Mac360's Mac User Forums - Kate MacKenzie and Ron McElfresh

Buy Vista (Not Basic, though) and Downgrade to XP for Free!

2008-06-08T01:22:56-06:00

The sidebar on the home page doesn’t have the dumbass nomination link any more, so....

I assume everybody has seen this, but I couldn’t resist seeing what my 360 compadres had to say about it.

Mac Market Share

2008-02-05T19:08:19-06:00

Just last week news hit the wires about the Mac’s market share hitting nearly 8-percent. Actually, it wasn’t really market share so much as usage share, as pointed out by none other than Windows Super Site, and previous Dumbass Award Winner, Paul Thurrott.

I’m willing to cut the guy a little slack and acknowledge the difference. But it doesn’t matter because Thurrott continues to compare Windows to Mac. Windows is an operating system. The Mac is a platform which includes operating system and hardware, so a comparison of the two in terms of market share is pointless. Usage share is a more accurate representation of what is happening in the industry.

Apple sells the Mac, including OS X, in a limited number of market segments. No such limitation exists with Windows on PCs. Interestingly, there are few comparisons to Apple’s Mac market share and Dell, HP, or whatever else is left. There’s also few comparisons of different segments of market share; home vs. office, industrial vs. commercial vs. personal vs. education. Hardly anyone talks about profit share.

Overall, despite the occasional rags by Windows apologists, Apple and the Mac are quite healthy. No, Microsoft isn’t dead, maybe not even dying, but it’s certainly a sick beast.

OS X is a ripoff. WTF?

2007-01-31T21:00:26-06:00

Here is a potential candidate for the award.

http://labs.pcw.co.uk/2007/01/os_x_is_a_ripof.html

My 2 cents:

Once you factor in the price of how many times the average user takes their machine to the shop for a spyware & virus removal… I am still ahead financially if I bought every version of OS X. Now, if you are a geek, you can save some money - if you reload Windows yourself. But, with lost time in productivity by fighting all of the security holes, viruses, spyware, updating this and that, makes OS X even more valuable at it’s modest price.

Another Dumb#$# to add to the mix….

2007-11-14T09:57:23-06:00

http://ladieswholaunch.typepad.com/ladies_who_launch/2007/11/thinking-of-a-m.html

I tried to leave some comments, but they didn’t post. Maybe they are moderating… I donno.

Typical ...

“Intel Inside” Stickers

2007-08-13T21:36:04-06:00

I’ve been away from all things Mac for a few months, but managed to find a couple of dumb asses right away upon return to home.

‘Intel Inside’ Logo Stickers Absent From New Apple iMacs.’

That’s the headline. The gist is that Apple doesn’t put Intel Inside stickers on Macs. Why is that news? The Mac went Intel starting about 18 months ago.

So much for the press figuring things out in a timely manner.

The money quote comes from Tim Bajarin:

“Apple is a company that always marches to its own drumbeat”

So it is. Bob Keefe of Cox still gets nominated for JA because he asked the question at Apple’s presentation last week.

Another Idiot From “The Street”

2007-09-05T17:10:18-06:00

Even John Gruber can’t find and identify these guys as fast as the show up.

Scott Moritzz (sic) of TheStreet doesn’t even bother to check facts in his weakly diatribe against all things Apple. Who pays these guys, anyway? Advertisers?

Writer Says “Great Number” Of Viruses Afflict Apple.

2006-11-06T03:09:10-06:00

2006 will go down as the Year of Misinformation for mainstream media tech writers, columnists, pundits, and others.

Their crime? They proclaim a special status as know-it-alls, but can’t find a clue or a fact with both hands and a flashlight. We’ve removed the promo buttons on Mac360’s home page and article pages for Jackass Alert. Why?

Too many jackasses have caused our readers to wear out the buttons. Still, jackasses are easy to spot these days. Take into consideration Patrick Marshall writing for The Seattle Times.

Perhaps we should give Seattle computer users a break, since they’re so close to Microsoft headquarters, and so far removed from pleasurable computing. In what almost looks to be a question aimed at tripping up an unaware journalist posing as a guest columnist, Phil of Tacoma wrote:

“I’m considering purchasing my first Apple iMac computer, the type that can run both Apple software and Windows software. How should I protect my system from viruses, scams and intrusions under this duo system? If I communicate through e-mail via the Apple side will I be protected from viruses? I’ve read that the only reason there aren’t many viruses for the Apple is because the hackers haven’t been that interested in “attacking” that system. Is that true or is there a difference in how the different systems communicate with the Internet environment?”

