From PC to Mac

The Mossberg Solution in today's Wall Street Journal helps open a window on the Mac, making transition from a Windows Machine to the easier to use Mac even simplier. 

Fallacies.

Rather than go into the details of the story attached (such as getting use to the screen, minor differences in keyboard and various mac mice---widows mice will work on a mac just as if they are hooked up to a Windows based machine), I would like to point to other differences and fallacies.

So how do Macs compare to Windows? It is in the eyes and ears of the consumer and in the nature of their use of computers.

Windows 7 Pro is as good as and based heavily on the consumer and business programs already operating on Macs. Windows programs will run on a Mac (some simple manual help hints may need to be followed, or you can load Windows side by side on your hard drive and run both operating systems).

Macs run Windows, including Window 7, faster than machines build specifically for Windows. The exceptions are some specialized high end machines, and machines built only for specific use (such as video gaming).

Macs run 99.9% of video games available on-line and will run 100% if Windows is installed as discussed above.

So, what do you look at as you make your decision which computer to put under the tree, or buy in the New Year?



Why people use or are sold on Windows.

Most people learn their computer skills at work or in school. Sweetheart deals made in exchange for purchasing long term service agreements, have many schools and the vast majority of businesses running on Windows. Gateway, Dell, HP and other Microsoft based companies make sweetheart deals, many subsodized by Microsoft, to replace Macs in offices and schools.

So odds are your first exposure and love for computers lies in the Windows World.

While Mac was designed from the beginning for the home and school user, and for right brain driven creative artists, Windows was pattered after the IBM office project model, with additional steps and a very office task bias. Windows 7, particurally the costly pro version, corrects many of these problems.

Then on the consumer level not only was famiarity with Windows a sales driving force, but the false perception of that Windows machines are cheeper.

"Entry level" computers are often sold without the memory, processing speed, graphic quality or complete Windows operating system (cut down versions that require paying for upgrades are a common Microsoft sales stategy).

Entry level macs are the same as professional macs, although you may upgrade for your personal or professional need or preferences. Macs come with the operating system, out of the box programs for most consumer uses, and enough computing power to do the job. They are built stronger and have what is usually a more effective free warrenty, and what has been rated the best in the business purchased extention in "Apple Care".

On line customer service for a Mac comes with scheduled call back times, instant messaging or menus of manuals, help pages and user discussion groups. With Windows it depends on the brand of computer you purchase, with some rated excellent and others poor.

Probably most important is that the people who work in retails stores are use to Windows, and in some cases may know basic programming and trouble shooting for Windows. The bias of someone who is a pro at using Windows lies in their expertise and how easy it is for them. Usually they have the computing power and customization skills needed to make Windows a great machine for them. They then project it on to others, forgetting that not everyone knows "computer speak."

Why Mac.

Look and status.

While other computer companies are copying Mac's look and style, Mac remains innovative.


Mac will not release a product that does not work. There may be bugs, but compared to other computers the consumer affairs confirmed reliablity of a Mac product is very high. Many products rumored for Mac simply are not available because they must meet Mac's strict standards before being released as a Mac product

Mac remains in many schools. It is easy to use right out of the box for those who are not highly skilled in or simply daily habitual users of Windows.

Mac is far less open to virus attack.

Mac is used as a foundation for most professional video peoduction.

Mac is graphics friendly, in fact most design firms, publications, creative artists use Mac. There has been some erosion of this by Windows, done in part by Microsoft buying up companies that were strong Mac software producers and refocusing them on Windows.

Mac uses cutting edge design and technololgy in a consumer level product.

Mac does not sell cut down versions. As mentioned earlier, entry level Macs contain all that you need and the basic computing power to do the job right out of the box. Seldom do users find a need to upgrade due to lack of processing or other computing power, unless they move into professional applications that require beyond what most consumers need.

Microsoft itself devotes a larger portion of its software development to Mac product. Most Microsoft programs area available for Mac, those that are not can be run on Windows emulators or by installing Windows as the secondary operating system on a mac.

Mac is the computer of choice for many governments, international corporations and those concerned with security, reliability and stability.