The Move From Microsoft To Mac

Running both Windows XP and OS X in one machine is possible with Apple Macintosh computers that are Intel-based. It was in the spring of 2006, when "Boot Camp Beta Software" from Apple's Boot Camp was introduced to the computer market. In an announcement, Apple informed computer consumers that it will feature Boot Camp in OS X's major release called Leopard in early 2007.

Boot Camp is for free but there is a need for full install, single-disc version of the Microsoft Windows XP disc which comes with Service Pack 2. An XP disc that is already upgraded will not cut it.

An Intel Macintosh with an Operating System X version 10.4.6 or later is a requirement on which software updates should be run, as necessary. Not less than ten gigabytes of free startup disk space is also needed. A recordable disc, CD or DVD, is also required.

Minus snags of any sort, an entire installation is expected to take around an hour. To be sure, however, all pertinent information on the Mac's startup disk should be backed up. Also bear in mind that transforming Mac makes it vulnerable to certain spyware and viruses, just like Windows computers are.

For general security of Mac OS, it is significant to remember that the administrator's account is neither intended nor viable for daily usage. This administrator can do several functions that a script should not be allowed to, which includes cleaning out various folders or certain applications within the Library drive. It is advised that users make a different account in the system preferences facet of Mac and make it a separate administrator. To do this, login using the new account and make sure to remove the administrator rights from the original account, and log back to it. When prompted for a password, it is advised to use the administrator account name. This way, those who use the Mac will not enjoy rights to inject anything into the system that may be a threat to its security.

Similarly, the system preferences aspect is definitely not for daily use. Apple added certain settings that protect the system from unexpected and unintended harm. These may be used to lock the system preferences setting to disallow the Mac's roaming users. To do this, changes should be made in the "Open System Preferences" and proceed to the pane called Security.

An important point is to disable the automatic login and allow the system to make the startup to a certain login panel with name list. According to Mac enthusiasts, this option is by far the most secure since through this, the computer becomes unusable from cold boot. Moreover, a password should be created to require the unlocking of each of the secure system preferences; otherwise, any user can check on the preferences pane and turn off the settings.

Any services of the Mac that are not being used should be turned off. This can be done by going to the System Preferences tab, then proceeding to Sharing, where everything unused should be unchecked. It should only be turned on when needed, and turned off right after every use.

Before making the big switch from Microsoft, it is safest for fresh Mac users to make quick checks, or study when necessary, the Mac facts. While both operating systems are alike in many ways, there might be unfamiliar aspects of Mac that a new user will find unparalleled with Windows which one should completely acquaint for an enjoyable, safe and convenient migration to Mac.