It can no longer be said that Macs don’t run as much software as Windows PCs. Why?

Macs run everything Windows PCs can run and everything that Macs can run. Phil’s consideration and concerns are worthy discussion.

For example, if he’s just running Mac OS X, he doesn’t need much protection from viruses and spyware because none exist in the wild for Macs.

Phishing is a different issue, and no one is immune, but Windows Internet Explorer 7 has some new tools to help on a Windows Mac. As to viruses on Windows on a Mac? Hey, it’s Windows. Get prepared or keep it away from internet access.

Phil even tosses an easy-to-hit softball regarding why there aren’t many viruses for ”the Apple.” Then he turns hardball.

”Is that true or is there a difference in how the different systems communicate with the Internet environment.”

Good question. What does he get from the tech guru? Shiny crapola completely devoid of fact.

“You definitely want to install and maintain up-to-date anti-virus software for whatever operating system you’re going to use. Yes, there is some truth to the notion that there are fewer viruses that attack Apple Computer systems, in part because the operating system is less popular. It’s understandable that a virus writer would want to make the biggest splash possible. But there are a great number of viruses that can afflict Apple computers. For more information, you may want to take a look at [url=http://www.securemac.com]http://www.securemac.com[/url].”

While installing and using anti-virus software for Mac OS X won’t kill you, it’s not going to do much either. Poor misinformed Patrick Marshall also misinforms Phil of Tacoma, and probably many other readers.

He says, ”there are a great number of viruses that can afflict Apple computers.” That’s a great phrase, a worthy quote, and totally, completely false.

As his proof, Marshall links to SecureMac, not the most reputable source for information, which lists a single virus for Mac OS X, albeit one that didn’t work.

Readers of The Seattle-Times should ask their editors to provide more accurate reporting than this:

“At the same time, it’s true some operating systems are more vulnerable than others. There are reportedly more vulnerabilities that can be exploited in Windows XP than Mac OS X. But that can be taken as a challenge by virus writers, too. Until the first virus appeared for Mac OS X, there was quite a bit of speculation about how long it would take. I’m sure there were a number of virus writers competing to see who could be the first.”

”There are reportedly?” That’s a distortion. There are tens of thousands of viruses, spyware, exploits for Windows. How many for the Mac?

Come on, Patrick. Give good advice. What you’ve provided to readers of The Seattle-Times is ancient poppycock. Then again, I noticed that your photo is black and white, so I assume color hadn’t been invented when you were learning computers.

If it’s true, as you say, that there’s a ”great number” of viruses which afflict the Mac, name five.

I knew you couldn’t do it, but looks to me as though your hyper virusfest has infected other publications, too-- so says fellow womanly Mac user Mary Tyler on ArsTechnica.

Bad News From Stupid Apple Stock Watcher.

2007-08-22T21:01:16-06:00

How do idiots get hired in mainstream media? Do they sleep with someone at a company where execs have no morals or shame?

Consider this: Apple sells refurbished iPhones, therefore, the iPhone isn’t selling well. That’s the logic behind Zac Bissonnette of Blogging Stocks.

I’m writing this on Apple’s new aluminum keyboard, the one shipping with the highly touted new iMac. Cutting edge? A bit. This keyboard is a delight, but took a few days to get used to.

Sitting beside my keyboard is my iPhone. The iPhone is a delight to use, but the onscreen keyboard took a few days to get used to.

I could have said, ”iPhone onscreen keyboard is a dud, expect Apple to recall millions of units.” I’m entitled to an opinion, though that one borders on the ludicrous.

So does Zac’s opinion regarding the iPhone, yet he’s blogging for a company that should provide attractive and beneficial knowledge about various stocks, instead, it (and Zac) appear to just make up stuff.

For example, Zac acknowledges the recent pullback in the stock market, Apple’s AAPL notwithstanding. What’s he say to that?

“...there is pretty compelling evidence that all is not well with the iPhone.”

Uh, really, Zac? And what kind of evidence would that be? Does Zac have some kind on insider tip on a mass recall of the iPhone? Nope.

