Mac Myth Busting: A Potential Buyer's Sigh of Relief

Many potential Mac purchasers miss out on the machine's superior abilities because of a wariness that results from a misunderstanding of the Mac platform complexity, or lack there of. Buyers refrain from leaving the familiarity of the PC platform that they grew accustom to during the PC domination of the at-home computer market in the late 1990s. However, the differences between Mac and PC are merely superficial; a typical PC user would probably be surprised with what ease they could successfully operate a Mac.

With unrivaled speed, amazing durability, and long lasting performance the Mac seems an easy choice. The first issue PC users encounter when using a Mac is the lack of a "Start" button which graces the lower left side of PC screens. The Mac, however, offers a "Doc" which is located along the bottom of the screen or vertically along one of the sides. The doc is the location of all major applications and documents important to each user and are easily customized by simply clicking, dragging and dropping. Of course hesitant purchasers also wonder how they will navigate the tool bar on the Mac in various programs. This may be their biggest surprise, however, as most programs on the Mac have similar, if not identical tool bars as the PC, including traditional "File" and "Edit" buttons. Additionally, keyboard strokes remain fluid between the models including F1-F12 command keys and "Ctrl" and "Alt" keys that make the same shortcuts available to Mac users.

Another major concern for those considering a Mac upgrade is software availability. With Microsoft's monopoly on basic office software used in most homes and offices, it is important for such people to know that Mac offers the full line of Microsoft software, and most other major software. Additionally, Mac annually updates its Microsoft Office line-up.

But the Mac is by no means equal to the PC. Despite these similarities, the Mac offers users many features that make it surpass the PC. First and foremost are speed and capacity. Mac computers pack more memory allowing them to obtain like-new speed for months and years, long after a PC begins to lag and show its age. In addition, the Mac is a multimedia powerhouse boasting easy to use photo software and massive storage for countless pictures. Software includes a dynamic slideshow creator, which allows even novice users to create elaborate photo presentations. And of course, the Mac is the original platform for the iconic iTunes software and therefore best utilizes all of the program's abilities.

The misunderstood Mac may offer anxious users much more than they every dreamed, and with much more ease than they imagined. A simple exploration of the Mac's abilities just might hook the most stubborn and loyal of PC purchasers.