Setting up a wifi network for parents - PC and Mac - need current router recommendations [more inside]
posted on Oct 8, 2008 - 9 answers
So I finally got around to setting up my wireless video webcam. I like the camera, I like that it's wireless and streaming video, but I can't view the video from any of my three Macs, though it works with my Dell laptop. When I try to view from my Mac (on IE, Firefox, or Safari) I get the video page but no video. [more inside]
posted on Sep 29, 2008 - 7 answers
When and where should I buy a laptop (also: what kind?!)? [more inside]
posted on Sep 11, 2008 - 16 answers 
mac files show up on pc but can't use - won't show up at all on mac. What to do? [more inside]
posted on Sep 5, 2008 - 11 answers
Mac/PC Internet Sharing: My work PC (running XP) has an internet connect, but no wireless. Is there a way to connect my MacBook Air to my PC via USB so that my Mac can use my PC's internet connection? [more inside]
posted on Aug 18, 2008 - 11 answers
How can we transfer valuable files from an ancient Macintosh to our Windows PC? [more inside]
posted on Aug 5, 2008 - 12 answers
I'm writing an article for my local chamber of commerce newsletter: "Here are the top 5 things you can do right now to make using your computer a better experience". But I keep overcomplicating things. [more inside]
posted on Jun 11, 2008 - 31 answers
recommendations for good system back-up software programs? [more inside]
posted on May 12, 2008 - 7 answers
Can anyone help me figure out how to resume file sharing capabilities between my MacBook Pro and my Windows Vista PC after my 'Book has been in Sleep mode? [more inside]
posted on May 2, 2008 - 2 answers
We'd like to be able to share calendars in a mixed Windows/Mac shop. Difficulties: delegating calendars to be writable by multiple individuals, offline access, avoiding upgrading Exchange and Entourage. [more inside]
posted on Apr 24, 2008 - 8 answers
Mac/PC webcam options (hardware and software)? [more inside]
posted on Apr 17, 2008 - 7 answers
How can I securely access my PC files using my wireless iBook on my home network? [more inside]
posted on Mar 27, 2008 - 13 answers
I need help finding a mac-friendly budgeting software to assist in getting my act together! (I've tried mvelopes and iBank!) More details inside... [more inside]
posted on Mar 19, 2008 - 8 answers
PCtoMacFilter: Is there an easier (faster) way to get my 37 gigs of music stranded on my PC formatted iPod onto my new Macbook than copying it to a PC with 3rd party software, burning it to dvds, and then ripping the dvds onto the Mac? Apple says "no," but please tell me they are wrong.
posted on Mar 15, 2008 - 14 answers
Is there any way to use to guitar controller for the Mac / PC version of Guitar Hero III on a PS2? There seem to be plenty of PS2 -> USB adapters out there - anything that goes the other way?
posted on Feb 22, 2008 - 2 answers
How to send the "Windows Key" over VNC from from Mac to PC? [more inside]
posted on Jan 21, 2008 - 3 answers
I can use document properties to make a pdf file open at 100% on my mac, but its all blown up and wonky in reader on PCs. Anyone know how to make 72dpi pdf files open with a 1-1 px ratio on a PC?
posted on Jan 17, 2008 - 1 answers
which is the best laptop if you're working with graphics ? [more inside]
posted on Jan 11, 2008 - 21 answers
I'm looking for help compiling a top 20 "must play" list of essential videogames. [more inside]
posted on Jan 8, 2008 - 66 answers
I need to install new software on an older Macbook with a broken CD/DVD drive; can I do this by putting the CD or DVD into a windows pc and sharing it; or can I put a disc image on a USB drive? [more inside]
posted on Jan 3, 2008 - 7 answers
I want a simple mobile phone with a monochrome screen and a fast interface that can sync contacts with my Mac or PC via a cable or IR. Something like the Nokia 1110 but with the ability to sync!
