Sunday, March 15th, 2009 
8 Comments
8 Comments
Yesterday I finally got my iTunes library 100% back to normal, which meant my next step was to go forth with installing Windows on it. I installed my printer driver, opened up Bootcamp, and printed out the 22-23 paged guide on installing Windows (my printer prints out the last page first, btw).
So I take all the paperwork, stack it, put a binder clip on it to keep it all nice and organized. I sit down and begin to read. I was planning on installing Windows XP since all I have are Vista upgrades and those won’t work; however my version of Windows XP has to already come with SP2. In other words, I can’t have an earlier version that would require updating it, which is all I have.
I am now faced with two options: spend $270 to get Photoshop and Quicken for Mac OR go buy Windows so I can install my programs. Hmm, Windows or Mac, tough decision! 
Obviously, I chose to go all Mac.
Through JourneyEd, a web site that allows full-time college students to get discounts on various computery and school things, I was able to get Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended for Mac for close to $200 (with tax). The only bummer is I have to wait for it to show up in the mail versus just downloading it from the web site. And since I’ve never ordered from this site I had to show academic proof that I am in school, so I have to wait for that to clear before my order ships. Still it beats paying $1000!
Quicken I was immediately able to download and use, no problem, which is good because I need Quicken waay more than I need Photoshop right now. Converting files from Windows to Mac was super easy! The set-up itself is a wee bit different than what I am used to in Windows, but as long as I am able to do everything I did in Windows on my Mac, that’s all that matters.
The only slight bummer about not being able to run Windows on my Mac is the fact I no longer can use my kickass software to rip DVDs. The bright side is Joshua is still planning on being a Windows user for awhile (he’s primarily a gamer, that’s why) so I’ll just be using his computer to rip DVDs. 
Overall, I can say that I am really happy to be a Mac user. Everything is just so simple and the problems… there are none!
Yay for a functioning Mac!
That’s good that Joshua is still using a PC so you can have access to one to use for DVDs.
Ugh. I get so frustrated with the whole “We need proof that you’re actually a student” thing. My university is SO SLOW getting onto that, but you’re right, even with the wait, student discounts are still worthwhile.
Yeah, that is how I got my Photoshop was through a school discount. I love those. Though I got the whole suite (I wanted Photoshop & Acrobat) for $600. Thank goodness for credit cards, lol.
If you don’t mind, what software do you use to make your DVDs? I am looking for a good one. Thanks in advance.
@Hev: I use AnyDVD and CloneDVD for the ripping and Hanbrake for the converting.
heh I still don’t have the guts to switch to mac, although I probably will later on when I’m man enough.
@Yos: I was the exact same way. I kept saying oh I’ll switch to Mac one day, but when it came time to get a new computer I always went Windows. I’ve just been pushed to a point where I am so damn sick of problems! I mean, I got a new laptop in November and already it is crapping out on me! Should not be happening!
I’ve seen windows run on a Mac before but that was like years ago when the OS was still lagging. That sucks that you can’t rip DVDs that much anymore, but I’m sure there’s plenty of programs out there!
So in other words if I have those two programs, & two DCD drives (one that writes) I can take my DVDs & make copies of them. I can take any DVD & copy it.
You don’t even need to have two drives because once CloneDVD is done ripping your DVD it will automatically eject it and prompt you to put in the blank disc. AnyDVD just sits in the background and is responsible for removing any copyright stuff on the DVD. With those two, yes you can take any DVD and copy it.