Switching to a Mac Computer

When my clunky old computer finally clapped out, I had to make a decision about what to replace it with. Having used a PC for several years I was hesitant about buying a Mac computer, even though the idea had appeal. A Mac is of course, is really A PC (personal computer) but Apple has set itself apart so it's become a different species in PC terms. In my heart of hearts I wanted one but thought it would be sensible to make a list of the pro's and cons:

Cons

• Unfamiliarity...better the devil you know. I was used to operating a PC.

• Macs are harder to get software for
• Significantly more expensive..and that includes hardware, software and accessories
• Variety of styles and colours to choose from
• Better customization options
• Better accessory compatibility
  

Pros

• OXS is great operating system
  

• Windows and Linux can be installed on a Mac but OXS cannot be installed on a PC
  

• Styish..looks good, although this is subjective
  
• Less prone to virus invasion (though you can still get a virus on a Mac)
  
• Large support network of users
• Easy to use
• No tower to bother about
  
• Less crashes and problems with OXS
• Higher quality sound and picture

• Apple products work well together

The list helped but in the end the end it was probably more of an emotional decision...just like the time I bought that PT Cruiser everyone warned me about...I really wanted one, so I got it. It's been two years now and I have to say I have few complaints. I love using it...a PC seems really strange to me now - the keyboard feels clumsy, the design boring and well, just generally not as fine. Ok I'm a bit bias..some people find the Mac bland in design, but I'm not one of them.

The Imac was incredibly simply to set up, wheras my old PC seemd to have wires and tranformers everywhere. It was streamlined...no tower to worry about, there was nothing unnecessary. and when I switched it on it ran like a dream. The background destop picture (which changes automatically) was incredibly detailed and clear and everthing felt great. I quickly acclimatised to the user difference...no pull down menu, check boxes on the opposite side etc. so the transition was as smooth as custard over ice-cream.

Of course, what you intend to be using your computer for should be factored into the equation. If you're right into graphic design, video or music production then the Mac is superior and the system of choice used by most professionals. Similarly, if your into games with high graphic requirements, the Mac is also a good choice.On the other hand many gamers prefer PC's due to the flexibility and the accessory compatibility issue.

Are macs intuitive?

In truth....no more than a pc. Not in my experience anyway.

Move2Mac is a software program that lets you shift information from your PC to the Mac very easily. If you do it manually, it can take hours.

According to their product overview:

Move2Mac lets you quickly and easily transfer music, photos, files, folders, and more. But, Move2Mac does more than just move data files. It also moves important settings like Internet Explorer favorites and backgrounds, as well as move and convert your e-mail messages, address book and calendar for Outlook on the PC to Mac’s Apple Mail. With Move2Mac, you'll be productive right from the start!

Or so they say. That might not be true for everyone, but it is true for me. I do love it. I have virtually no crashes, freezes, adware, viruses etc. I did have one annoying problem recently that I still haven't figured out. That is a bit of a worry. It happened when I downloaded the Mac software update and Safari suddenly stopped working on me. I've been happily using another browser so I've been lazy in getting to the bottom of it but I will - eventually.