H.I.T.S.
Hello, again, and happy Easter to all. Hopefully, by this date, you’ve completed your most favorite job: filing your taxes.
I’m sure that, as usual each year, we have millions of people filing using the online services.
My wife does ours and she has repeatedly said to me how much easier it is to file that way.
In fact, she even renewed our vehicles’ registration, using the same electronic method, last week. She has also been encouraging me to pay my monthly bills online, like that, too. Check out all of the above online services to see if they’re right for you.
Apple announced an absolutely amazing addition to its line of computers and software this week in the form Boot Camp, which you can download from the Internet at a href=”http://apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/publicbeta.html http://apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/publicbeta.html end
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You can read all about it at the Apple site. It may well finally help to dispel many of the myths that surround the age-old computer question of whether Mac or Windows is better.
Soon, when you buy one of the new Intel chip Mac computers, it will come not only with the new Mac operating system called Leopard (so far we Mac users have had Jaguar, Panther and Tiger — obviously somebody at Apple likes big cats), but also with Boot Camp.
Boot Camp will allow you to partition, or split, your hard drive in two. One half will have the Mac OS, while the other side will accept the installation of Windows XP.
This will give one the ability to boot or start up in either operating system.
I hasten to add, as I did last week to my one guitar student, Michael, who said Apple should be sued by Bill Gates for offering Windows on their units, that Apple is not providing you with a copy of Windows XP.
In order for you to install it on the Intel Mac, you will need to already own or buy a copy of XP.
Aside from that, this is probably the biggest news ever for computer owners.
Both Doren and I are constantly asked what the difference is between the two. Now, consumers will be able to buy a Mac computer and find out. It’s a brilliant move on Apple’s part.
Currently, its in public beta, or a form they’re still testing, using current Intel Mac owners. The coming dual-system Macs will be able to use all the familiar Windows programs like MS Office and even play Windows-based games, but will also have access to the wealth of new Mac stuff like iPhoto, iDvd, GarageBand and even iWeb.
I am personally looking forward to it, so I can use many of the Windows-based guitar programs that are out there.
Apple’s move will no doubt sell tons of the new Apple computers. The Intel-chip Macs are already available as iMac models (another smack in the face to both Doren and me). We both bought iMac G5’s within the last six months. The new ones are cheaper in their basic form than the ones we bought.
Apple also has some new Intel laptops, which are still a bit pricey. Rumors also abound regarding some cheaper versions that are like the iBook that my wife recently bought. I guess we’ll have to begin saving up for the new models. Knowing Doren, he’ll have to have one before too long, as our beautiful G5s will be obsolete.
We’re used to all that, by now. Computer fans are hooked on having the latest and greatest. At least, it’s still a cheaper and more reliable hobby than buying a Mercedes or Jaguar or BMW (no offense intended to any fans of these cars).
All griping aside, it’s an exciting and innovative move in the world of computers.
In other news, we’re trying to get our good buddy, Jeff Morris, from Microsoft to come and discuss not only some musical products but also maybe pick his brain to see what his company thinks about all of this.
We also hope that you’re watching our current show, with Jeremy explaining the tips and tricks about buying and selling on eBay.
Keep the emails coming and don’t forget to enter this month’s giveaway contest by watching the show.
Until next time, from both of us, have a great week.