When to Stay With Windows
Here are a few questions I’ve received recently from people like you, and my answers. I have edited and restated the questions a bit, for readability.
We plan to buy a new computer running the XP version of Windows, not Vista. We are afraid to take the step to the Mac since we are in our 70s, and are just average on the computer. We rely on our children for help when we get into a jam, and they have no experience with a Mac. Would you recommend we venture into Mac land, fear and all?
No. While I believe Apple’s (AAPL) hardware is very good, and the Mac operating system is better than either version of Windows (MSFT), I also believe that average users whose operating system works well for them, and who can buy new hardware that runs the same system, shouldn’t feel pressure to change. That’s especially true when they have a ready source of support.
However, that course of action will become more difficult this summer, when Microsoft plans to stop licensing Windows XP to computer makers for preloading on new machines. That will make Vista the only version of Windows available to new computer buyers. Buying a new Vista PC does require users to learn new techniques and to cope with hardware and software incompatibilities.
I heard that you could still use your AOL email address without paying for the other AOL services, which are no longer used in our household. I am wondering if this is true.
Yes. AOL (TWX) has made its email free. The email service is also now available from a Web site, and no longer requires special AOL software.
I have purchased a new laptop. How do I transfer the songs from the iTunes library on the old laptop into the iTunes library on my new laptop? None of these songs are copy-protected. I created them from my own CDs.
If your setup is typical, I would recommend copying the entire iTunes folder that is found under My Music or Music on a PC, or under Music on a Mac. This folder should contain both a subfolder called “iTunes Music” (which contains the actual song files iTunes manages) and one or more files containing the words “iTunes” and “Library,” which tell the program about your playlists and other details. If your setup is atypical, you may have to copy music files from other folders and have the copy of iTunes on your new machine re-import them.
Another approach is to use an iPod, if it has all your music and playlists on it. There are small utility programs available on the Web that will copy the contents of an iPod, including playlists, into a fresh version of iTunes on another computer. One that I have used successfully is called Music Rescue and is at www.kennettnet.co.uk. It comes in both Windows and Mac versions. But there are others.
Reminder: if you are discarding or giving away the old computer, be sure to deauthorize it from your iTunes Store account before doing so. Just go to the “Store” menu in iTunes and click on “Deauthorize computer…”.
You can find Mossberg’s Mailbox, and my other columns, online free of charge at the new All Things Digital Web site, http://walt.allthingsd.com.
Comments
Dear Walt Mossberg,
I would like to know why you don’t use the answer, which MacDailyNews put together in regards to the elderly couple using a Windows System and wanting to upgrade their System Setup:
“You are planning to buy a new computer anyway, so buy a Mac. Run your familiar Windows XP and you’ll also have the Mac’s better-designed hardware and the capacity to learn the superior Mac OS X and Mac-only apps at your own pace. Buying any other PC would be a mistake as you would be needlessly limiting yourselves, regardless of your age, ability, or confidence.”
My Granparents are also in their 70ties and they are extremly happy with the MacBook and the ability to see their Grandchildren whenever they want using iChatAV.
I am living in London, my brother&sister and parent’s in West Germany and my Grandparents 200km (125 miles) away from them.
And during the Winter Months my Grandparents fly out to Spain.
On Christmas we always get connected, having them in oversize on the big projector screen in the Living Room with them seeing us around the Christmas Tree.
This way they are always just a mouse click away to tell them the latest news in Picture & Tone, wherever we are…
Posted by Max Mertens at March 21st, 2008 at 11:01 amI just signed up with a new ISP and switched from a paid to a free AOL e-mail account.
Posted by Virginia Gummow at March 21st, 2008 at 12:15 pmIs it safe for me to remove all traces of AOL from my programs?
Dear Mr. Mossberg,
My observations and thoughts ….
The Couple has issues and sounds like very limited use of their current computer …. They are afraid to do something new for fear they may goof it up ….
They are scared to death of Vista but have an interest in the Mac ….
Money does not seem to be an issue ….
Why not suggest they run XP on a Mac and then work their way onto the Mac as time and comfort allows them ….
Their local Apple Store would be more than happy to help - and - Apple has SUPPORT something they now depend on their loved ones for …..
Their entire support Team will want to learn more about the Mac and in the end, they may all like the Mac over XP …. but with your advise they will never know or experience a Mac - When they could have BOTH for not a WHOLE BUNCH more money ….
What will their choice be 5 years from now - XP again?
Just my thoughts,
Posted by Ansel Wade at March 21st, 2008 at 1:25 pmAnsel
As an architect I’m really tempted by the wonderful designs of Apples- especially the notebooks- but wonder if running both- my just rebuilt desktop PC (duo-core, all that) is the thing to do.
Posted by Jerry Gropp at March 25th, 2008 at 5:30 pmJerry Gropp Architect AIA, Mercer Island, WA