A Real Mac to Windows Switcher?

[Syrus28]

Let's hope not, but lately, I have surely been thinking about it. This thought was amplified at a trip to Fry's Electronics when I saw a slick Sony Vaio for sale. As you probably don't know, this is my first Mac (Macbook) and I have a love/hate relationship about the entire "Mac User" experience.

Hates (most --> least)
1.) Safari crashes more than it stays open - Seriously, what is wrong with it? I have version 3.1.1., which is the latest version as far as I know.
2.) Wifi does not recognize my network after waking up from sleep - Its like it forgets that its preferred. However, after I reconnect manually, there are no such connection problems. Additionally, on startup, it connects just fine, its just sleep...
3.) .mac - server goes out way too often, which sabotages my email address and stops me from using the entire service. Also, I cannot get the 10GB space to work very well on Windows machines. I just expected a paid service to work better, overall.
4.) Dead pixels - This one is my fault, as my MacBook had an unpleasant drop.
5.) Pages '08 - No format painter!!
6.) Apple fanboys irritate me - Seriously, they are the worst. It makes me embarrassed to own a Mac when I see people blindly defending Apple in all manners of language, credit Apple for the invention of the wheel, and assault Microsoft at any given chance. (I like Microsoft :o)
7.) Apple commercials - It's a bad thing when you see the commercial and you nod your head at the problems PC is having, instead of Mac.
8.) Games, Games, Games - I know I can use parallels or boot camp to have windows, but I don't want to fork over $400 for a copy of Vista (what were they thinking??), or $200 for XP.
9.) System Crash - It has only happened once, and I had to boot in safe mode. Still, it tells me that OS X is not very different from Windows.
10.) Shortcuts - Apple needs to get rid of the symbols, or at least put them on the key itself. I can't tell you how much time I have spent trying to decipher them.
11.) Arrow Buttons and system alerts - Why, oh why, can I not select the buttons with the arrow keys?

Loves (most --> least)
1.) No antivirus - Its nice to turn your computer on and not see a window that Avast! is scanning your system for viruses.
2.) Dock - Its nice to see programs, system preferences, and updates, all in one, eye-pleasing, way.
3.) iLife/Photo Booth - Great apps, use them all the time
4.) Software Update - Much easier to find/use than Windows Update, so its easier to keep my system up to date.
5.) Easy language change - I am taking spanish classes and I love how easy it is to get Mac OS X to spell check and type in spanish.
6.) iWork '08 (besides Pages) - Keynote is truly awesome.
7.) Spaces - I don't use it much, but I LOVE it when I do. No better way to organize things!

As you can see, my hates outnumber the loves. This may be a temporary feeling, but after 8 months of Mac OS X, I can truthfully say I Miss Windows. Anyone else ever felt the same way?

[Samarium]

Switch. Nobody is stopping you.

[cohibadad]

No, I have never felt that way but I would switch if I was you. I make my choice based on OS and it seems that Windows is your choice.

[overanalyzer]

No need to miss Windows...just run it on your Mac.

[tersono]

As you can see, my hates outnumber the loves. This may be a temporary feeling, but after 8 months of Mac OS X, I can truthfully say I Miss Windows. Anyone else ever felt the same way?

Not even remotely, and I work with both operating systems on a daily basis. If I were to switch away from OS X for whatever reason, it wouldn't be to Windows - it would have to be to another Unix.... probably Solaris.

By the way - just a word to the wise, but be a bit cautious about Sony Vaio laptops - they're very prone to problems with the power board. I've seen more failures on Sony machines than I've seen on HP, Toshiba and Dell put together....

[Syrus28]

Switch. Nobody is stopping you.

I am stopping myself, actually. I think its just I had higher hopes for what Mac OS X is, which ultimately watered down my experience. Thats not to say whether or not it is superior to Windows. This post was more for myself actually. Just a rant.

[Willis]

As you're using Leopard, these issues you've mentioned have been requent, but with any new OS, you will find problems. Safari hangs with me sometimes, simple, I force quit/re-open.

Panther and Tiger were just the same when they first came out, it just takes a few more point releases to get all the bugs out.

Leopard has been a bit of a pain in my side, but.. I know it will work just as all the other OS's have and with each release, it does become more stable.


OR, you could just chop your mac in and get that sony. Upto you. End of the day, its your money and you can do what you wish with it.

