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Risici.8925
Member |
Posted On: 02/13/2013 at 09:54 AM
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I have 2 windows desktops that I've been unable to fix. A new windows laptop (HP) that I just spent a couple days fixing. Think I may be ready for a mac. Since 98, I cant even remember how many windows computers have gone out. Unless there is one out there that doesnt go nutso after a few months-a year... anyone know of a good Mac I should get that isn't $2k? and if so, how OK is it to get an older version. Sheesh those things are costly!!
Member Response:
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Foghladha.2506
Site Admin of Gaiscioch na Rall |
Replied On: 02/13/2013 at 10:07 AM
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not sure what your doing to your poor pc's. I replace mine every 3-5 years. Best way to keep your systems happy is to run some good virus and malware protection. My suggestions:
Avast - http://www.avast.com/
MalwareBytes - http://www.malwarebytes.org/ - $24 24/7 protection
I've used both of these for the past 8+ years and have only had 1 problem in that time. I have them installed on all 9 machines at my house. Avast is free, the basic version of Malwarebytes is free but it only cleans after you've been infected. I highly recommend the 24$ version as it protects your sys 24/7. It's also a 1 time fee.
As an additional note, I work in IT and my entire magazine & sales team uses macs. I can tell you their cost to maintain it 5x what our developers pc costs are. When something breaks on a mac it gets expensive quick.
» Edited on: 2013-02-13 10:09:33
Benjamin Foghladha
Community Manager, SanctumofRall.com
Founder and Activities Director, The Gaiscioch Family [GSCH]
By: |
Risici.8925
Member |
Replied On: 02/13/2013 at 10:10 AM
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Thanks! I actually run both Avast and MB.
By: |
Risici.8925
Member |
Replied On: 02/13/2013 at 10:32 AM
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that was one of my main concerns. I'd read that you hardly ever have to fix a mac but that was within random reviews here and there.
computers here are just used for regular web usage and some gaming. This laptop .. not sure what happened to it - everything? S.L.O.W. but ok now. MB and Avast didnt pick up anything so I just did a thousand fixes that were recommended and eventually one or some of them worked. Just dont care for the headaches.
thanks again
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Foghladha.2506
Site Admin of Gaiscioch na Rall |
Replied On: 02/13/2013 at 11:45 AM
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Also make sure to keep flash, acrobat and java at the latest version. Hackers lover to exploit their vulnerabilities because they are so widely used. I also suggest using Google Chrome. It has built in malware detection that ill often times warn you before you ever visit a site with malicious code on it. Hell just this week the LA Times found malware on their site that had been distributed since christmas. You don't have to surf porn these days to get a virus or malware. Even reading the news is a way to get it.
Benjamin Foghladha
Community Manager, SanctumofRall.com
Founder and Activities Director, The Gaiscioch Family [GSCH]
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Risici.8925
Member |
Replied On: 02/13/2013 at 01:43 PM
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Great tips, thanks so much!
I use Mozilla, but will def. give Chrome a spin.
I'm a girl, so porn is not an issue (though I know some go that way). haha sorry, made me laugh reading that..
this was another issue that led me to believe that mac would be better. I read that you dont have to worry much about the viruses or malware.
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xXHexagonXx.9257
Member of Pain Train Choo |
Replied On: 02/13/2013 at 02:32 PM
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I am partial to Mac but I generally bootcamp into windows to run any games... but I keep the windows partition very lean... and I can always blow it away and recreate should it become corrupt.
As a side note: I use Mac cause I edit photos and video shot in my wife and my wedding photography business. I don't think I would use them as a gaming platform if not for that, and I am constantly tempted to just build a gaming rig so I don't have to restart my Mac to play games.
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Fideli Certa Merces | Guardian [Choo]
By: |
Risici.8925
Member |
Replied On: 02/13/2013 at 02:35 PM
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i built my desktop, but I'd rather just buy a laptop.. I dont think I could pull that off building one. Looks like a Mac is a no go as far as gaming. Would anyone here recommend a windows laptop?
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BrightBlade.4580
Member of Gaiscioch na Rall |
Replied On: 02/13/2013 at 02:53 PM
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I have both mac and pc. I use a iMac 27 for artwork, 3D modeling and my pictures.
Mac cost a lot of money to repair as Fog said. Unless your willing to crack open the case and fix it yourself.
I build a new gaming rig every three years to four years depending on what I'm playing.
One thing I do recommend if you have a desktop, spent some extra cash and get the best video care you can afford.
Before I buy a video card I go here http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/
If you looking to build a gaming machine and never have. Check out Maximum PC they have great how to's. http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/build_perfect_pc_stepbystep_illustrated_howto_guide
If your running XP. I do recommend switching to Windows 7 or 8, better performance and less bsod issues.
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Risici.8925
Member |
Replied On: 02/13/2013 at 03:00 PM
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Thanks!
I have a mac and have always used macs until Guildwars 2 - Now I have both. If you maintain your mac with upgrades and all, they can last a long time. My 2 laptops both lasted about 8 years a piece. Actually, I still use one of them. If you can upgrade your ram, drives etc on your own, there are places you can find parts that aren't too expensive, BUT if the motherboard goes - it does take repair that gets spendy. It will usually happen within the first 6 months of a new machine - so make sure you have a warranty that covers the first year. My hubby likes to get me refurbs and we have had great luck with them and they don't cost as much. Good luck in making your choices.
Esther Foghladha
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