[Ham-Mac] macintosh as ham computer?

[David Allred]

Chuck:

Whether to get a Mac or a PC for the ham shack... Good question!

If you are more of a ham than a computer user, get a Mac and ignore
everything else. The Mac OS is designed to be _used_ more than as a geek
toy. (But super-geeks will tell you that the Unix deep inside the Mac is
better than anything Microsoft ever re-invented...)

If you are more of a computer user than a ham, a PC provides a wealth of
excuses to play with the software. In fact, you _must_ do a lot more
than just use the computer to make the computer useful.

If you want the ease of use of Macintosh, but don't want to give up the
true PC experience, go ahead and get a Mac but add the following:

Get a large transformer (ten pounds or more) from your junk box. If you
don't have one that large, get one at a hamfest. (You can use a cinder
block, but a transformer works best.) With some strong wire, hang the
transformer from the ceiling so that it will be about four inches above
your head while you are sitting at your operating position.

Now, every time you stand up or sit down, the transformer will hit you
in the head. The pain isn't as realistic as what you can get from owning
and operating a real PC, but it's fairly close.

For extra realism, every time there is a Windows upgrade or a new PC
virus outbreak (every few weeks), have someone cut the wire while you
are sitting under the transformer. (The transformer may bounce out of
control after hitting you. Insure that the person helping you is well
out of the way (unless they want recognition for helping you with your
computer work). You should also put some kind of protective barrier
between you and your operating table, you might simulate what a PC
induced surge can do to your radio equipment.

Now, when you compare computer notes with other hams, you can honestly
match the quality of their stories with your own computer tales.


Seriously, if you want to operate, get a Mac. If you want to tinker with
software, get a PC.

Many Mac users do as I do and run Virtual PC for those few interesting
programs that have no convenient Mac corollary.

If you decide to use Virtual PC, here is the secret to having the fewest
hassles: Have a PC professional help you strip everything out of Windows
that isn't needed to run the one or two PC programs that you find you
really need to run. And never run anything on the PC side that connects
to the Internet.

73,
David
N1EXQ


>I am trying to decide whether to use a macintosh OSX or Windows XP Pro
as my ham 
>computer.  I am a new ham operator and prefer to use the Mac when
possible, but 
>don't know which would be the wiser choice.  I have an Icom 781 and
would like 
>to do most of my ham control via the computer.  Are there enough
programs for 
>OSX to keep you happy using the Mac?  Would appreciate your thoughts
and any 
>advice.  Thanks.  Chuck KC0BDU


     |  J. David Allred
     |
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     |  Photon, Inc.
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