Alternative to Windows

[Aggers]

Someone told me that Apple computers do not use Windows, as they have their own operating system that is
much easier to use than Windows. Can anyone here confirm this, as I am now thinking of making the change.

Quite frankly, I am fed up with the unnecessary complications and sometime stupid reactions of Windows.
For example, when I try to access certain documents it comes up with the message that I don't have the
authority to do so. As no-one else puts documents on this computer, that is plain nonsense.

Does anyone have thoughts on this subject?

[debih]

My father in law has an Apple computer and he has really struggled to get to grips with it.

He says it is very, very different to Windows.

[Workingman]

John, if you are not familiar with the underlying principles of Unix-like systems such as Linux and Mac OS, and even Android, you might want to reconsider. There is quite a learning curve.

As for the "access denied" thing, could you be a bit more specific with the details such as the type of file and the actual pop-up information? Thanks.

[Aggers]

Thanks Debih and Frank. You have convinced me that it is best if I drop the idea.

With regard to the other matter, Frank. The message I get is...

Document "so and so" is locked for editing by an unknown user.
open document for read only or copy for editing.

Which ever option I click on I then get....

Object not accessible. The object cannot be accessed due to insufficient user rights.

I think that the files concerned were some of those I transferred from the Hard Drive of my previous computer.
Perhaps that has something to do with it?

[Suff]

Hi Aggers,

I'll echo what WM has said. Mac OS is easy (easier), for someone who has never used a computer before or has an iPhone/iPad. For a Windows user who uses Android or cheap Nokia phones, or even Windows Phone, the Mac can be a total nightmare. Also it has limited applications compared to Windows and stuff for them tends to be limited, exclusive and more expensive.

If you are willing to put 2 or 3 years into learning them, they can be exceptionally rewarding. But also extremely obdurate.

Your files you are talking about will probably have some kind of security on them from your previous machine. The user that security belongs to is no longer on the machine and in Windows7, for good reasons, you are no longer "God" on the system. The quickest and easiest way to deal with this is to move them to a FAT32 formatted usb key (not NTFS) and then move them back again. When you use Windows Explorer, it should prompt you to escalate permissions to do this.

FAT does not support NTFS (normal windows NT file system used by Windows7) and it will strip the security. When you move it back it will set your new user as the owner and the issues should go away.

WM can help with the FAT 32 bit, have to go and placate Mrs S as she's upstairs with my Uncle and Aunt.

[Aggers]

Thanks Suff. You have convinced me that I can forget Apple.

With regard to the files I cannot open, I'm afraid you have lost me.

I have now coupled up again my Probox with my old Hard Drive in, and am able to access the files in question without any problem.
Previously I had sort of downloaded them onto my new laptop, so that must have been why I was denied access.

Thanks again. I'm glad you are back in circulation.

[Nanna]

I've been using Microsoft and Apple for 15 years and much prefer my iPad to my desktop computer. In fact, apart from using the computer to access ITunes to resent my previous iPad to factory settings, I've probably used it only a couple of times in the past year. I'm 74 now and have not had any problems transferring from the iMac to the desktop and iPad. The only thing I miss from the desktop is Works.

[debih]

I use my iPad to browse the internet and message cowards but the laptop (windows) to do any sort if document on.

[debih]

I use my iPad to browse the internet and message cowards but the laptop (windows) to do any sort if document on.

[Workingman]

If I am reading Suff correctly he is advising this: Get a USB pen drive big enough to hold all the files you moved over. With this drive make sure to plug it in and get it recognised by your W7 system in My Computer as a removable drive, say (F:) then R click on it and choose Format. From the new window make the File System FAT32 in the drop down and then format it. Cut and Paste your files to the USB pen drive, when done remove it and reboot. On restart, insert the USB pen and copy the files back to their original folder on the computer, or make a new one, and copy them there. They should now be available. I think you already have a USB HHD with your files on - DO NOT DO THIS TO YOUR REMOVABLE HDD.

However, I suggest this before you start. With Libre or Open office or other WP programme closed go to My Computer, Computer or Windows Explorer, and on the toolbar select Tools>>>Folder Options>>>View and untick 'Hide protected system files....' OK your way out. Go to the folder where your files are located and R click on it. In Properties make sure that Read Only is cleared. If that is not allowed open the folder where your files are held and look for a file called something like .~lock.test.odt#. Rename it to .~lock.test.odt#.old and try again.

ETA. There is a "Convert" command, but if you do not use multiple partitions on the same physical drive then it will only complicate things.