Apple taps 'Puddy' to attack Windows 7
Apple Inc.
After a hiatus of three and a half months without a new TV ad, Apple (AAPL) broke out a pair of fresh "Get a Mac" spots Monday night to soften the ground for the next operating system war with Microsoft (MSFT).
Earlier that day, Apple had announced that it was shipping the newest version of its flagship Macintosh OS — Snow Leopard — on Friday, nearly two months before the scheduled release of Windows 7.
"Top of the Line" and "Surprise" zero in on one of the main differences between the two systems — the profusion of viruses and other malware in Windows and the lack thereof in Mac OS X.
Both Apple spots feature women vaguely reminiscent of Lauren, the red-headed star of Microsoft's Laptop Hunters advertising campaign. That series was notable for never actually mentioning Windows, focusing instead on low-prices and hardware specs.
How Microsoft put Apple owners on the defensive
Like Lauren, Apple's everywomen are shopping for a new computer. Rather than starting out with set price point, however, these shoppers are looking for a computer that "just works," without "thousands of viruses and tons of headaches."
Apple's answer to Lauren's punchline — "I'm just not cool enough to be a Mac person" — is delivered in "Top of the Line" by the journeyman comic actor Patrick Warburton, best known for his portrayal of David Puddy, Elaine Benes' faux-suave boyfriend in 10 episodes of Seinfeld.
After charming the shopper but failing to persuade her that any PC she gets is going to have those problems, he hands her his card. "When you're ready to compromise," he says, "you call me."
The ad is getting mixed reviews from the tech press. The Chicago Sun Times' Andy Ihnatko loved it, in part because it featured what he claims is his usual pickup line.
Cult of Mac's Leader Kahney declared the ad an unfunny dud and a waste of Warburton's comic talents. "This joke has definitely run its course," he writes. "Like Seinfield itself, it’s time for Apple to pull the plug."
You can watch the ads and decide for yourself. Both are available in high res and HD at Apple's website. The YouTube versions are pasted below.
What the heck are these MACs that some people on here keep talking about? I know about Apple's Mac, but not these. I guess people calling them this (if that's what it is), don't know much about Macs.
Windows 7 will dominate the market. It is by far the best OS Microsoft has ever released. As soon as this gets in the hands of consumers, we will see the stock tick back up again, and Microsoft will be in a nice bragging position. It runs better than XP, on about the same amount of memory. The only OS ever released that requires less than its predecessor in terms of resources.
With respect to viruses, of course a Windows box is going to have more viruses. If you were a hacker, or virus maker, who would you target if you wanted to have the greatest impact? 8% of the market, or 92% of the market? Apple having consistent banter about viruses is ludicrous.
It'll be interesting once viruses become mainstream in mobile devices. I can guarantee that you'll see the iPhone targeted.
BTW…. I've got a MacBook Air. Great hardware, crappy OS. That is why I run Windows 7 on it.
Well, Bill here the difference is that the Apple MacBook Air is the thinnest laptop which Apple has ever designed. It is more lighter than Compaq-Presario laptop in your comparison. You said "It is the slowest processor" that is not true. For the Intel Core 2 Dual processor with speed around 2.13GHz is supposed to run faster than AMD Athlon X2 with 2.1GHz. At least they are very closed if you campare the speed on both systems. The MacBook Air is also built in the video camera.
Bill from Troy, MI asks: Can someone please explain to me what makes this apple laptop cost nearly 5 times more than a windows machine that has more ram and a faster processor?
PC with 3gigs of ram for $379.00
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9454253&type=product&id=1218106990994
Apple with 2 gigs of ram for $1,800
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9391384&type=product&id=1218097699910
Well Bill set down that cheap PC next to Apple's slowest and cheapest laptop. Make sure that the minimum RAM is installed on the MAC. You can even go back a couple of model years to try to make fair. Boot both machines, who boots faster? Run 'em hard a couple of years. Which one still works? Chances are, it's the MAC.
Man, telling you that is funny to watch when it comes to the Mac vs PC war. My sister and I just laughed and loved to watch how is it serious this can be? My dad, he is the PC guy and we are not but we are the pretenders. He bought us many PCs and he tried to fix many problems and warned us not to go into those or these wed sites. One day we asked him to buy us an iMac since then we left him with peace. But even though he still fights his own war because he is the "PC"!. We just love our iMac but this is our secret.
