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seun
08-16-2010, 12:29 PM
OK, I'm prepared to look really stupid with this question so here it is: if I remove Internet Explorer from my computer, will this have horrible consequences? I ask because I've been using Mozilla for ages and IE has just been sitting in the background doing nothing. It only dawned on me the other day I don't need it, so if I remove it, will I cock things up or free up some space?

petec
08-16-2010, 01:16 PM
It is very hard to remove IE safely.

Disable could be the way to go

THIS (http://www.techsupportalert.com/how_to_disable_internet_explorer.htm) may be of interest

Margarita Skies
08-16-2010, 02:50 PM
When IE7 gave me problems last year, all I did was switch to Firefox. I didn't mind having IE on the outside looking in. Now I have IE8 and so far it hasn't given me any problems. It's the only browser I have. I haven't even needed to download another one. :)

RJK
08-16-2010, 04:10 PM
When I was using Windows XP I switched from IE8 to Firefox. I found it to be faster and maybe a little more user friendly. Problem was, I got creamed with a Google redirect virus while using Firefox. I'm not saying it wouldn't have happened in IE8, but it did happen while using Firefox. Yes, I had up to date Anti virus software running.

Nothing I tried got rid of the Trojan. I ended up buying Windows 7 and doing a clean install, wiping the hard drive. When running Windows 7, IE8 runs in its own sandbox that keeps it isolated from the rest of the computer. The other browsers don't. For safety's sake, I'm sticking with IE8.

seun
08-16-2010, 04:37 PM
Thanks for the help, all. I could try disabling it but I suppose if it's better to keep it, I should.

cbenoi1
08-16-2010, 06:07 PM
Other Microsoft applications such as Office expect IE to be present. It's an eight-headed beast you can't kill. But you can remove the icon from the desktop and replace it with any old browser you like.

-cb

BenPanced
08-16-2010, 06:56 PM
Funny, I'm running Office without IE and I haven't had any issues. Then again, I use a Mac and Microsquash killed IE for Mac at 5.0.

seun
08-16-2010, 07:16 PM
It may end up being a moot point. I'm about a second away from throwing this computer in the bin and buying a new one. Can't afford it but this thing is such a chunk of shit, I'm almost beyond caring.

Adam
08-16-2010, 07:17 PM
Meh, just keep it (IE I mean). Never know when you may need a spare browser. ;)

Margarita Skies
08-16-2010, 07:23 PM
When running Windows 7, IE8 runs in its own sandbox that keeps it isolated from the rest of the computer. The other browsers don't. For safety's sake, I'm sticking with IE8.


I didn't know any of this! Thanks so much! :)

benbradley
08-16-2010, 07:28 PM
I'm running XP, Microsoft Update appears to use IE for loading security patches. Other than that I rarely use it, and when I do I cringe launching it.

kuwisdelu
08-16-2010, 08:19 PM
Internet Explorer is too deeply tied into Windows to remove without screwing up your system. At least it was in XP and prior. I have no idea if Vista or 7 did anything to fix that. Just leave it alone, out of sight, and out of mind, and keep using whatever other browser you prefer.

petec
08-16-2010, 10:04 PM
wot kuwisdelu sed

Sophia
08-16-2010, 11:20 PM
I was hoping there was a simple answer to this, too. :) When I got a desktop back in 1998, the very first thing I did was uninstall IE. Everything messed up; IE seemed to be linked to Windows Explorer somehow, as kuwisdelu said. Fortunately for me, there was a Win XP installation disk in the box!

Shadow_Ferret
08-16-2010, 11:34 PM
Not sure why you want to delete it. I have 5 browers on my computer. Never know when one might work better than another.

I only use IE for those sites that complain about the other browsers.

