Windows to Apple

[choogh]

I'm seriously considering to purchase a Mac notebook, now that my 1 year old Sony Vaio TX has crapped out.
Will my windows software run on the Mac, or will I have to buy new, also, the files currently in XT format, can they be made to work on the Mac ?
Cheers
Charlie

[Ethel]

Most Windows software is not compatible with Macs.

I know nothing of XT format, so can't help you there.

[fo3nix]

Mac software is totally different to Windows software. The software is written for the operating system: Macs run Mac OS X, and not windows.

So, you will have to use different software, or at least different versions of the same software. For example, there is a Firefox for the Mac (I'm using it now), totally the same as the Windows version. There's a version of Microsoft Office for the Mac too, but its not the same exact one as Windows. Same goes for most other major programs. Others are replaced by equally good, other software (many supplied by Apple as default).

What software do you use?

The only major thing to do is find out if any software you use is Windows-only. If so, you may be in trouble.

XT format: what files are these? I've never heard of the XT format.

(Having said all of the above, you have two options for Windows software. First, you can install Windows on the laptop too, to boot into instead of Mac OS X as and when you want to. However, all the security concerns that come with Windows still exist -- the Mac hardware isn't any more secure than any other hardware. Secondly, you can buy virtualisation software such as Parallels, which makes Windows software run together with the other Mac OS X programs. However, it doesn't run perfectly, and detracts from the integrated interface, making the programs appear alien.)

[choogh]

XT is windows XT, I use 100 pc windows software, and so do the office staff, so, if I chang e to Mac based system, I'm alone, I cannot exchange files or documents ? nor use my "original" MS Office and Projects software?
What a waste.... so what are the advantages of the Mac..??
Thanks Charlie

[choogh]

Sorry for XT read XP of course..
Charlie

[Ethel]

Mac owners say the big advantage is that it is NOT Windows.

:)

[fo3nix]

I understand now.

The files are not in 'XP format'. They're in whatever format they were created in -- xls if an excel file, doc if a word document file, etc.

These file types do not depend on the operating system that's been used. As such, yes of course they can be opened on a Mac. You just need to make sure you have a program to open them, just as you do with Windows. This means either Microsoft Office or the excellent (and free) OpenOffice (called NeoOffice for various reasons on the Mac).

If you just do general computer-usage type things: watching videos, photos, emails, spreadsheets, letters and essays; that sort of thing, then you'll be fine. The only exception are programs such as Sage (an accounting progam), which I believe is Windows-only. There are similar programs available for Mac, but not that particular one, so if you depend on it then you won't want to get a Mac (unless you're prepared to run it under parallels).

[Matheous]

All new current 'Intel' Macs can also operate in Windows/Vista......
http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstor e/
Check the above website.

[Gromit]

The files that have been produced in XP like Word docs or excel docs will open and work with the Mac OS X versions of the software. The files you create on the Mac can be opened on a PC running XP.

If you are networked, your Mac can be added to it and you can exchange files with your colleagues. Or you gcan send a receive them as email attachments and they are fully compatible (Mac and PC and vice versa)

Please do not buy a MacBook and run XP on it, buy something cheap from Dell to do that.