How to Switch to a Mac, and Why You Should Right Now!

Macs are selling at a faster rate than PC computers. Apple and its stocks are proud; the quickly-gaining popularity of the Mac computer lineup is just another notch in Apple's belt of impressive technological products (have you heard of the iPod or the iPhone?). PC makers like Dell and Hewlett-Packard are scratching their heads, Microsoft is scrambling to promote its "new" Vista operating system (which looks oddly like the Mac OS), and everyone on the Windows-side of things is waiting to see the repercussions when Apple launches its next-generation operating system, Leopard.

What does this mean for consumers? There has been no better time than now to experiment and switch to a Mac. Students are already doing so in droves; visit any local university and one out of every three students can be seen typing away at one of the new MacBooks. In the IT and business world, many companies are looking to move away from Microsoft's restrictive licensing and are experimenting with Linux, Unix, and the Mac environment. And normal, every-day consumers are either switching to a Mac or buying one as an additional computer.

Why is everyone switching to a Mac?

Apple lists a dozen reasons why you should switch to a Mac. It would be impossible to go into it in any sort of detail; this is something you should research on your own. However, in summary, Apple says you should switch for the following reasons:

1. It just works.

Apple says that "all the hardware and software just works, and works well together. Get a Mac and get your life back." Apple makes both the hardware and software, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free integration of your computer and software.

2. You can make amazing stuff.

Apple includes iLife, their lifestyle software, for free with every Mac. On the Windows side, you'd be shelling out a couple hundred dollars for software like this. iLife includes products like iPhoto (a photo editing and management program), Garage Band (a music-making software popular with music artists), iMovie (an easy way to make movies), iDvd (creating professional DVDs was never easier), and more. Apple says that you can "make high-quality websites, photo books, DVDs, songs, slideshows, music CDs, calendars, cards, prints, podcasts, music videos, documentaries, and more."

3. Everything-ready.

The computers made by Apple are the only ones "in the world that can run all the major operating systems, including Mac OS X, Windows XP, and Vista." You can use programs that allow you to boot your computer in another operating system. Very handy!

4. 114,000 viruses? Not on a Mac.The Apple operating system has been long renowned for being very secure. There are no spyware, adware, bloat software, and no viruses.

5. Still the most advanced OS.

Apple says that "no other operating system, Vista included, offers the rich features and simplicity" that Apple's operating system offers. The current version is Tiger, and the next version coming soon is Leopard. It has already wow-ed computer experts and the media with its advanced design, amazing graphics, and futuristic features.

6. The latest Intel chips.

The Mac world was in a frenzy when Apple started using Intel chips, but the only thing that has arisen from it is speeding-fast computers that are energy-efficient.

7. No hunting for drivers.

You'll never have to install drivers for your hardware like you did on your PC! Everything just, well, works!

8. Design that turns heads.

You have to admit, Apple's products are stunning examples of good design. Unlike computers that you'd want to hide under a desk, putting your Mac on your table looks good!

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The list goes on, but you get the general idea. Macs are great computers that can do a lot more than PCs for less cost and less headaches. If you have any specific questions about the Apple universe, Google can direct you to dozens of websites that offer a whole host of articles and information regarding why Macs are an excellent choice to replace, or add to, your computer collection.

OK, so I want to switch. How do I do it? Isn't it hard?

Hardly. Switching to a Mac is easy.

First, you'll need to buy your new computer. You can buy it at Apple.com or at any one of the dozens of Apple Stores across the country. The great thing about buying at an Apple Store is that there are very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff members who can answer your questions and help you choose the right Mac for you. If you're a high school or university or college student, you can get a great discount on your new computer.

Once you have your Mac, bring it home (of course). Here's the great part: The Mac works right out of the box. Take it out, and turn it on! If you bought the Mac Mini, you can plug it into your old PC equipment (like the monitor, keyboard and mouse) and those will work with it. If you bought a complete system (like an iMac) or a laptop (the MacBook Pro or Macbook), you can start using it right away.

Setting up your new computer:

Turn it on and you'll be greeted with a rather stunning screen animation welcoming you to the Mac. Once its done, you'll be guided through setting up your user account. Follow the onscreen directions and your new computer will be ready within minutes.

Now that you're in, take a look around. Notice the graphic interface and the difference in window layout. Here are some pointers:

1. The "dock" is the little row of icons on the bottom of the screen. Think of it as sort of like your Start bar in Windows, but not quite. Here you can drag the programs that you use a lot (like Safari, Firefox, or iPhoto). If you want to remove something from the dock, drag it off and it will disappear in a little cloud puff. Charming, isn't it. You can also put folders here; I have a shortcut to my Documents folder in my dock because I am always putting in new documents.

2. On the top of the screen is the Apple bar. On the far left is an Apple icon; click it and you'll see a list of options. Everything here will change when you open a program. The Apple bar is your guide to all the features and preferences for whatever program you are in. Here you can also access the Shutdown and Restart options. Think of this as another sort of "Start" menu.

3. When you open a window, the window buttons are on the LEFT (on a PC the buttons are on the right). The Red button closes the window, the Yellow button minimizes it, and the Green button expands it to display everything in the window. When you move your mouse over the buttons, little line symbols appear explaining what each button does.

4. The Mac has different computer software than a PC, but they do the same thing; just better! Safari is the Mac internet browser; it is faster and more secure than Firefox or Internet Explorer. Safari was just released for the Windows side, so you might already be familiar with it. Other programs are iMovie (like Windows Movie Maker), iPhoto, iTunes, Garageband, Apple Mail (like Outlook Express), etc. A lot of popular programs work on the Mac, too. For example, you can run Microsoft Office on your Mac. In fact, the Mac version is always one-step ahead of the Windows version; Microsoft tests advanced features on the Mac before putting them on the Windows version.

5. Certain keyboard shortcuts are different. For example, on a PC you might press "ctrl + F" to "find" something. On a Mac, you'd press "Apple + F." Essentially, the "Apple" key takes the place of the "ctrl" key, although most Mac keyboards still have the "ctrl" key.

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In summary, switching to a Mac is a great idea and, once you're using it, very easy to get used to. There aren't too many glaring differences in the user interface, and soon you'll be used to it and the proud, new owner of a Mac computer.
Here are some useful Mac programs to get you started:

Microsoft Office

Skype - Make free Internet phone calls over VoIP from your Mac!

Adium - Chat with your friends on MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, and more using one instant messenger program.

Cyberduck - An FTP client that works better than its Windows counterparts.

Flip4Mac - Play Windows Media files using Apple's Quicktime software.