Entering The World of Mac

It’s only after some trial and error that new users understand that Macs are easier to use. “There’s this theory in the technological world called ‘high tech, high touch,’” Knaster says. “This means that with very advanced technology, instead of making it harder for the human, manufacturers should make it more human, more in touch with your personality. Apple is a master of that.” Making the Mac more “human” may also contribute to why people find the computer so “friendly.” “When I open my laptop, it’s just a happy experience,” says Mike. “The Mac is nice.”

Eddie Garcia, a branding expert from Miami, FL, made the switch for his new employer and credits his success in the first month to the personality of the computer. “I was a little hesitant about making the switch,” Eddie says. “Once I took a bite, now I think it’s cool. I find it much easier to navigate. The friendliness of the Dashboard icons is better than the small and often times hidden tabs on that other system.”

Apple is constantly striving to make the switch simpler for PC users. They even have a section on their web site devoted to giving switch-related information, and in every Mac store the geniuses at the Genius Bar are there to help you with everything from turning your computer on to transferring your old files.

During your first month of the switch, you may be craving certain Windows-only programs. With the new Macs, it’s no longer all or nothing. You can easily run Windows on your Mac by using a program called Boot Camp that Apple provides for free, or you can purchase Parallels, a similar program that allows you to run Windows and the Mac OS simultaneously. Though using Windows on a Mac may seem like giving a cigarette to someone who is trying to quit smoking, having the ability to go back and forth between the operating systems may make your transition easier.