$'s Vs Viruses

topic posted Thu, April 30, 2009 - 2:48 PM by  offlineMia
Share/Save/Bookmark
Advertisement
Is there anyway that I can get a computer that I can afford (Mac's are too expensive) but won't get those damn trojans or viruses or get corrupted somehow? I don't mind corrupting myself but I can't have my comp trashed all the time.
posted by:
Mia
online Mia
New York
Advertisement
Advertisement
  • Re: $'s Vs Viruses

    Fri, May 1, 2009 - 3:47 AM
    The easiest route is to install Kubuntu 8.04 on a system, as in a PC you already own. www.kubuntu.org/getkubuntu/download I use 8.04 instead of 9.04 because I like KDE 3 better than KDE 4.

    FWIW, Kubuntu is a distribution of Linux. Linux has its roots in UNIX which makes it a cousin of OSX which is based on BSD which also has its roots in UNIX.

    You can run this distro as a live CD so you can try it before you install it. In between my Power Mac, Mac Book and Linux boxes, I haven't had a virus in years. I also haven't used windows in years. Hmmm.

    All the software I have ever needed comes with Linux- free. No cost.
  • Unsu...
     

    Re: $'s Vs Viruses

    Fri, May 1, 2009 - 3:49 AM
    Sometimes ya just gotta stretch, Mia. It may 'seem' more expensive (ok... it is), but damn, it's a fine piece of equipment. And what do they say? 'Buy quality. You'll only cry once.' Words to live by, perhaps. Good luck.
    • Re: $'s Vs Viruses

      Fri, May 1, 2009 - 7:19 AM
      These days a person might not have the ability to stretch, as everything is already stretched. So, if you already have a computer and need to reformat it anyway because it is a mess with viruses, why not take a shot with Linux? That would be a zero cost solution. A moderate cost solution would be to get something off of Craigslist. Just call Apple first to make sure it hasn't been reported stolen.
      • Re: $'s Vs Viruses

        Fri, May 1, 2009 - 7:54 AM
        craigslist? saxa
        wish i would have thought of that before...

        used apple: how does one go about checking working condition?
        hard drive, etc
        what if you buy a 'stolen' one, and did not know, and go to 'register' it
        serial number

        blue: what if reported stolen after you bought it...
        • Re: $'s Vs Viruses

          Fri, May 1, 2009 - 8:32 AM
          Anyone with a stolen Apple computer will report it immediately. You always must turn the thing on and look it over. Then, reformat and reinstall the OS and all the software.

          As with buying anything, you take a gamble. If it is too cheap or they need to ship it, it's a scam.
  • Re: $'s Vs Viruses

    Sat, May 2, 2009 - 1:40 PM
    Checkout Mac Mini. You can hook up any keyboard and VGA monitor to them. They rock. Refurbished macs are also a deal. Once you go Mac, you'll never go back.
  • Bob
    Bob
    offline 4

    Re: $'s Vs Viruses

    Sat, May 2, 2009 - 2:50 PM
    Don't forget, when you're comparing the price of "cheap" PCs to "expensive" macs, to factor in the time and money lost trying to protect the PC from various viruses and, it sounds like, in the end losing that battle. You spend money on Anti-Virus software, which then takes away capacity on your system since the A/V software needs CPU time and disk space, you lose your own personal time as your system bogs down, and your time or money spent cleaning it up regularly.
    All that is time and money you will not need to spend on mac. But you do pay a little more up front.

    It's just the PC industry taking advantage of your sticker shock up front, and then siphoning off your money long after your initial purchase.

    Definitely call your nearest Mac Store and ask about refurbs. Sounds like a mini would work great for you.

    • Re: $'s Vs Viruses

      Sat, May 2, 2009 - 2:59 PM
      What Bob said. My work requires that I must also have a Windows machine. It cost a third of Mac's price, but it had to be condomed up immediately, is unreliable and picky ~ and I never know when it's gonna run amok. It feels like driving a pinto getting ready to break down after driving a BMW.

      Macs just don't seem to break down. I've lost count of the number of PC's I've had since their inception from the DOS days .... my first Mac ... a 1999 Wallstreet is so sturdy, we sometimes play catch with it ... just 'cause. It's only flaw ... the OS is out of date for today's software and web.

      I'm looking at replacing my 5 year old MacBook Pro ... even tho' she's as sturdy as a horse ... and I think I'm gonna go with a Mac Mini, 22 inch monitor (any monitor works with a Mac Mini) .... and wireless keyboard ... all for $800 to $1000.

      Another thing: Apple's extended warranties rule.

Recent topics in "Apple Computer"