Just converted to a Mac. Software workaround?

[TheOtherLine]

Kids been bugging me for years to switch. I know the pc operating system and didn't want to go through the learning curve but as my current laptop was approaching it's final days, I made the switch.

Problem is, some programs, like the Garmin software updates and MapSource won't work on the Apple OS. Has anyone got a workaround for this issue or am I going to have to use my wife's pc for looking at charts and updating my chartplotter?

 

[Megabyte]

I also use a Mac and the last time I checked, Garmin said Mac compatibility would be "coming soon".
I have to say, it's the one thing I don't like about Garmin. To me, they are just being lazy as there is no excuse anymore not to go Mac native.
Heck, even Microsoft has a Mac native Office application.

However, you do have options.

The Mac OS is actually Unix running under a pretty face.
Because of that, you can easily run windows, and windows applications (like the Garmin app) as a process in a window under Unix.
The Mac simply sees windows apps as just another process.

To run the Garmin windows apps on your Mac, take a look at Parallels, VMware Fusion, or Boot Camp.

http://www.apple.com/macosx/compatibility/
http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/
http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/

 

[TheOtherLine]

Thanks Kev, will go check it out at BB during lunch.

 

[sparky]

Get a parallels setup. You can just boot into Windows, do your Garmin thing, and get out before anything breaks. Bootcamp is a pain because you have to reboot the Mac. With Parallels, you can just instantly boot up a VM, do what you want, and then go back to Mac-life.

I've had a Mac at home for 15+ years (I'm not even 30, fyi), and like it a lot. I use a PC for work, and have one hooked to my TV (doing HTPC duties), as well as have a PC laptop that I use in the living room. Truthfully, my Anrdoid phone (HTC EVO) has bumped almost everything else.

 

[TheOtherLine]

ok after consult with a tech kid, i bought the parallels program. will install tonight.

got a call into garmin to see if i can reinstall mapsource with my old install code or if i need something funky...

sparky, what does htpc duties mean? i hink i have heard of this but would like to hear what you use it for. i think it's a way to see files on your pc on your tv screen...

i think my tv can do that, but not sure.

 

[sparky]

HTPC: Home Theater PC.
I've got a super-low power PC that mounts behind my TV. It draws less than 30w when running, and 1w when asleep. Its got a dual-core Intel Atom processor, and Nvidia ION graphics. I built it from a kit from Zotac. It runs Windows XP, had 2GB of RAM, and a 120GB drive. I basically use it to watch Netflix, Hulu, and downloaded video on the TV. I also use it to browse the web from the couch. I've got a Lenovo multimedia keyboard (http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Multimedia ... B0036VO67I), which is teeny, and features a trackball and keyboard. I also use it to listen to Pandora, or iTunes through my home network.

My TV natively supports Netflix, but doesn't have a wireless card, so I use the wireless on the HTPC to watch stuff. It works really well, and is pretty convenient.

 

[Megabyte]

When the day comes for me to upgrade my old CRT TV to something more modern, I want to do so with a flat screen HD unit and a complete surround audio system.

This little item will be a part of the new system. Hard to beat for $99
http://www.apple.com/appletv/

Together with AirTunes, I'll be able to stream iTunes content (music and video) to my TV from my two iMacs wirelessly.
I'm well behind the times when it comes to home theater, but I'll get there someday.

 

[TheOtherLine]

How the heck do you uninstall programs on a Mac? I can't even find the hard drive. Where's the control panel? WTH....

 

[Bryan 2530]

The MAC is smarter than you are. 8)

 

[TheOtherLine]

The MAC is smarter than you are. 8)

Very Funny....

 

[jeffnick]

I second the HTC. There's almost no need for anything else when you go EVO.

Here's a Navionics chart:

And you can do just about anything on your phone that Garmin will do, plus there's a much expanded marine search option. Charts for your area are about $12 at the Android Market.

 

[Bryan 2530]

The MAC is smarter than you are. 8)

Very Funny....

LOL. Click on Finder. Should look like a blue face in your toolbar.

You should be able to find and delete anything you want in there.

 

[Megabyte]

How the heck do you uninstall programs on a Mac?

You go to the applications folder and drag the item you want to get rid of to the trash.
The difference between a Mac and a PC... The PC installs crap all over your drive. That is why a PC requires an un-installer.
A Mac doesn't do that. Everything needed for an application is installed in a single folder.
Want to get rid of something? Drag it to the trash.

I can't even find the hard drive.

It is the icon in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Double-click on it, and it opens.

Where's the control panel? WTH....

Look down there in the dock.
It's called "System Preferences".

 

[Bryan 2530]

Yep, after using a MAC for many years I have found if you see something in front of you its there, stuff is not hidden like on a PC.

Drag and drop as Megabyte said.

 

[Megabyte]

VMware Fusion is on sale...
http://dr.bluehornet.com/hostedemail/em ... EAF5C9F003

 

[sparky]

I've found this graphic to be incredibly accurate.

One thing that I always do: Drag your "Applications" and "System Preferences" folders into the Apple bar (on the right side). Then you'll have one-click shortcuts that link to all your apps, and all control panel options. (I'm a total dork, so I've also got "Utilities" over there too, mainly for the terminal window, and the disk utility. You can also right-click on the folder, and it'll bring up a list (kinda like the start menu).

 

[Megabyte]

Love the graph.

 

[grouperjim]

I've found this graphic to be incredibly accurate.

that's some funny stuff right there. lol

....................for Larry though you could probably cut the time in days in half. i did remind him that Apple does have a money back satisfaction guarantee. :mrgreen:

FWIW and not depicted on the graph is the 3 year mark where you suddenly realize your Mac, while now old, is humming along without missing a beat and trouble free at the same speed as when you bought it. 8)