Going backwards and forwards

Tina · Sep 01, 2010, 11:08:47

I am still on the Mac vs Windows thing. I thought I'd decided on another Mac, but don't think I can justify the cost. So have some questions if OK about windows.

1) in another thread someone said there is good free anti-virus protection out there for windows now - which is it?

2) I used to get really annoyed at the pop up's on windows, but a friend said if you use FF and not IE you don't get them. Is that right?

3) could i get a good laptop for about £400-450? If so what would you recommend?

I love Macs, but for what I use my lap top for I can't justify it really. But i've heard windows is slow, full of virus's and pop up's... thanks guys and sorry some of this is old ground just wanna get it all straight in my blond head lol

Rik · Sep 01, 2010, 11:11:28

I'll leave this to people with experience of both 'camps', Tina.

Tina · Sep 01, 2010, 11:13:57

I never thought I'd use window's but my finances don't allow nice shiny Macs anymore

pctech · Sep 01, 2010, 11:19:49

Hi Tina

If you are buying a new system chances are it will have Windows 7 which is very good indeed.

Avast! or Microsoft Security Essentials will do the job for you along with Immunet.

As regards pop ups, provided you are careful with your browsing you don't tend to get them but your friend is correct FF is better in terms of the add-ons you can get to combat them and from a security point too as any bugs tend to be squashed a lot quicker than IE which is important particularly if you are using your PC for things such as banking.

DorsetBoy · Sep 01, 2010, 11:24:54

Quote from: Tina on Sep 01, 2010, 11:08:47
I am still on the Mac vs Windows thing. I thought I'd decided on another Mac, but don't think I can justify the cost. So have some questions if OK about windows.

1) in another thread someone said there is good free anti-virus protection out there for windows now - which is it?

2) I used to get really annoyed at the pop up's on windows, but a friend said if you use FF and not IE you don't get them. Is that right?

3) could i get a good laptop for about £400-450? If so what would you recommend?

I love Macs, but for what I use my lap top for I can't justify it really. But i've heard windows is slow, full of virus's and pop up's... thanks guys and sorry some of this is old ground just wanna get it all straight in my blond head lol

Hi Tina,

Avast 5 is an excellent and comprehensive free AV system with a lot of custom settings if you want them. Microsoft produce MSE "Microsoft Security Essentials which is an AV system combined with a new version of Defender,toally free, install ,set scans etc and forget it's there. It stays quiet until it sees a problem, MSE is highly rated in the virus tests, I just prefer the interaction with Avast5.

Privacyware make a new free firewall called PrivateFirewall which seems to be very good.

Pop ups are no different in IE or Firefox , the Windows User accout control has less popups and more user control in Win7, it flags up changes which could be an issue.

There are plenty of good laptop deals for well under £500 to be had and many come with all sorts of freebies. My neighbour has a new Acer with a very high spec, free security suite and case, spare battery etc, for @ £379.

pctech · Sep 01, 2010, 11:27:38

Ah yes I forgot about UAC which is much improved too in 7 though it still can be a bit disruptive with older software.

DorsetBoy · Sep 01, 2010, 11:34:49

This http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5732Z_Laptop_LX.PMZ02.021/version.asp is like my neighbours lappy, I will ask him where he got it as it was a really good deal at the time.

Tina · Sep 01, 2010, 11:43:05

just remembered I have a little XP advent note book - so playing with that

the screen is so blue it hurts my eyes, and so little lol

Glenn · Sep 01, 2010, 12:37:11

How about Samsung or Acer

Niall · Sep 01, 2010, 20:39:43

Quote from: DorsetBoy on Sep 01, 2010, 11:24:54
Hi Tina,

Avast 5 is an excellent and comprehensive free AV system with a lot of custom settings if you want them. Microsoft produce MSE "Microsoft Security Essentials which is an AV system combined with a new version of Defender,toally free, install ,set scans etc and forget it's there. It stays quiet until it sees a problem, MSE is highly rated in the virus tests, I just prefer the interaction with Avast5.

Privacyware make a new free firewall called PrivateFirewall which seems to be very good.

Pop ups are no different in IE or Firefox , the Windows User accout control has less popups and more user control in Win7, it flags up changes which could be an issue.

There are plenty of good laptop deals for well under £500 to be had and many come with all sorts of freebies. My neighbour has a new Acer with a very high spec, free security suite and case, spare battery etc, for @ £379.

Yes indeedy, the Acer laptops are great. My sister recently got one and it's very impressive. I think it was an aspire, or similar to the spec of one, but better than anything I can find online strangely. It was on offer somewhere, and they got it for £400 when most places had them for £600. Shame they're not online now or I'd ask them.

Glenn · Sep 01, 2010, 21:09:04

Comet do regular deals on laptops

Niall · Sep 01, 2010, 21:22:34

I've just asked my sisters other half and he's confirmed it was an Aspire. He thinks it was a higher model reduced in a sale from £600+ to £400, so quite the bargain!

Found it http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-15-6inch-Noteboook-Windows-Premium/dp/B003S3R7R0/ref=sr_1_3?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1283373113&sr=1-3

Tina · Sep 02, 2010, 14:47:40

Ok I've playing with my advent notebook which had XP on it. am getti]ng used to windows - put the protection on it someone recommended here

My mate has the comp and loves it

HERE[/url

What do you guys think? She said i5 is faster than i3 .. getting my head round this slowly... can we please have a Mac-windows conversion thread please

Glenn · Sep 02, 2010, 14:50:10

The i3 is slower than the i5, which in turn is slower than the i7, as you go up the cpu ladder the price increases too.

Glenn · Sep 02, 2010, 14:51:50

What do you want to do on the laptop, Tina?

Glenn · Sep 02, 2010, 14:54:46

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/category/1954/Laptops/n/1001954+4294960157

You can get 6% off the price by using the following discount code 6OFF

Tina · Sep 02, 2010, 14:55:48

and that is my deliema - I don't mind paying up to £600 if it's a good machine - but for £750 I can get a Macbook, but the specs aren't as good .. I just wanna do general surfing, a bit of web design.. but i do want a good machine don't wanna regret coming over to windows.

pctech · Sep 02, 2010, 14:57:07

Get a PC, its more versatile than a Mac.

Tina · Sep 02, 2010, 14:57:45

I'm looking at windows, but never hsving used them i don't have a clue lol

pctech · Sep 02, 2010, 14:59:32

If you've got any questions ask away or if you prefer you can PM me and I'll be happy to help.

Tina · Sep 02, 2010, 15:02:19

Ok i know i want it to be intel. I also know I want about 3-4GB I don't mind paying up to £600 for a good machine.. gotta take doglet out, be back later

Glenn · Sep 02, 2010, 15:07:47

If you want a 64bit OS then, this may fit the bill http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5745_LX.PTW02.017/version.asp

Steve · Sep 02, 2010, 15:51:58

Quote from: pctech on Sep 02, 2010, 14:57:07
Get a PC, its more versatile than a Mac.

A Mac can run Windows and Mac OS X so which is the most versatile?

Rik · Sep 02, 2010, 15:54:36

Depends on who's at the keyboard...

Glenn · Sep 02, 2010, 16:00:32

My Dell netbook can run OS X