Frustration Level...

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Maybe I'm becoming a grumpy old man, but am I the only one that finds they just don't have much patience with OSX?

I've had well over 20 years experience with Windows - if I find I can't figure something out within a few seconds I find my temper rising WAY faster than I'd expect.

The first day I got this thing the lack of right-click was driving me crazy. Sooo close to just physically punching the thing. I was taking that one button only thing personally!

Probably doesn't help that I bought this machine 2nd hand as an experiment, so no manuals or clue how to use it. Took me awhile to realize the top of the screen was context-sensitive, as Windows has all the various menus directly on each open window or screen. This thing has little pretty screens but no menus - again, driving me crazy..

I joined here because I have a great set-up for saving a numbered version file online while saving to disk on my PC but can't figure out how to do that with the Mac. So many things with the PC seem obvious or easy enough once you dig in a bit. I wanted numbered versions, sniffed around, found a macro, download it, set it up, it worked. I've never done that before but each stage was simple enough, self-explanatory (and if in doubt, right-click and see the options)

In contrast, even simple things, like copying a file and then opening the dialogue for choosing a desktop image, then pasting it into the default folder before selecting it - doesn't work?

Why the HECK not?

Every time I think I'm getting the hang of it, something happens that makes me feel I have no control over it - and it feels deliberate. Like it thinks I'm an idiot and won't let me touch things...

I know it's good to be positive and maintain some enthusiasm - but am I the only one that sometimes feels like punting this thing out the window?


P
 

vansmith

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Probably doesn't help that I bought this machine 2nd hand as an experiment, so no manuals or clue how to use it. [...] So many things with the PC seem obvious or easy enough once you dig in a bit.
I think these two point to your problem. First off, approaching a platform and not spending the time to read up on it will only end in disaster. Take some time to learn the nuances of the platform. For instance, a quick search would reveal that the "no right click option" is easily solved by checking a box in the mouse preferences (System Preferences).

Second, things only seem obvious in Windows because you've been using it for 20 years. In fact, everything seems obvious after doing it for 20 years. To combat this, I return to my earlier point - you need to learn how OS X does things instead of trying to apply "Windows thinking" to the problem.

Admin note - please refrain from using inappropriate language.
 
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Would also help if you provide computer and operating system details. There are manual available for download for many models and operating systems. Perhaps if you don't like change, stay with Windows.
 
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Mouse preferences? There is no mouse, it has a fingerpad thing. With one button.

I have *since* found that any old USB mouse works and yep, found the preferences thing after a friend told me but that's hardly the kind of thing you can figure out by pondering on it and trying not to use Windows thinking. The fact is, there's only ONE button on that trackfingerpaddy thing, which rather removes the incentive for figuring out how to change it so the 2nd button works, when there aint no 2nd button to change, see?

On a positive note, this could turn out to be my ideal working laptop - precisely because I don't like the OS and can't be bothered to use it for anything except surfing and Microsoft Word, with the occasional playing of a DVD, showing people photos and that kind of thing.

Trying to run software on this? I'm not so sure, especially as half my specialist stuff isn't compatible anyway. I'm sure there are Mac replacements for some, maybe most but I'm not sure I can be bothered to "learn" this OS, as it seems the more I see the more I learn merely that you simply can't do the things you can on a PC.
 

vansmith

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Mouse preferences? There is no mouse, it has a fingerpad thing. With one button.
Tap with two fingers. That's the equivalent.

The fact is, there's only ONE button on that trackfingerpaddy thing, which rather removes the incentive for figuring out how to change it so the 2nd button works, when there aint no 2nd button to change, see?
I'm not sure how a design difference removes the incentive to learn how to use it but to each his own.

Trying to run software on this? I'm not so sure, especially as half my specialist stuff isn't compatible anyway.
This would be a deal breaker especially if it's for professional reasons. If it's not there, it's not there.

Honestly, it sounds like you're stuck in your ways (not necessarily a criticism) and are unwilling, to a point, to let go of any possible differences for your workflow. If you are content with Windows, stick with it. Don't force yourself to like something if you don't like it. And honestly, if a machine frustrated me to the point where I contemplated physical violence directed at it, I'd abandon it in a heartbeat because, in the end, it's just a computer.
 

