Too funny! And too true.
AnotherGuy | Email | Homepage | 10.01.06 - 2:14 pm | #

Thanks for reminding me why I use a Macintosh! We Mac users take quiet satisfaction in just using our computers to get work done, and we don't have to deal with all of the annoyances of Windows.

Doc, if you're using a PC, you really should switch to Mac. Macs really are better. My 'real' work is taking care of a bunch of Windows PCs for users, and it's amazing how fouled up they get. Right now we have one exec type who has installed various AOL garbage, screensavers, RealPlayer, etc, and now I'll need to rebuild his PC from scratch. I *never* have to do that on a Mac.
Garry K | Email | Homepage | 10.01.06 - 5:48 pm | #

I have to face MAC bigots on several other lists. Do I have to face them on this list too?

The real difference:

A MAC allows you to do only what it wants you to do the way it wants you to do it. You can't do stupid things even if you are as dumb as rocks. A MAC tries to protect you from yourself by restricting what you can do and how you can do it. Its all about power, control, and total domination of the user by the computer.

The PC lets you do anything you want, the way you want - even stupid things. A PC knows it can't protect you from yourself so it doesn't even try. Its about choice, freedom, and self responsibility.

If a MAC does what you want it to do the way you want to do it and you know you won't ever want to do anything else, buy a MAC. If you want to do something that has never been done before and are willing to work for it, buy a PC and program it yourself. Neither is better or worse than the other. They are simply different and used for different purposes.
A. Rational Human | Email | Homepage | 10.01.06 - 8:58 pm | #

[quote]buy a PC and program it yourself. [/quote]

I could probably build these, and other interesting error messages into my computer. I've even managed to bluescreen it once.
Aaron | Email | Homepage | 10.01.06 - 10:27 pm | #

Actually, if "A. Rational Human" were truly rational, he/she would use a Mac. Actually, you CAN do anything you want on a Mac. However, if malware tries to install itself, it can't unless it can supply the admin password. This is quite a bit different than in Windows XP and before where malware just installs itself. One especially egregious way this happens is when folks use Internet Explorer and its infamous "ActiveX" system where executables can run in web pages--you don't even have to download the software first!

Microsoft is trying to bar the door with the upcoming Vista, BTW. You better get used to having to supply the admin password for all sorts of stuff in Vista. (Nice to see Microsoft start trying to copy the Mac's security stuff--it's about time!)

And I'm not trying to be a "Mac troll," just trying to let some people know there really is a better system out there than Windows. As the Doc could relate, folks using Windows have to use denial to fool themselves into thinking their choice of Windows is better than the Mac, when it's not. Nobody likes to admit they made a mistake in picking a 2nd best operating system, I reckon.

BTW, I also do Linux, which is a fine computer server OS, but the desktop leaves a lot to be desired. Linux is definitely NOT for everyday, casual users.

Also, before you point it out, it is possible to "social engineer" a Mac user to get them to supply the admin password to install malware. It's just much harder than in Windows, since even if malware gets installed on a Mac it still doesn't usually get control over the entire system. Macs are based on UNIX, which is WAY more secure than anything from Microsoft!
Garry K | Email | Homepage | 10.01.06 - 11:41 pm | #

And a question for "A. Rational Human." you said, "The PC lets you do anything you want, the way you want - even stupid things."

Why would you want to do stupid things on your PC?

A. Rational Human also said, "A MAC allows you to do only what it wants you to do the way it wants you to do it. You can't do stupid things even if you are as dumb as rocks. A MAC tries to protect you from yourself by restricting what you can do and how you can do it."

Well, yeah, it's good to have the computer protect you from yourself, don't you think? Not to mention it's good to have the computer help protect you from all of the computer miscreants out there who are looking to crack into your computer, what with all of the email viruses, phishing attacks, etc.

And yes, I consider myself a computer "hacker" as a good guy. We use the term "cracker" to describe the bad guys who are trying to break into your computer.

Doc, do you think I need therapy for this: I like to read my computer server logs to laugh at the futile attempts crackers have made trying to break into my servers!
Garry K | Email | Homepage | 10.01.06 - 11:48 pm | #

For you MAC bigots who apparently can't read or refuse to understand what you do read, I repeat: "If a MAC does what you want it to do the way you want to do it and you know you won't ever want to do anything else, buy a MAC."

I wouldn't even think of trying to stop you. In fact I have frequently recommended to the technologically inert to do just that. A person who is as dumb as rocks can use a MAC so use one and shut up about it.

Alternatively: "If you want to do something that has never been done before and are willing to work for it, buy a PC and program it yourself"

This has been my choice for two decades. I have developed highly technical software for forty years on wide variety of computer systems. It was an informed choice.

I cannot do on a MAC what I can to on a PC. I have six patents with more pending to prove that it was something that had never been done before.