[more inside]
posted on Dec 19, 2007 - 3 answers
Help me find all those small but necessary apps, as well as the fun and ostentatious bells and whistles, for my new desktop (linux)! What are your favorites?
[more inside]
posted on Dec 19, 2007 - 6 answers
I need help in stopping my campus IT group from their hostile tolerance of macs to outright banning of them on campus though a multi-platform environment is supported in the rest of the university system. Long explanation to follow... [more inside]
posted on Dec 15, 2007 - 22 answers
Help me shoot my wife: suggest a first-person shooter we can play against each other. I'm on a Mac (pentium macbook pro); She's on a PC (about four years old, without the latest and greatest graphics card). We have a home network. [more inside]
posted on Dec 13, 2007 - 27 answers
Is there any way to make the PC version of The Sims 2 that I mistakenly downloaded work on my Mac OS X? Please? [more inside]
posted on Dec 5, 2007 - 13 answers
Syncing up 2 USB Hdd on a Mac and Font converting software (PC to Mac) [more inside]
posted on Nov 27, 2007 - 4 answers
Please help me choose between mac or pc! I am planning to purchase a new pc. I found two that are within my price range and seem to be good choices. The problem is one is a PC and one is a Mac! Help me figure out which one is right for me. Here is a link to the PC and here is a link to the Mac. I am on a budget! [more inside]
posted on Nov 7, 2007 - 58 answers
Recommend a keyboard for use on a Bootcamp'd Mac. [more inside]
posted on Nov 1, 2007 - 11 answers
What are the core tech support skills needed to work in a school district and how can I improve those skills this weekend? [more inside]
posted on Oct 27, 2007 - 5 answers
I want to encrypt a CD with a very simple password. [more inside]
posted on Oct 23, 2007 - 11 answers
Anybody have experience doing manipulation of video in near real-time? Advice and general guidance needed. [more inside]
posted on Sep 27, 2007 - 6 answers
How do I connect my NTFS hard drive to my new mac? [more inside]
posted on Sep 26, 2007 - 5 answers
Opening ClarisWorks Documents on a PC? [more inside]
posted on Sep 21, 2007 - 6 answers
I have a Mac laptop, which replaced my PC which I used for many years.....I recently found out that there is some files and such on my PC that I need to take of my computer and store onto my new external hard drive....Yes, I should of did this before hand.... [more inside]
posted on Sep 20, 2007 - 12 answers
A couple questions about Mac and OSX: 1) does anyone know of an alternative to USB Prober alegedly included with the Apple SDK - to help the OS see some USB devices (see inside)? 2) why is the kerning/tracking on much of the default system software - often sketchy? [more inside]
posted on Aug 29, 2007 - 21 answers
What do I need to know about hard drive enclosures? My computer (PC) died this morning and I want to pull out the 2 hard drives and use them as external drives for my new Mac. I don't know if they're FAT32 or NTFS. I don't know if they're IDE or SATA. How do I find out? Do I need to? A little background on my old PC. It was one of the first P4 3.0 PCs with hyperthreading technology. I've had it for ~4 years
posted on Aug 28, 2007 - 13 answers
Help me find an affordable NAS that is between 500g-1TB, does Wifi, has iTunes Library support, BitTorrent, and FTP support please.
posted on Aug 28, 2007 - 9 answers
Another what-kind-of-laptop-should-I-get question. [more inside]
posted on Aug 26, 2007 - 16 answers
Switch from PC to MAC? After over 10 years on the PC... I am thinking about switching back to mac? anyone made the switch and regretted it?
