There would be no question about it — if Macs weren’t so expensive.
But I will probably have to buy a new laptop soon, and I’d rather not go with a Windows operating system again. The reason: they are more vulnerable to hackers and viruses, and Microsoft is constantly updating them with fixes and patches and upgrades to the OS itself.
It’s the latter point that is the most serious issue for me. My current laptop — purchased in 2009 — began life with a Vista operating system. I upgraded to Windows 8, then to Windows 10 Pro, Version 1511. Microsoft is never content to rest with an OS, and is constantly improving them. They’re at Version 1709, I think, and a pop-up box keeps asking me to upgrade or not get fixes and patches etc.
The problem is, I have attempted to update it several times. Each time it downloads the 5 gb of upgrades and updates, then fails to install them. Instead, a new box pops up saying it is reverting to 1511.
Yes, I have researched the problem online, and it seems many other people are facing the same problem. But they are not getting answers, and they’re not getting their updates.
Hence, the revelation this week of major security issues with Intel chips makes them even more serious for people like me whose computers won’t accept the latest version of Windows, in which the patch for said security issues can be found. Without the upgrade, we can’t fully protect our computers, it would seem.
I’m thinking my computer is just too old and there’s something in it that is not compatible with the latest Windows 1o version.
So, I’m in the market for a new computer, and will probably go with a Mac, if I can find something reasonably priced.
I’m also wondering if an iPad can serve as a laptop of sorts for me. IPads are considerably less expensive than Macbooks and such.
Any ideas?
— Jillian
Photo: Macbook Air. (Wikipedia)
Jillian Page 
Have you ever considered Linux? Most people still think it’s difficult and for geeks only, but if there’s nothing you desperately need windows for, Linux (like Ubuntu or Mint) are perfect options. On your regular PC. And it’s free.
You can even download a Live CD, burn it and run Linux from that to see if you can live with it, without modifying anything on your computer until you decide to actually install it.
I haven’t used MS Windows at home in 18 years (since 1999) and I am happy and malware/virus free…
I’ve heard from several sources that MacBooks are prone to harddisk problems and display issues. Not all of them but still…
LikeLike
I will look into that.
I’m trying something else at the moment: My partner bought us an 18-inch Samsung tablet. I’ve been using it to stream Amazon shows, but today I’m using its keyboard to type this very message to you. Works well. It might be enough to fill my needs.
LikeLike
Oh…almost forgot…I bought my MacBook Pro from that Apple dealer – Insoe – on Park Ave. It was 1 year old, refurbished, sold with a guarantee and I saved approx. 30%!
LikeLike
While not wishing to dissuade you from looking into Linux, it is open source and overall little better than Windows as it uses the same architecture, so apt the same issues. But to be fair, following recent news, the intel chip regardless of OS there are security flaws so it doesn’t really matter which you eventually buy. As for buying a Mac instead of a PC, yes they are expensive but we Mac users know that if you spread your cost over – say 10 years (or until the OS is no longer updated, which roughly about the same amount of time) then it does not seem so much, while safe in the knowledge that you have a reliable desktop, laptop and/or tablet. No alt-control-delete worries or searching for a 5-pound sledge hammer to improve a PCs response times.
LikeLike
Thanks for this, Reg.
LikeLike
“The reason: they are more vulnerable to hackers and viruses, and Microsoft is constantly updating them with fixes and patches and upgrades to the OS itself.”
Fables.
The Mac is no more resistant to hackers than any other O/S. There’s just so many more PC’s that a hacker is more likely to target them than a Mac. (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-glassberg/are-apple-products-really_b_10241742.html).
Most malware attacks are self-inflicted, so it doesn’t matter which O/S you are using. People tend to click on links without thinking. Hackers have gotten pretty good at making your from address and subject look legitimate, but if anything feels wrong, then look at the headers of the email.
I also have a PC with Linux on it, and I would never use it for my day-to-day work. I rely on too many programs that simply have no Linux equivalent. (And I am too old to learn an almost-like program on Linux).
