"I switched!" Ex-Microsoft employee falls for OS X

[UPDATE: You can read more about this article here]

I worked for Microsoft for eight years. I'm a long time Windows loyalist. And, I admit - I mocked Apple's switch ads and Macintosh users in general - even as recently as a few months ago. But gradually, I grew tired of Windows' many problems and began to notice, even envy Apple products.

As a power user, I tend to install a lot of software on my computer and a number of peripherals. I'm a self-professed gadget geek. But Windows tends to destabilize over time as you install more add-ons. I gradually became frustrated with all the application hangs, system hangs, network and wi-fi problems and really, really stupid things about Windows. I think I finally lost it when Internet Explorer just randomly stopped loading on my computer. Or, perhaps it was when my Sony laptop stopped booting with my USB flash drive inserted - but then continued just fine after I'd remove it for a few seconds. I could go on and on about Windows' problems.

Initially, it was the stunning beauty of the 23" Apple Cinema Display that drew my eye. My Sony LCD just didn't compare.

Then, it was the iTunes music store. iTunes made shopping for music so simple. Still, I laughed at people who paid for overpriced iPods as I struggled to set up playlists for my Nomad Jukebox Zen that would also work on my desktop computer.

As a longtime computer enthusiast, I decided that I should try the Macintosh world. I bought a Power Mac G5 - just a single processor, I mean, this was just educational, right?

Literally, five minutes out of the box, I was on the Internet, ripping CDs and emailing one of my colleagues, a longtime Mac enthusiast. Windows doesn't do this. Windows takes 30 to 60 minutes to set up even when factory-installed.

Soon, I learned - OS X kicks ass! OS X is a real pre-emptive, multi-threaded operating system, which means...you can always interrupt your computer to tell it to do something else and it never crashes, at least mine hasn't yet. Yes, applications still crash, occasionally (primarily Microsoft Entourage and other Office applications), but you can just shut them down and restart them without rebooting. OS X just keeps right on going.

The Power Mac G5 is fast too, but in a way that will surprise you. Applications load at about the same speed as on Windows - but the throughput of data with its 64 bit architecture, especially photos and music is incredible. The G5 rips CDs several times faster than my Pentium 4 3.0 GHz ever did. And, yes, I sold my Jukebox Zen and bought an iPod. The iPod syncs new music so fast I can barely believe. It transfers hundreds of songs in seconds.

The iPod and iTunes work so well together you hardly notice when they talk to each other.

One of my favorite services now is iDisk, it's part of the .Mac subscription service. If you've ever wondered what the Windows Briefcase is supposed to do, well, iDisk is just like the briefcase but it works the way you'd expect. Anything you drop into your iDisk folder on your G5 is synchronized in the background to the Internet. When you're working remotely, you can access your files from any Windows or Macintosh PC by downloading a small application. With .Mac, you start with 100 MB of free disk space.

Learning the Macintosh is relatively straightforward but as an advanced Windows user, I found it a little confusing at first. The alt keys aren't available as menu shortcuts and the system menu changes depending on which window is open. However, as you learn the Macintosh shortcut keys, it gets easier. There just isn't much depth in any Macintosh application to get confused by (I'm still waiting for my copy of Photoshop CS). The navigation is simple, consistent and easily learnable.

Now that I can see them side by side, it's obvious that the Macintosh provides a brighter display experience than the PC. It's a more aesthetically pleasing visual experience. It's less cluttered, and feels less stressful to use than Windows. The Mac just doesn't get in your way the way that Windows does.

I've hooked up a number of peripherals to the G5 and the stability of the operating system is excellent. With Windows, I just found myself wasting so much time configuring gadgets and software - it wasn't fun anymore. OS X is simply the best personal computer operating system I've seen. It takes the hassle out of my hobby and my work.

I love that it starts up in seconds and shuts down when I ask it to. Windows still can't do this. The Mac even lets me schedule it to turn off automatically every night and wake up every morning. I like that My Documents are always in the finder and not some random directory path off of c:\Documents and Settings\Jeff.whoknows\etc.

Internet browsing is easier too and faster. The OS X browser, Safari, is blazing fast and offers tabs like Mozilla's Firefox browser. Safari's keychain password methodology seems simpler than Windows remember me feature. Now that it controls 95% of the browser market, Microsoft hasn't updated Internet Explorer in more than two years. I guess the consumer advocates had a point. For some reason though, Safari doesn't seem to be able to open up www.msnbc.com consistently (I helped launch msnbc while at Microsoft), or click on links in the news browser navigation pane. Perhaps my legacy of disdain for cross-browser compatibility continues there.