Raz0rEdge

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You have a trackpad, and by virtue of that you seem to have bought a Macbook or Macbook Pro..we don't know since you haven't told us exactly what you have..

A single click on the trackpad is all that's needed to make various changes in System Preferences. Depending on the version of OS X you have on there, you could even use gestures (multi finger clicking) to do a lot of things like right click, middle click and so on..

As Vansmith correctly pointed out, using a "Windows mentality" for everything on the Mac is just going to make things worse for you. Windows does things its way, OS X does things its own way way and Linux has its own quirks as well..as someone who uses all three routinely, I've learned to use each in their own way and that works the best.

I wouldn't try to force Windows to do the things Linux can do easily or make OS X do what Windows does..

It looks like your experiment might be a failure with your inability to put aside your Windows thinking and try to learn how OS X works since you claim that you can't be bothered with learning OS X..

So, good luck with it..
 
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I can be bothered to "learn" this OS.

Sell it.

There are things I absolutely can NOT do on Windows I can on Mac.. and it is vise versa.. but from the sounds of things.. see my first sentence and avoid irritation.
 
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Good advice in this thread. It's a computer and not worth the headache if you have another to use. If you don't have the time or inclination, go back to Windows (or put it aside until you have some time and patience to mess with it). You won't hurt Apple's feelings or your knuckles (by punching it) if sits idle a few months or you sell it. All good.
 
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The machine is a silver-colored 15" laptop, a Macbook Pro. Allegedly it has a 2.16 Ghz Intel Core Duo CPU,4 gig of RAM and it's running OSX 10.7, with Office for Mac 2011, I'm told it was made around 2009.

It takes 75 seconds to boot from cold. The battery says it should be replaced soon, seems to only last about 1 1/2 hours max.

I bought it from a local shop here in Malaysia (I'm from the UK).

My primary reason for buying it is to see if I can get used to and live with OSX etc. If nothing else it's ideal as a portable version of Microsoft Word - but even there it fails compared to my PC, because it can only save one file at a time, to one location.

So why do I want to get used to Macs? Mainly because they have such a good reputation for reliability. Since arriving in Malaysia around 8 years ago I've had to replace PCs quite a few times. I work from home as a writer and if I'm doing a client's work I can't afford to be offline, so all too often end up buying a new PC, finishing the client's work and then trying to repair the old one.

Recently I did that yet again, although this time the "old" PC is running, it just keeps corrupting files. The result is I now have 3 working PCs in my home office - but I don't trust any of them, including this brand new one, which has crashed twice today!

In total I've purchased 6 new PCs in 8 years. That's ridiculous.

So, I'm willing to spend the money on high quality, in a search for reliability.

Do Macs really deserve such a reputation? I'm not sure, but the fact this laptop is still going is fairly impressive.

I do have a little netbook thing, which has proven very reliable (and fantastic battery life) but it's too small, no disc drive and no power.

IF I can get used to a Mac then I'll probably replace my desktop PC with the 'Mini'.

I work in marketing and have various software programs that won't work with a Mac, but none of them really critical, Heck, it's got to the stage where I don't really rely on ANY software, precisely because I can't trust it! For example I used to have a great mindmapping program set up exactly how I wanted it - it was awesome, files and notes and links and passwords and everything, all at my fingertips, Then that PC died and I just couldn't be asked to set it all up again.

I've found the hard way that Acronis and similar don't work when you really need them! Windows 7's "system restore' does actually work if restoring a complete system image. I'd just rather the machine was reliable in the first place.

While looking at a new PC, possibly a laptop for a change, I looked at Windows 8.

It's horrible.

It seems to be aimed at attention-deprived 9 (or 90) year olds with a Microsoft Live account.

I have no love or loyalty to Microsoft (Internet driving licenses!!?) and now they've committed the ultimate sin - trying to sell me Windows that doesn't behave like Windows.