Does Zac have some research that says Apple’s first entry into the cell phone industry just isn’t selling well at the nearly 2,000 retail outlets in the US? Nope.

Zac’s only ”research” into the subject is to regurgitate the fact that Apple now sells refurbished iPhones in the Apple Store (online) for $100 off.

Wait. It’s worse. Zac now launches himself into a fit of imagination, where facts do not exist.

“So far iPhone sales have fallen well short of expectations...”

That’s an interesting limb to climb out on, Zac, old buddy. Because you’re the only one there. The iPhone launch was the single greatest technogadget launch in American history. Apple says they plan to sell 1-million iPhones by the end of September.

So far, every analyst doing real research says the company may exceed their objectives as the iPhone is selling steadily at both AT&T;’s stores and at Apple’s retail stores.

How do they know the iPhone is selling well? Research, not imagination. They survey some stores, determine about how many are sold, on average, each day, then do the math. Guess what? Apple could sell 1-million iPhones by end of September.

But Zac doesn’t believe it because he has ~~information~~ imagination you don’t have. Why are there refurbished iPhones for sale?

“It’s possible that they were returned by speculators who were hoping to resell them on eBay… but it seems likely that a lot of people are just unimpressed with the expensive new phone.”

When pigs fly, Zac. Shame on you for passing yourself off as a journalist instead of the charlatan stock manipulator (person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill; a fraud) you appear to be. How do you arrive at such drivel, Zac?

“The iPhone… has been performing far from perfectly?”

Uh, how so, Sad Zac? You don’t really know, do you? You just made it all up, right? I call you on your bullcrapola attempt. You’re a disgrace to anyone who can type.

Zac, your logic would mean that Mac sales are in trouble because Apple also sells refurbished Macs. Oh, forget about those pesky facts, like record sales for Macs.

Your logic would also mean that iPod sales are in trouble because Apple also sells refurbished iPods. Oh, forget about those pesky facts, too, Sad Zac, like record sales for iPods.

People read Blogging Stocks because they want to learn something important about a company; important enough to help them with a stock buying decision. All you’ve done is help readers decide not to read Blogging Stocks any longer.

Why? Because of the company’s ”hire the handicapped” policy? It’s possible. People sure won’t read you because you’re a good researcher. You’re a fiction writer.

Mac Users Enjoy The Suffering And Pain Of Others.

2007-03-01T14:46:42-06:00

Have Mac users and readers of Mac web sites become journalistic voyeurs who love to read literary pain? A case can be made that we’re trending toward deriving pleasure from the suffering and pain of others.

As it is with many Mac users, I have a list of web sites that I read regularly for reviews, hints, perspectives, news, commentary, opinions, and-- here it comes-- slice and dice.

Mac360’s founding female, Tera Patricks, was a master of the poking pen, and a primary reason I began reading the site’s regular reviews and commentary.

Among others, I read John Gruber’s Daring Fireball, the Macalope, and other perveyors of the fine wine of online perspectives, though I suspect that I’ve come to enjoy, as a Mac voyeur of sorts, the pain and suffering inflicted by their digital pens.

For example, who among us does not smile a little smile of pleasure whenever one of our Windows-using friends becomes infected by a virus, or experiences a frequent blue-screen-of-death, or any of the myriad of problems Mac users seldom feel?

Who among us does not take offense whenver techno pundits like Rob Enderle or Paul Thurrott, keepers of the Microsoft Status Quo Flame™ spew their silly thoughts toward all things Mac and Apple?

Recently, The Macalope sliced and diced Cory Doctorow, relegating his latest journalistic view of Apple’s Steve Jobs to what he does best-- fiction. We’ve come to enjoy it when opinions are julienned by the pen of Mac pundits.

In fact, we engage in such literary Perry Masonism ourselves, from time to time, hence the Mac360 Dumbass Award, which we bestow upon the unwitting and unthinking.

Here’s a case in point. We love exposing FUD. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt, whether from Windows media pundits, company leaders, or even other Mac news sites, who seem to exploit and titillate our eyes with headlines of lies.

Is there really a ”growing need” for Mac security software, as MacNewsWorld shamelessly attests? No, but that didn’t stop the ridiculous article, and didn’t stop others from attempts to deflate their FUD balloon, passing as news.