Jamesaritchie
08-17-2010, 01:49 AM
I used Firefox for years, but much to my surprise, IE woprks better on my Windows 7, and is probably twice as fast as Firefox. Lot of neat, new, and very useful addons, as well. In short, I switched back, and now can't stand Firefox.

seun
08-17-2010, 12:24 PM
Not sure why you want to delete it. I have 5 browers on my computer. Never know when one might work better than another.


Just to free up some memory. My computer is slower than hell so I'm looking at deleting anything I can. Or simply chucking it and getting a new one. By the sounds of it, I should just leave IE as it is.

kuwisdelu
08-17-2010, 09:05 PM
Just to free up some memory. My computer is slower than hell so I'm looking at deleting anything I can. Or simply chucking it and getting a new one. By the sounds of it, I should just leave IE as it is.

IE isn't that big. Deleting it won't help too much disk space wise (I assume that's what you meant by "memory"; memory usually refers to RAM), but it'll hurt lots of other things.

You could always upgrade your hard drive if you don't want to get a new computer yet. And upgrade the RAM while you're at it, for some added snappiness.

Medievalist
08-17-2010, 09:19 PM
Just to free up some memory. My computer is slower than hell so I'm looking at deleting anything I can. Or simply chucking it and getting a new one. By the sounds of it, I should just leave IE as it is.

What OS and how much RAM have you got? RAM is about the cheapest and often, the most efficient upgrade. I'd suggest installing as much as possible.

What size drive and how much free space have you got?

Are you running any toolbars for your browser that you downloaded and added?

Lhun
08-17-2010, 09:57 PM
Just to free up some memory. My computer is slower than hell so I'm looking at deleting anything I can. Or simply chucking it and getting a new one. By the sounds of it, I should just leave IE as it is.Ie, or any other Windows component, doesn't really take up much space on the hard drive. Pretty much the only kind of large data is optical, i.e. pictures, or things that contain pictures (from videos to games). Even Audio data doesn't take a lot of space unless uncompressed. (Of course, having thousands of mp3s can make for the small size by sheer numbers)

Anyway, there's no real reason to try and delete IE. Just block it in the firewall to feel safe, and ingore it from then on.

benbradley
08-17-2010, 10:59 PM
And having a full or nearly full hard disk doesn't slow down a computer. What slows it down is a lot of installed programs where many of them load these "quick start" things (essentially a large part of the program) into RAM at boot time. Each one takes up "just a little" RAM and processor time (they ping/"phone home" looking for updates), but they all add up into a mess. Even then, it's often just one, maybe two things sucking CPU cycles, and if they're at low priority it's not noticeable. But running out of RAM is Very Noticeable, as it starts to store parts of "RAM" on disk, and that's where things turn to molasses.

When suspecting something is wrong I run Task MAnager (ctrl-alt-delete), enable the CPU Time column and look to see what memory is left. I've mainly had problems when using the Windows search tool, especially when searching for "A word or phrase in the file." Dunno how Microsoft screwed that one up, the command-line utilities for MSDOS and *nix work just fine.

seun
08-18-2010, 01:29 PM
Thanks for the extra info, people. Glad I checked before taking IE off.

I'd have to double check but based on looking into it a few months ago, I have about 250GB of RAM (Windows XP) at the moment. I bought my computer in 2004 and have never added any memory to it. Most of this stuff is Greek to me if I'm honest. Although saying that, I did go through the things that runs on start up and took off what I didn't need which helped a bit.

petec
08-18-2010, 02:43 PM
I have about 250GB of RAM (Windows XP) at the moment.

??

THIS (http://www.pcworld.com/article/129177/how_to_upgrade_your_pcs_ram.html)may be of some help about upgrading RAM. It is a lot cheaper (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/r/ram/0_0_0/)than replacing your computer.

Lhun
08-18-2010, 04:12 PM
I'd have to double check but based on looking into it a few months ago, I have about 250GB of RAM (Windows XP) at the moment.No you don't. You might have 250 gig hard drive space.
I bought my computer in 2004 and have never added any memory to it. Most of this stuff is Greek to me if I'm honest. Although saying that, I did go through the things that runs on start up and took off what I didn't need which helped a bit.Do you have any friends who can take a look? It's a little hard to walk someone through this on a forum. But you could start by activating the task manager and posting a screenshot of the "processes" tab so we can get a look at it.

