Computers

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by taxwonk
Then explain to me how it is that I had numerous occasions when the only way to kill the beast was to unplug the power cord and pull the battery, please.

I can't. I have had or used virtually every generation of mac, and every one I have used had a power switch that if held long enough would restart or shut down the computer. Maybe there were some laptops I'm not familiar with, but given the other problems you had with this laptop perhaps this was another problem.

[Cletus Miller]

Originally posted by taxwonk
Then explain to me how it is that I had numerous occasions when the only way to kill the beast was to unplug the power cord and pull the battery, please.

I have had two PC laptops for work that I had to do this to on a regular basis, so it's not like PCs are immune even from that.

[taxwonk]

Originally posted by Cletus Miller
I have had two PC laptops for work that I had to do this to on a regular basis, so it's not like PCs are immune even from that.

Perhaps it is simply that the Gods of Technology hate me.

[Hank Chinaski]

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
I can't. I have had or used virtually every generation of mac, and every one I have used had a power switch that if held long enough would restart or shut down the computer. Maybe there were some laptops I'm not familiar with, but given the other problems you had with this laptop perhaps this was another problem.

Wonk mentioned before he bought his "Mac" in an alley in the New Territories of Hong Kong, so that might be a clue.

[taxwonk]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
Wonk mentioned before he bought his "Mac" in an alley in the New Territories of Hong Kong, so that might be a clue.

Your memory is fading. That's where I confided I first met your wife.

[robustpuppy]

Originally posted by Cletus Miller
I have had two PC laptops for work that I had to do this to on a regular basis, so it's not like PCs are immune even from that.

This happens to my HP laptop all the time.

Anyhoo, I have a new MacBook and am looking for advice regarding security software and using the webcam sort of like a video phone. First, does anyone have any recs for all-around security software? There are so many products out there that it's hard to discern/decide. I've used Trend Micro and AVG for my PC and quite honestly don't have the technical knowledge to assess whether they really work, but none of the problems I've had with that computer seem to be caused by viruses or spyware.

Second, what would be the simplest way to use the webcam so that the little one could say "hi" to her grandparents and other relatives live? I'm not interested in uploading recorded videos to the web.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by robustpuppy
This happens to my HP laptop all the time.

Anyhoo, I have a new MacBook and am looking for advice regarding security software and using the webcam sort of like a video phone. First, does anyone have any recs for all-around security software? There are so many products out there that it's hard to discern/decide. I've used Trend Micro and AVG for my PC and quite honestly don't have the technical knowledge to assess whether they really work, but none of the problems I've had with that computer seem to be caused by viruses or spyware.

Second, what would be the simplest way to use the webcam so that the little one could say "hi" to her grandparents and other relatives live? I'm not interested in uploading recorded videos to the web.

1). You have it. It's called OS X. Seriously. The only thing you need to do is turn on the firewall in preferences and make sure your router is secure. The risk at that point is extremely low. There is no spyware for Macs, and essentially no viruses. So long as you don't download software from untrusted sites there should be no problem.

2) iChat AV. If grandma has a PC I believe that AOL works with the videochat. Whatever works is free--check the apple site. Configuration can be a bit tricky, but no more so than with any video chat software.

[pony_trekker]

Originally posted by robustpuppy

ETA: zackly what Burger said. Great minds think alike

If you are using a wireless router make sure IT has security. Airport naturally does but PC types never do.

One thing you will find about Macs is that there is so little futzing of the type normally associated with PCs.