computer virus

Larry H":1f4kvqop said:
Brent,

I have an Apple Mac Mini, running OS-X 10.6.3 and also a Compaq running Windows 7. Both computers are new since Nov 09.

The Mac only gets one or two (if that many) updates or security patches from Apple per month. The Windows 7 machine gets the usual 5 to 10 patches weekly.

I am just a computer user, but my understanding is that Mac computers use unix as the operating core of the computer, and that core can not be changed without the operator allowing the change by entering the administrator password.

If I understand Windows correctly, any .exe file can change the core of the machine, and do not require the admin password to do so.

I do not have any anti-virus software on the Mac. I have not had any problems.

I have AGV free anti-virus on the W 7 machine, and so far I have not had any problems, but the W 7 is only used for navigation and only goes online to access Rose Point for Coastal Explorer updates and to get the W 7 patches.

The Mac can pass viruses thru the machine by getting an infected email, and then forwarding that email to others, but the virus does no harm to the Mac.

Anyone wanting to learn more about Mac computers can check this link to a user forum.

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/switcher-hangout/

Conclusion, I love my Mac! When Coastal Explorer releases a Mac version, I will get rid of all my PC pain-in-the-A machines.
Click to expand...


Larry
Have you looked at using NavimaQ or MacENC?
 
Brent,

I installed the trial version of MacENC and tried it out some.

I also installed Coastal Explorer trial version on a PC and tried that. I prefer the CE over MacENC for waypoint management and for chart zooming and redraw time. The Mac ENC is better at chart rendition (its a Mac and graphics is its strong suit).

The other issue is that I would have to buy a Mac notebook + the MacENC program. That is a lot of $$$. Perhaps in the future I will get a Mac notebook, but for now I have a Compac notebook with W 7 which will not be connected to the internet, except to update charts and CE. Coastal Explorer is also well supported by the good folks at Rose Point.
 
thanks Larry

I am PC neutral and that was my thinking plus the market is flooded with inexpensive netbooks. Is 10" screen acceptable?
 
I got a 16inch notebook and still wish the screen was larger. Netbook screens are kinda small, however they would fit nicely on a 22 or even a 16. I have heard that the netbooks are a little short on processor power. I do think that a netbook would be good for email and light web browsing to keep the notebook PC with the nav program away from the internet.

The various nav programs are available as free trial versions. It would not cost much to try out your pick on a netbook. Netbook suitability also varies by how many charts you want to install.

PC's getting a virus and/or crashing seems to me to be the most dangerous part of using a computer to navigate. (Other than their susceptibility to water or physical damage.)

If there is room and power for a monitor, a Mac Mini running MacENC installed in a protected location, powered by a 12volt power supply or inverter could make a good nav system.
 
thanks
I have Garmin Homeport running on a 10" netbook. I just repaired a 15" laptop that someone gave me b/c the partition table got scrambled and plan tom install it if I dont give it away
 
hi brent,
just downloaded openoffice.org, took an hour or so, haven't opened it to look around, will do that tomorrow as it's been a long day and i'm just a little tired. i appreciate the referral.
thanks
pat
 
good luck I used it for several years before switching to gDocs

I give Apple all of the credit in world for giving us the Personal in PC and providing a pleasant PC experience along with their computers, i- models and phones. what a game changer when Macs replaced the Apple II series
What's next?
 
Thanks to Larry, Pat, Brent, and all for the hints! I've been away for a day, and will give them a try as I am able to catch up!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
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