own my way.

[Nightwolf]

Thats a pretty cool article. Sadly I doubt I'd be able to do much on my system without bumping up the CPU a bit. At the moment it's only a 450. :(

As it stands Tiger runs like crap on it. Runs, but it can be a bit slow at times.

[ArenaBoy]

I do realize that intel makes their processor and ati tends to make their video cards. But I'm not with the sheep that buy whatever Compaq or Dell puts out, I build my own my way.

And I buy my own way. Just because I own a Mac doesn't make me a sheep or make me feel like a lifestyle. To me computers are tools, not social products.

[Nightwolf]

I agree, computers are tools, however they are starting to become like cars. Before everyone just wanted one. They didn't really care what it was, as long as they had one. Now in some areas it is becoming a social thing. I see it at LAN's all the time. So and so got this to outdo his friend, and then that said friend had to go and outdo him by getting this next best thing.........

[squall]

Well if computers are like cars....then Macs are H2 Hummers. Flashy exterior, little practicality.

[EmiOfBrie]

Well if computers are like cars....then Macs are H2 Hummers. Flashy exterior, little practicality.

No, Vista is the Hummer.....uses an insane amount of resources to accomplish little ;)

Mac is more like a sport sedan IMHO. Flashy exterior, relatively light on resources, and if you know enough of its insides, you can really trick it up.

Linux is the sports car. Flashy exterior, very light on resources, and most of the people who own it have it tricked out in some fashion ;)

[AFPheonix]

I suppose XP is like a station wagon, then. Multi-function, mostly reliable, not super flashy ;)

[theredbaron47]

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

OS X and Windows are two different operating systems, each with their respective pros and cons.

It all comes down to what people are used to using.

Myself? I've been with Windows since 1996, but have been using my sister's old PowerBook, circa 1999, now and then. There's nothing wrong with it at all.

Again, another case of people being rude, immature, whiny, whatever adjective you please.

[lordlundar]

I am the type of person who will say that Microsoft is corporate-greed incarnate on my Windows machine, so I abstain from trashing other companies or products without trying them.

Why do I do a windows machine? Because I have a library of over 100 games with maybe about 5 that will run on a Mac and even less on a version of Linux I can do.

The only mac since original iMac that i will bash is the iBook Air. In both cases, they are near impossible to modify and upgrade, and have more limitations than benefits. (the charger on the Air is tough to sit in place and if you want to put anything on it you get to choose between downloading it or buying an external drive for the system to install disks

[ArenaBoy]

Gotta be careful about making blanket accusations like that.

Why is it that people tend to say rather intelligent things such as these? :rolleyes: Gates has even admitted that he tried to copy the Mac, even tried to get Apple to sign licensing agreements at one point. Heck, I even posted a video of him saying that he liked Apple's computers. Even Vista is similar to Mac OS X.

Maybe Apple had a good idea, but couldn't excute it effectively. So, Microsoft took the idea and ran with it, and were just better about all aspects of it

One of the most biased statements I have ever read.


Kind of like accusing all other auto manufacturers of 'stealing' the assembly line idea that Henry Ford had already implemented. Modern automobiles might not be where they are now, if it weren't for his initial idea and lack of patent on it.

That's because it became a standard.

[CancelMyService]

I don't get why it makes some people ANGRY that certain people use Macs? It's like admitting to some horrible deed that should be kept quiet. Not everyone's a freakin tech genius who's into downloading nightly Linux distros. For all the "OMG DUM COMPUTOR PPL" stories on CS, you'd think that the idea of an easy to use operating system would be better accepted.

[ArenaBoy]

I don't get why it makes some people ANGRY that certain people use Macs? It's like admitting to some horrible deed that should be kept quiet. Not everyone's a freakin tech genius who's into downloading nightly Linux distros.

It's a hilarious thing called elitism. A lot of computer nerds have this complex that they build their own computers or have a vast knowledge of computers they get this "I am the almighty computer god! No one dare question me! NO ONE!" Then they find out that there's people who you know prefer other computers and they start acting as if said computer stole the nerd's money and their SO in the process.

For all the "OMG DUM COMPUTOR PPL" stories on CS, you'd think that the idea of an easy to use operating system would be better accepted.

I can imagine the numerous brains exploding at that logic.

[FashionLad]

I just really hate the commercials that lie about PCs in general. They miss-use quotes as actual reviews when they're actually op-eds.

I also hate the perception that Apple has created about Windows machines saying they're insecure and blah blah blah. I hate the Apple Reps that tell me that since the Mac OS is based on a Unix OS, that is way more secure than Windows.

http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2008/03/28/mac_hack/

http://www.macworld.com/article/57616/2007/04/daizovi.html

http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=758

I aso hate the commercials that show Mac and PC holding hands because Mac makes it so easy for the two talk and you can ever run Windows on an Apple because Apple is so friendly. However, it's Apple not allowing their OS to run on any other type of machine.

With that being said, I do like Apple's hardware, it's sexy. I also like the Mac OS, it's so simple that I don't feel like I'm getting anything done. I just wish they'd be more upfront about their OS and not so much into bashing Windows. Microsoft did bail their asses out of financial troube back in the 90s. And a lot of software developed for Mac OS is actually developed by Microsoft.

My opinions on the subject.