posted on Jul 24, 2007 - 46 answers
Looking for multiplayer, low system requirement Mac or PC games for LAN and network play. [more inside]
posted on Jul 18, 2007 - 13 answers
Homemade DVD server- Whats the best/easiest/cheapest way? [more inside]
posted on Jul 12, 2007 - 17 answers
How to get itunes on my home mac to recognize the iphone that was activated my work pc?I've scraped around for two days looking for an answer to why my itunes wont recognize my iphone. [more inside]
posted on Jul 11, 2007 - 5 answers
(Geekfilter) Can I convert Earthlink TotalAccess (WinXP PC) Email (.dat or .csv) mailboxes to Apple Mail (.mbox) mailboxes on a Mac? (AKA: How can Earthlink be this stupid?) [more inside]
posted on Jul 9, 2007 - 5 answers
Easy question: I've been forced to move to a PC with Windows XP from a Mac. Your PC tips and tricks please!? [more inside]
posted on Jun 5, 2007 - 34 answers
I have what appears to be a word file (no file extension) that was generated on a mac and sent to me via email. I am trying to open it up on a Windows box with Office XP but there appears to be a problem with Office recognizing the file encoding. Is there an easy fix using the PC (no access to a mac) that can be done pretty quickly?
posted on Jun 3, 2007 - 13 answers
I vaguely remember seeing a spoof(?) of a Mac vs. PC commercial where PC kicked (or kneed) Mac in the groin. [more inside]
posted on May 31, 2007 - 5 answers
Help! Strange networking issues... can a mac cause a router to go completely bonkers? [more inside]
posted on May 3, 2007 - 9 answers
I'm thinking of getting an iMac, but I'd still like to use my PC. I would like to clear the clutter on my desk and not have 2 monitors (the iMac and the PC monitor). So is it possible to get a PC to use the display of an iMac?
posted on Mar 13, 2007 - 17 answers
How can i use the printer hard-connected to my PC from my wifi-connected Mac? [more inside]
posted on Feb 20, 2007 - 2 answers
Ack! New long term contract position requires me to have a PC laptop! [more inside]
posted on Feb 15, 2007 - 15 answers
Help me fill my home with music: I want to play my iTunes library over two separate home stereo systems at the same time. What's the easiest, cheapest way to do this? [more inside]
posted on Feb 4, 2007 - 12 answers
Why can't any other computer company make a Mac? [more inside]
posted on Jan 25, 2007 - 25 answers
Why can I use a usb drive interchangeably between my Mac and PC, but not an external drive? [more inside]
posted on Jan 11, 2007 - 8 answers
I'm trying to add a second monitor to a PC/Mac hardware-sharing scenario. [more inside]
posted on Dec 19, 2006 - 7 answers
What is a good mac- and PC-compatible portable hard drive? [more inside]
posted on Dec 4, 2006 - 8 answers
Plug external hard drive into PC, grab all my music/docs, unplug, plug into shiny new MacBook, move files off drive. Can it be done? [more inside]
posted on Nov 29, 2006 - 10 answers
Is there a way to switch the display on my Mac G4 to an external projector? [more inside]
posted on Nov 27, 2006 - 2 answers
What Mac applications would make me love a Mac? [more inside]
posted on Nov 16, 2006 - 37 answers
macbook pro as a windows pc ? [more inside]
posted on Nov 3, 2006 - 31 answers
File transfer from mac to pc.
How to SSH or FTP? Simple explanations please.
(Alternate solutions accepted). [more inside]
posted on Sep 26, 2006 - 10 answers
I'm looking for a good, cross-platform chat client that I can run on a Mac, and my S.O. can run on a Win2K box on which he's not allowed to install software? e.g., something he can run from a USB drive? We're currently using google talk, but want something with more functionality.
posted on Sep 24, 2006 - 7 answers
I'm a PC user, but I'm itching to switch over to a Mac, esp. now that I can run Parallels. I need help deciding on the MacBook versus the MacBook Pro. [more inside]
posted on Sep 8, 2006 - 28 answers
Can I make the switch and keep my PC hard drives? [more inside]
posted on Aug 29, 2006 - 10 answers
I have a Mac, my friend has a PC, we want to share music with an external hard drive. However, upon connecting the hard drive to his PC we discovered that the hard drive is formatted for a Mac, so we can't access the drive without reformatting and losing all the files. Is there a program that retrieves info without having to reformat?