I work on both PC's and Mac's, and personally I would prefer to work on a Mac. They are faster, more user friendly, and I have not run into any virus problems like the PC has. Mac's are more user friendly and PC's are more business friendly. And I prefer user friendly, which is why I have stock in Apple and not Microsoft. They have not moved in the past several years, especially since Bill Gates retired, and I highly doubt they will move at all in the future.
I'm an IT professional with over 20 years experience. I use PC, Mac and Linux. I have to say that Windows XP is a great product and it has 65% market share. But, Microsoft released Windows Vista and tried to kill XP. What were they thinking? Vista was enough to make me switch to a Mac. I'm glad I did. It's fast, bug free and it just works. No problems with viruses, spyware or malware either. I also use Linux. I have only 2 complaints with Linux. Wireless Networking and Skype are both buggy with Linux. So I'm a PC at work, a Mac at home and a closet Linux geek. Try all 3 and decided for yourself which is best for you.
"Mac's are just as vulnerable as PC, their just a smaller target.
Anyway, I'm a software engineer I own and work on both Mac's and PC's. Me as well 10 of 11 people in my group like Windows 7 better than Mac OS (including snow leopard). I'm not opposed to Macs, but PC's just work better for me and the work that we do."
i am calling liar on this post. So you are a software engineer, are you?
You claim to work on both PC and MAC?
OK, so that means you know both how the objective C based OSX operating system works, and the Apple system for launching applications from the Unix kernel.
And presumably you know how Microsoft works, also, and the differences.
Well, explain to me how they both have the same vulnerability. You are claiming there is no difference is the way a hacker must attack the operating system. So explain to me how you package the code on a mac so it will be opened and run in the background without tripping the system.
If you can explain this to me, then I totally withdraw the liar accusation.
But to say you can program for both systems and that they both have the same vulnerability…… Well all I can say is that I don't know much about computing. But I write programs for apple machines, and I just do not understand how I would write a virus that could spread without the user explicitly opening it and running it.
But I know how to do it with XP.
I own both, only because PC's are required at work… MAC is far better, faster and more reliable. Installs are no brainers, no driver issues and best of all back up with Mac is just superb (Time Machine as well as macBackup)… Back to Mac is incredibly useful as well when I travel… Hands down Apple makes a far better, more robust, user friendly, secure product. Worth every penny!
If we go into multi-media, forget it Apple is unequivocally the better system/platform, especially if you use ipods and iPhone… add MobileMe to the equation and its just unbeatable how they all synch and work together, without hassle.
I don't have any major issues with my PC (does not crash as often as it used to prior to XP – Vista is awful), but there is no way it can be compared to a MAC.
It's unfair to blame PC for all its issues with virus and malware. If you're a hacker, would you create a virus that could potentially affect 90% of the population or a much smaller community of Mac users. Don't get me wrong. I love Apple products. But, I would much prefer to see a more humble culture.
I have been a mixed user for years. I am certainly a power user in both business and media applications. Same number of problems with my Macs as PC's. The PC's do take some extra setup time up front, but I have 5 year old PC's still chugging along with zero issues ever. protecting Pc's from malware is simply not difficult.
You get what you pay for…buy cheap – experience problems… I bought a black MacBook when they first came out years ago. No problems, no virus, no crashing, ease of use, still looks great, and better yet – HAS NOT SLOWED DOWN. In my experience with Windows computers, they slow down after years of use…just my two cents. I will never go back to a PC…no matter how cheap they are. Its like buying a luxury car or a Kia.
@Bill, from Troy:
The iPhone vulnerability you linked to is based on SMS, and it's not just tied to the iPhone, but most smartphones. In this case, Apple already released a fix for it (although it take them longer than most people who have liked to have seen).
As for the two laptops in question, you are comparing two very different computers — just look at the category they are listed in. The MacBook Air (MBA) is listed as an 'ultraportable', while the Compaq is under "entertainment".
People will pay a premium for the MBA, simply for it's features.
Can someone please explain to me what makes this apple laptop cost nearly 5 times more than a windows machine that has more ram and a faster processor?
PC with 3gigs of ram for $379.00
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9454253&type=product&id=1218106990994
Apple with 2 gigs of ram for $1,800
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9391384&type=product&id=1218097699910
For everyone that thinks Apple makes secure products take a look at this article and decide for yourself. Nearly every security expert in the industry has written an article on this topic. Worse part about it is that they knew that their product had the security flaw, exposed their customers sensitive information and still to this date haven’t bothered fixing it or warning their customers…Great company
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE56T5IT20090730
Theres also an article which I cant find the link at the moment that demonstrates that Apples OSx generated more viruses in 2008 than any other 3 OS manufacturers in the world combined
The ONLY things apple is good for is cute interfaces, cool colors and they are a marketing juggernaut. What other company actually charges 5 times more for its products that actually generate more errors and viruses than any other competitor yet STILL MAKE THE GENERAL POPULATION BELIEVE MACS ARE SAFE AND JUST WORK…..