So, while it's surprised even me, I've decided to make the full switch. Dude, my DELL is for sale. I plan to replace my Sony Vaio laptop later this year (Sony provides miserable outsourced customer service by the way, but the vendor I purchased it from, NewEgg.com, rocks!). The only thing I can't do easily with my Macintosh is Microsoft SQL Server development, but we're moving to MySQL at work in the next few months.

I am still learning the Mac's shortcut keys. Editing documents is where I feel most confused and frustrated. The G5 does have a few odd quirks. Occasionally, when it wakes up, it reports that it doesn't have an Internet connection - then operates just fine. And, I'm still getting used to window navigation, especially in Safari. Macintosh equipment, software and peripherals are more expensive but I think the added cost is easily mitigated by the productivity gains from a more stable, more well-integrated system.

Overall, I'm impressed and excited about the future of personal computing. Apple's innovating, Microsoft isn't, at least not very quickly.

I wonder if Bill Gates realized the wisdom of his investment in Apple a number of years ago, a move that probably saved his longtime rival and partner. Apple's innovation will be an inspiration and guide to Microsoft employees for some time to come.

Comments

[R J]

I too have been contemplating a switch to OS X and while I've been happily running Linux at home, I'm lusting after a PowerBook. Your posting may just push me over the edge... After all, I'd happily go if I could afford to.

[Diane Stannett]

Damn straight! Let's face it Microsoft products are awkward, beastly, and utterly annoying. I'm waiting for the day Macs become the corporate standard.

[Eric Clem]

just ran into your friend at Zoka's who saw me sitting here with a brand new G$, I mean 4. he told me about your blog so here I am. I'm so use to microsoft environments that it took me a few minutes to realize that safari was the browser. either way, the nuisance of having to figure out a different op environment is nothing compared to the disdain I have for Windows on every count that you mention in you march 17 memo.

I'm very hopefull that this is the beginning of a very positive relationship with Mac.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

[Jeroen]

Excellent stuff! I recently switched (partial switch to be completed in a month with a second Mac) and have the same experiences as you write here. Everything works and the system just doesn't get in the way! Lovely stuff really! Check my experiences at http://www.happymakinggames.com
I didn't find the cost of the equipment a factor, cheaper to buy the Powerbook than an equivalent Thinkpad.

[Michael Longval]

I also switched to Mac OSX. I was (and still am... ) a GNU/Linux Fan/Geek/Nerd/Evangelist since at least the last 5 years. But when then time came to get a new laptop, after trying a PowerBook 15 at the local Apple dealer... (and after I picked my jaw up off the floor) I decided to switch.

I remember, at the Apple dealer, watching amazed, as I (a Mac noobie):
1) downloaded the Apple X11 .dmg
2) Just double clicked the X11 app
3) Typed 'ssh -X myserver' in the xterm window

And PRESTO I was connected to the Linux server, running X11 programs (KOffice, OOO etc) I was speechless... no hassles, no configuration files to edit, no debugging, It just works.

Since the time I purchased my PowerBook, I've had nothing but good things to say about it. It's my DREAM Laptop

If you are a Linux nut escaped from the asylum, or a Windows refugee looking to a safe place to live and work then you owe it yourself to at least try an OSX Mac.

Now if I can just get my wife to get her own iBook or something...

[anon]

"The G5 rips CDs several times faster than my Pentium 4 3.0 GHz ever did."

the fastest cd-rw drive in a g5 is 32x if you got the combo drive...and only 16x if you got the superdrive (when burning cd-r discs)

now if you had a 3.0ghz pentium 4 it is a reasonably new machine too, and stock cd burners that would come equipped in a pc with a cpu of that high end nature would be 48x at a minimum wouldn't you say?

now tell me how it is that the massive throughput of a g5 overcomes the cd burner in the pc that is 50 to 300% faster?

[Ow]

I've been using windows a lot but recently changed to Linux fully 1 year ago and never looked back since. Windows is nice, but LInux is better.

Never had a virus and all that junk.

I've not tried OSX, except playing with it at roadshows etc, so, if I were to get a powerbook, I'll load up linux on it.

OSX is actually *nix based anyway..

[simon]

Michael Longval, I think he mean the encoding part of the ripping procedure.