I figured if I'm going to use a simplified, restrictive machine that ties me into a company ID, I might as well use a Mac :)

So here I am...
 

vansmith

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My primary reason for buying it is to see if I can get used to and live with OSX etc. If nothing else it's ideal as a portable version of Microsoft Word - but even there it fails compared to my PC, because it can only save one file at a time, to one location.
I'll admit to having no idea what this means. How do you save multiple files at a time with Office?

I figured if I'm going to use a simplified, restrictive machine that ties me into a company ID, I might as well use a Mac :)
No operating system ties you into a user ID. OS X does not demand that you use an Apple account. I have never, nor will I ever, use iCloud on my Mac (I already used third party services when it was released that deliver the exact same functionality, with the exact same speed while being more friendly to my heterogeneous environment). I only use an iTunes account because I use their store but that was a choice. The same goes for other operating systems - Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, etc all give you the choice but do not compel you to use their accounts (Linux doesn't have a universal online account system anyway).
 

pigoo3

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The machine is a silver-colored 15" laptop, a Macbook Pro. Allegedly it has a 2.16 Ghz Intel Core Duo CPU,4 gig of RAM and it's running OSX 10.7, with Office for Mac 2011, I'm told it was made around 2009.

Most of this spec. info is easily verified...so you really shouldn't be in an "allegedly" situation!

- This computer is NOT a 2009 model...it's from 2006.
- This computer has a max. ram capacity of 2gig. If there is 4 gig of ram in it...something is not right.
- It also cannot have "Lion" installed. Lion is OS 10.7, Snow Leopard is OS 10.6.8. Max. OS for this computer is 10.6.8. "Lion" (10.7) needs a core 2 duo cpu.

It takes 75 seconds to boot from cold. The battery says it should be replaced soon, seems to only last about 1 1/2 hours max.

75 seconds to boot from cold seems a bit on the long side (haven't checked my computer's boot time lately). Somewhere around 30-45 seconds would be better.

Regarding the battery. If the spec. info given above is correct...then this computer is from 2006...and the battery could be the original battery...making it 6+ years old. Thus it certainly may need replacing.

So, I'm willing to spend the money on high quality, in a search for reliability.

Do Macs really deserve such a reputation? I'm not sure, but the fact this laptop is still going is fairly impressive.

This computer is from 2006...making it almost 7 years old. Some of the problems you're experiencing are due to it's age (slower cpu, slower architecture, slower graphics, less max. ram).

7 years old (if this computer is put back into tip-top shape)...can still be useful...but expectations need to be tailored to the age of the computer. Get something newer...and you get a more capable computer!:)

- Nick
 
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Well, try using an Android phone without a Google account?

When I tried buying some photo software I was given a single 'choice' of buying from the app store - which requires an Apple ID.

Now I find almost everything I touched on Win8 was either trying to connect online or demanding my Live ID. Now I find I can plug any old mouse and monitor into a Mac, so I'm not really seeing much advantage to Windows now.

For saving multiple files I use this:

Save in two places

I just click the save icon in Word and it saves a backup copy to Google Drive with a numbered file name. So if I'm writing something called 'Draft.doc', on Google Drive I end up with:

Draft1
Draft2
Draft3
Draft4

etc.

Each is a different file, snapshots in time. I've found the hard way that Word;s ".wbk" backup files are just the previous saved version - completely useless if you've hit "Save" twice since it became corrupted.

My problem is it doesn't seem to work with the Mac version of Word. I see no extra icon anywhere or any means of using it.
 
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Sorry Pigoo, replied to Vansmith, didn't see you there.

This machine DOES have the Core Duo CPU, it says it right there where you've quoted me.

When I click the little black apple in the top left corner and 'about this Mac' it says:

Mac OS X
Version 10.7
Processor 2.16 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 4 GB 667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM
Startuo Disk Untitled

Gives copyright as 1983-2011
 
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MacInWin

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To get the exact specs of the machine you have, click on the apple logo in the top left of the screen, then About This Mac and you should be able to see what version of OSX you have, what type processor, your RAM and other details about the machine. If it's what you described, it's pretty old. A newer machine would be able to run VMWare or Parallels, letting you have a virtual machine with Windows on it. You may be able to run BootCamp and install Windows, given that you have an Intel processor, but on that machine it would be slower than on something more modern.