More Apple ads attacking Windows. Insert big YAWN here. I guess their vaunted creativity has been sucked dry.
Repeating something ad nauseam doesn't make it true. It's like a little kid trying to insult the bigger boy because that is the only thing they can do.
From Apple's website: "The Mac is designed with built-in technologies that provide protection against malicious software and security threats right out of the box. However, since no system can be 100 percent immune from every threat, antivirus software may offer additional protection."
http://www.securemac.com/apple-acknowledges-malware.php
Mac's are just as vulnerable as PC, their just a smaller target.
Anyway, I'm a software engineer I own and work on both Mac's and PC's. Me as well 10 of 11 people in my group like Windows 7 better than Mac OS (including snow leopard). I'm not opposed to Macs, but PC's just work better for me and the work that we do.
As a professor of engineering at a major research university, I use both Macs and PCs. We us PCs to control our laboratory equipment and acquire data, but utilize Macs for all other activities (email, video conferencing, publications, proposals, presentations, image and data analysis, computational work, all teaching activities). Every faculty member in my department uses Macs as their primary computing platform – for all but control of laboratory equipment.
To Andrew…
Yes, Windows based servers will run for years without a reboot. I think we're on about 3 years with our latest batch of servers. Running either Apache/PHP, Tomcat, or IIS/ASP.NET, depending on what they are for. And no, the IIS/ASP machines don't need to be rebooted either.
BTW, 3 years ago is about when we bought them… Also can't remember the last time I rebooted my home PC. My dev PC at work… about once every two weeks when something goes horribly wrong with the software I'm writing.
BTW, I have a MAC clone with all the parts and installed OS X (I am an Apple certified and MCSE)…
Posted By David Amherst, NY: August 25, 2009 4:39 PM
Youre maybe a MCSE but much of what you posted about Macs proves that you have no clue about Apple products and there's no chance of you passing much less hold any Apple certifications.
I have the best of both worlds… the relatively inexpensive PC hardware and a free OS (Operating System) – Fedora Core Linux. I don't server either proprietary "master" – Microsoft or Apple… I have an inexpensive computer that just "works" without the need for anti-virus / anti-spyware software.
Doesn't matter how good Apple fans claim their Macs are, my PC will always be cheaper… and when you combine that with the fact it does everything I want it to rather well (music/audio production, graphics creation/editing, video editing, gaming, plus all the basic stuff we all use computers for), and I don't get viruses (via free antivirus protection from Avast), the machine runs like a champ plus it's well suited for upgrades… yeah, to me buying a Mac is really just an ego thing. Perhaps this isn't the case with some users, who have different budgets, levels of computer experience, and uses for a computer to begin with. But for myself there is no functional reason to go Mac, and I believe if it weren't for Apple's appeal as a hipster status symbol they'd probably have half of the tiny market share they have now.
I also own a MAC and a PC. I enjoy the ease of using my MAC and working on it, as opposed to using my Vista operated PC and 50% of the time I run into errors or major issues.
read all the comments and would like to clear up things because it just relative and we are not really comparing Apple to apple…
1) Hardware parts inside an Apple are not different from parts in a PC.. Only difference is Apple RESTRICT what parts could be used with their OS.. And price of exact parts are higher in an Apple machine than in a PC.. So quality, etc. is a moronic statement by IT professionals here because Intel (for example) offer the same part to Apple and PC vendors for purchases. Hardware diversification in PC makes the parts cheaper but in comparison to the OS, it could cause more errors and crashes.. It is a numbers game with new parts being added on the OS to work (hence, why Microsoft has a HCL which changes periodically… Remember how much AMD working inside Microsoft and being ceritified was such a big deal?)
