Microsoft to extend support for XP until April 2014

Apple

Well, that and almost every program I run on my PC doesn't even have a MAC version.

So, until MAC gets on the ball and does whatever it takes so all computer apps coming out are available in their format (when they often aren't at all, and when they are, its like two years later).. then its PC for me.

I use both Macs and PC - and given the choice I would use a Mac all the time. They are designed to do the things I do the most - word processing, graphics, and such. Though they are weakest in some of the more mathematical/scientific area, they also they have fewer problems with worms and infections. Certainly there are fewer games for Mac. PC users are getting more sensitive about sticking with their system - while Mac users are proseletyzing more about their system of choice. You use what works best for you. But many former PC devotees are giving up on Mr. Gates and going with Mr Jobs simply because the ease of use is dramatically clear.

Again, when they make the programs I actually use FOR a MAC, I'll get one.

I am not a graphic artist, or a person who mixes music. I do a little word processing, store some data, play games and cruise the internet.

There is at least one of those things that the MAC won't do. When it does, I'm more than willing to make the switch.

Both. There's many that never come out in MAC format. When they do, it is often years later.

For instance, they just had 'Open for Business' for Sims 2 released for Mac. This expansion came out in 2006.

Some games never do come out in that format.

I suppose this would not be the group to suggest using Linux?

Hey, don't pick on the penguin!

Actually, if this were a perfecter world the decider would be sure that our software of choice was Linux. Sadly, we are a flawed, sinful, and stiff-necked people, so the only change to be had is under our cushions. As it is, like our equally flawed political machine, our brains-in-a-box is also a two party debate. I am a binary mugwumo, using both systems. But I do prefer Apple every time I actually have a choice.

"Umm.. that was MH, not me, actually, Michele. "

Yeah, sometimes too much tax gets copied. It's very annoying. Usually I catch it but I missed it this time.

Macs are *nix. I'm reasonably happy with XP but Linux has some very well-developed capabilities if you ever want to go under the hood of an OS. Linux's web and server applications are very powerful, as are its many scientific applications.

"...why would I pay twice as much for an Apple.

Vista. ;-)"

That didn't seem to stop me from getting my Vaio (which I love, btw). Vista has only been a minor inconvenience for me. I was smart enough to get the second mg of ram. So, it doesn't usually get bogged down and the problems I have had with memory hogs (like ripping a CD), I've been able to get a workaround (using Real Audio instead of Windows Media). Someone like me who has been using PCs since the beginning of time, isn't going to be thrown by an OS like Vista.

"I suppose this is true but don't you find it galling to have to put in a second GB of RAM to do roughly the same stuff you did with a machine with maybe 512 MB and XP, or 256 MB and Windows 2000?"

Yeah I might if I thought about it :-) All I know is that this computer is much faster than my Toshiba and I pretty happy with it.