KTC
08-18-2010, 04:21 PM
It may end up being a moot point. I'm about a second away from throwing this computer in the bin and buying a new one. Can't afford it but this thing is such a chunk of shit, I'm almost beyond caring.

i saw your other thread about wault.exe or whatever it is. i am having ALL the same issues with my laptop that you seem to be having. i almost punched it in the screen the other day. the lag and the wait and the fucking ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! honestly...it feels like you're posting for me. i feel your pain. i too use firefox. i hate what is happening with my laptop...and it sounds like we are having the EXACT same issues.

JimmyB27
08-18-2010, 04:27 PM
I have about 250GB of RAM (Windows XP) at the moment.

Most of this stuff is Greek to me if I'm honest.
We can tell ;)

You have a 250Gb hard drive - that's not the same as RAM at all. Ten grand's worth of top end server will probably have, at most, 64, maybe 128Gb RAM ;)
2004? Hm...you're probably sub 1Gb, at a guess. If you hit the start button and right-click on 'My computer' and then select 'Properties', you'll find your RAM there.
If you go here (http://www.kingston.com/ukroot/), they have a search function by manufacturer and model, so you can easily get the right RAM for your exact machine.

seun
08-18-2010, 04:44 PM
i saw your other thread about wault.exe or whatever it is. i am having ALL the same issues with my laptop that you seem to be having. i almost punched it in the screen the other day. the lag and the wait and the fucking ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! honestly...it feels like you're posting for me. i feel your pain. i too use firefox. i hate what is happening with my laptop...and it sounds like we are having the EXACT same issues.

I feel you, brother. Computers are evil bastards.

As for my RAM, I'm sure I did the right click thing and Properties to get that 250GB (or is it MB? Fecked if I know, anymore). Let me check when I get home tonight and I'll let you know.

Medievalist
08-18-2010, 04:57 PM
And having a full or nearly full hard disk doesn't slow down a computer..

Sure it does. Think about swap files. If the OS can't find enough contiguous free space it engages in constant seek behavior. An end-user will often notice slow Web browsing as a result. If a user also has insufficient RAM in a computer it becomes even more of an issue.

The OS is constantly reading and writing to the drive.

seun
08-18-2010, 05:07 PM
Sure it does. Think about swap files. If the OS can't find enough contiguous free space it engages in constant seek behavior. An end-user will often notice slow Web browsing as a result. If a user also has insufficient RAM in a computer it becomes even more of an issue.

The OS is constantly reading and writing to the drive.

Uh...what?

JimmyB27
08-18-2010, 05:08 PM
Uh...what?
Full hard drive = slow computer.

seun
08-18-2010, 05:15 PM
Ah, I see. Now I'm off to read this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Computers-Seniors-Dummies-Nancy-Muir/dp/0470534834/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282135521&sr=1-1

Adam
08-18-2010, 07:46 PM
The bits you're getting mixed up are often mixed up. :)

The 250GB refers to your hard drive space, and is where all your software, music, pictures etc. are stored. When full, it can slow things down, because some software needs extra space to juggle things around while you use it.

The memory most people are referring to in this thread is RAM, which is a different thing, but is a more common cause of slowdown. Like JimmyB27 said, you need to go to My Computer, then Properties. The amount will be there.

RAM can be upgraded easily, as it's what's known as "plug and play," meaning there's no fancy set up. Once you've worked out what kind is required, it's simple to fit, but does mean opening the PC. If you're not sure of your ability, it may be best (though pricier) to take it in to a shop. :)

Hope that helped clear it up a bit.

seun
08-18-2010, 10:45 PM
OK, people. If I do the right click, properties deal, my RAM comes up at...