2) OS X which is based on UNIX kernel is a far superior and stable OS. Hence why most or all mission critical servers are on. Guess what? UNIX.. Check all universities and you will see it.. Does not mean OS X is far superior to Windows? In some sense, yes.. But stability is relative what is on the OS and usage…
3) Applications to the OS.. This is hands down where the difference are very relative to what you value more… Applications available favors PC by far. Why? When Apple was in down on the floor and their "lack of open forum" developers, no 3rd party vendor did not want to make applications for Apple (let alone the cost). Until recently (with the viability of Apple) that developers got some access to the code to develop applications. Now, with that opening could lead to viruses and malwares.. So it is a double-edge sword.. Open to get more applications but codes could be read for Apple.. They did an IBM (with token rings) and they are getting their premiums on license because people are accepting MAC more and more (there is a market).. So in the coming years, I expect more applications. As per established software, the likelihood to switch to MAC software is unlikely because of cost (on coding) and license premiums. Market will determine the cost of it.. Lastly, MAC has software to run windows inside a MAC.. It works great for basic applications but specialized software will not.. So it is a fine grain of salt to say it just works but in reality it don't… Again, why? application software (like CAD) require specific specification that a MAC emulator can't "emulate".. It is like Virtual PC in that it is generic parts.. Add that specific hardware to work inside the Windows emulation… You get the point.. It just don't work that way…
4) Malware.. Currently, it is Windows biggest issue. But that a lot to do with 2 issues.. The users themselves and the market leader and trend.. I say that Admin mode is no longer the issue because if a person owns it, they are going to do whatever they want to do to their machine.. Again, Admin mode on personal MAC is something an IT personnel has no right to configuring because it is not the company's (hence they I do want employee to use Company's configured and specified machines). Either case, malware out there are PC because there are more PCs. DO not get me wrong, but MAC will have its day of issues in malware. As the trend increases on MAC, the more hackers/malware developers will start to get access to open code in OS X and develop more for the MAC. Then add the intelligence of the average user, it is not even more likely a "destructive" malware will hit Apple harder than a PC.. Because people think it is just safer and not important install Anti-virus program (let alone update it).. So saying that a MAC is safer is based on perception of the users really… Have I gotten viruses? Yes (on purpose and see it on my virtual PCs).. Does that mean that PCs are bad? No… Again, it is all relative.. Do I think MAC will eventually have a virus? Yes.. It is the numbers game in my view on that..More users (intelligent and not), likelihood a malware developer make for the MAC? Yes.. (Think of it like insurance in Buffalo compare to NYC.. More cars, more likelihood of an accident and your premium is higher)
At the end, a MAC or PC depends upon your knowledge and comfort, willingness to learn the OS (MAC might seem easy to use but troubleshooting is another story when talking to someone on the phone.. Windows, I get a fast resolution time.. Just seems like it for me), applications and their software requirement (as well as external hardware equipments in conjunction to the application software), and cost…
But to argue MAC or PC is better is really a dumb statement because each has its strength and weakness. It will all depend upon the consumers' situation and needs..
BTW, I have a MAC clone with all the parts and installed OS X (I am an Apple certified and MCSE)… I have both and I am confident that I know both machines pretty much in and out..
While Microsoft is intensely competing with Apple in these ads, it is merely a cover for what both of them are trying to do :
Get people to stop buying netbooks.
I own a Mac and a PC. I love the Mac and tolerate the PC. I paid lots for the Mac and less for the PC. I'd not had problems with either computer. With the Mac, if I add a program, it just gets added. If I add a program to the PC, I sometimes have to search for more stuff to get it to work, and if I can't find it, the program doesn't get added. All in all, I'd still pay more to have the Mac, because it's just easier for me to use.
To all the Apple people telling PC users that "you just don't know what you're missing" I'd like to tell you that I do. I have both. I've had both for YEARS. I do not like my Mac. My Mac experience was not in any way superior to my PC experience, with one exception, and that being that generally speaking Apple software runs better on a Mac. Go figure.
Ive been in the IT field for over 15 years working on both the hardware and software side. Ive always been a PC user and love the bang for the buck and being able to fine tune a machine to get ultimate gaming. I just recently bought my first Macbook Pro, so I do have some experience on the Apple side as well. For anyone reading this trying to decide which type of system to purchase I would say this.
For work.
Graphics = Mac
Office/networking/development = Windows
For home.
Gaming = Windows
Internet/Music/Pictures = Mac
Basically if you want to be able to run the hottest games or a lot of different software, you will want a PC. Of course the hottest games wont run on a $600 PC and you will spend considerably more even if you build it yourself. If you are just using a computer to store pictures, play and store music, surf the Internet and check email then I would suggest a Mac, they run well and iPhoto is an amazing application.
