Macbook Pro running Parrallels. You get the best of both worlds.

Aloha,
Fred

You simply forgot to create an image backup of your hard drive buddy. Not a file and folder backup... a real sector by sector backup so in the event something goes wrong, you can revert to yesterdays backup or the one a few hours ago and run like new.

Few learned this lesson, in fact, I see so many daily that run into issues and a good majority are trying to fixup their PC or Mac and a good portion of these folks will abandon and actually buy a new PC because they thought the other one was no good.

I've used a PC since 1986, and I did run into issues quite often since then but always had a way to create a backup.

It amazes me how many folks think that the PC or Mac is the issue when in fact the problem is the person sitting in front of it...

Bernard

Mac or PC are not the only options, there is linux too.
Kubuntu | Friendly Computing

Try running the live CD for a day and see if you still get the freezes. If it does, its a hardware issue. If it doesn't install linux on your hard drive and use it.

Macbook is the best.

i have been using windows for more than 10 years but I switched to MacOSX 2 years ago and have no regret

Linux is a great alternative, but beware that you may run into some software issues with Linux. As far as your Mac vs PC debate, it sounds like some of the problems you are having may be self induced. Having 1 or even 2 virus scanners simply won't catch everything. When downloading files, make sure that they are from trusted sites. Like the poster above mentioned, creating regular backups is a great way to ensure that you don't lose everything when there is a problem. I would invest in a cheap external hard drive and make an ISO copy of all of your important documents. If you ever run into a situation where your computer won't boot correctly, there are several "Live USB Linux" installers that will allow you to still access and copy all of your files.

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I started using mac back in 2006 and I havent looked back since. I did use parallels on my system for awhile but have since removed it because why the hell do I want to use windows? It just plain sucks and thats the whole point of the switch to never touch windows again.

Basically if I cant us it on a mac, then I just wont use it. So far I have been able to run my offline marketing business without the use of a windows machine with no problems.

I had a Macbook Pro 2006 that is still running like a champ an just bought a new Macbook 11" air off of amazon which freaking Rocks!

One cool thing to remember is that if you buy it on Amazon then you wont have to pay tax on it in most states. That saved me $200 right off the bat. Also you can get a warranty from sqauretrade for less than the cost from apple or best buy.

Have you tried using system restore? Before you download any large files or make any major changes to your computer, you should create a restore point. Then if your computer starts acting up, you can revert to the store point and continue working.

Hi, Funnily enough I'm having a similar problem with my PC as-well, it keeps freezing at random times and is really frustrating especially when doing work.

Like yourself, I'm also thinking of switching to a Macbook Pro, as majority of the people don't have much issues with it. People seem to enjoy using a Mac

Thanks
Shimon

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PC is better compared to MAC

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MAc is like a graphical heaven
i love the graphics and display of MAC
i have switched to mac 1 year ago and i am very happy

I work on both systems - at first I used paralells to access my exe files - but now I just go to the PC to work with them

I do have to say, some programs, like Camtasia, just do not work with a MAC

I like different aspects of both, but as an internet marketer I find that I need both to work effectively.

Itdoes sound like you are downloading too many files - you are probably looking for the easy way to make money in IM marketing, but as most of us have found, itis just HARD WORK that will be the payday in this business.

Do not buy a new computer, just have your old one repaired and watch what you buy and download

No viruses? Stability? Forget the system and get to work?

Linux, amigo.

I suggest you Fedora (the best hardware performance I have experienced in Linux so far) or Mageia (a fork of Mandriva, people who don't update a software unless they are certain it doesn't fail).

Stay away from Ubuntu derivatives, imo.

I definately prefer PC to Mac.

But yeah, you should backup your PC every time you install/copy something really important to your hard disk.

I am all about linux and have been for 12 years... However you can definitely shoot yourself with any operating system. As the other posters said, you should be careful and back up your data.

