Unplug entire iMac from all outlets

2) Pick up iMac
3) Dump in nearest garbage compacter
4) Return to Best Buy and purchase a big boy computer.



Mac VS. PC jokes aside, you probably have an error in your start up sequence for some reason. I had a similar problem to this on my old PC, and it was a corrupt start up file (although it was corrupted due to a trojan, but same general effect).

If it isn't a huge deal for you, you could always try to reinstall it.

As far as whether there might be a problem with your partitioning set up (also a possibility, I suppose), I'm not familiar with doing so on a Mac, so I don't really have any advice to give you there.

You could also Google the problem and see what comes up. I have solved all of my computer problems this way.

As for whether or not it should be difficult, keep in mind you have purchased Windows' COMPETITOR'S computer, and are attempting to run on it the competing OS. There are plenty of technical reasons why this would be difficult and error-prone (no matter how well the two companies have set this up to be possible), and business justifications for making it difficult on purpose (whether it's the best idea is different matter, but there are justifications is all I'm saying)

That and if you've been using a Mac your whole life, you've probably got a major technology competency crutch

Honestly, if you're using your computer primarily to game, you're probably better off with a PC anyways.