Should Editing Computer Be Used Only for Editing?

[Mark Raudonis]

Add me to the list of “no one just edits anymore”.

All of our FCP systems not only edit but have email, internet, grfx programs like photoshop, AE, etc. I can’t imagine maintaining “Air gap” protection on these boxes.

We used to be very rigid about “only editing” but over the years, workflow has triumphed over security. I must say, that I’ve noticed no difference in stability either.

Oh, and yes, we make money on everyone of those systems.

Mark

[Justin Coleman]

Personally I feel that this is very much a left over from the PC editing world. I’ve edited on Avids for years and would suggest that they are only used for editing as they are way more sensitive in my experience.

I’ve personally not yet had problems related to installing other apps or using my machine for internet usage on my macs. I would agree with the theory that “clean” is best. As really we are talking about the old idea that if it aitn broke then dont fix it, the same is true of if it aint broke dont try to break it machines!

I think in theory its a good idea to keep your system clean but over the years I can honestly say that Ive had more problems from external hard drives, different versions of software, software updates and hardware conflicts than any problems realting to using a machine for more than just editing. So in practice I think we are currently still safe with FCP and Apple for multi purposing. I do agree that this may well change as Apple becomes more of a global brand though. The one good thing with Apple is that they are more likely to prodct test a large range of apps running along side and hardware running on the machine than 3rd part software manufacturers as its in their interest to solve any issues. 3rd party resellers are more likely to tell you to avoid a situation that might lead to conflicts are all cost as its not in their interest or control to change the problem.

Justin

[Jerry Hofmann]

I’d say I’ll modify my stance… check out this forum before you install anything and see if there’s a thread on it.

There are documented incompatibilities. There aren’t many, and in most cases I’ll wager they were professional media applications.

However. Mail, Safari, Office VX (mind you) runs peachy along side FCP captures. Have to have plenty of RAM and it really does keep you stabler running all sorts of apps at the same time. 8 gigs is fun.

Jerry

[Rafael Amador]

Hi David,
I’ve never tried before to clone an HD because normally they were a mess.
I just formated and installed everything in a new disk and I want to clone it. What’s the best to do it?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Rafael

[David Roth weiss]

[Justin Coleman] “Personally I feel that this is very much a left over from the PC editing world.”

I absolutely agree Justin. After editing for years on the PC side, where a wrong breath might bring things crashing down, I continue to be amazed at how conflict-free both software and hardware run under the Apple OS. In two and half years I’ve not had a single incident caused by a software conflict other than a few bad updates (QT comes to mind) right from Apple.

David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles

POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY™

A forum host of Creative COW’s Business & Marketing, and Indie Film & Documentary forums.

[David Roth weiss]

Hey Rafalaos,

The one I have always used is Carbon Copy Cloner. Its entirely free and its easy, you just select a sourse drive and a target drive and let it rip. It takes longer than you think, so make sure to let it finish the job. Once its done, test it to make sure it boots by using Startup Disk in System Preferences. If it boots (I had one that didn’t because I didn’t erase it before cloning), keep that clone safe, cuz it will save you someday. Oh, and remember to clone your system drive again later on if you add new software so that will be there too if you ever have to use the clone for an emergency.

Good luck…

David

David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles

POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY™

A forum host of Creative COW’s Business & Marketing, and Indie Film & Documentary forums.

[Rafael Amador]

Thanks David.Just thinking about to reinstall again make me shake.
Cheers,
Rafael

[Chris Poisson]

I have to agree with Walter, except that it seems the list of “must haves” on an edit machine these days is so long it’s almost a comical argument. I don’t do email on my edit machine, or print work, but that’s about it. Here’s what I do use on there and thank god I haven’t had any conflicts:

Safari
FCP and all it’s relatives, but never use Cinema Tools.
After Effects
Photoshop
Illustrator
Squeeze
Episode Pro
Kinemac
MPEG Streamclip
DV Monitor Pro
BTV Pro
Audacity
QuickTime Pro
Cocktail
DiskWarrior
FCP Rescue
AJA Control Panel
Video2SWF
Flash
Fotomagico

And there are a few more, can’t remember ’cause my “editing” machine isn’t on right now, and like I said, I don’t write mail on it.

Have a wonderful day.

[Walter Biscardi]

[Chi-Ho Lee] ”
The easy fix to this is to have two partitions to boot from or two separate drives to boot from. One solely for editing, and the other for all your other stuff.”

Kind of defeats the purpose in my opinion. Generally folks check their emails or web browse during processes like Renders and Captures or just to take a break for a few moments. Quitting out, rebooting just to check email and internet would be an inefficient way of setting up.

but it would certainly be an option, but I’d probably just go ahead and run all the apps on a single partition if that’s all I had. But MacBooks are pretty cheap now. just getting one of those for everything but editing isn’t so bad, again if you’re getting paid to do this.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.

STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR
The new Color Training DVD now available from the Creative Cow!

Read my Blog!

[Chi-ho Lee]

[walter biscardi] ” Generally folks check their emails or web browse during processes like Renders and Captures or just to take a break for a few moments. Quitting out, rebooting just to check email and internet would be an inefficient way of setting up. “

Yes, I agree that it’s not the most convenient method. I used my system to check email and use at he web without hesitation. But if he was worried about it, I think a separate partition is the best method of safety short of buying a second computer.

As someone said, a second user would also be a alternative method. I suppose FCP would keep rendering if you switched users. Never tried it.

CHL

Chi-Ho Lee
Film & Video Editor
Apple Certified Final Cut Pro Trainer
http://www.chiholee.com