Again: "Neither is better or worse than the other. They are simply different and used for different purposes." Its simply a matter the tool should fit the task and not the other way around.

In the Church of The Glorious Apple, a MAC is a Sacred Tool. If you can't do it with a MAC, its prohibited for you to do it. You are forevermore to be considered an inferior being for having the audacity for thinking otherwise.

Bah ... rocks have more sense than that.
A. Rational Human | Email | Homepage | 10.02.06 - 1:26 am | #

Please guys. I use both. Can't we just get along?
Dr. Sanity | Email | Homepage | 10.02.06 - 6:36 am | #

Nope. Slay the computer heretics! :-P
Aaron | Email | Homepage | 10.02.06 - 8:53 am | #

Actually, "A. Rational Human," Macintosh is properly abbreviated as "Mac," not as "MAC" (which implies an acronym), not to mention you may be confusing the computer with its MAC address. You also said, "I cannot do on a MAC what I can to on a PC. I have six patents with more pending to prove that it was something that had never been done before."

Actually, anything you can code on a PC, you can code in Windows. Or Linux. Or Unix. Or OS/2. Or Applesoft Basic, even. Code is just series of ones and zeros when you get right down to it.

It's always amazing how the computer "majority" of Windows users always feel so threatened by us "minority" Mac users. Pity.

And Doc, I'm not really trying to start a computer flame war. But you have to admit it is a pleasant alternative over arguing over politics every day!
Garry K | Email | Homepage | 10.02.06 - 10:30 am | #

Hell, I thought A.RH was making an analogy. Mac's = Lefty/libs - PC's = Righty/conservatives.

Beyond that, I had no idea people were so damned defensive of their computer choices. Wow.

And further still beyond that, what the hell ever.

Whoof!
x | Email | Homepage | 10.02.06 - 11:10 am | #

I'm solidly in the "right-wing" camp since 9/11/06, but I still prefer a Mac. I use a Mac because I'm a *thinking* computer user, and I'm also a "right-winger" because I think through the modern day situation facing us.

Remember, the main reason cited by everyone who uses Windows is "everybody else uses Windows." That's like saying that all men should marry brunettes since brunettes are the majority of women.

Also, does anyone remember the Windows utility software that promised to fix "thousands of Windows problems"? Us Mac users commented, "who'd want to use an operating system that has thousands of problems!?"
Garry K | Email | Homepage | 10.02.06 - 1:38 pm | #

"Actually, anything you can code on a PC, you can code in Windows. Or Linux. Or Unix. Or OS/2. Or Applesoft Basic, even. Code is just series of ones and zeros when you get right down to it."

Not true. What you can accomplish with your code is also greatly dependent upon the details of the hardware, the operating system, and the development environment. Add to that the time and resources you can spend on the development effort. Software is not just a series of ones and zeros.

Again, a tool should match one's purpose. A MAC, along with all that implies, is simply not capable of meeting MY purpose. Especially not Applesoft Basic.

An ax is a very good tool but its not suitable for repairing watches or radios. The same goes for a MAC. Its a good tool but with its own set of limitations. Its not suitable for all possible applications.

If a MAC suits your purpose, use it. Just don't assume that doing so makes you a better person or that others are somehow inferior for not using one. Different people have different purposes and make different choices in meeting them. OK?
A. Rational Human | Email | Homepage | 10.02.06 - 3:33 pm | #

> Thanks for reminding me why I use a Macintosh! We Mac users take quiet satisfaction in just using our computers to get work done, and we don't have to deal with all of the annoyances of Windows.


BWAAAAhahahahahahaaaa.

Go do a search on "The Mac Killed My Inner Child".

I was a fan of the Mac in the 80s, when it was better than Windows -- it's not any more, and the disadvantages of Macs outweigh the advantages, not the least of which is that you have to either BE a mac expert to fix any of its minor but sometimes deadly problems OR you have to pay through the nose for someone who is.

If you've got Windows problems you may readily be able to get your problems fixed by your neighbor's 15yo -- for free.
Oh Bloody Hell | Email | Homepage | 10.02.06 - 11:33 pm | #

> It's always amazing how the computer "majority" of Windows users always feel so threatened by us "minority" Mac users. Pity.


LOL. We aren't threatened, we don't CARE about your Macs! So shut up already...!

You want to know why Macs don't rule? Simple -- one large hunk of Gallic Arrogance on Two Legs -- Jean Louis Gassee.

http://wired.com/wired/archive/5...1/ es_apple.html

Apple could -- and should -- have owned the PC market by 1990. They had two idiots, one the company president, one the head of technology & development -- neither of them had a clue.
Oh Bloody Hell | Email | Homepage | 10.02.06 - 11:40 pm | #

I think my favorite has to be the "Big Error" one, with three very appropriate buttons.
Oh Bloody Hell | Email | Homepage | 10.02.06 - 11:43 pm | #