[fuzzielitlpanda]

if you are unhappy working on your current os, switch! that is the reason why most people switch over to osx anyways. you're on a mac forum, so of course there's going to plenty of bias here to stick with osx. imo if you think you can be more productive using a different os, then it is in your best interest to switch.

[Syrus28]

No need to miss Windows...just run it on your Mac.
Anyone know anywhere to get XP cheaper than $200? If so, that would help..

[Samarium]

Everybody has their own way of thinking. I switched on Dec. 07 and since that date, I haven't complain about my Mac, except the 2 visits to the Apple Store for the case cracking, but thats it. I recommend using Camino instead of Safari. Best wishes.

[airjuggernaut]

I'll be very honest.
OSX isn't all that it's cracked up to be.
I've had way more crashes and bugs with OSX in the past few months than i've ever had with Windows (XP atleast)
Switch to windows if you feel more comfortable, and I completely understand all of your problems.

Have fun :)

[overanalyzer]

Anyone know anywhere to get XP cheaper than $200? If so, that would help..

eBay or Craigslist, perhaps? I've ended up with multiple *legal* copies of Windows XP over the years that I think I only actually paid for one of (if even), and recently got a free copy of Vista Ultimate from Microsoft from attending one of their free launch events, so I don't think of it as hard to get a copy of Windows for cheap. Some companies also have software licensing contracts that might entitle you to a free or reduced-price copy of Windows.

FYI, you should also be able to buy the upgrade version of Windows if you have a non-OEM disc for an old version of Windows, which will save you like 50%. I personally keep copies of Windows 95 and 98 discs that I've had for 10 years around for that purpose.

[MacsAttack]

Let's hope not, but lately, I have surely been thinking about it. This thought was amplified at a trip to Fry's Electronics when I saw a slick Sony Vaio for sale. As you probably don't know, this is my first Mac (Macbook) and I have a love/hate relationship about the entire "Mac User" experience.

[SIZE="1"]Hates (most --> least)
1.) Safari crashes more than it stays open - Seriously, what is wrong with it? I have version 3.1.1., which is the latest version as far as I know.
2.) Wifi does not recognize my network after waking up from sleep - Its like it forgets that its preferred. However, after I reconnect manually, there are no such connection problems. Additionally, on startup, it connects just fine, its just sleep...
3.) .mac - server goes out way too often, which sabotages my email address and stops me from using the entire service. Also, I cannot get the 10GB space to work very well on Windows machines. I just expected a paid service to work better, overall.
4.) Dead pixels - This one is my fault, as my MacBook had an unpleasant drop.
5.) Pages '08 - No format painter!!
6.) Apple fanboys irritate me - Seriously, they are the worst. It makes me embarrassed to own a Mac when I see people blindly defending Apple in all manners of language, credit Apple for the invention of the wheel, and assault Microsoft at any given chance. (I like Microsoft :o)
7.) Apple commercials - It's a bad thing when you see the commercial and you nod your head at the problems PC is having, instead of Mac.
8.) Games, Games, Games - I know I can use parallels or boot camp to have windows, but I don't want to fork over $400 for a copy of Vista (what were they thinking??), or $200 for XP.
9.) System Crash - It has only happened once, and I had to boot in safe mode. Still, it tells me that OS X is not very different from Windows.
10.) Shortcuts - Apple needs to get rid of the symbols, or at least put them on the key itself. I can't tell you how much time I have spent trying to decipher them.
11.) Arrow Buttons and system alerts - Why, oh why, can I not select the buttons with the arrow keys?


1. Clear your cache. Sometimes a partially downloaded item gets stuck there. Clearing the cache may fix the problem. Also - take note of what site you are using. I used to visit a site that regularly crashed Safari and Firefox. I don't go there any more and don't have any problems (bug report forwarded to Apple and the site owners).

2. Cant say I've had that problem on any of the three Macs I'm using. Perhaps it is your router?

3. UMMV. ,mac has worked fine for me. Perhaps the outages only happen when I'm asleep?

4. Probably should not list this one as it is self inflicted?

5. Yes. There is... Copy Style and Paste Style.

6. And they stop you using a Mac how?

7. Yes. PCs have a lot of problems. I spend my day fixing them. At home I use a Mac so I don't have to faff about getting things working and instead I work on things.