248MB.

I'm guessing that's unusually low.

kuwisdelu
08-18-2010, 11:03 PM
OK, people. If I do the right click, properties deal, my RAM comes up at...

248MB.

I'm guessing that's unusually low.

In a laptop or desktop in 2010? Yeah. On the other hand, you're on par with the iPad or a year-old iPhone. ;)

Upgrading to 2GB or 4GB of RAM will really give you a boost in performance.

If you were in an office, think of RAM (memory) as your desk space and your hard drive as your filing drawers. The more RAM you have, the more information your computer can have ready at once, just like you can spread out more papers across a bigger desk. But if you don't have much RAM, like now, then you'll have to move files between RAM and your disk (from your desk space to your filing drawers and back again) more often, which is much slower than if you could just have everything you need out on your desk (in RAM).

Upgrading your RAM is one of the easiest upgrades to do on your own. But for you, I'd suggest taking it into a shop or something.

Margarita Skies
08-18-2010, 11:03 PM
Yes, it is low. My previous laptop had 512 MB of RAM and it was slower than a turtle.

Medievalist
08-18-2010, 11:07 PM
OK, people. If I do the right click, properties deal, my RAM comes up at...

248MB.

I'm guessing that's unusually low.

That's not a "normal" number. I'm not saying it isn't possible, but it is not typical. I'd expect 256.

You might want to look up the model and make of your computer and see if it is indeed possible to have 248 MB--I'm wondering if you not only have low RAM (and that is very low) but if in fact you have a bad RAM chip (technically called a SIMM).

Get more RAM. The more, the better. Either got to a local store with a good reputation, or make sure you are buying the RAM from someone who sells it with a lifetime warranty.

Medievalist
08-18-2010, 11:15 PM
Uh...what?

RAM is memory contained in chips. It is used by the computer the way you use your own memory for a specific task at hand, say, writing a grocery list. You are mostly working in the front part of your brain, processing/thinking about the things to put on your list.

The hard drive is the computer's equivalent of your long-term memory. When you try to remember what you did the day before, or the plot of a novel you read a few years ago, you're using long term memory.

Swap files, or temp files, are files that the computer uses when it doesn't have enough space in RAM for a particular task. In those instances (and for a few other reasons) the computer will temporarily (temp files) stash information in a file on the hard drive. Those files are generally only used while a particular task is being worked on. Swap files are files that are used specifically as a substitute for RAM, and they can be quite large depending on what you are doing.

It is much slower to write information to a drive, and then have to locate it and read that information, than it is to write to and read from RAM.

seun
08-18-2010, 11:21 PM
Told you it was slow, didn't I? :D

I ran a scan earlier which said I could add 512MB and that was all. I think it might be worth my while forking out for a new computer. This thing has other glitches and while more RAM will help, I don't want to end up having the same problems at some point in the future.

kuwisdelu
08-18-2010, 11:36 PM
Told you it was slow, didn't I? :D

I ran a scan earlier which said I could add 512MB and that was all. I think it might be worth my while forking out for a new computer. This thing has other glitches and while more RAM will help, I don't want to end up having the same problems at some point in the future.

Six years is a pretty good life. Retire that puppy.

Medievalist
08-19-2010, 12:00 AM
Told you it was slow, didn't I? :D

I ran a scan earlier which said I could add 512MB and that was all. I think it might be worth my while forking out for a new computer. This thing has other glitches and while more RAM will help, I don't want to end up having the same problems at some point in the future.

If you can do it, I would buy a new computer.

And if you're as uncomfortable with technology as you seem to be, I'd suggest at least considering buying a Mac.

It isn't for everyone. You will have to replace some software.

But it might work well for you.

seun
08-19-2010, 12:10 AM
If you can do it, I would buy a new computer.

And if you're as uncomfortable with technology as you seem to be, I'd suggest at least considering buying a Mac.