posted on Aug 25, 2006 - 4 answers
How can I listen to my mac-formatted iPod through my PC at work? [more inside]
posted on Aug 24, 2006 - 17 answers
What's the Mac Mini equivalent in the Windows world? [more inside]
posted on Jul 16, 2006 - 19 answers
I have a Logitech Messenger webcam and a Mac (10.3.9) and I downloaded the macam software. How do I chat with a friend who has a PC and another Logitech webcam? Should we use AIM? Yahoo? Excuse me if the question's too easy but I'm a total webcam n00b and what I found on Google is quite contradictory. Thanks!
posted on Jul 14, 2006 - 9 answers
USB/Firewire External Harddrives - how can I get simultaneous access from 2 computers? [more inside]
posted on Jun 25, 2006 - 16 answers
In kindergarten terms, please explain wireless networking. [more inside]
posted on Jun 21, 2006 - 17 answers
Hello MetaFilter. This is my first question, so I thought I'd start with something easy. I'm looking for a a USB hub that runs off it's own adapter. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted on Jun 16, 2006 - 6 answers
Is the IMac as strong (poerful) as my Dell, some 6 years old? [more inside]
posted on May 15, 2006 - 13 answers
My brother is going away to college this upcoming fall, and for a high school graduation present, my mom is getting him a laptop to take with him. He is interested in trying a Mac. We are both life-long PC users. I am the most technologically-inclined in my family. My brother knows the basics and has no trouble with them, but anything more is my job.
[more inside]
posted on May 10, 2006 - 37 answers
How do I convert documents from .wps format to .doc format? [more inside]
posted on May 5, 2006 - 7 answers
Sharing one set of 5.1 speakers between two computers? [more inside]
posted on Apr 10, 2006 - 5 answers
Before I bother setting up a network between my PC and MAC: Can I use iTunes on my Mac to control a music library on my PC?
posted on Mar 17, 2006 - 5 answers
I work in an office with several not-for-profits share a high speed internet connection. My internet connection on my Mac Book seemed slow, so I tried the online test at Speakeasy. (I disabled the Airport connection so that I could test Ethernet) I ran the test several times and always found I had around a 400 K connection. Wireless, same test, circa 150 K. So I asked my collegue to run the same test from his Dell desktop---he got almost 1200K across several tests. I thought maybe it was the jack in my office, so I tried yanking out the plug and trying it in my collegue's office with another Dell desktop--she got 1200k--I got 400. I thought it might have been the MBP, so I dug out a Dell laptop--guess what--the most it would get in any office location was 400K. Same for a Mac mini that's on the same network. Now here's the thing--if I take that same MBP laptop home I get 3000K over my cable modem.
Why would some computers get higher throughputs than others?
They have an outside vendor administer the network and they seem to have disabled ping and traceroute.
I started to wonder if maybe they limit bandwidth to the IP address, but all I really do during the day is work in Basecamp and reply to emails with an occassional look at Bloglines. Any ideas for the MeFi community about why this might happen and how I can intelligently describe the problem to the network admin so it doesn't sound like I'm nuts?
posted on Mar 14, 2006 - 4 answers
I'm somewhat of a professional computer guy but even I am totally mystified by the current state of Intel and AMD processors. Can someone hip to the latest explain why chips are suddenly only going 1.8Ghz again, which chips from Intel are powerful enough for HD playback, and what, if any, good a 64 bit processor does for today? [more inside]
posted on Feb 28, 2006 - 23 answers
Knowing Explorer is no longer being upgraded for macs, how can I best assure browser compatibility across platforms (from a previewing standpoint)? [more inside]
posted on Feb 24, 2006 - 11 answers
Linux for a web designer! Need advice of what versions to use. [more inside]
posted on Feb 21, 2006 - 12 answers
Is there a way I can communicate via an iSight on my Mac (10.4) with someone who insists on using MSN Messenger 7.5? [more inside]
posted on Feb 19, 2006 - 8 answers
I am thinking of getting a Mac. I blog a lot and post pictures. On my PC I get Properties and then size the photo via Irfan. How would I lift photos from sites to post on my blog using a Mac?