On the dev side if you want to write windows apps or web based apps I would do a PC, if you want to write mac apps or Iphone apps it will have to be a Mac.
On more thing you can dual boot a Mac with Windows if you wish, but you cant boot Mac OS on a PC unless you hack it.
As a software engineer I've used/developed on PC's/Unix/Linx and Mac's for many years. With the advent of OS X i switched over to Mac's for home and my primary development platform and will never look back. I still run Windows (XP/Vista), Linux, and Solaris. OS X is definitely my preferred OS.
Short Story: I bought my Dad an eMac about 8 or so years ago. He has used it pretty much every day since. No major issues, no viruses. Once a year I update his software for him. Does pictures, email, web browsing etc. I think that is pretty good value (oh and no virus protection software.)
"resale value is much higher for a Mac, that is unless you don't plan on reselling your computer when you buy a new one, but to me that's like not selling a car when you buy a new one."
Resale value?!?!?! Are you serious? Selling your computer when you buy a new one is like selling your roller-skates when you buy a new car. You are getting something new, because your old one is out dated and virtually useless to you.
Unless of course your Mac breaks down a lot and you are getting sick of repair costs….
I really appreciate the ongoing debate between MAC supporters and those who choose to purchase name brand PC's, however, I'm not hearing a lot of support from those of us who choose to build our own machines. I used a MAC a long time ago, I personally found it to be a great machine (particularly because of the SCSI standard), but now everything seems so homogenized. At this point in time I can't justify dropping the dime for a MAC name. I can build a system that rivals anything a manufactured PC or MAC can produce. MAC has always made great products, but their primary problem has been their infatuation with maintaining the proprietary nature of their product. I can only go to a licensed MAC vendor, or I can only buy this battery, or I can only purchase this type of memory from this very specific vendor. That type of stuff WILL DRIVE YOU NUTS!!! Let's hear some noise for those of us who embrace diversity in technology!!!! Buy it, build it, burn it!
I work for a School District and we have 10 times more problems getting software to work on the MACs then we do on the PCs
I have to use PC at work, but I prefer to use Mac at home.
The so-called "cheaper" PC at work, that will run the software I use most, cost twice as much as an iMac, that will run the same software.
So much for the premise that PC is "cheaper".
All those who say they don't want or wouldn't use a Mac haven't owned one/used one for more than a few minutes. They are vastly superior. The only good reason to buy a PC with Windows is price. Apple charges a substantial premium because they can.
I am going back to "PC" because Apple is an evil greedy company. They decide to feature a non-standard mini-displayport on their macbook which no one makes dvi-d adapter for except Apple themselves. The adapter is $99 yet it is known to have problem since the end of last year. Since it is a non-standard port, no third party solution is available, thus no competition and Apple has no incentive to resolve the issue. Monopolize FAIL.
P.S. Given common sense, I hardly have any issue with virus and such with "PC".
C'mon…if you've invested YEARS into learning to SURVIVE, and now thrive, on Windows, you STAY with it. I stared with Mac Plus, went to windows (ugh! – the P-A-I-N) got 'inoculated' over and over and over, and then switched to iMac. Most of the issues are with software that is ONLY avail on a PC, like engineering, but for MOST people, a Mac is far less painful, and more rewarding….choose, what YOU like!
Ladies and gents, come back and talk to me the day Apple 'allows', as in permits, you to run their OS on other hardware. For myself, I find my Vista OS much more functional than my wife's Mac. Never had a problem or virus on it either. Furthermore, I highly value being able to pick and choose, rather than apple deem what they feel is best for me.
My motto: I am too smart to have Apple. What's good for housewives and Liberal arts majors just won't do it for me. Sorry.
Also, what takes the iPhone to the top (software), takes Apple down (software). 3.5 titles of mostly redesigned from Win just won't do it for me.
One thing I totally agree on is the bloatware plaguing modern day prebuilt PC systems (notably the notebooks). I always reformat the hard drive and start from fresh.
"resale value is much higher for a Mac, that is unless you don't plan on reselling your computer when you buy a new one, but to me that's like not selling a car when you buy a new one."
Buying a used computer, whether a Mac or PC, is probably one of the worst things you can do.
I have an MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer) certification and after years of spending my days getting things to work on my Windows machines I moved to Mac in 2001. I still have to use Windows at work (XP) and I have VMware Fusion to run some needed Windows apps on my Mac but outside of that I have no desire to use Windows for personal use.