I've recently bought and iBook 12". It's the best thing I've ever done.

I love OSX and OSX loves me back.

I havent booted my AMD 3000+ with XP since I downloaded everything down to my iBook.

[Joshie]

To the person saying that windoze should rip CDs faster:
CD ripping is more than just hardware. The computer does have to grab the tracks from the album, but most of the slowness comes from the ripping application and processor converting it into MP3 (or whatever other) format. So having a faster processor and/or an application with more effecient compression algorithms makes a far bigger difference than a fast CD-ROM drive.

Hope this clears things up for you.

[Hefty]

@ anon

If you read the article properly, the author is referring to ripping a CD to disk, and I assume applying some compression algorithm to produce audio files such as AAC, MP3, Ogg etc. This process is CPU intensive, and as such the speed and architecture of the G5 is especially suited to this task. The speed of the drive has little bearing, as long as it can read at a high enough speed. I've also witnessed this first hand, ripping CD's on my colleagues 2.4Ghz P4 1Gb RAM takes about 3 times as long as the same process on my Dual 2Ghz G5, 1.5Gb RAM. But burning is about the same ;)

[Matt Janeczek]

I have been a Mac user all my life, I guess I "saw the light" at an early age (way back in the days of OS 7). I am a 22 year old engineer so of course I am forced to use PCs both at my college, from which I recently graduated, and also at my first job, which I will be starting shortly. Being seasoned in both operating systems allows me to make these really interesting comparisons when I observe the typical Windows user and the typical Mac user. You would be surprised at how much of the Mac vs. PC stuff from the 90's still takes place today, some ten years later. You can talk and talk and talk to a PC user until your face turns blue trying to make them understand that the Mac OS is superior, and nine times out of ten they will stubbornly resist. I found that these "revelation" experiences like you have had are probably the most meaningful to me - a PC user tries out a Mac in the Apple store or at a friend's house and is totally amazed without you having to say one word! I guess that is part of the magic of Apple that has existed for many years, at least in my book. For someone who used to love Microsoft (to work for them as many years as you did anyway), it really makes me feel good inside that Apple still has the power to make computers that change people's lives and the way they work and play - the same way they did almost thirty years ago. "The power to be you best" was an old Apple slogan, and it still holds true today. Thank you for your stories and experiences, more people should be as vocal as you. Good luck with your Mac(s)!

[Greg]

It's a common misconception that Microsoft's "investment" in Apple saved them. I don't have the numbers handy, but Microsoft's investment was only maybe 2-3% of Apple's cash holdings at the time. The most logical explanation I've heard (unconfirmed) is that it was an out of court settlement on QuickTime patent infringements, plus PR. They were also non-voting shares of stock, and Microsoft sold them years ago at a tidy profit.

[tlsguy]

I am a recent switcher and I agree with everything except one minor detail. I used to work for Sony Customer Service, so unless they changed things very recently, I know it's not outsourced. It is VERY POOR service, but it is not outsourced.

[Le Roux Bodenstein]

I like MacOS X, but the things I still do most often when using a pc is use the keyboard and the mouse to type code and navigate between windows. These things are very frustrating in macos x, because I just can't get used to mac keyboards, one button mice, silly keyboard shortcuts and the absence of multiple virual desktops and a taskbar. I need (preferably) multiple desktops OR a taskbar.

Because of that I won't be able to get any work done, so I'll have to just stick to windows xp at work (not THAT unstable nowadays) and linux (gnome 2.x) at home.

yes - the gadjets are cool and sexy and the same can be said of the interface, but I have to get some work done.

[baron_iv]

I had many of the same experiences as the author. I switched at the end of the os 9 era. I ran the beta of os x 10.0 (and was kinda worried that it might be a flop), but it's vastly improved and is FAR better than ANYTHING else I have ever used. There is almost no comparison between windows and OS X. It's THAT good. I ENJOY using my computer now, when I had windows, I just used it because I had to, it wasn't fun or anything I looked forward to.
It's not just the eye candy, it's just that OS X is a joy to use. It stays out of my way and lets me do what I need to. I don't want to get into the "mac vs pc speed debate", but in my opinion, the OS has a lot to do w/that. I can get a lot more done on my mac in a shorter time because it's easier to use and more friendly...that means it's FASTER to me.
I think that virtually anyone who approaches OS X with an open mind will find it much more user friendly than windows. The key words there are "open mind". I was a mac basher as well. I went out and bought one with an OPEN MIND and haven't looked back since.
I'd also like to reply to the guy that said he'd buy a powerbook and put linux on it. I think that if you tried OSX, fired up X11.app and installed your window manager of choice, you'd stick w/os x. that's the beauty of it. You can run open source applications as well as have the elegance of the gui at your fingertips. os x is the best of both worlds. I run xfce as my x11 window manager. It's great to have both. Also, I'm certainly not a linux basher, I have gentoo on my amd64 in the other room. It's just that os x is too good to just remove from your computer. I couldn't even live w/o it now. Apple has a customer for life!!

