topic Re: iMac Users - Help, Please in Electronics

iMac Users - Help, Please

1MrsT — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 02:22:54 GMT

I've had iPhones since 2008 and iPads since 2010, but as far as PCs, I've never purchased or even used an iMac...until I ordered one yesterday. I scoped out the details and then went with my DH to the Apple Store to get specific details and to see in person the difference between the all the models, then went home and ordered it.

The Genius explained the One to One program for classes and also suggested we bring in our PC tower, explaining they could do the transfer of data from our old PC to our new iMac. Those of you who own iMacs, how hard was it to set up and transfer your files from your old non-Apple PCs? How difficult was it learning the different system? Did you handle the start up and transfer yourselves or take advantage of the help at the Apple Store?

We got the 27" with the Retina 5K display and I can't wait to get my hands on it. We went ahead and added the One to One membership based on what was suggested...and had the iMac sent to the store, but I'm kind of regretting that, as I'm not thinking the start up/transfer is going to be as difficult as we initially thought. So what are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance for you help or ideas on this.

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

Wsmom — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 02:48:39 GMT

Is there a reason you didn't just get it at the Apple Store while you were there?

I don't remember how long or difficult the transfer was as it's been some years ago, but especially with the one on one you will be up and running in no time. I was so nervous about making the switch because I was led to believe it would be such a difficult transition...my DD finally convinced me to just do it and I am so glad I did. The transition wasn't difficult at all. I think/hope you will be very happy with it!!!!

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

1MrsT — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 03:22:46 GMT

@Wsmom wrote:
Is there a reason you didn't just get it at the Apple Store while you were there?

I don't remember how long or difficult the transfer was as it's been some years ago, but especially with the one on one you will be up and running in no time. I was so nervous about making the switch because I was led to believe it would be such a difficult transition...my DD finally convinced me to just do it and I am so glad I did. The transition wasn't difficult at all. I think/hope you will be very happy with it!!!!

I shop via the American Airlines store front whenever I shop online...for my iMac I earned 3 miles for every dollar I spent. Typically Apple only has 1 mile per dollar...so when it went to 3 miles, I jumped on it. 😊

Thank you you for responding, wsmom. It won't be in until Thursday, so as it gets closer, I'll be really anxious to get it. I really can't wait.

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

Sweetbay magnolia — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 09:57:19 GMT

The iMac is a beautiful machine. We have an early 2011 model (ordered from Apple online). It is still going strong. I can't say that for all the PCs I've owned in the last 20 years. We did no data transfer (nothing there) but the learning curve for use is easy. I downloaded Open Office, so didn't pay for MS software, and it works fine. DH still uses a mouse but I love the track pad (got Apple's rechargeable batteries and charger at time of purchase and they still work perfectly).

I am typing this on my 2011 MacBook Pro. The thing is a champ. I continue to run an "old" OS and have no problems, ever - no viruses, no crashes, no complaints. I've even spilled a beer on the keyboard (don't drink and drive!) and it survived.

I hope you enjoy it. I think my investment was money well spent.

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

glb613 — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:34:08 GMT

I switched to Apple computers in 2012. While I found it frustrating at first, I'm glad I changed. I still prefer to have more control over how my "stuff" is organized and I have learned how to do the way what I want.

As far as you files and other data, a lot depends on what program you used to create them. If they are Microsoft Office documents, you'll need Pages, Numbers and Keynote which are included. Other files, you'll have to see if your Mac can see/use them. The same thing happens when changing operating systems using Windows.

I had to call Apple Care a couple of times during the first few months. I also have a sister who uses Apple devices and call her often. There a lot of sites online, including this place, where you can find answers to your questions.

You'll love having a 27 inch screen. Unlike most people, I use my iMac more than any other computer I own. I find the smaller screens too difficult to use for what I do with a computer.

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

gidgetgh — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:34:28 GMT

I made the switch from pc to a 27 inch Mac a few years ago. The learning curve for me was about 10 minutes. It's really easy.

As far as transferring my files, to be honest, my nephew did it for me. It took awhile so I'm glad he did it.

If he hadn't been here, I would have taken my pc tower to Apple and let them do it.

You got Apple Care, right?

You're going to love the iMac!

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

violann — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 13:56:02 GMT

ITA with previous posters! MANY congrats!!

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

1MrsT — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:58:37 GMT

Thank you all for replying. I'm glad you all found the transition easy and that you're glad you made the switch. In the last 12 years, we've bought 2 Acers, 1 Dell and 1 HP from QVC. My DH and I have always each had our own, because he uses his for work. But every single one had issues. So it's more than time for us to make the switch.

We also bought the track pad/mouse package and after using iPhones and iPads for years, I figured a lot of the transition would be made easier based on this familiarity..

My one concern is about software like my Rosetta Stone. That thought popped into my head just as I got into bed last night. Tossed and turned thinking about it. My DH surprised me last year with the entire set and after initially working with it...I got busy with other things, so it just sat there waiting for me. Oddly enough, just a few days before buying the iMac, I had made the decision to get back to it...and now that might not even be possible.

Any thoughts or knowledge on this possible problem?

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

VolvoGirl — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 16:32:08 GMT

Check on the Rosetta Stone website and see if it's available for Mac. If it is I hope you don't have to buy it again. EDIT: I looked. The System Requirements say both Window and Mac and I don't see that there is a separate CD for Mac. So the Mac version might be on the same CD. Put the CD in and see if it installs. Good Luck.

OR you can run the Windows version on a Mac using a Windows Emulator like Parallels. Google Windows on Mac to get articles on the various options.