8. Games? Perhaps a nice PS3 would fit the bill?

9. I guess they do happen. Windows used to be aweful. Now it is just a little bad (MicroSoft's solution to the BSoD? Don't show it just restart the computer - no BSoD!). Never had a Mac pack up on me yet though (power cuts don't count - right?)

10. ????

11. Tab key?

[Syrus28]

eBay or Craigslist, perhaps? I've ended up with multiple *legal* copies of Windows XP over the years that I think I only actually paid for one of (if even), and recently got a free copy of Vista Ultimate from Microsoft from attending one of their free launch events, so I don't think of it as hard to get a copy of Windows for cheap. Some companies also have software licensing contracts that might entitle you to a free or reduced-price copy of Windows.

FYI, you should also be able to buy the upgrade version of Windows if you have a non-OEM disc for an old version of Windows, which will save you like 50%. I personally keep copies of Windows 95 and 98 discs that I've had for 10 years around for that purpose.
I'll try that. Im bound to have some Windows version disc somewhere around here.

[GimmeSlack12]

I've had way more crashes and bugs with OSX in the past few months than i've ever had with Windows (XP atleast)

I am always confused by comments like these. Cause I've never ever ever experienced anything like this. Heck, my iMac never crashes. Sure I use the run of the mill stuff, but I do use the machine (EyeTV, Safari, Mail, FTP, SSH, iTunes, etc. ). Either way, OP go do whatever you want man. Us fanboys will always be here for ya ;)

[Syrus28]

1. Clear your cache. Sometimes a partially downloaded item gets stuck there. Clearing the cache may fix the problem. Also - take note of what site you are using. I used to visit a site that regularly crashed Safari and Firefox. I don't go there any more and don't have any problems (bug report forwarded to Apple and the site owners).

2. Cant say I've had that problem on any of the three Macs I'm using. Perhaps it is your router?

3. UMMV. ,mac has worked fine for me. Perhaps the outages only happen when I'm asleep?

4. Probably should not list this one as it is self inflicted?

5. Yes. There is... Copy Style and Paste Style.

6. And they stop you using a Mac how?

7. Yes. PCs have a lot of problems. I spend my day fixing them. At home I use a Mac so I don't have to faff about getting things working and instead I work on things.

8. Games? Perhaps a nice PS3 would fit the bill?

9. I guess they do happen. Windows used to be aweful. Now it is just a little bad (MicroSoft's solution to the BSoD? Don't show it just restart the computer - no BSoD!). Never had a Mac pack up on me yet though (power cuts don't count - right?)

10. ????

11. Tab key?
1. Ok, I tried that. I'll see how it goes.
2. I dunno, the connection is fine (when i manually connect it), but it doesn't connect on its own.
3. Maybe :confused:
5. Hmm... It doesn't work for me. How exactly are you using it?
8. PS3? no... I have a 360, its just nice to play a game on the road or the occasional RTS.
11. That doesn't work. For example, press the hardware power button, then try to navigate to another button.

[stomer]

1.) Safari crashes more than it stays open - Seriously, what is wrong with it? I have version 3.1.1., which is the latest version as far as I know.

I find that my Safari crashes tend to occur after view a flash movie/app. Doesn't make it any less irritating. I'm pretty sure all my Safari crashes are related to flash.


2.) Wifi does not recognize my network after waking up from sleep - Its like it forgets that its preferred. However, after I reconnect manually, there are no such connection problems. Additionally, on startup, it connects just fine, its just sleep...

I had this problem once or twice with Tiger, but never with Leopard.


3.) .mac - server goes out way too often, which sabotages my email address and stops me from using the entire service. Also, I cannot get the 10GB space to work very well on Windows machines. I just expected a paid service to work better, overall.

.Mac works just fine for me, in the past 6 months of use, it has never gone down.


6.) Apple fanboys irritate me - Seriously, they are the worst. It makes me embarrassed to own a Mac when I see people blindly defending Apple in all manners of language, credit Apple for the invention of the wheel, and assault Microsoft at any given chance. (I like Microsoft :o)

People who call other people fanboys irritate me. I think it's perfectly and normal acceptable to have strong feelings either way. This is especially true when it involves a company that has been involved in many despicable acts over the years.


8.) Games, Games, Games - I know I can use parallels or boot camp to have windows, but I don't want to fork over $400 for a copy of Vista (what were they thinking??), or $200 for XP.

What were you thinking? The Mac has never been a gaming platform and with the PC game market slowly dying, it probably never will be.


