Jeepers, I know I am not as “HOT” as John and his blog following, but I have a topic to bring up and it is very much related to travel and running your own business. Even prior to the launch of Global Traveler some 5 years ago, I switched my company over to using Macintosh computers. I did this reluctantly after being prompted by a former staffer, Susie Lee (now an exec at Ogilvy and Mathers in Culver City). Susie would always comment about the difficult operating system (this is going to date me), but I think this was before the Windows operating software whenPCs were still using DOS. Those of you under 30 can Google “DOS,” and it is probably time for you to learn that the Microsoft operating software was absolutely a copy of the Mac operating software (which had the “Windows” format long before Microsoft). So, I switched over Susie’s computer, and after seeing her attitude and productivity change, I switched myself and slowly the entire staff. Of course, there are a few programs that will not work on a Mac, but they are few and far between unlike a few years ago. The key advantage that Macs have over Windows for travelers and small businesses is very simple – they work, they do not get viruses and they seem to be far more user-friendly when you try to find a wireless connection. I often laugh at my colleagues who are trying to find an Internet connection as I sit there reading my emails and surfing the Web. I remember chatting with a guy on the train many years ago – he was making fun of my Macand I asked what he did for a living. He told me he was in IT and I said, “Well, of course, Macs put you out of a job because they don’t need an IT staff to run!” He just looked at me as he knew I was right. So, John, what do you say to that? I know John is a PC boy. Ask him how he reaches the Internet – by tying a couple of telephone wires to squirrels and having them climb up the telephone pole! -Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO