People who have used Mac OSX and Windows and Linux?

I have used all three, I would stick with Linux and become more seasoned with it.. You can run some Windows programs under Crossover/winehq but may not work perfectly and there is information on their databases on how well it runs..

PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support

Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..

Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn't as secure as you think..

Don't believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.

A number of PCs can also run OS X (Mac OS) http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=os+x+on+pc&bt... as well just that Apple makes it illegal in order to get Market share.. The reason why Mac can run native Windows is because it is using a subset of PC hardware,

If you decide to buy a Mac for running Windows, you will still have to get the same virus/spyware protection, and run into the same issues as a regular PC.

Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?

I say: NO... for the following reasons...

ADVANTAGES WINDOWS :

Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.

1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don't have a legitimate copy of Windows.

2) Supports more devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).

3) More business software/games

4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.

5) Used by businesses.

ADVANTAGES LINUX :

1) FREE (most versions are)

2) Install software by either 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)

2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gkX9HDfEE (there is no flickering when you use it like on the video, not sure why the person has the flicker)

3) Mac OS X Doc? google/yahoo Avant Window Navigator.Cairo Dock, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rf5q_cairo-dock...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hzi22g2DE

4) It is FASTER/MORE SECURE to surf on the internet

5) Some Windows programs work with Wnehq/Crossover (also avail on Mac, but why pay $$$)

Instructions how to download, burn and boot http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-u...

Dual Boot Instructions http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_...

SECURITY

Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008, and within 10 seconds in 2009. In 2008, Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux. In 2009 Windows 7 fell shortly after the Mac but Linux was unscathed.

Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.

Please Note: All OS's have vulnerabilities.

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X...

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/27/Gone-in-...

http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/19/Research...

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Iro...

VIRUSES

Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".

http://infosecurity.us/?p=4005

http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/m...

http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/poll...

QUALITY/PROBLEMS

Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.

Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10020263-17.html

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwin...

http://www.appledefects.com/

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-sy...

http://cybernetnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05...

Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.

With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.

IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.

PRICE

A similar equipped PC is much cheaper to purchase than Mac. Lets use Dell (but you can compare with another PC Brand if you like)

**(LAPTOP)

Dell Inspiron Laptop Starting Price: $500

Ending Price: $500

15" Screen

CPU: 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo [5% slower]

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD [Not as good/fine for general use[

Memory: 3GB DDR2 SDRAM [75% of ram)

Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (same)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx...

Cybperpower Notebook Xplorer X5-2900 Starting Price: $755

Ending Price After upgrades (not including 5% rebate): $860

15" Screen

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (+$100) [FASTER]

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9600-GT 512MB [MUCH FASTER/BETTER CARD]

Memory: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM [MORE MEMORY]

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (+$5) [LARGER HARD DRIVE]

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X5-2900...

Macbook Starting laptop Price: $1000

Ending Price After Upgrades: $1200

13" Screen (SMALLER)

CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SLOWER)

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9400 256MB

Memory: (upgrade to) 4GB DDR2 SDRAM (SAME)

Hard Drive (upgrade to) 320B Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC240LL/A?mco=...

**(DESKTOP)

PLEASE NOTE: I compare Apple Mac's vs Dells best deal. If you really want an all-in one the Dell all-in-one has more ram, wireless keyboard and mouse and equivalent to $400 for free making the Imac still more expensive when you matching specs. Personally I don't think the All-in-Ones are a good choice, and consider them overpriced, lack expandability and repairs both more expensive and require the entire computer.

PS: Apple knows that they need to make Macintosh look different than PC so all Macs except the Mac Pro will not have a tower option. Apple's low end lacks expandability but it makes the Mac "look different", if Mac had a tower for low-end, more people would realize the similarities between the two.

Dell: ($700)

CPU: 2.33 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: 4GB Ram

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 512MB

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx...

The Mac Mini since it has no monitor, keyboard, mouse, very skimpy on options and setup and is not the best deal... The IMac is better price than the Mac Mini.

IMac ($1300)

CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: (upgrade to) 4GB Ram (SAME)

HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 320 GB hard Drive (LESS HARD DRIVE)

OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)

GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (APPROX SAME BUT LESS MEMORY GAPHICS)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB417LL/A?mco=...

LINUX INFO:

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.ubuntu.com/

I've run all three and prefer Linux to Mac OS. However, as you say, there's a lack of support for commercial apps under Linux.

Mac OS is Unix-based. It's built upon BSD, which means that while I can use the terminal, some of the commands are just different enough to drive me nuts. For example, you have different switches for things like 'ps'.

The biggest drawback when it comes to Macs, IMO, is that they cost so much. You're paying a premium for the OS. However, I bought the base Mac Mini and upgraded it to 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive for less than $200.00. It still cost more than a comparable PC, but it's not a bad little machine. The hardware work was an ordeal - normally I can swap out RAM and HD in less than 10 minutes, but this took nearly an hour. But, like I said, it's a decent little machine.

I don't have any complaints with Vista. I have it running on three machines and quite like it. My Vista box is my main machine. In your case, if Vista isn't an option, I'd recommend getting a cheap Mac to allow you to run commercial apps.

Windows Vista

i have all three operating systems operating, and personally, i would stick with Ubuntu, ive used all three, and i find that ubuntu is the best. also, you can run photoshop and other windows software through wine, look it up in Add/Remove.

Also, with ubuntu, its a heck of alot cheaper and you have more control over everything (especailly if you become a more skilled used)

WHY LINUX IS BETTER

http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/

I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 7 Main Edition which is Ubuntu based. Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled

Linux Mint 7 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38

Linux Mint 7 User Guide

http://ftp.heanet.ie/pub/linuxmint.com/stable/7/us...

The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 7 (Gloria)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linu...

You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 7 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

Linux Mint 7 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive

CURRENT DISTROS.

Linux Mint 6 ext3 with Compiz 0.7.0

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=31

http://wiki.compiz-fusion.org/

Linux Mint 6 ext3 with Beryl 0.2.1

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=31

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl_(window_manager...

Linux Mint 7 ext3 with Beryl 0.2.1

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl_(window_manager...

CURRENT SESSION

Linux Mint 6 ext3 with Compiz 0.7.0

LUg.

yup I've run all three.

and I can say OSX is the best, by quite a wide margin,

although i still use Ubuntu 8.10, it's kinda cool..

Linux photoshop app = Gimp, free too..

good luck.

Bite the bullet and get a Mac. O' and while you getting yours can you see if they are having a 'Buy one Get one FREE' offer?

I would love one myself. If not I will settle for 10 Points.

PLEASEEEEE.!!