posted on Jan 11, 2006 - 11 answers
Another Mac/PC question. I want to switch back to Mac, but my office is all PC. Help me figure out if a Mac will be compatible, and if it's worth the trouble. (I know it's been asked before, but I have specific questions.) [more inside]
posted on Dec 29, 2005 - 20 answers
What is the best way to share an external hard drive between a PC and a Mac (both laptops) so that both computers can read and write to it? Can it even be done? [more inside]
posted on Dec 29, 2005 - 11 answers
My Mom has a new Mac (OS X) and I have a PC (WinXP). How can I remotely see her screen and manipulate it easily? [more inside]
posted on Dec 4, 2005 - 9 answers
I have a Mac and my friend has a PC. How can we stream a live video capture of our desktops to each other ? [more inside]
posted on Nov 18, 2005 - 4 answers
Can you advise me on getting a laptop? Mac or PC? [more inside]
posted on Oct 16, 2005 - 33 answers
My husband has a Mac in Rhode island. I have a PC in California. We would like to talk to each with webcams. Why won't our computers be friends? [more inside]
posted on Oct 11, 2005 - 18 answers
Calendaring Software? [more inside]
posted on Aug 23, 2005 - 9 answers
How do I transfer songs from a PC to a Mac? [more inside]
posted on Aug 18, 2005 - 10 answers
Mac Vs. PC
I am in the market for a new Laptop and am an avid PC user. What are some pro's and con's of making the switch to a Mac? [more inside]
posted on Jul 7, 2005 - 28 answers
Getting My Own Blog, FuckWits... [more inside]
posted on Jun 14, 2005 - 37 answers
I'm getting an OSX laptop Monday after the keynote, and I'm trying to figure out how to get to place nice with my XP desktop. [more inside]
posted on Jun 1, 2005 - 10 answers
My machine has a DVD writer, my girlfriend's iMac has a DVD reader.
Is there a piece of software which will allow me to burn a bootable DVD in Mac format?
posted on May 23, 2005 - 10 answers
Mac to PC: How do I avoid having images replaced with the error message "Quick time and a tiff decompressor are needed to view image"? [more inside]
posted on May 16, 2005 - 6 answers
I may be able to grab an old Mac from work (dumpster dive). It's a PowerPC, 266mhz, 32meg and 4gig HD. I'm not sure what the operating system is, or version number.
[more inside]
posted on Apr 26, 2005 - 15 answers
Years ago, I had occasion to use a very cool, interactive, drag-and-drop, graphical modeling application for Macs called 'Stella.' It was good for non-coders, like myself, to model systems and learn about their interactions and regulatory mechanisms. Does Stella still exist? Is there a similar application for Windows PCs?
posted on Apr 3, 2005 - 4 answers
I'm looking for a laptop and leaning heavily towards a powerbook. In my research, I have been looking for a comparing the overall reliability of PC versus Mac. Does anyone know of any studies that have been done comparing the two? Personal feedback is also welcome.
posted on Apr 1, 2005 - 20 answers
I've got a mac and a PC sharing the same desk, both on a 802.11g network, but file transfer between the two is atrociously slow, like only a couple hundred kb/sec. Is there any way to transfer lots of data quickly between the two (like several Mb/sec)? A crossover ethernet cable between the two? USB? Firewire?
posted on Mar 31, 2005 - 12 answers
I need a free and solid document reader. I have a PC, the documents I need to read are from a mac. Any suggestions?
