I am not an IT expert but I took advice from people who are. No computer is exempt from faults but the point is that experience shows that in the great scheme of things Macs are far more stable and less likely to go wrong than windows based PCs. In any case I trust nothing, I use Time Machine to back everything up to an Iomega 1TB external drive and I use another external hard drive to save sensitive stuff like documents, photos etc. and this drive is only connected to the system and powered up when I want to save to it. John
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Hi JST. I agree that stability & predictable operation are key selling points for Apple products. Yep, they just work. My point was that, because they 'just work', when they stop working or are (eg) infected via malware or something out of the ordinary happens, the usual experience that you get from solving problems isn't there and there's less informed advice to hand. The two go together.

Additionally the perception (to date, based in reality to a large extent) that Macs are safe has led to a rather blase' attitude on the part of some Apple fans and this is the most telling vulnerability. I sense you are ahead of that position, JST.

You are right to take precautions to protect your data, personal info etc. and multiple secured backups is part of that strategy. You also I hope are ensuring any updates are applied, security patches etc installed, any wireless LAN protected & encrypted, you choose a secure browser (& add ons to help secure sessions) ... this will become the norm for all computing. In reality no kit is invulnerable but you just put up the best (ie most appropriate) defences you can to protect what's important. ...

Be true to yourself. That way happiness lies...

piattj wrote:

My point was that, because they 'just work', when they stop working or are (eg) infected via malware or something out of the ordinary happens, the usual experience that you get from solving problems isn't there and there's less informed advice to hand. The two go together.

I should have said... "there's less INFORMAL advice to hand" ...

Be true to yourself. That way happiness lies...

I must agree (although I don't own an Apple product yet!) that their customer service seems to be top rate.

I have visited 2 Apple stores near where I live to look at the various products and their staff are extremely knowledgable about them. Offering to help configure them and to give How-To sessions 1:1.

Even if you haven't bought it from the stores - that is customer services

Just imagine how busy the Micro$oft Store would be......


I keep thinking I should buy an iPad - but can't really justify the porice at the moment (feel the same about a netbook too!)

But am seriously considering an iPhone when my current mobile contract expires in June this year  2002 Honda VFR800
2002 Toyota Celica 140 Silver (mid life crisis - again!)
2007 FL2 GS Manual Army Reconnaissance Green + freel2.com sticker
2004 Toyota Celica 140 Black - Gone
2000 Toyota Celica 140 Silver - Gone
1998 Toyota Celica ST Pearl Green - Gone
1996 Nissan Primera 1.6 - Gone
1994 Rover Montego 1.6 Auto - Gone

All the comments about Apple support... couldn't agree more. I was making a point about the relevant inexperience of Apple users in having to deal with malware - so far. Last word from me...  ...

Be true to yourself. That way happiness lies...