11.) Arrow Buttons and system alerts - Why, oh why, can I not select the buttons with the arrow keys?

I've never tried to use the arrow buttons. Tab and Shift-Tab work fine for me.


I can truthfully say I Miss Windows. Anyone else ever felt the same way?

If that's the case, then maybe you should install Windows and switch back?

[macfreek57]

1. Ok, I tried that. I'll see how it goes.
2.) Wifi does not recognize my network after waking up from sleep - Its like it forgets that its preferred. However, after I reconnect manually, there are no such connection problems. Additionally, on startup, it connects just fine, its just sleep...

....

11.) Arrow Buttons and system alerts - Why, oh why, can I not select the buttons with the arrow keys?

2. I'm not really sure what you're saying the problem is, but just to let you know (if you don't already), there's a way to manually reorder your preferred networks. In the Network System Preference pane, select Airport in the sidebar then click the "Advanced..." button. Under the first tab of that window (it's labeled "Airport") there is a list of networks you've connected to in the past. You can drag them around to change the order. I'd recommend pulling the network you're talking about to the top of this list.

11. This is a setting in the Mouse and Keyboard System Preference pane. Under the tab "Keyboard Shortcuts" there are two radio buttons at the bottom. Select "All Controls"

I hope you can fix all or at least most of these issues and hate your mac less. :) Of course, if you can't or are simply dissatisfied with your experience, you should, by all means, switch back. All of us Apple evangelists would just be a bunch of hypocrites if we didn't tell you to use which ever operating system gives you the best user experience, whatever that may be. Of course I would look into just getting a copy of XP (Vista if you can stand it) as opposed to getting a new machine. Apple does make high quality machines, even comparing them to equivalent PCs on the market, and it would be a shame to get rid of the great computer you already have even if you're just going to use Windows on it. Bootcamp is not difficult to set up (i think there's a macrumors guide on that), plus it's always nice to be able to switch back and forth if you want.
Good luck

[Mac OS X Ocelot]

Anyone know anywhere to get XP cheaper than $200? If so, that would help..

I think you can add that to your list of pros for mac.

[operator207]

Anyone know anywhere to get XP cheaper than $200? If so, that would help..

XP Pro OEM $138.99 (http://www.electronicadirect.com/products/Microsoft/Software/Microsoft-Windows-XP-Pro-Full-Version-OEM-69.html?sid=c5i70fb449314rl)

XP Pro OEM $125.99 (http://www.compuplus.com/i-Microsoft-Windows-XP-Pro-Full-Version-OEM-69~.html?sid=t50oxr1hyu54s70)

I have never bought from these companies, so I do not know if they are legit or not. They are simply the product of a simple search of Google for "xp pro buy".

As for your wireless, you do not happen to have it set to "do not broadcast SSID" in the router do you? I have seen some other threads here and other places about that being off, and they cannot see the wireless after reboot/sleep. I have never experienced this with my MBP, but I had to turn broadcast on after a day because my wife's Vista Ultimate laptop was doing what yours is doing.

[tmelvin]

Wow...I switched in March, and never looked back. I still use XP at work, and it's a chore. I get home on my shiny 20" iMac, and love it. No crashes, or problems. With any Mac or PC there's a chance for problems; both hardware and software. I don't think it has anything to do with it being a Mac or a PC. It's like any mechanical thing. Some swear by Samsung TV's [me included], and others say they're horrible.

Whatever makes you most productive and happy...

[mamcx]

Get Windows 2008 legal from MS itself.

Is better than vista. And is free to test for 240 days!

[bart rijksen]

Sure, switch. It doesn't matter if you like windows better than os x, it is all according to preference.

[mwpeters8182]

I was thinking the same thing about a year ago. I was moving, and wanted to replace my first-gen macbook with a desktop. I liked OS X a lot, though it's not without it's faults. Looking for a desktop, I was uninspired by what was out there as far as iMacs went, and I didn't want to spring for a Mac Pro, so I ended up getting a PC.

A year later, I just bought a used MacBook. The pros just outweigh the cons for me. Not that I hate my PC, I still plan on keeping it around, but I just find the mac to be more usable. Not perfect, but better.

[ucfgrad93]

As you can see, my hates outnumber the loves. This may be a temporary feeling, but after 8 months of Mac OS X, I can truthfully say I Miss Windows. Anyone else ever felt the same way?