posted on Mar 19, 2005 - 6 answers
I just bought a new PC and would like to set it up so I can wirelessly share a cable internet connection with an older mac. [more inside]
posted on Mar 16, 2005 - 5 answers
Macmini alternatives. I was considering purchasing a Mac Mini to make it a relatively inexpensive home media center, but after upgrading the hard drive to 80GB, adding Bluetooth for a wireless keyboard & mouse, buying the wireless keyboard & mouse, adding 802.11g for home networking, etc the $499 price tag was closer to $850 or more. Can anyone recommend a Windows box manufacturer who makes small form factor PCs for this kind of application?
posted on Jan 20, 2005 - 26 answers
MacPlungeFilter: I'm one of those "IPod users with a PC" who is thinking about taking the plunge to the other side by adding a Mac Mini to my home network. I don't want to clutter up AskMe with too much product-specific chatter, so my question is, where are some good message boards I can read to increase my knowledge, of Mac OS X in general and, in specific, what I will need to do to get the Mac to use fileshares and peripherals on my existing network. All the better if the denizens of the community are not hostile to incoming Windoze users.
posted on Jan 12, 2005 - 17 answers
What's the best solution for videoconferencing between a Mac with iSight and a PC with an USB webcam?
posted on Dec 8, 2004 - 5 answers
Can you advise on printing to a Windows PC printer from a Mac OSX machine, over a network? [more inside...]
posted on Dec 1, 2004 - 9 answers
When I had a PC I was addicted to Fractal Explorer. Now I have Mac, what similiar Fractal generation software can I use?
posted on Nov 30, 2004 - 4 answers
Looking for an obscure audio file, wherein a Mac aficionado rambles on and on into some guy's voice mail about his (negative) opinions of Windows PCs. Can anyone help me find this? The "money shot" (so to speak) comes when he says: "Around here, we say PC stands for piece of crap!" Thanks in advance!!
posted on Nov 23, 2004 - 1 answers
Is there a way to use my G4 Powerbook (1.5Ghz model) as a monitor for my PC?
posted on Nov 22, 2004 - 9 answers
I teach computer classes. Most of my classes are taught on PCs, but there's a Mac classroom next door. I was watching that class throught the window, and I noticed that there was a bright red halo around the intructor's mouse pointer. I would LOVE to teach this way, because many students have trouble seeing -- when my PC is projected on a screen -- where my mouse is pointing. So here's my question: is there an app for the PC that will make your mouse -- inside applications -- look more noticable? I'd rather not make the mouse bigger, but something like a halo or ring would be awesome.
posted on Sep 7, 2004 - 6 answers
MacSwitchFilter - I'm a long time PC user that just got a Mac. I really really miss my home and end keys! I used to use them constantly! Is there anyway to configure my Mac so that the press of the home key triggers an apple-left arrow event and the press of the end key triggers an apple-right arrow event so I can have my old buddies back?
posted on Aug 9, 2004 - 49 answers
I have a PC with WinXP Pro. She has an iBook with Mac OS X. Together they fight crime share a router. e:\ is where I shove all my porn music. How can I make this available to her to copy what she wants to her machine or her ipod?
posted on Aug 7, 2004 - 5 answers
Ancient mac to modern PC. After two years using ClarisWorks and Quark XPress to do all my work on a Mac running OS 8.6, I'm changing jobs. I want to burn several hundred documents to CDs to bring with me. Is there a way to automatically add file extensions so my PC knows what it's looking at? Can I expect to open ClarisWorks 5.0 documents anywhere but on an ancient Mac anyhow?
posted on Jul 12, 2004 - 6 answers
I'm contemplating the Switch. It's been 10 years since I've used a Mac, is it time to go back? Looking for advice from longtime Windows users who switched to Mac, and no I'm really not trying to make a commercial... [mi]
posted on Jun 10, 2004 - 32 answers
DVD authoring software?
posted on May 4, 2004 - 8 answers
If a Quark file is created on a Mac are there any obstacles to that same file being used on a PC?
posted on Dec 24, 2003 - 4 answers