If I were you, I would use whatever OS you are comfortable with, but then install Virtualbox. Then make an image with windows on it. Do your work in there. Use the snapshot feature to regularly roll back to a good snapshot (i.e. when you blow things up).

Now, to handle your files, it is good to use CVS (old), SVN (better) or Git or mercurial or some other "Revision Control System" to keep copies of your files as you make changes. I like to "commit" my changes so that I can retrieve old work and so that I can develop files on one system, and then roll it out to my production system.

Anyway, it will be a lot to learn, but you will be so glad that you did IMO.

Thank You all again. I just wanted to update that though I still haven't the slightest clue what caused the issue (though I suspect a recent download) I was able to establish a previous restore, and regained control of my Win7 PC.

After reading the above posts, I am definitely going to look into Linux, and exercise more caution in educating myself to prevent, locate, and remove unwanted issues. There also, I will NEVER go more then a week or two without backing up my files, and definitely, definitely planning on learning to create images and snapshots with VirtualBox. (Yes, I have a lot to learn!)

Not sure if this is much help to anyone, but if you live anywhere near a FullSail University, I found students often drop-out and sell their newly acquired tuition issued MacBook Pro's on Craigslist; fully loaded with CS5 Master Collection, iLife, iWork, and often have hard shell cases and accessories for sale cheap! (Like $1,000 cheap!)

Considering, I am self-taught as I am sure many here are; a MacBook with the entire Adobe CS5 Collection for a $1000 or less seems like a steal to me.

For the record, I still plan to get a Mac, looking into using Linux, and I'm keeping the Vaio PC as well, perhaps a year or two from now, I'll be worthy enough to give others advice on my experiences with all thee above.

Finally, haven't read into much yet, but the new Lion OS X for Mac is supposed to be offering some incredible 'cloud storage' built into the system, so I am curious to learn more on that as well.

I will be referring back to this post as time permits to absorb and exercise much of the great advice contributed, as it will take some time to explore.

Thanks Again Everyone!

Art

I would say mac getting mac would definitely help you but not the ultimate solution. You can try win7 troubleshooting options to get rid of few things you stated

Macs are good for media design IMO.

Windows is better for everything else.

So I use both. I have a 15" 2009 MBP mid-year and a Dell optiplex 455 with a Dell PowerEdge t110 server running a set of VMs. I just use my laptop or desktop to RDP into the server and I have access to just about every possible platform.

Why not Mac AND PC? Keep in mind, if you don't like widows, you can run Linux on your PC. LAMP Stack!

Mac if you can afford it, and if you have PC stuff you have to do run VMWare or parallels.

Signed,

An envious PC user

I'd go for Linux.
Been a user of it during the 60% of my programming days, until now.
You've got total control when you get used to it.
A project with such a large range of data must also took many back-up plans and security protocols.

We learn from experience. Hope you do.

I opt for PC. it is good for me

Well yes, Mac will relieve you from all these issues.

not at all...i will prefer PC..

i say that it depends on area and also depends on person choice. what's he like.

Of course MAC. You can take it any where you want, its so much user friendly, GOSH!

Id start with a mac then move to linux. Get a gentler introduction to concepts :-)

Mac is way better than PC

both, if you aint got the money overvisely PC, but Mac are the ultimate machines

Hi there,

I see that you have been having a good amount of computer-related
troubles. Let me shine some light upon this topic quickly: If you are going
to spend $1,800 on a computer, don't buy a Mac. For one, you can get
an even better computer and STILL SAVE MONEY. If you are looking to
find an alternative to Windows, you might as well go with Linux. It's Open-
source and highly secure (only if you update it and set up IPtables, etc).
With a Mac, you'll be throwing money away while getting less processing
power.

It's your call.

Your pc has a virus and from what you say it has to be a Trojan. I would recommend a really nice security system like kaspersky. Pick one up at amazon. It software will scan every file you download right after it is downloaded. And make sure you run daily scans(you can set it so it automatically does it.) Also use Google chrome it is a more secure web browser.

