I don't do Windows- yet

[iDuc]

In response to new healthcare initiatives, my practice is upgrading our electronic medical records. After literally months of examining different software, we have made our selection, but it's Windows only. I've used Macs since the mid 80's!  Now a whole new world of technology is opening to me. Viruses and spyware! LAN crashes! Ugly design! What's the best way for me to get up to speed? I can always get a "for Dummies" book, but does anyone have a particular book they recommend to cover day-to-day OS issues, networking, and security? I don't have to be Microsoft certified, but it would be nice to not have to call support every time there's a hiccup. Any suggestions for a sort-of newb?

[Punx Clever]

When it comes to the simpler tasks, a lot of the processes on Mac's are the same as PC's.  Take for example:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2466



Not covered by that support is how to set down the computer... if you need help just PM me.



But seriously, OSX computers are just as vulnerable to viruses and spyware as Windows machines, and I'm not sure what you mean by "lan crashes".  I really don't know what you mean by day-to-day OS issues... my windows installs always seem to just work.  Granted, I don't click yes to everything that pops up... but still, the days of the Blue Screen Of Death are past.  Welcome to a wider variety of software!

[RAT900]

I didn't think anyone willingly went to an MS platform anymore

[Punx Clever]

I didn't think anyone willingly went to an MS platform anymore

Except major universities, the DOD...

[He Man]

Windows makes a ton more sense than OSX or ubuntu. I've found they both get the job done (using the computer for regular everyday things) extremely easy, but the second it comes to tweaking with the OS itself, windows becomes more in dept and OSX is over simplified.

[il d00d]

I like Windows 7.  It is stable, and is not too hard on the eyes.  I liken it to driving a Toyota Camry as a company car - does not appeal to me on an aesthetic or technical level, but for work, it does exactly what I need it to do.  I say this as a long-time resenter of Windows.  It really is a very decent OS.

At home, I run Mint and OSX - I would not use either of these to work if given the option.  The OSX windows manager is still a little clunky for my needs, I would have a hard time keeping stuff organized.  It is my autocross car - it can work as a daily driver with the right commute.  Ubuntu is a kit car, bring patience and tools - the linux distros have come a long way, but I would compare the amount of work you need to put into them with Windows 95 or so. With enough tweaking you can have a really good OS, though.

I don't have a recommendation for books, but I will say there has not been a windows problem I have not been able to troubleshoot with our Google or technet (the MS online tech resource- it is extensive and fairly well organized).  As far as adjusting, I would say it would take you a couple days to figure out where everything is?

Another option if you absolutely can't bear the idea of running windows, is to run Parallels or any one of the many virtualization products out there in OSX.