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Why Are People Afraid To Use Macs Over PC’s?

Frank — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:16:29 +0000

I’ll start off with a question. What type of operating system are you using right now? Is it Windows or Mac OS X? Hell, it might even be Linux, but Linux doesn’t have as high a user base as both Windows and Mac OS X. Anyway, this post I want to cover an issue after overhearing someone say the following, “I hate using Macs.” My first question is – why? Most people don’t usually have a reason other than, “it’s too difficult to use.” First of all that’s not true. It’s by far different than using Windows, but it’s not too difficult. I think the real issue people face is adaptability. They feel the time to learn a new OS is too time consuming without looking at the benefits. First of all, if you know how to operate more than one OS, it won’t matter the brand of computer that is available for you to use at the time. Secondly, the capabilities that a Mac possesses are far greater than what you can do on a PC. One example would be the Garage Band application which is only for Mac and is used frequently by Apple users.

What I think the true problem comes down to is we have been conditioned to use Windows computers for as long as I can remember. Macs were known to be used by graphical designers. However, if both operating systems were pushed early an often, I don’t think the idea of a Mac being difficult to use would ever be brought up. OK, so maybe some people will have issues with them, but if you condition people early, they can learn like anyone else. Learning seems to be what people want to do less and less of these days.

Two of the biggest reasons why I switched over to using Mac OS X was the speed of the operating system and the useful applications that come with the OS. I already know Windows fanatics are going to say, “how is speed a differentiator? Windows computers can be built on speed.” You wouldn’t be wrong totally for saying that, but usually you build a Windows computer with specs targeted towards speed/performance. Mac OS X – it’s already built in. I have used both operating systems frequently and I’m sorry to those that are Windows users, but in my experience a Mac computer performs more efficiently. In regards to useful applications…Windows has a lot of useless software installed on it’s OS. From trials to other application software that you will never use. It’s a waste of time to implement as well as a waste of hard drive space. Mac OS X is full of rich useful software. I would never delete or remove any of the applications it comes with. Here’s another question…whether you use Mac or Windows, how often have you deleted your Mac or Windows software? My guarantee is the Windows users will have removed their software more frequently than Mac users.

I digress, but I am trying to prove a point that a Mac shouldn’t be a fear to use. Don’t use the excuse of “something new” as your reasoning for not liking Mac OS X. Not only is it not a valid excuse, but you are proving a point that you are unwilling to learn something that could be very useful for you down the road. The fear of the unknown is always a trending fear with people, but just think what if a Mac was the OS you were conditioned to use from the beginning? We would have a reverse effect here. People would be saying, “I don’t like Windows because it’s too difficult to use.” Once again, that wouldn’t be a valid excuse.

My goal here isn’t to rip Windows. I am not the biggest fan of what Microsoft does, but regardless of your operating system of choice…you shouldn’t be reluctant to use one over the other just because it is something you aren’t familiar with. Conditioning definitely plays a factor in people’s decisions, but you should step back and look at something with a positive thought like “I want to learn.” Like anything else, if you practice you get better in time with it. The same will hold true for learning a new operating system. I didn’t know how to use a Mac when I first used one, but I stuck with it and even now I am still learning new things it can do! Maybe you need to have a fascination for technology like I do, but that’s why I wanted to learn about Mac OS X.

I suggest giving Mac OS X a try and not giving up from the start. It is different, but not impossible. Just look at all the people that already use it now. I’m proof that it is possible to use as well as the millions of other people using it. So now that I have broken down this issue to no end…are you still hesitant to use a Mac? If so, tell me why? I’d like to help you get adjusted! If you plan to remain with a PC…tell me your reasoning in the comments below. I am open to hear anyone’s thoughts.

Technology Innovation Huge In 2010

Frank — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:34:57 +0000

credit attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/toprankblog/

Everyday, I start off doing the same routine. I check my email and then I read the blog posts that I am subscribed to. Obviously I am subscribed to technology blogs and one of them is none other than The Next Web. I recently read two posts from them that particularly caught my attention and I wanted to share my thoughts on them.

First off, The Next Web reported that Apple plans to release a tablet netbook in 2010 for around $800. I have a few things to say about that. My first reaction was, “I’m not surprised.” I don’t mean that in a negative way, but I knew it was a matter of time before Apple jumped into the netbook market. From a business standpoint it was very smart to do and they could profit well from this. However, their price is what bugs me the most. With the price of current netbooks out their averaging prices under $500 and seeing Apple wanting to charge $800, makes me uneasy. Although, I can’t question Apple. Their methods have always worked for the most part.

Apple has always been known for high quality products and they always produce the best thing available. So, I do understand their $800 price, but I don’t agree with it. People will buy it, there’s no question about it, but take this alternative. I want a 24 inch iMac that costs around $1500 without tax and excessories. Price wise…that’s about $700 more than a tablet netbook. From my personal standpoint, I’d rather save up for the iMac than dish out $800 on a tablet netbook. That’s just me though. How do you feel?

Secondly, the ”netbook family” isn’t designed to be used as your primary computer. It’s for simply checking email or browsing the web when traveling. I just couldn’t see myself paying $800 dollars for a tablet netbook that I am not going to use as my primary system. I do own a HP Mini 1030NR netbook and I bought it for far less than $800. Not only that, but once again, it’s not used as my primary system…it’s a “tag along system.” That’s how I like to view netbooks. In turn, I have to give credit to Apple for starting to produce their own netbook. It was a must for consumers and something that will really sell.

Switching gears to how technology is advancing on the operating system front is through Google. Once again, I read this article from The Next Web about their new Google Chrome OS that they plan to release in latter part of 2010. So, two big companies, both Google and Apple are planning to make a splash with new technology in 2010. This is very exciting news all around. Now, why do I like this? Well, like Apple, I support everything Google does. Secondly, I believe if the OS is made free like most of their products, I think this will definitely challenging Linux.

I myself do not like Linux. It’s an operating system I have seen in action many times before and don’t like it’s interface or the way the system operates. However, Google’s idea of creating their own operating system really has me interested. This project by Google seems as though it will be out after Apple’s netbook. So, I can’t get too excited right now as Google is in the early stages with their OS.

I would love to have seen the look from the Board of Directors at Microsoft when Google made this announcement. They must have said, “uh, oh!” If I was an employee of Microsoft I would definitely be trying to plan around what Google was doing because this is going to be direct competition to Windows 7, which has been seen in a positive light so far in the beta and release client stage. However, since Google probably will make their operating system free, I can see users either staying with XP or using Google Chrome OS. Very interesting set of scenarios I think. This is why technology is so incredible! We shall see what plays out as the release dates for both Google’s and Apple’s products get closer to being released.

What do you think about these two advances in technology? Do you support them both? How do you think it will affect companies like Microsoft or Linux?