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

1MrsT — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 16:42:52 GMT

@VolvoGirl wrote:
Check on the Rosetta Stone website and see if it's available for Mac. If it is I hope you don't have to buy it again. EDIT: I looked. The System Requirements say both Window and Mac and I don't see that there is a separate CD for Mac. So the Mac version might be on the same CD. Put the CD in and see if it installs. Good Luck.

OR you can run the Windows version on a Mac using a Windows Emulator like Parallels. Google Windows on Mac to get articles on the various options.

Awesome! Thanks, VolvoGirl! Since it doesn't get delivered to the store until Thursday, and IF we go with the techs at the Apple Store for transferring our files from our PC, we'll have to wait another 2-3 days to get it home. So I've been checking out sites for tips and how-tos in the meantime. But I really appreciate you checking out this particular issue. I threw the question out there on the off chance someone might know the answer...and I got lucky.

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

1MrsT — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 16:55:47 GMT

Aaaaand....I'm an idiot. Thanks to VolvoGirl I went looking for how the software is configured and saw there were PC downloads, Mac downloads, and PC/Mac disc. So I walked back to the office, grabbed my Rosetta Stone box and saw that mine indeed was the combo disc version. My only defense - though weak it is - is that the "worry" popped up as I was getting ready to fall asleep...and I hadn't gotten around to looking into it myself when I threw out the question. Like I admitted...I'm an idiot. 😄

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

VolvoGirl — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 16:58:25 GMT

btw, You can't just "transafer" the programs. Any programs will have to be installed and have to be the Mac version. Sometimes the install CD has both the Windows and Mac versions on it like Turbo Tax. Usually if you buy a program as a download you have to buy and download the right one for Mac. Some programs like Quicken have a totally different program for Mac and it is not at all the same as the Windows program. What programs were you using on the PC?

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

slave2cats — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 17:37:28 GMT

I have Rosetta Stone on an iMac. No problems whatsoever with installation. However, make sure that the new iMac comes with an optical drive to insert the CDs. My iMac is 7 years old, but many of the newer models come without optical drives. You might have to buy an external drive (which is about $79 at the apple store) to install any disks that you have from Rosetta Stone. You might check with Rosetta Stone and tell them that you have a new computer without an optical drive and see if it can be downloaded from their website.

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

1MrsT — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 18:09:56 GMT

@VolvoGirl Other than the Rosetta Stone program, the only other programs were Microsoft, and those will be replaced with Apple versions. There's where my learning curve begins...

@slave2cats Thanks for the heads up on the lack of an optical drive. We're going to definitely have Apple handle the transfer/migration of docs from our old PC to the new iMac, so we'll be sure to bring the Rosetta Stone disc along with the PC tower to the store once the iMac is delivered there.

You guys give great advice! Thanks to everyone who is helping me with this!

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

gidgetgh — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 19:07:36 GMT

@1MrsT

Just checking again to see if you got Apple Care or if you're going to.

When I bought my 27 iMac, I bought the Apple Care. They told me at the Apple store that if it needed service, because it's large, they would come to our house to fix it. They said that they don't expect you to bring it in for service.We're lucky in that we're close to the Apple store. I don't know how that works if you don't live in an area with an Apple store, but I liked that.

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

1MrsT — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 20:02:57 GMT

@gidgetgh wrote:
@1MrsT

Just checking again to see if you got Apple Care or if you're going to.

When I bought my 27 iMac, I bought the Apple Care. They told me at the Apple store that if it needed service, because it's large, they would come to our house to fix it. They said that they don't expect you to bring it in for service.We're lucky in that we're close to the Apple store. I don't know how that works if you don't live in an area with an Apple store, but I liked that.

I am SO sorry, gidgetgh! I didn't mean to ignore you, though that's what I ended up doing.

But yes...every iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and now iMac we've bought we've purchased the Apple Care. We rarely needed it but it was nice knowing it was there if we did.

And I love hearing they will come to your home if the iMac needs service. They have the best customer service. After reviewing iMac options online, we went to the store to get questions answered and to see a live demo. The guy couldn't have been any nicer...letting us know that he's not paid any commission and he was totally fine with us placing our order online...and that he had as much time to spend with us, as we needed. Love Apple.

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

Reba055 — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 21:12:53 GMT

My husband is a computer guy so I don't ever do any installation or anything like that. I'm really good at using it after he does 😄. If you don't have access to someone like that, I think you are better off to buy the program so they will fix it for you, so don't feel bad about that. I've really gotten lazy. I probably should start doing some of these things for myself. Enjoy your Mac!

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

1MrsT — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 23:02:27 GMT

@Reba055 wrote:
My husband is a computer guy so I don't ever do any installation or anything like that. I'm really good at using it after he does 😄. If you don't have access to someone like that, I think you are better off to buy the program so they will fix it for you, so don't feel bad about that. I've really gotten lazy. I probably should start doing some of these things for myself. Enjoy your Mac!

Thanks, Reba055! I'm sure I will! 😊

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

Cha1k — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 01:21:54 GMT

@1MrsT

Congratulations! Moving to the Mac will be a bit of a learning curve for a few days and than you'll wonder why you didn't do it years ago.

Good idea to get AppleCare because no only does it cover hardware problems, but you also get phone support for all the software that comes pre-loaded on your Mac. I've always been extremely pleased with the service I've gotten from Apple phone support....and that's been almost 25 years.

Re: iMac Users - Help, Please

1MrsT — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 03:26:51 GMT

@Cha1k wrote:
@1MrsT

Congratulations! Moving to the Mac will be a bit of a learning curve for a few days and than you'll wonder why you didn't do it years ago.

Good idea to get AppleCare because no only does it cover hardware problems, but you also get phone support for all the software that comes pre-loaded on your Mac. I've always been extremely pleased with the service I've gotten from Apple phone support....and that's been almost 25 years.

Thanks, Cha1k. I'm in countdown mode. 😊