No, I have never felt this way. In fact, I'm looking to get rid of my Windows machines and go strictly Mac.

[dannewell15]

I have used a mac for the last year and I love it. Yes, it has some flaws, but compared to my old Acer Pc its incredible. I am forced to use Pcs at my school which I hate. I will never ever switch back. But if you don't like Macs, switch back and get a Sony or a Dell. :D

[Fungazi]

I got caught up in the MacOS hype and purchased a refurbished Mac Mini about 7 months ago to use as a principle home computer for email, www and itunes. For this purpose, the machine generally works well (although it occasionally does hang on startup and certain apps do crash now and then). I must say, though, that while I definitely do appreciate certain features of the operating system, I find the MacOS experience to be, by and large, over-rated.

In particular, I do not enjoy having to switch between “PC” keyboard shortcuts and MacOS shortcuts, which gets particularly irritating when working with virtual machines. Additionally, standard PC keyboard mappings for languages other than English (ie: Arabic, Windows ‘International English’) are completely different on the Mac, and Office 2008 for Mac doesn’t even support languages with different script orientation such as right-to-left or mixed format! Additionally, I haven’t been able to find a mail app for the Mac that supports mixed Arabic/English input well - my attempts thus far have only resulted in the recipient receiving a bunch of undecipherable gibberish.

Yes, I know these issues are not entirely Apple’s fault, but at the end of the day I still need to use my Windows machine to accomplish many of my tasks. For people who only use a computer to surf the internet or compose emails (in English/Spanish or a well-supported language) the Mac may be a fine purchase, but for people who are looking to purchase a computer with specific tasks in mind, I would suggest investing some time in researching whether or not it is easy, or even possible, to accomplish these tasks on a Mac.

For those people who argue that with Bootcamp or vmware/parallels the issue is moot, I must say that having to purchase an additional Windows license on top of the already high cost of a Mac is a huge disincentive for many people. These days, I find myself using the Mac less and less, instead using my fantastic ThinkPad x61s which runs the more stable 64-bit Vista SP1 (based on Windows 2008 code base) natively, which is something that most Macs can not do with Bootcamp (only Mac Pro, I believe…). I just don’t have time to fuss around with running virtual machines within MacOs (which, btw is slow…) to accomplish the same simple tasks that my Windows machine can do natively.

[Plutonius]

It's your money. Go with what you like.

[deputy_doofy]

[SIZE="1"]Hates (most --> least)
1.) Safari crashes more than it stays open - Seriously, what is wrong with it? I have version 3.1.1., which is the latest version as far as I know.
2.) Wifi does not recognize my network after waking up from sleep - Its like it forgets that its preferred. However, after I reconnect manually, there are no such connection problems. Additionally, on startup, it connects just fine, its just sleep...
3.) .mac - server goes out way too often, which sabotages my email address and stops me from using the entire service. Also, I cannot get the 10GB space to work very well on Windows machines. I just expected a paid service to work better, overall.
4.) Dead pixels - This one is my fault, as my MacBook had an unpleasant drop.
5.) Pages '08 - No format painter!!
6.) Apple fanboys irritate me - Seriously, they are the worst. It makes me embarrassed to own a Mac when I see people blindly defending Apple in all manners of language, credit Apple for the invention of the wheel, and assault Microsoft at any given chance. (I like Microsoft :o)
7.) Apple commercials - It's a bad thing when you see the commercial and you nod your head at the problems PC is having, instead of Mac.
8.) Games, Games, Games - I know I can use parallels or boot camp to have windows, but I don't want to fork over $400 for a copy of Vista (what were they thinking??), or $200 for XP.
9.) System Crash - It has only happened once, and I had to boot in safe mode. Still, it tells me that OS X is not very different from Windows.
10.) Shortcuts - Apple needs to get rid of the symbols, or at least put them on the key itself. I can't tell you how much time I have spent trying to decipher them.
11.) Arrow Buttons and system alerts - Why, oh why, can I not select the buttons with the arrow keys?