The Undiscovered Country...:)

Lhun
08-19-2010, 12:22 AM
Yep, for someone not knowledgeable about computers at all, i'd also recommend a Mac as easier to use.
Of course, expect to pay at least 50% more to get the same performance as you'd get out of an IBM compatible.

kuwisdelu
08-19-2010, 12:31 AM
Yep, for someone not knowledgeable about computers at all, i'd also recommend a Mac as easier to use.
Of course, expect to pay at least 50% more to get the same performance as you'd get out of an IBM compatible.

And 90% less on maintenance over the years.

Also, while less bang for the buck, the build quality is excellent.

JimmyB27
08-19-2010, 03:05 AM
Upgrading to 2GB or 4GB of RAM will really give you a boost in performance.

I believe that any 32-bit OS can't cope with more than 3Gb. I forget the exact limitations, but there are certainly Windows editions that can't run more than 3Gb. So, four may be a waste.
That's not a "normal" number. I'm not saying it isn't possible, but it is not typical. I'd expect 256.
I also seem to recall that certain Windows editions report the usable RAM - after the OS has taken its chunk? I might be mistaken though.

Six years is a pretty good life. Retire that puppy.
IAWT.

Lhun
08-19-2010, 04:35 AM
And 90% less on maintenance over the years.Nah, that's just a silly Myth.Also, while less bang for the buck, the build quality is excellent.Sure, but what quality you get in an IBM PC depends on who you buy from. Unlike the Mac model, there's more than one vendor for IBM PCs.

Lhun
08-19-2010, 04:45 AM
I believe that any 32-bit OS can't cope with more than 3Gb.4 actually, but that's for all RAM (including the one on the ViCa for example) so the shown total will boil down to 3.something
Just installing 4 is most efficient. Using three 1Gig sticks and one with 512 might be closer to the actual needed number, but you'd save maybe 20 bucks and invite potential problems. Much easier to just use 4 Gig.
I also seem to recall that certain Windows editions report the usable RAM - after the OS has taken its chunk? I might be mistaken though.If you press the windows + break keys, you'll get the system window where you can check physical ram and other specifications, if you want to see all components check the device manager (accessible from the above).
If you check the task manager, either by right-clicking taskbar and selecting "start task manager" or by pressing ctrl + alt + delete and selecting the same, you can check the currently used memory and currently free memory in the "performance" tab. You can also see how much memory is being used by which process in the "processes" tab.

Medievalist
08-19-2010, 05:21 AM
Nah, that's just a silly Myth.Sure, but what quality you get in an IBM PC depends on who you buy from. Unlike the Mac model, there's more than one vendor for IBM PCs.

Not so much, actually.

http://www.tuaw.com/2010/03/15/it-pros-macs-cost-less-to-manage-than-pcs/

It does seem to be true, still.

Lhun
08-19-2010, 06:33 AM
Not so much, actually.

http://www.tuaw.com/2010/03/15/it-pros-macs-cost-less-to-manage-than-pcs/

It does seem to be true, still.In a corporate environment, of course (Or at least often. And the article doesn't mention how much cheaper it is) 90% of maintenance problems are caused by the users themselves. Most of those though are completely avoidable by someone being even a little bit computer literate. Not to mention that many IT departments actually increase the costs, because users aren't allowed to fix problems themselves which they could fix, but have to open a ticket with the helpdesk. It's sensible of course, since you can't verify which users are to be trusted with admin privileges, it's better to have IT handle everything than let users fix minor problems themselves but risk a few major fuckups by allowing the incompetent to do so.

Private computers however don't work with those considerations. Not to mention that costs for consumers are significantly different from costs for corporate users. Apple software for example is priced competitively for corporate purchasers. Just not for consumers, they know those are willing to pay whatever they're asked.

