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.

Further reading:

Why Do People Need Tech Help?

Are All Mac Users Upgrading To Snow Leopard?

Tech Issue With Two Operating Systems

Are OS Wars Overplayed?