1. Not really a fan of Safari. I use FF. Mac or Windows. :)
2. I have this problem in both Tiger and Leopard as well. For whatever reason, it likes to pick my neighbor's Linksys, even if I remove it from my list. Doesn't seem to remember that my router is the preferred one. It's inconvenient, but easy enough to fix.
3. No experience.
4. I have one. Lower-left corner. I consider it a birth mark at this point and a potential way to identify my machine, if need be.
5. Little experience.
6. Windows has MORE fanboys and has had them longer. How many of them since the mid 90's STILL tell Mac users in 2008 that Macs have no software, can't right-click, can't access the internet, etc., etc. Bill Gates has more zombies following him than the polygamists in Utah.
7. I like some of them. A few are spot on. Some are crap. You'll have that.™
8. Yes. You do need Windows for the latest and greatest 3D games.
9. NO OS is 100% fool-proof. However, I've had less than a handful of OS X crashes since 2001. Don't confuse that with application crashes. That's FIVE or less in 7 years. No Windows user can make that claim and be telling the truth.
10. Yes. I hate some of those symbols, too. Especially the control and options one, since I always forget those. Command and shift I always remember.
11. I'd like to be able to use the arrow keys as well, though I've heard some people say to hit command-first letter of button. Don't actually know if this is true.

[GimmeSlack12]

People who call other people fanboys irritate me.

I like this comment.

[pagansoul]

I've been using Mac's as my Home machine for about 6 years. I still have my old PC in my little room (Gateway Profile 5) but I rarely turn it on. I have an old G5 iMac (before the built in camera days) that I keep in my kitchen. I will watch a DVD on it from time-to-time (20inch screen) or play music. My main desk-top is a MacPro coming on 2 years old. I use my Macbook all the time in bed, it's like a good book that I can't put down. Sometimes I bring it to work to sit next to my company Dell Optiplex (XP, 1GB ram, 80GB HD) that I have to work on. I thank the Goddess I don't have a Dell notebook, I can hear those users scream all day but my company isn't one for buying the best or newest models for their workers. I have been lucky with both Microsoft and OSX as I never run into serious program problems. I just like the look and feel of Leopard better. Again, I don't use my machines for any heavy lifting. I think my fixing old photos is the most taxing but the MacPro is way over specs to do that job.

I do have Parallels but have not brought a XP OEM yet. I know I will have to do it soon as Microsoft will stop supporting and I'm sure the programs will become scarse. I did see a sale in Micro Center for $100 for the Home Edition but don't know what it is now. One day.

I'm sorry about your not getting a warm and fluffy feel with OSX but different strokes for different folks.

[gibbsjoh]

2. Cant say I've had that problem on any of the three Macs I'm using. Perhaps it is your router?

I've had the same (well, worse) issue. Filed a bug report on ADC and had a reply from Apple saying this is an acknowledged issue. Just FYI... dude has a point on this one. I've tried 2 routers with different chipsets etc.

John

[nerdeus]

I have a fix for #11.
Tab key works, after you change some settings in System Preferences.
Then go to Keyboard and Mouse
Click on the Keyboard Shortcuts menu
And at the bottom, change the button to: ALL CONTROLS.

This will also fix the problem of not being able to use the Tab key to select lists. It took me a while to find that one too.. dunno why Mac doesn't just make it the default.

[thejadedmonkey]

Have you tried wiping and reinstalling Leopard?

I noticed that a factory install of the OS never feels as clean as a fresh install.

[mags631]

By the way - just a word to the wise, but be a bit cautious about Sony Vaio laptops - they're very prone to problems with the power board. I've seen more failures on Sony machines than I've seen on HP, Toshiba and Dell put together....

I can't speak to HP, but I agree with your comment about Sony Vaio laptops. I had one for over a year before giving it back to my employer and buying my MBP. I had driver problems with both XP and Vista. Secondly, the quality of the plastic on the back of the LCD is very low. After a year of heavy business use, the laptop creaked and the letters on the key were very faint. I definitely paid too much (>2000) for that laptop given what it was.

[Mac OS X Ocelot]

.
10. Yes. I hate some of those symbols, too. Especially the control and options one, since I always forget those. Command and shift I always remember.

I was confused until I actually looked at them. Command is the easiest to recognize because it's on the key. I actually think Option is very easy to recognize, since it's the weirdest symbol. It's the only one I couldn't explain easily to other people (it looks like an X but with the lower-left leg missing?). Shift is an arrow pointing up and Control is a caret pointing up. Control is the hardest for me to remember because it's not in any menu commands.

Does Windows have any symbols? If anything, I'd mark these symbols as a plus for Mac since it's easier than typing "Ctrl+Alt+Del".