For years, I always wondered if there would be a real alternative to Windows, because let’s face it, Windows is… well it could be better, we all encountered our share of issues with it, right? So over the years, I’ve frequently tried other operating systems, to see if it could replace Windows. I gave a shot at early versions of Linux, OS2 and even bought BeOS (probably the best OS I’ve tried - RIP). But none of them convinced me because I couldn’t easily share and use my Windows files. But guess what? Time has changed and there is now a real and serious alternative to Windows.
I am currently using Apple and OS X as my primary operating system, for many reasons that are in fact quite simple.
- Compatibility
This is the main reason why we’re hesitating at switching for a Mac. But there’s no need to hesitate anymore. Unless you use Windows-specific applications (the only one that comes to my mind right now is 3DS Max), any file you use on Windows can be opened in OS X. The kind of files we are mostly using are media files (pictures, music and movies) and MS Office documents. Any of these files can be opened on a Mac, Microsoft released Office 2008 for Mac earlier this year (you can also get OpenOffice or even iWork 08), and there are lots of programs to manage media files, VLC being the best current video player on any platform. - Leopard
First, let me take a look at the options we have with Windows. Vista, despite its sales success, isn’t very popular as people complain a lot about it. It has compatibility issues with old applications and hardware, and never really met our expectations. So people are downgrading to XP, a 6 year old operating system that, even though it works pretty well, is getting old. On the other side Apple kept upgrading and polishing OS X, and the last version, Leopard, is by far the best operating system currently available for the average user. It is outrageously easy to use and the list of its new features makes its rival look bad: an efficient file search, an easy backup solution with Time Machine, the combination of Address Book+Mail+iCal, and the list could go on… - Security
This one is easy: you don’t need any antivirus or antispyware software on a Mac. At least for now… The antivirus software companies try to scare you and say you need protection to make you buy their softwares. So I guess that when the market will be big enough on Macs, they’ll start using the same methods they’re currently using on Windows. - Apple Hardware + Apple Software = Less problems
The main strength of the PC is that any manufacturer can build hardware to run Windows on, so we can have a large choice, and good prices in the end. But it is also a weakness as Microsoft cannot guaranty its operating system will properly work on every computer. It’s the manufacturer’s job to make its hardware work with the operating system. Therefore, the software (Windows) cannot be optimized for the hardware, and we encounter various hardware incompatibilities. The fact that Apple controls the hardware (Mac computers) and software (OS X) means there’s no such issues. - Value
Lastly, let’s talk money. I hear lots of people saying Apple computers are expensive, but let me ask you a question: how cheap are you willing to pay for a computer? Let me guess: the less you pay the better. Well, then your purchase’s quality may suffer. And remember that when you have issues with a computer, it can take time and money to repair… Now I don’t say that Apple computers never have any problem, because they do, nothing’s perfect. But the issues on Macs are significantly less frequent and bad than on PCs. Quality always has a price, obviously, but when you see how well Apple computers are made, it is totally worth it. Also, it is known that Macs have an excellent resell value.
In 2007, Mac sales increased in a significant way, half of the buyers being new Apple users. It’s the sign that Apple is now a real competitor.
I recommend you read the following post from Chris Pirillo that gives even more reasons to switch. 50 Reasons to Switch from Microsoft Windows to Apple’s Mac OS X