Addendum: Not surpirisingly though, since it's an Apple blog, the authors has no clue whatsoever about IBM hardware. "Even the cheapest Mac mini would be a more than capable replacement for a $400 Dell or HP computer." is utter bullshit. I checked up on the MacMini specs since it seemed suspicious on the first read, and if you're paying anything more than 200$ for an IBM PC with specs like that, you're getting robbed. Hell you get a comparable custom machine for about 250$

kuwisdelu
08-19-2010, 06:49 AM
Apple software for example is priced competitively for corporate purchasers. Just not for consumers, they know those are willing to pay whatever they're asked.

Huh? Apple's software tends to be less than half the cost of Microsofts. Snow Leopard is $29. How much was Win 7 Ultimate again?

Matera the Mad
08-19-2010, 06:50 AM
You can get an easy-peasy writing and e-mailing machine for under $500. What more do most people really need? Go shopping and back up all your docs and pics on CDs. Read up a little, find out just a teeny bit about what's going on in there.

And don't go on line without a firewall and antivirus. You will undoubtedly have to uninstall a trial version of Norton or McAfee and install some good free AV -- but use the crapware until you have the chosen replacement downloaded and ready to install.

Lhun
08-19-2010, 06:51 AM
Huh? Apple's software tends to be less than half the cost of Microsofts. Snow Leopard is $29. How much was Win 7 Ultimate again?I'll tell as soon as you can me tell a reason why anyone except a professional programmer would ever need Ultimate edition.

Personally, i didn't pay a single dime for my windows 7. MS gives it away for free to students.

kuwisdelu
08-19-2010, 06:54 AM
Personally, i didn't pay a single dime for my windows 7. MS gives it away for free to students.

That's great for you. My university charges $90 for it. And that's only if it's an upgrade from an existing Windows system.

Lhun
08-19-2010, 07:13 AM
That's great for you. My university charges $90 for it. And that's only if it's an upgrade from an existing Windows system.Should be cheaper on amazon.

JimmyB27
08-19-2010, 01:31 PM
Oh don't let's get into a Mac vs PC fight.

Some people like one, others like the other. It would be a dull place indeed if we were all the same.

Aservan
08-24-2010, 06:23 AM
Mac vs. PC is an argument that will never end. Both have advantages. I'm the IT guy for a major University's Life Sciences. If you want power, both Mac and MS Windows blow monkey chunks. Nearly any version of Linux will be superior in terms of performance.

Unless any of you are comparing millions of genetic sequences, none of you need that kind of power. Mac or Windows will be just fine.

And no 256 GB of RAM is not ten grand. Close enough, though. The money isn't the hard part. The hardest part is keeping the scientists from offing one another to get more time on those nodes. That and keeping so much memory cool.

Windows Pros
Ubiquity: It is simple to find someone who knows the basics of Windows. Nearly all commercial software has a Windows version. If you have a need then there is a piece of Windows software that will try to help you. You may end up hiring three people to run it though (see MS Exchange). Still, there are a few things that only run on PC. Mac folks need to keep this in mind.
Games: This is an extension of Ubiquity, but worth noting. Mac has a really crappy game selection. Starcraft 2 isn't bad as a consolation prize, though.
Cheaper: Apple uses decent hardware and a PC with truly compatible hardware (You can't just look at the major numbers to gauge a system's performance) will cost nearly the same, but not everyone needs that kind of performance. If all you do is Word and Web then you don't need impressive hardware. An $800 machine will do.*
My Job Security: As long as Windows is the dominant OS I will be paid by some schmuck, I mean client to fix issues that didn't need to exist if common sense were common.