Yes the Macs are more expensive but have you really seen a $600 windows laptop that is worth anything. They feel cheap and are close to 7 lbs. Not bad if you want to replace it every 2 years by donating it but there is one secret that people don't know about when paying more for a Mac…..you get it a good amount back after 3 years when you sell it. I purhcased my first Macbook Pro for just over $2K in 2001, I sold it 3 years later for $750. I purchased my next Macbook for $1,900 and sold it 3 years later for $700. So my overall cost has been $1,200 to $1,300 for a laptop that is better built, better OS, better reliability, and as they say….just plain works.
So for those who can't lay out the extra money upfront for a Mac, I understand, and and a $600 Win machine will do ok for 2 years if you are lucky but soon you will be laying out another $600 as your Vista machine starts to break and feels old already.
Apple to apple, PC is much better value for money. Used both. I have no major complaint with either.
I don't get it. Don't the Mac detractors know that Macs run Windows also? You can argue Windows vs Mac OS all day but on a Mac you can can run BOTH systems. You can have your cake (Garage Band, for example) and eat it too! You can't do that on your standard PC.
I was a long-time PC/Windows user at work and at home. I switched the family to Mac about a year ago. I wouldn't want to say never, but I can't envision the circumstances that would drive me back to the PC. I CAN envision the circumstances that would drive me to a Google-oriented appliance (e.g., Android + Google apps).
I've worked with most OSes as an admin. Macs are definitely better when it comes to maintenance and viruses. But like any OS it takes common sense as well. Your average user will have a much easier time on Macs than windows. I've often laughed when people called themselves windows people but didn't know much about it. If you use windows you need to learn a lot about it to really make it work right. It can be done but windows pushes the whole "just get started", so it's their own fault when it can live up that ease of use. It does have way more viruses. But you shouldn't be loading junk onto any system. You need to be carefull. For the most part Macs do "just work" and windows doesn't.
I've used both. Can't really complain about either. I like the ability to upgrade and choose components myself, so I will stick with a PC for now. Can understand both sides liking their products – not much difference.
I saw those ads last night, and I have to admit that I felt a bit embarrased for Apple. The new ads look very desperate.
Macs are just too expensive. My sister bought a mac and I bought a Dell and had a lot more features(more RAM & memory too) for almost a $1,000 less. I think macs look great and seem well built, but I just can't see spending that much more for one. Is it more just a "status thing" to people?
In high school I bought a mac mini that I really enjoyed. When I was heading out to University I needed a laptop, money wasnt really an issue, I could afford both a mac or pc. I got a pc. An HP pavillion that has worked perfectly. Why? Well, sometimes I need my computer for more than pictures and music. I need it for studies and projects that require CAD software, something Macs seriously lack. Any CAD software a mac has windows does better.
I run a small insurance and retirement planning business plus I trade on the stock market. Not to mention my banking information is on my computer. I would NOT trust Windows to protect me from possible disaster. I shudder at the thought. If all that was available was Windows, I'd resort to paper and use my computer for just writing letters.
Then there's the fact that OS X is a pretty face on UNIX. I don't know why there are not more enterprise apps, because the hardware is very reliable.
I'd be interested to find out how many (%) of Windows users would switch to Mac if the price was exactly the same, compared to Mac users who would switch to Windows.
BTW the price difference is a joke partly because you have to spend $50 a year on Anti-Virus software for Windows AND the resale value is much higher for a Mac, that is unless you don't plan on reselling your computer when you buy a new one, but to me that's like not selling a car when you buy a new one.
@ Pat:
If your corporate Mac users are really getting "viruses and malware" then why do you allow them to run their machines in Admin User mode?
THAT, dear readers, is just stoooooopid.
Create a User that can't install software. That will make the user ask YOU for help before they screw up a machine. Everyone should be running in such a safe user existence most of the time. Need to install software? Fine. Restart in Admin mode, install the update or upgrade or whatever, then restart again and sign in under the benign user name.
Only idiots let users be idiots. Respect your "internal customers."
So, I like both Mac & Windows PC. The irony of it all is both Mac & PC need each other to survive.
These adds prey on the consumer's need for individuality at the cost of bashing the competition's perceived and real vulnerabilities. On the flip side, Microsoft ads, while respectful of the Mac platform, prey on the cost of initial purchase.
It's like when Hyundai compares itself to Lexus and BMW. Let's face it, the market knows. Those who can afford a Mac do well to get one; those who cannot have worthy alternatives to choose from.
