What's the best notation software for my new iMac?

[PeterG]

Guys,

I got myself a new computer today, a very cool iMac, and have now the challenge to get switched over from Windows to Mac-software.
I've been working with Finale 2007 (+GPO) so far, but.... before actually purchasing it for my new Mac (it was a gift who's origine I did not ask.... ) I'd like to know experiences from you guys.

Tell me what you think is best for me.

Thanks,

Peter

[JimmyJOL]

Peter:

IMO what matters most is which software you're most comfortable with. I don't think it matters which computer operating system you use.

I am a PC person but I work with Mac users all the time and I've never heard that there's a difference in the use of the software and, of course, we easily share files. I use Sibelius but, in the past, when I used Finale, it was never an issue that we used different computer systems nor have I ever heard anyone say that the software worked better on one or the other system. I just finished working as orchestrator on a stage musical where the composer used MAC and Sibilelius. It was simply irrelevant that we used different operating systems. The software works equally well on either one. The same is true of Finale (I don't know about the other notation software programs).

There will be other areas, like sequencers and such, where PC or Mac will really matter but, IMO, as far as notation programs are concerned, it doesn''t matter at all. It's all about what works best for you.

Hope this helps.

Be Well,

Jimmy

[stevel]

Originally Posted by PeterG

Guys,

I got myself a new computer today, a very cool iMac, and have now the challenge to get switched over from Windows to Mac-software.
I've been working with Finale 2007 (+GPO) so far, but.... before actually purchasing it for my new Mac (it was a gift who's origine I did not ask.... ) I'd like to know experiences from you guys.

Tell me what you think is best for me.

Thanks,

Peter

Peter - I agree with Jimmy - both Finale and Sibelius work equally well on both platforms. There are only some subtle differences (and these have more to do with the OS than the program itself) as far as I can tell. Congratulations on your new iMac you dirty dog - I wish someone would give me a gift like that! We've got three of them in my MIDI Lab and they're so sweet. Have fun!

Steve

[PeterG]

Ok, let me re-phrase this question now:

Does anyone have Sibelius running on Mac OS X Leopard?

I have Finale 2007 running on it but it gives some funny things ( crashes / produces error on closure for example) and I've seen on the Finale website that they are still testing Finale 2008 for Leopard..... so I'm not overly eager to purchase Finale 2008 at this time.

Maybe Sibelius 5 does better on Leopard?

Peter

[Thorolf]

^ I would strongly advice against any use of OSX 10.5 for important productivity at the moment. It is full of bugs: Apple itself advices to upgrade to 10.5.1—not by just applying the upgrade—but by applying the upgrade to a clean install to avoid severe consequences for usability and data loss!

This, in itself, suggests that OS 10.5 is not a good OS at the moment, and there are still errors not fixed in 10.5.1. There is also a lot of unintended consequences by using the “Time Machine”, such as deleted files showinng up in search, and deleted programs launching if you try to open a file which is assosciated with that program. This could be, and often indeed is, a security risk, as you probably deleted the program for a reason, but the nasty bugger just won’t go away!

Don’t use Leopard if you don’t have to, yet!

A little list of reasons here.

Regards

[PeterG]

Originally Posted by Thorolf

There is also a lot of unintended consequences by using the “Time Machine”, such as deleted files showinng up in search, and deleted programs launching if you try to open a file which is assosciated with that program. This could be, and often indeed is, a security risk, as you probably deleted the program for a reason, but the nasty bugger just won’t go away!

Hi Thorolf,

I wondered if this feature can bypass the demo settings of a software program (like Notion) ? Can you use Time machine to put back the situation of the time you first installed it and get another 30 day free ride?

Peter

[Thorolf]

^ Time Machine as the ultimate demo reset!

Brilliant, someone has to try this!



Regards

[chckn8r]

Originally Posted by PeterG

Hi Thorolf,

I wondered if this feature can bypass the demo settings of a software program (like Notion) ? Can you use Time machine to put back the situation of the time you first installed it and get another 30 day free ride?

Peter

The demo "timebomb" (i.e. 30-day trial) is usually based on the system date/time. Restoring your machine back to a previous state via Time Machine will only restore settings/files/preferences, whotnot - how your computer looked and behaved - from that time/date, but the system date and time will still be current.

You'll have to manually set your time/date to an earlier time/date to achieve what you're wanting - and probably disconnect from the Internet too as most OS's and apps synchronize time and date that way...

Good Luck, D