Mac Pros
No Registry: Remember Tron? The whole premise of the movie is that a master control program is a bad idea. Well, Microsoft builds one into every edition of Windows. It is the single point of failure that causes me no end of Malware headaches. No registry means that files can be swapped out as needed. Corrupted or infected file? Whatever. On a Mac you can replace it without having to hunt for a line in the registry to correct. You can even reinstall the entire system without touching the other files.
Cutting Edge: Look at Win 7. It looks like OS X, only the Windows folks got it a decade late.
Lighter Hardware Requirements: OS X is more efficient then Win 7 in most respects. You don't need super powerful hardware to run it. It's still nice to have, but it's not required. That means your computer can remain relevant longer. A Mac laptop can expect to remain fast enough well into its fifth year. You're lucky if your Windows laptop makes it past four before you curse its slowness.
No NTFS: Now we are really getting into the geek-speak. Here's the lowdown. Every computer uses a language to record your data to the hard drive. This is called the file system. The best file systems (ZFS, HFS+, etc.) have really nifty features to not only protect your data, but are really dang fast. Old file systems (NTFS, FAT32) don't have these things. Journalling is how librarians and File System programmers get paid. We all want to search our computers as fast as Google can search the entire web. On a Mac each time you write a file the system goes through the file and makes a note of the important bits. That's the journal. When you search for a file the system opens the journal and looks for what you want. Windows can't do this. Each time you save a file it just writes down the file itself. Windows has to make its journal after the fact. In theory it uses your system's idle cycles to do this. Ever notice that when you come back from a bathroom break your computer takes a bit to get going, or at certain times of the day things just really crawl? That's Windows desperately trying to make a journal. It wastes a lot of time doing this. Worse it wears your hardware down just a little faster, because it's doing just that much more unnecessary work.

Here's my IT advice. It's worth what you paid for it. If your computer is more then five years old, don't try and fix it. It's like trying to fix a twelve year old car. You will save yourself money and stress by getting a new(er) one. Don't throw good money after bad. Your time and health do have a monetary value.


*Don't buy cheaper then this. Most of those "$300 deals" you see are caveat emptor. You pay for what you get. That cheap ass hardware is cheap ass hardware that the Manufacturer wants out of the warehouse to make room for real stuff, or utter crud made with substandard parts. Netbooks and iPads are excluded. They aren't meant for the same stuff.

kuwisdelu
08-24-2010, 06:58 AM
^^^what that dude said.

ETA: Speaking of those powerful Linux machines, I'll add one more pro for Mac: quick, easy, native support for SSH-ing into those powerful Linux machines when doing work remotely. Yeah, you can do it on Windows, too, but it takes 3rd party software and it's not UNIX.

(Just got back from my Computational Stats class — the Windows instructions looked a pain when I could fire up Terminal and type one line in my OS X and Ubuntu installs. Most students looked kind of clueless. I have no idea why we didn't just go to a Linux lab instead of a Windows one.)

/off-topic

Tirjasdyn
08-24-2010, 10:21 AM
^^^what that dude said.

ETA: Speaking of those powerful Linux machines, I'll add one more pro for Mac: quick, easy, native support for SSH-ing into those powerful Linux machines when doing work remotely. Yeah, you can do it on Windows, too, but it takes 3rd party software and it's not UNIX.

(Just got back from my Computational Stats class — the Windows instructions looked a pain when I could fire up Terminal and type one line in my OS X and Ubuntu installs. Most students looked kind of clueless. I have no idea why we didn't just go to a Linux lab instead of a Windows one.)

/off-topic

Because there are times when you will be forced to do it via Windows...so it helps to know.

I'll disagree with you on the hardware...Ram wise Mac's still need a lot for graphics and 3d content. But the major software is buggy on both Mac's and Window's PCs any.

Safari is okay for most things but there are a lot of content creation sites (Constant Contact for one) which will kick you off if you try to login with Safari. Made my job a pain because Firefox is slow on Mac, though it's gotten a bit better on 3.6. Got to the point where I'd just dump the files to a USB and wait till I got home to upload them, cause the work Windows Computer was a barebones system just for testing on Windows versions of browsers. It happens on Chrome for both the PC and Mac.

My take on IE: make sure 8 is installed and then ignore it. Set something else as default, Firefox, Chrome, whatever.