Now I am going to sound like an advert.

I am a PC ...

Lets just go with my PC is doing fine(my virus program says i have 6 mill+ plus files). You need to be some what pro active about it. Just a tad. It is like you saying i keep on getting robbed ... maybe you should lock your door?


Now macs. Macs are a great system I will be honest. The only reason why i did not buy a mac is because for the same price I got 2 more powerful laptops + 2 24inch monitors and a really nice wireless keyboard. PC is a much better deal. It is like picking a Porsche over a Ferrari.

I've never used a Mac, and have never had problems worth moaning about in the years I've used computers.

I started using a PC back in the late 80s so its been a long time without really serious issues.

Some of my associates carry on about converting to Mac, but I don't personally see any need to.

I've used a PC for most of my life. Windows has it's issues and truth be told, I like the Mac better (my bro is a convert). The only issue I have is the expense with having to deal w/ apple is something breaks.

It keeps freezing at random times, it is frustrating, especially in doing the work. Like yourself, I want to switch to a MacBook Pro, not for the masses with its many problems. People seem to enjoy using a Mac...

I always run two identical PCs in my home office. Each have dual 27" monitors. I have two desks so I can slide my chair back and forth. Plus, I have an older PC running Win7 now, which is a backup PC in the other room too.

Actually, this is a lot cheaper than it was several years ago. It pays to invest in your business. By having two workstations running, if I have a snag, I can use the other. Plus, PCs are cheaper. Just buy for $500 or so, use for a few years, then throw them away.

I also use Carbonite to autobackup all 3 PCs. I have a battery backup surge protector, plus a power conditioner on each. I run a Cat 5e highspeed internet to each. I don't like wireless connections, unless it's my laptop or ipad.

I thought running multiple PCs would be a time waster, but actually it's proven to be a life-saver, allowing me to get more done during my work day. I can always do software updates and such on one, while I'm working on the other. It really helps.

Limiting yourself to one computer is a really bad idea. Murphy's law remember.

I prefer MAC. Its so much convenient to use it, I mean you can use it so easily, anywhere & anytime.

I think that should be a PC

Hi Warriors, here's my two cent. First off please know I am not a fanboy of anything, I just love technology, I am MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) and I am ASP.NET/C sharp developer (Microsoft programming technology)..

but my main machine is Apple Macbook Pro (15 inches, Core i5)...

I have used many, many laptops, in the region of 30+, but nothing has been as solid and in extreme performance as the apple laptops I have owned.

The solid performance is due to the fact that apple build their own hardware and software, so one is made for the other, unlike HP making the hardware, and Microsoft making the software, you get the point. This is also the issue with android phones hardware/software issue, the fragmentation etc...

Get a macbook, you wont regret it. The display is amazing and a killer feature for me is the backlit keyboard, not very common in lots of machines. The trackpad is very nice, u wont get mac trackpad features on any laptop in the market, and the different gestures means u wont ever need an external mouse again...it'll boost your productivity

And because you can dual/triple boot with Windows/Linux makes it even more a no brainer machine to own, I still have my sweet windows 7 on a bootcamp for windows only software.

Hope you find this helpful in making your decision

I just got a Mac and believe me ,after you use a Mac , there is no way back.
I just love it. I decided to replace al my computer into Mac 's . No more normal PC for me

I prefer PC. Much easier to find software etc.

Linux is a great choice, but to pay attention, you may encounter some problems with Linux software. As for your Mac VS PC debate, it sounds like you have some problems may be self-induced. With 1 or type 2 virus scanner or simply catch everything.

A PC with Ubuntu/Linux installed and windows on a virtual machine for some windows applications that you can't let them behind... Take a look at Homepage | Ubuntu

Learning the lesson, in fact, I see so many every day, and a good run into the problem of the majority is trying to fix their PC or Mac, and a considerable portion of these people will give up, in fact, buy a new PC, because they think other is no good.