[baron_iv]

To reply to tlsguy, to change between applications on os x, hit cmd+tab. very quick, efficient and to the point. :)
Also, there are several applications out there that will give you multiple virtual desktops (some of them are even FREE).
Oh yeah, you can also use a different mouse w/os x. it's got BUILT IN drivers for virtually any mouse you would want to use and they all work flawlessly.

[Ryan Kime]

Also to tlsguy,

multiple virtual desktops:
http://space.sourceforge.net/

Just about any USB mouse connected to a Mac will utilize the right mouse button just as a Windows machine. If you have to use the one button mouse, you can replicate a right click by pressing the Apple key and clicking the button at the same time.

Your major (minor) complaints would be resolved in less than 5 minutes.

[GivemeAbreak]

If the mac is so much "better" than windows why hasnt the average person adopted it? Macs will never be like windows. Stop the hate for microsoft , just cause the mac looks good and clean doesnt mean its a more efficient os. And for people who say windows is slow and claim to be a computer major...are you retarded? You can tweak the window settings to be extremely extremely fast and reliable! I just cant believe how many computer "majors" there are who claim windows to be slow.

[Ryan Kime]

Quick correction: it is Ctrl + mouse click, not Apple key + mouse click.

[gay]

mac is way better than PC and os x way better than windows. average person didn't adopted it cos it's to damn expensive..windows is slow and crashy as hell.. well i can see u never tried os x or any unix OS.. cos unix dominates.. once unix allways unix..that's my opinion.. and bsd is mother of darwin so i like it even more!!..

[Daniel Woods]

The Average Person hasn't adopted MacOSX because the Average Consumer doesn't think for themselves. If they thought for themselves there wouldn't be as many successful Reality and Lifestyle Shows on TV.
Meanwhile, in the Outliers on the Bell Curve, people either Don't use a Computer at all, or Use a Linux/Mac/BeOS/Amiga/BSD/Solaris… machine.

[uplink]

Not only are Macs prettier, but the clean look and feel also helps efficiency. Human interface expert Bruce "Tog" Tognazzini wrote up an article a while back detailing how features that not only look darn good also help efficiency, aiding the "faster" claim.

Now if only I had some cash and didn't have to borrow the school's Powerbook!

[Christopher Wood]

There are lots of Mac fanatics and Mac zealots out there and it is for good reason. OS X is everything and more that I hoped for after using the classic Mac OS for so long. Windows, even XP just looks and feels primative in comparison to OS X.

[Vladimir Mitic]

quote "OS X is pre-emptive, multi-threaded operating system, which means...you can always interrupt your computer to tell it to do something else" /quote

Well it doesnt mean that :) it means that you can work on something AND DO NOT need to interrupt that to DO something else :)

[Howard Pepper]

I switched in November, 2002. I bought matching 17" LCD iMacs for my wife and me. I still have some PC's around the house, but they are running Linux or FreeBSD.

While I've never had the displeasure of working for Microsoft, I have used MS-DOS since 1985, and Windows since 1992. I have been a DOS and Windows programmer since 1985, and I found the switch to OS X to be quite easy.

Although my iMac only has an 800 MHz G-4 processor, it feels as fast as my 1.7 GHz Celeron Linux system. I never have any problems working with multiple applications, even "memory hogs" like PhotoShop.

By the way, we never shut our iMacs (nor the Linux and FreeBSD boxes) down. I'm a firm believer that the longer they run, the better they run. Unlike my DOS and Windows computers, I don't have to worry about periodically rebooting my iMacs. They run fine, at least until Apple sends a patch down the pipe that requres a reboot. My current uptime is only 8 days, but it has gone several weeks without a reboot, being used heavily every day, without a problem.

Will I buy Apple again? You betcha! ;-)