Where vendors fall short is they, too, will become victim to their own "bumper sticker slogan" strategies. What will Microsoft do when Apple comes out with a price competitive entry-level offering? What will Apple do when journalists report real virus vulnerabilities in Apple products? Impenetrateable? Isn't that what was said of the Titanic?
Mac = Really expensive version of free Unix/Linux OS.
Not true. Mac = version of Unix with value-added. Whether or not that value-added is worth the premium, is something you have to consider based on what you're doing with it.
In my case, the answer is "yes". And my experience includes A LOT of time using and developing for Unix systems including work on the POSIX standards. (It really ticked me off how long it took Apple to get a POSIX conformance certificate.)
The Apple value proposition includes 3 things: A very well engineered user interface; Substantial engineering of the kernel and utilities (e.g. to substantially reduce virus risks); superior hardware quality. Don't discount this last factor, I expect to get 4 years from a Mac laptop where most Windows laptops (Dell, HP, Toshiba, etc) my friends carry rarely last their 3 year expected life.
After using PCs only for years, I switched to a Mac at work for 2 years. Got pretty good at it and liked a lot about it. But after I moved on to a new job, I can safely say that I never once considered switching to a Mac at home and I am glad to be off of it at my current job. There were pros, but overall I just found myself missing Windows features. I think Windows requires more time to learn and a better understanding of how computers work, but its a much more rewarding experience once you understand it. The only thing I miss from the Mac is GarageBand.
Once again an all male blog, ( including the writer) comparing penis size. 50% of the people using computers are female. Lots of diversity & information to be found here.., not.
My old SUN Ultra 2 went without a reboot for over 500 days. That was over 4 years ago. No average PC can match that.
I used a pc for many many years. I knew my way around a pc, rarely got viruses so i was skeptical of the whole mac deal. That is until I bought one. I love it. Never going back to pc. From what i have read most people that leave comments have never given mac a chance. Try it.
Apple does have malware and viruses. If that was not the case, I would not be rebuilding the macbook pros, power macs, and other apple laptops at work.
Apple is also making it worse for people by saying that Macs do not get viruses. To install software, OSX prompts you to enter in your password. Well The people at work just enter in their password. Macs do not get viruses, so entering in their password is fine. Then those people are now infected. The mindset that macs are safe so you can do anything is already there.
I realize that many people have nothing better to do than defragment their hard drive, run disk clean up to get rid of their stuff, or run a virus scan anytime windows starts.
When I switched to Mac I realized that my PC was like a calculator that multiplied when I wanted to subtract. Computers where invented to make life a little easier, not intensify stress. Thanx Apple for freeing up my time and making my daily work more focused on my actual work rather than getting my OS to work properly.
maybe they shouldn't be attacking PCs as much as they should be pointing out the flaws of Windows itself.
The continual trotting out of the statement "The reason PCs get exploited is there are more of them" is utter and total rubbish. They are exploited because it is easy to do so due to the poor OS. It is extremely hard to infect a Mac unless the admin user allows it.
I have used both PCs and Macs professionally for more than 7 years. I've used each of them for video and print media production. Neither was more reliable than the other. Each had their share of problems. PCs would blue screen and Macs would freeze. It's personal preference. I'm just amused that people have such brand loyalty that they blindly praise their logos.
The whole virus thing is so subjective. I've been a "mac person" for 3 years now at home, but still use microsoft products at work and love them. The key to avoiding viruses is good antivirus software and using your brain when surfing the web. Oh, and stop opening e-mails from people you don't know!!!
Robert:
I'm a professional programmer and I use my mac every day at work. More and more I see techies with macs and I think that could be the biggest problem for windows. Like Balmer said, "developers, developers, developers."
I have to say it is pretty awesome to have a Unix machine with an awesome GUI attached to it. So no, I don't think I'm being "cute." I'm being productive on a platform that has better tools with less frustration. And as for you "same programs" argument, about the only thing I can think of that you'd be talking about is office. Macs have that.
I like the adverts.
Homing in on the over exploitation of the PC platform's history of shabby code is a good way to market a Mac. That doesn't mean that they're any more secure, just that they're less exploited. Apple has a real concern though, in that the Win 7 OS is more secure and works just as good as a mac. I have both and really like them both as well.
Of course there will be more viruses/malware for PC's… if you are going to attack technology for monetary gain, why not go for the majority in market share? So in essence, Apple is advertising its own short-comings.
"Buy a Mac because our market shares for computing suck!"
