Why is OS X so great???

[teacherrob9]

What makes it the jewel everyone talks about? From fooling around at the apple store, I was more impressed with ILIFE... To me windows XP seemed easier to use...

[other]

OS X made me realize how useful the terminal is. Windows "command prompt" is worthless. Now I find *nix more attractive.

[teacherrob9]

OS X made me realize how useful the terminal is. Windows "command prompt" is worthless.

average user doesn't use the command prompt... remember keep this in the frame of the avg user...

[dejo]

Well, for one, Mac OS X lets you run iLife. Can't say the same thing about XP. :)

[other]

average user doesn't use the command prompt... remember keep this in the frame of the avg user...

Why? I told you one thing I like about OS X. I like.

[teacherrob9]

Why? I told you one thing I like about OS X. I like.


that's cool... Is there anything the avg user would find osx better for?

[other]

Since you asked about the "average user", I just wanted to tell you about my father. I got him to buy an iBook when it was time for a new computer, and he's been calling me a lot less about computer problems. Plus he said he enjoys using his computer more now.

Though I don't think everything in OS X is better. The finder, for example, is crappier than explorer. And Windows do have some applications that I really miss when using OS X. A good thing about OS X though, is the menu bar. Got to love it's placement.

[robert-a-hudson]

What makes it the jewel everyone talks about? From fooling around at the apple store, I was more impressed with ILIFE... To me windows XP seemed easier to use...


oh man you've just opened a can of worms on yourself there, let the windows bashing commence:

_____________________________________________________________
(not in my post, i dont have any problems with my windows on my pc - the only problem i have had with it in 4 years is that the hard disc is failing)

[miniConvert]

What makes it the jewel everyone talks about? From fooling around at the apple store, I was more impressed with ILIFE... To me windows XP seemed easier to use...
There's much more to an operating system than fooling around at the Apple store is going to demonstrate to you. It's OS X's ability to seamlessly integrate with Apple's hardware and provide a stable and reliable computing environment that I love, not to mention innovations like Hot Corners, Expose, Widgets and the Dock.

It's also just so visually lush. As a Windows user for as long as I can remember I find using OS X extremely refreshing.

With Windows the operating system frequently gets in the way of doing what you want to do. OS X, however, seems to accelerate my personal computing needs.

[teacherrob9]

I like windows start menu and being able to switch the programs listed at the bottom in the menu ...

[gauchogolfer]

Why do you insist on stirring up trouble around here? With this thread, plus the one about "why is Mac better than Dell", I'd think you'd had your fill for the day. Just try Mac OS X yourself and see what YOU like better about it.

Think for yourself.

[teacherrob9]

How has windows gotten in your way?? I don't get that saying... macs crash, windows crash... simple restart fixes the issue.

There's much more to an operating system than fooling around at the Apple store is going to demonstrate to you. It's OS X's ability to seamlessly integrate with Apple's hardware and provide a stable and reliable computing environment that I love, not to mention innovations like Hot Corners, Expose, Widgets and the Dock.

It's also just so visually lush. As a Windows user for as long as I can remember I find using OS X extremely refreshing.

With Windows the operating system frequently gets in the way of doing what you want to do. OS X, however, seems to accelerate my personal computing needs.

[other]

You don't seem to have used OS X very much, and I can tell you that I was annoyed with it the first 3 months I had my iBook. I've now sold my iBook, and the only reason that keeps me from buying a PC is OS X. Not any ******** about "Apple's superior hardware".

[Eithanius]

Three word:

"It just works".... :D

[dornoforpyros]

as far as user experience, both have their advantage, for me there are 2 major points of OS X,
1) Stability, just because photoshop locks up doesn't mean I should have to spend 10 minutes rebooting. I like being able to force quit an application and not have the entire computer freeze up on me with 100 "application has unexpectadly quit, send note to microsoft?" messages.
2)Expose', it's a godsend, really.

[teacherrob9]

Three word:

"It just works".... :D


so does xp...

[other]

I like windows start menu and being able to switch the programs listed at the bottom in the menu ...

I actually dislike that. I find it's easily cluttered with windows/applications.

[stonyc]

that's cool... Is there anything the avg user would find osx better for?Didn't you answer your own question with...
I was more impressed with ILIFE...
Other things that I personally like...

- installation/removal of programs (ie. don't have to go to add/remove in the Control Panel, most can be done with a simple drag-drop)
- no viruses
- security (changes can only be done by inputting an admin password, a feature which Vista is copying)
- mail.app is better than Outlook in my opinion, more intuitive, better filtering

I know there are others are forgetting, but those came to my mind right away.

[Eithanius]

so does xp...

ever since I've switched to a mac, it's been peaceful for me....

I'll get headaches whenever my family and friends whine about their troublesome xp and how I need to troubleshoot for them FOC.... :mad:

so you tell me, does it really work...? :rolleyes:

[other]

- security (changes can only be done by inputting an admin password, a feature which Vista is copying)

You know, you could just create a regular user account in Windows, instead of creating an administrator account.

[miniConvert]

- security (changes can only be done by inputting an admin password, a feature which Vista is copying)
Oh yeah! I love this feature, it just makes so much sense. MS are copying it for Vista, though? Along with all the Tiger features (*cough* Gadgets *cough*)? Apple should sue they really should, MS has plenty of money to do its own R&D and come up with new innovations.