I have Parallels for the one Windows app I need. It runs either as a desktop itself, or I can choose what they call Coherence, where Windows Apps run on the same OSX desktop that OSX apps do, with Windows in the background. IF you really do have irreplaceable Windows apps, that might be a solution for you. You'd get Apple reliability for hardware, Windows for your apps.
 
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MacInWin

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Sorry, I think I was still writing when you posted about finding the About This Mac.

ADDED: BTW, the Core 2 Duo and Core Duo CPU are two different CPUs. The Core 2 Duo is more recent and has greater capability.
 

Raz0rEdge

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There is a Core Duo and Core 2 Duo..they are different..having the latter means you can run newer versions of OS X, having the former means you are stuck with Snow Leopard..
 
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The Core 2 Duo is more recent and has greater capability

Yay, go me!

I think it's powerful enough for most things. I was saying to someone just the other day that increases in RAM and CPU speed don't really seem to translate into anything different in the real world. For particularly intensive stuff such as games or video rendering maybe, for general computing I don't think modern PCs are noticeably quicker than my old 66 Mhz 'DX2" PC which had 4 MB, not Gigabyte, of RAM and a 650 MB hard drive. My PHONE is vastly faster now, yet it can still take 20 seconds to open a PDF, whereas I distinctly recall upgrading to a DX4 100 Mhz CPU and noticing that Word docs and the like opened a couple of seconds quicker...

So much more power, yet it gets sucked up and away with ever-more bloated OS and software.

Yeah, I really am turning into an ol' grumpy...


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vansmith

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Well, try using an Android phone without a Google account?
Wouldn't be hard. My Nexus 4 has an email client, text client and a phone app that don't require a Google account. Add on to that the ability to side load apps (and thus go around the Play Store) and I have a perfectly usable phone without a Google account.

When I tried buying some photo software I was given a single 'choice' of buying from the app store - which requires an Apple ID.
That's the developer's fault, not Apple. Apple doesn't limit you to the App Store.

Now I find almost everything I touched on Win8 was either trying to connect online or demanding my Live ID. Now I find I can plug any old mouse and monitor into a Mac, so I'm not really seeing much advantage to Windows now.
Microsoft is pushing Windows Live but it, like other OSes, doesn't force you.

For saving multiple files I use this:

Save in two places

I just click the save icon in Word and it saves a backup copy to Google Drive with a numbered file name. So if I'm writing something called 'Draft.doc', on Google Drive I end up with:

Draft1
Draft2
Draft3
Draft4

etc.

Each is a different file, snapshots in time. I've found the hard way that Word;s ".wbk" backup files are just the previous saved version - completely useless if you've hit "Save" twice since it became corrupted.

My problem is it doesn't seem to work with the Mac version of Word. I see no extra icon anywhere or any means of using it.
That's an interesting feature that I don't have a solution for.
 

cwa107


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That's an interesting feature that I don't have a solution for.

Or, you could connect an external backup and run Time Machine (which runs automatically in the background), and by virtue of the fact that it's present, it will save both on your hard disk AND on the backup. In addition to that, it will save every revision to a given Word document, allowing you to instantly recover to any point in the past.

So, you needn't run the sort of add-on you're talking about, and even gain greater redundancy.
 

pigoo3

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This machine DOES have the Core Duo CPU, it says it right there where you've quoted me.

Yes...I know that...that's how I initially determined that it was a 2006 model...because you said it had a core duo cpu!;)

When I click the little black apple in the top left corner and 'about this Mac' it says:

Mac OS X
Version 10.7
Processor 2.16 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 4 GB 667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM

Of course as you can plainly see...you just contradicted yourself! First you said that it DOES have a "core duo"...then when you posted the "About this Mac" info...it clearly says it has a "Core 2 Duo" cpu.

You contradicted yourself in the same post!!!;)

In any case...since this computer DOES have a "Core 2 Duo" cpu...then:

- It is a Late 2006 model 15" MacBook Pro.
- Although it has 4gig of ram installed...only 3.25gig is addressable
- It is capable of running OS 10.7 Lion (since it has a core 2 duo cpu)

Next time please post correct specification info...and there will be less confusion all the way around!:)

- Nick
 

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