Not everyone gets viruses but there is more potential in a Windows system vs an OS X system. What most people fail to realize is that worms are far more a threat. The user doesn't need to interact with the malicious code at all and instead, it self replicates seeking out other machines to infect.
With 8yrs IT experience and going back to college to finish a degree, I weighed my options on buying a new laptop in 2006. I compared prices, usability, etc and when it came down to it, I made the switch from PC to Mac. I'm now in grad school and just bought my 2nd Macbook Pro and haven't looked back.
James… Its not just a "thousands of virus" argument..there are thousands of reasons the Mac is better. That particular ad just focuses on that particular one. You should try one… Once you had Mac; you never go back.
Why does the PC get attacked so often? Because everyone has one…the hackers could, and have, put viruses out there for MAC users but no one heard about it – not good business for the folks creating viruses – they want attention. People that buy a MAC think they're cute….but unless you're in a marketing firm you probably don't use a MAC at work and most people what the same apps at home that they do for work. Plus who respects a company that's whole marketing plan is only attacking another company – why not worry about promoting your product (sounds a lot like Howie Long and those Chevy commercials)? Oh but that's right – no one can afford your product!!!
Oh, and I forgot to mention:
Nice title to the article folks. Had to use the word "ATTACK" just to set the mindset for your readers aye?
Man, todays media really does suck.
Obviously lack of malware isn't the only reason Apple continues to make gains in computer (desktop and notebook) sales. Their market share has increased markedly as consumers get comfortable with the Mac operating system, ease of use, interoperability with Microsoft software, stability, service, compatibility with 3rd party devices (shall I continue?) I would look for Apple to continue to chip away at system market share with Snow Leopard and their new line of notebooks.
I've been running Win7 release candidate for over 2 months now. It is simply amazing! What a HUGE improvement over Vista. Lightening fast, intuitive and fun!
Microsoft needed to hit a homerun after Vista and they did just that. Oh, and I've not been swamped with viruses or malware. Basic security procedures that we ALL should use protects me just fine!
Also what James said: "thousands of virus", really Apple? Are we into scare tactics now? OK, Apple offers decent products, also PC world has equivalent products and lesser products. The latter is why some people have problems with some PCs, but hey, you are FREE to choose what you want from virtually thousands of options. Just do not expect high quality from the Sitsu laptop you spent just $400 on it.
After working with individual PC owners for years and supporting thousands of users in corporate environments, I have come to the conclusion that most people do not really know how to use a PC … moreover, they definitely do not want to take the time to learn all that is needed to know to protect themselves. I see nothing wrong with this attitude. Most of the individuals I've dealt with … neurosurgeons, accountants, attorneys, managers of non-profits … are experts in their fields. They need a computer that is going to work and be free of the hassles related to the flawed Windows operating system. Financially, based on what they have paid me and others, they would be better off paying the extra money for a Mac. I cannot justify the extra expenditure for myself, but I know what I'm doing.
Regarding the ad with Patrick Warburton, the choice to include him may also be related to the use of Jerry Seinfeld by Microsoft. Microsoft should have spent money on redesigning Windows from the ground up (please get rid of the registry) instead of spending money on Seinfeld.
err… you just got one virus. I'm going to guess you use the internet cause you put up that post. I've had more viruses when it was floppy days.
The reality is lots of people use computers and don't think of things like updating Anti virus software. That may be sad, but it is true.
You just have to try a Mac and get that sense of wonder millions of switchers had "how in the world I lost so much time and energy with Windows when that kind of computer exists ?", me included (using PC since DOS 5.22 until Vista, exclusive).
I've always liked this series of Apple commercials…some were better than others. You would expect that of an ad series that has produced so many. But overall, they are usually at least a "5" on a scale of 1 to 10.
I saw the Puddy one on TV last night…what dud. Didn't get it. Watched the other one posted above…didn't think it was very good either. Lee Chew must have put his second string of creative folks on these two…definitely not up to snuff.
Maybe Apple will pull the plug on these. They definitely diminish the impact that the previous "I'm a Mac and I'm a PC" has had on the brand.
If "thousands of virus'" is the only argument Apple has against buying a PC…I'm going to stick with my PCs then. For the 15 years I've worked with PCs, I was victim of a virus just once. So it's basically saying, "if you don't know how to use a PC, get a Mac!"
Kind of weak if you ask me…
Every OS has it's place:
"Unix" for Longevity
"AS/400" for Nostalgia
"Linux" for Productivity
"MAC" for Multimedia
"Windows" for Solitaire