Getting to grips with a new computer

I recently needed a new computer, and as with most things decided to a bit of research before choosing the best model for me.

After a few false starts I decided to wave PC’s goodbye and bought the basic Apple Mac desktop.

Much to my surprise - for my purposes- the Mac was actually cheaper than a PC once you vectored in the cost of essential software.

I am very pleased with the computer it is simply vastly better than a PC running the normal prince of darkness software supplied by Microsoft.

I don’t claim to be a computer expert- or nerd- and am entirely self taught- we did not use computers at all whilst I was any at school or doing my BA.

Life was simpler in those days with rain covered cobbles , pints of warm ale, black boards, IT meant photocopying! Cue the Hovis advert music!

The Mac just does what it says on the box- and in an easy/ quick/ slick way.

Apart from the word processing package- I reverted to Word for Mac- all the software was really good and easy to use.

I particularly like:

Safari- much better and quicker browser than Explorer

iphoto- very easy to use and to share pictures between applications.

Help- use it a lot and generally helpful and no sodding cartoon paperclip insight!

imail- better than outlook express

itunes- works very well and have treated myself to new ipod nano

iweb- Very easy even for a novice to make a website and as it comes with the computer it has saved me a lot of money!

Apple shop nerds- Included in the price you can visit the apple shops and a tame computer nerd will look at you with an expression which says”sad git” but will patiently explain and show you what to do. Vastly better than hanging on for what seems hours to be eventually put through to india as an expert talks you through deleting and reinstalling Windows when it doesn’t work and crashes if you breath heavily- happened to me!

No viruses- Apple computers don’t get them! Their operating system and built in firewall means safe cyber surfing!

I will repeat that No viruses- Apple computers don’t get them!

So no anti virus software or firewalls to install and keep updating- Thank you Norton! I once had to write off a computer due to viruses an expensive lesson!

I can’t imagine going back to a PC any time soon!

Oh its also a lot smaller and neater- not some vast ugly grey box with half a pond of multi coloured spaghetti hanging out of the back!

Getting to grips with a new computer

Wednesday, 18 July 2007