I’m pretty sure it was during a reinstallation of Windows that I decided I wanted a Mac; either after being told for the sixth time that I needed to restart the computer in order for the changes to take effect, or while trying to remember what other drivers I need to download.
Let’s face it: installing Windows is a pain in the neck. And that’s even if you were given a restore/reinstall disc from the computer manufacturer. With my HP laptop, I was prompted to create my own restore discs – 3 DVDs, to be exact. The last I heard of Best Buy on the matter was that they didn’t provide any restore discs, but would gladly charge you $30 to make one for you.
The driver issue with Windows is actually the result of an advantage. With such a plethora of hardware choices open to the PC user, Windows has to be able to accommodate them all. It’s for the same reason why the operating system can’t be shipped with all of them included. Granted, Windows has basic hardware drivers that can get some stuff running out of the gate (keyboard, mouse, monitor) but for anything more than bare-bones, you need to get them yourself. There are tools available, such as DriverScanner that will scan your system and automatically download and install the latest drivers, but it’s still another step in the already tedious task of installing your operating system.
It got to a point where I wanted an operating system that just worked. I know it’s cliche, but it’s so very true. My computing time at home is very limited, so I want to make it count.
I started using the Apple IIe in elementary school, and then the new Macintoshes in junior high and high school. I don’t remember what version of the OS it was, but it was well before OS-X. The first Windows machine – Windows 3.1 I think it was – I used in a school setting was in my typing class because “out in the business world, that’s all you’ll find.” We bought our first personal computer at home when Windows 95 just came out, and I’ve used Windows ever since then.
For some time, I hated the Mac operating system; mostly because of naivete, I’ll freely admit. As time went on, though, and I began to learn more and more about the Mac operating system and the kernel behind it, I became more curious.
I think what appealed to me most in those early stages of conversion was the fact that everything in and on the Mac is self-contained, so to speak. The operating system is designed specifically for the hardware, so you don’t have the driver issues that Windows does. And conversely, the hardware is designed for the software. The whole Mac computing experience is – dare I say? – a work of art in which every aspect compliments and supports every other aspect.
So, once I decided that I was willing to open myself to experiencing OS-X, it was time to choose how I was going to experience it.
Next in the Switching to Mac saga – Choosing Which Mac to Buy
I love tech, but don’t have as much time or money to spend on it as I’d like. I get what I need to sustain my Geek vicariously through other sources and pass it along to you.
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Mac is cool Chris, physically and the user interface, but the price is one thing that made can not afford it yet, although macmini is very interesting with its price, I would rather to build a pc with more processing power with the same budget. Still, I want one of it one day:), a macbook air or mini. If Mac make a netbook like a sony vaio-p, it will be wonderfull to see its existence, just like the acer one which run osx, I’m sure the modders out there will manage this vaio-p to run osx, but be sure not to follow what guys at wired did (mac sues them).