As far as your update problem.
You need to look at the update history and look for the first failed update. Install that upgrade manually. Here’s the problem- Microsoft will update in batches, and not in sequence. So what you likely have is a failed update that subsequent updates depend on.
Before you buy a Mac, make a list of the programs that you rely on. Then inquire if that program is available on the Mac (usually at a higher price).
Steve
LikeLike
I may have solved my problem already: As mentioned, we got a new Samsung Galaxy View tablet with a whopping 18.4-inch screen. It has a big onscreen keyboard, which I am using to type this, and it works just fine. I loaded Norton onto it, and it just might meet my computer needs as well as serve as a tablet. Plus, it automatically downloads updates and is much younger in computer years than my old laptop. Will keep experimenting with it.
LikeLike
Jillian, first of all, u had ur old PC for 9 years, and if u bought a Mac u could probably keep it 10-12 years, so when u amortize the EXTRA u pay for a MAC over it’s lifetime, it’s negligible .
Second, NO ONE can beat the Mac support, and it’s all free, and when in trouble u can also just walk into the Apple store and u will b helped out!
Thirdly, IF u have an iPhone or other Mac products, they will all work easily and seamlessly together!
I have spoken !
LikeLike
Got it. Thanks, Norm!
LikeLike
No.
1. They refuse to work on any machine over 5 years old. No support after then.
2. Seamless integration… except when it isn’t (I have both a Mac & iPhone & iPad). Macs and phones/tablets use different operating systems.
LikeLike
So there you go, Jillian, – opinions from every point on the “compas” – you’re probably more confused than ever.! I suggest you Google “computer reviews” (from good sources, and after reading 10 or 20, you will see a a common thread. Go with that!
One man’s opinion !
LikeLike
Thanks to everyone!
LikeLike
Have a Mac. Although better than Windows, it has problems also. Overall I prefer MacOS to Windows, and wouldn’t change back, but I’m not an iSheep who insists that Macs are completely wonderful.
As noted above, the recent news about major security flaw in CPU chips applies just as much to Macs as to PCs, and most hackers work by fooling you into clicking on link, or opening a message, that loads the malware onto your computer regardless of what type.
A Mac has its glitches too, and apps/processes/programs hang up just as often as on Windows machines. It has a nicer-looking interface, but you better like what you see, because Apple has the mindset that “we designed it a certain way, we know what is best for you, and anyhow, we won’t let you change anything.”
Macs have the same problem with constantly pushing you to update the system, and every time you do, it runs slower. I try to avoid updates, but Apple bundles the security patches in with the system updates to dragoon you into downloading the “updates” which generally add little-to-no real functionality. Also, if a machine is older than 5 years, they won’t fix it for you, regardless of whether you are willing to pay them. Because they sell both the hardware and software, they are even more vicious about planned obsolescence than other tech companies.
A tablet can be a cheap but happy solution, but make sure your favourite programs (I mean apps, not TV shows) can run on it. Also, if you are going to type more than these relatively short blogs, I suggest a plug-in external keyboard; on-screen typing isn’t a easy as an actual keyboard.
Good luck with whatever you decide. Play with the Samsung for now, but understand it’s limitations. Meanwhile, save your loonies in case you do want a better machine.
LikeLike
I think that’s the way to go, i.e. tablet followed by Mac.
Thanks!
LikeLike
I got an IPad 4 mini for $325 at Target in my hometown. I would go for a 2014 Macbook Pro if you need power.
LikeLike
I have an ongoing love / hate relationship with the Windows operating system myself. One option you may wish to consider is a ChromeBook. Viruses and operating system updates are essentially a non-issue and the re are some very good options out there at excellent prices.
LikeLike
Insoe, on Park Ave., near Jean Talon, for rebuilt 2-3 year old Macs…great prices ! I bought my last MacBook Pro there.
LikeLike