I think its really funny that mac guys will install windows on them in order to use the programs they need.

 

I don't know anyone who replaced their Mac OS with Windows. However, there are a few programs that you can buy that enable you to keep your Mac OS, and also run Windows as if it were an application and not its own operating system. So "installing windows" in this context is about as extensive as you "installing middleware software" on your windows computer.

I used to hate the Mac until I bought one. It's 99% compatible with everything that I do, and this 1% of the time that I need help on something like the DoD CAC readers isn't really that much of a hassle.

I've had XP and Vista... and I was always fighting to reinstall drivers, download updates, slow down my system with add on virus protection that didn't do anything against spyware, etc.

I can honestly say that the Mac is superior.

 

I used to be a hardcore Window$ guy, but on a lark I switched to Mac 3 years ago and now I wonder why I waited so long. I wish I could get back WEEKS of my life spent d***king around with all the endless security updates, spyware updates, virus updates, system reboots, system reinstalls, blah blah blah. The learning curve was about ten minutes. As an earlier poster said, the only compatibility issue I have is the CAC reader. Big deal. I REFUSE, on principle, to waste HD space (and my time) on a Windoze install, just for a freakin CAC reader. About the only reason nowadays to stick with PC's is the lower cost, as I doubt Apple will compete in the $300-$500 crappy netbook market. Instead, they will probably do a tablet, rumored to be in the $700 range.

 

I for one would never put XP or Vista on my Mac. I would certainly never install XP or Vista and connect to the internet.

If it's not made for Apple I don't need it.

 

I wasn't smacking down on Mac. I was just pointing out how ironic it is that Mac people (who typically do not like MS), are installing Windows on their machines to run certain programs.

 

I used this - worked like a charm:

Apple / Macintosh Resource page

edit: at least it worked the first time, now no love

edit #2: as long as you are initially prompted for your CAC keychain password (your PIN), I've found that if your certificate is initially rejected, you may have intermittent success. Keep alternating between selecting the 1st or 2nd certificate on the list a few times.

If you aren't prompted for your PIN, quit Safari, reload CAC, relaunch Safari, and try again. It's a pain, it works (sometimes).

dit #3: After a successful logon, something creates a keychain identity preference "*.mil" When you try to login at a later time, the presence of this preference appears to cause problems (AF Portal presents a "CAC Authentication Error" page). Prior to inserting CAC, and prior to launching safari, delete this identity preference from your keychain.

 

Limitations:
1. You have to assign your CAC to a specific website to use it. I have mine set up to go to AMC mail.
2. It only works with older CAC cards.

Here's how I got mine to work:
1. Open Keychains
2. Connect your CAC reader (I have the 331)
3. Insert your CAC and the CAC with it's associated number will show up in the top left corner.
4. Click on CAC-....-...-......... and the 3 certificates should showup in the main screen.
5. Right click on each certificate with a "+" symbol and select "New Identity Preference".
5. Copy the URL link you wish to access to this box and then click ADD
6. Repeat step 5 for the other 2 certificates.
7. Quit Safari and then open it again and navigate to the website.

I'm running the new Snow Leopard operating system on an older Macbook.