Gundeep Hora asks the hilarious not-ready-for-sci-fi question, is ”Apple Ready To Kill OS X?” Why? It’s a headline to grab attention and readers, and the resulting turkey carve by John Gruber. Gundeep is the same Gundeep who said Microsoft Should Acquire Linux, as if the latter was available for sale.

Line by line, paragraphy by paragraph, using blockquotes and a poison pen, we dissect and dismember that which is in disagreement with our view of the world.

Do we love eating literary just desserts when available? Yes. Do we, as Mac users and readers of online sites, enjoy the pain and suffering of others, however momentary or deserved? Uh, yes. We used to call exposing the foibles of others a form of investigative journalism. Today we call it entertainment.

Do Media Tech Pundits Understand Up vs. Down?

2006-12-18T21:43:55-06:00

Sometimes I read articles online and rub my eyes in disbelief. It’s a never ending trail of rubbish. So it was last week with Forrester Research’s research showing iTunes Store sales going down. Who’s applauding this? Rob Enderle, media tech pundit.

Tucked neatly at the bottom of the latest in Enderle’s digital drivel in TechNewsWorld is the headline-- ”Apple’s Collapse.”

Collapse from what? The weight of Forrester’s tarnished report that iTunes sales are falling. Can anyone ever trust Forrester again?

Collapse from what? Enderle admits to being out of town, therefore out of touch, so I should cut him some slack. Until he starts typing again…

My ears, or, is it eyes? One of my senses perked up when I read this:

“Apple makes little or no money on iTunes music, but this music forms a switching cost barrier that prevents other MP3 products from cannibalizing existing Apple customers.”

Apple has never said the iTunes Store loses money, or breaks even. About all we can get is that there’s little profit to selling the music, more profit in selling iPods and accessories.

Between 1.5-billion and 2-billion songs have been downloaded from the iTunes Store so there’s bound to be a few pennies lining the quarterly statement of AAPL.

Regardless, the phrase “cost barrier” struck a nerve. There’s some accuracy there, though I wouldn’t use the term “cost” to describe the barrier to switching from iTunes Store or an iPod to something else.

There’s a “barrier” to moving from anything to anything, including from a troublesome Windows PC to a nearly trouble-free Mac with OS X. The barrier Enderle describes resides mostly in his head.

The so-called barrier he refers to is probably Apple’s Fairplay digital rights management (DRM) system inherent in iTunes and songs from the iTunes Store.

“In short, if you want to switch, you have to kiss off all your purchased tunes and then buy them again from someone else.”

Except that you don’t, so Rob is wrong. Again. How so? OK, I have a Mac and a Windows PC. I have music purchased from the iTunes Store. Assume that I’m ready to switch to a new SanDisk Sansa which is PC only, and ready to ditch my iPod and iTunes forever (already you’re thinking, “Jack-- you’re more of an idiot that this Enderle guy).

How do I get my iTunes music to the PC? Is it that hard?

Rob implies that there’s a trend going on with people dumping iPods, iTunes, and music from the iTunes Store.

“If fewer and fewer people buy music this way, this barrier gets weaker over time. That could be problematic for Apple, which is facing ever more-focused competitors.”

Ever more focused competitors? Who? Name one. In fact, name five competitors to Apple’s market dominating trio?

Wait? There’s more.

“Personally, I think this simply means that folks are realizing what a rip-off DRM (digital rights management)-protected downloaded music is, and they are going back to CDs so they can do what they want with the music they purchase.”

If they’re going back to CDs are CD sales going up? Are online sales going up or down? Which is it? Everyone but Forrester and Enderle indicate iTunes Store sales are continuing to grow.

The music industry says things are bad no matter what’s really happening, so their statements can’t be accepted as realistic or truthful.

Winning a Dumb Ass of the Week Award takes effort. After all, the week is yet young, but it’s hard to pass up such gems as this one.

“This may also indicate that buyers are getting fed up with how difficult it is to use downloaded music legally, and they want to stop funding an organization that treats music lovers as criminals.”

It’s difficult to use downloaded music legally? How so? It looks like tens of millions of iTunes Store customers have no trouble with Apple’s DRM scheme.

Worse, Rob just said Apple is treating music lovers as criminals but offers no proof. How about this? Rob is an idiot media tech pundit and the proof is available here, here, and here.