MACS & PCS, the transition. Options

[pandamonium]

i was wondering for the people out there who currently used or use MACS and also have used PCS is it hard to switch over? cause i was thinking im going to college soon and i currently use a PC so i was wondering if i should get a mac when i go to college?

is it that different? cause my friend has a mac and its awesome but i havent really played around with it just to check my email and myspace. but is it hard? or will i get used to it very easily.

[*mipadi*]

You'll get used to it fairly easily. It's different, but not so different that it'll be hard to learn. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• On the Macintosh, there is usually no installer or uninstaller. To "install" an application, just drag the application into your Applications folder; to "uninstall" an application, drag it to the trash. (Some applications do require an installer, but they will be clearly marked and simple to use.)
• If you don't have a two-button mouse, press control, then click to bring up the contextual (right-mouse-button) menu.

As far as files and stuff go, you shouldn't have much problems. OS X can read Word files out of the box, or you can get MS Word for Mac OS X if you feel like you need it.

Here are some good sites for getting software for Mac OS X:

• http://www.macupdate.com/
• http://www.versiontracker.com/

And here is a brief list of some good applications for OS X:

• Instant Message: Adium (supports multiple protocols, including AIM, Yahoo!, and MSN)
• FTP: Transmit
• Mail: Apple Mail, the program that comes with OS X, is great.
• Browser: Safari, the program that comes with OS X, is great. Do not use Internet Explorer. It sucks on the Mac and hasn't been updated in two years.
• MP3: iTunes, the program that comes with OS X, is great.
• Coding: SubEthaEdit
• Graphics: GraphicConverter

That's all I can think of for now. If I think of anything else, I'll post it here.

[nas]

You'll get used to it fairly easily. It's different, but not so different that it'll be hard to learn. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• On the Macintosh, there is usually no installer or uninstaller. To "install" an application, just drag the application into your Applications folder; to "uninstall" an application, drag it to the trash. (Some applications do require an installer, but they will be clearly marked and simple to use.)
  
• If you don't have a two-button mouse, press control, then click to bring up the contextual (right-mouse-button) menu.

And in addition, that first part about installing/uninstalling, makes everything so much easier. It's so damn hassle-free... I think it's not until you've used a Mac that you realize how great this is. With PC's, if you don't uninstall properly, you still have all those left over folders/files that you eventually forget, and eventually it takes up space on you drive. Macs make that so much easier.

PLUS, Mac applications come in 'bundles', meaning everything the application needs to run is under one icon. No need for other files in other deeply rooted folders, no need to worry about your application not running if it's placed away from the applications folder and on your desktop, or maybe even you pictures folder.

The second part can easily be overcome by simply buying a two-button mouse. :)


As far as the Internet Browser goes, Internet Explorer is simply not a choice for the Mac, but you'll always have the option of Firefox :)



I've been using an Apple computer for about 3 years now, but it's only now I'm really beginning to appreciate it. Most of the hate seriously comes down to the one-button mouse and the gaming aspect(which really doesn't bother me in the least. Virtual PC always an option though).

You get more shit done of an Apple computer. It has less problems, whether that be due to no viruses or stuff that pops out at you every five minutes telling you your computer needs updating.
Without all that, your workflow is easier and uninterrupted, thereby allowing you to use your time more efficiently. Again, I think this is something you can't appreciate until you have actually used one and have compared it to your experience on a PC.

Macs come with everything you need already installed, so right out of the box you can use the computer. No need to pop in like five cds, and no need to buy programs(unless it's Microsoft Office). That and wireless cards are already installed in all models except the Mini & eMac. Though, I'm assuming you would go for a laptop for college.



...err so yeah. Definitely consider a Mac, it is definitely not hard to get used to.