Bill

[Joe]

How are you liking your new machine? I have not upgraded to the new OS because I am still waiting to get a decent external HD (most likely a Lacie).

[Joe]

BTW, I am enjoying being virus free. There have been a few nasty strains released this week. I have recieved about 10-15 emails a day that Earthlink has found a virus attached to. It is refreshing to be able to breathe during this moments.

[Bill]

Hi Joe,

I am loving the new 17" Powerbook!!! Tiger is super fast too! It loads so quickly in comparison to any other OS I have ever used. The blazing speed of the 17" is so amazing!

I learned something about Apple computers. Apple is the only company that makes Apple computers while the Windows-based PCs are made by zillions (slight exaggeration) of companies. No wonder there are more PCs than Apples on the market. This is one reason their prices are higher...but the old worries of obtaining software for Macs is long gone. You can get over 20,000 titles for Macs.

I plan on purchasing an antivirus program just to make it so that my Apples are not carriers. We may not have to worry about our own computers but we should be concerned for all of those PC users. I was told by the sales associate at Compusa that they have sold more Apple computers in the last six months than the total amount of PCs. The Apple area of the store was much more busy than the PC area.

Joe...have you seen the new 2.7 GHz Power Mac? It is so fast!!!! Not to mention they have upgraded so many things to compete with the gamer machines. Power Macs (http://www.apple.com/powermac/)

The iMacs have also had some makeovers and they are fierce! iMacs (http://www.apple.com/imac/)

So many great computers! I will be saving up for the Power Mac for next year! I can give my Mac Mini to my sister as she does not have a computer and could use one that is easier to use.

Thanks for asking Joe! Let me know what you think of the additional HD is like.

[Joe]

I just facilitated a free test offered by Norton that analyzes ones machines. I passed every category without a anti-viral program. If I were to have tested a windows unit without such programs, I would have seen different results.

I have read that its hard for an Apple to be a carrrier because the OS has a different language. If the Apple does not recognize the language, the file or whatnot is not accepted by the OS. Is there any truth to this?

[Bill]

I will ask my friend who is a mac specialist and see what he says.