[plinden]

Maybe OS X and Macs just aren't for you. OS X doesn't suit everyone ... most people switch to Macs because they're fed up with the amount of time they spend nursing Windows along, and most people find they prefer it when they spend any amount of time using it. But some just are more comfortable with what they're used to, or just plainly don't like it. It's up to you.

You know, you could just create a regular user account in Windows, instead of creating an administror account.
Did you ever do this? It makes many, many applications unusable, because lazy developers didn't test on regular accounts.

[stonyc]

You know, you could just create a regular user account in Windows, instead of creating an administror account.Why should I have to add 30 seconds of logging out and logging back in when I can just input a password to install what I want?

[other]

Why should I have to add 30 seconds of logging out and logging back in when I can just input a password to install what I want?

Yes, why should you? There's a right click option "Run as..." to run it as, say, the administrator. I don't remember if you have to hold down some key when you right click though.

EDIT: It seems you have to hold down the shift-key while right clicking.

[stonyc]

Yes, why should you? There's a right click option "Run as..." to run it as, say, the administrator. I don't remember if you have to hold down some key when you right click though.True, but I'm lazy and OS X indulges my laziness... what you just proposed is like an extra 3 clicks. :p

[Zeke]

Multitasking...because OS X is built on Unix it's designed for multitasking. Whenever I use a PC and am doing something intensive the whole computer slows down.

It's ready when it says it is: unlike windows where when you start up and the desktop shows up it'll actually be another few minutes before you can do anything.

Start menu can be replicated in OS X by putting a folder with commonly used apps, docs, etc in the dock (you can even call it Start if you really want to).

That's a few things I can think of off the top of my head. One thing I've noticed (not sure if it's the same for everyone else), but since I'm a mac user, I feel like all the problems Windows/MS have are aimed at me. Maybe it senses I use macs or I just notice everything that Windows does that's so STUPID and PC users are just used to it...I don't know. But the fact that I have to deal with the stupidity of windows either because it aims at me or because I notice it where PC users don't means I'll continue to use macs.

[other]

True, but I'm lazy and OS X indulges my laziness... what you just proposed is like an extra 3 clicks. :p

Three extra clicks? I doubt it!

[CallmeKenneth]

I love the simple things about OS X:
- Easy drag and drop.
- The Finder. I for one think the finder far superior to XP's Explorer - mainly because I think columns view is genius. I use it all the time, quickly drilling through the folders to get where I want.
- Expose. One of the coolest (and practical) features.
- Spotlight. I don't use it as much as others, I think, but it sure is helpful when I have no idea where a file is. I have found what I needed without fail ever since I got Tiger.
- The Dock. It just looks clean and tidy! :D

On the surface, OS X looks pretty simple. Underneath the hood, tho', its a powerful and stable OS which is reassuring.

I just feel that everytime I use a Mac, the computer is doing its best to help me out. Ok, apps may crash and the computer is a bit slow when I'm demanding a lot, but when I'm using a PC, the thing is kinda passive - not really trying to be useful. Just doing what it's supposed to, zombie-like.

[gauchogolfer]

I'm relatively new to posting on forums, and I never really knew what people meant by trolls. At least I've learned one thing from teacherrob9 today.

[lem0n]

well, you need time to learn to use anything, the first few days is going to be weird because what you're used to is not the same... but the multitasking is true, when I tried to use In Design, Illustrator and Photoshop at the same time, it slowed down so much that you simly can' get anything done and heaven forbids if one of them freeze :mad: plus OS X is just simply prettier :P

[BKF]

If you know XP and you don't know OS X then, no doubt, after ten minutes with OS X, XP will still seem easier to use.

Like others here I like OS X's integration with the hardware, and a design that's remarkably intuitive once you learn your way around it, and the aesthetics, and the included suite of iLife applications, and the stability. And in truth I for one get something out of using products that were made by people who you feel have a real commitment to their work. There's just so much badly-designed junk out there. It's sort of a shock to find a company this dedicated not only to functional but also beautiful machines.

But if those sort of things don't do it for you, then, fair enough; stick with XP.

[CallmeKenneth]

I would not expect anyone to just pick up OS X straightaway. Like any tool, you need to know how to use it. If you've used XP before, then you won't be completely lost - but it's like going from learning to drive a tractor to learning to drive an automatic BMW;) (poor analogy I know..)

I introduced my brother to Macs and he's had a PB for a couple of years now. He still doesn't really understand OS X - his desktop is a mess and the whole thing runs really slow. Mind you, the way he's treated it, if it was a PC, the thing would have died a long time ago!

There's also this guy at church who just bought a mini. He didn't realise that you could import CD's into iTunes. He was just playing them in the drive, and found the vibrations a bit of a distraction.

I mean, basic stuff - but why should anyone be expected to know...???

So, my point is. Unless you get to grips with the OS you can't really judge it fairly.

[robert-a-hudson]

I actually dislike that. I find it's easily cluttered with windows/applications.


set the task bar to auto-hide then....

...
1) Stability, just because photoshop locks up doesn't mean I should have to spend 10 minutes rebooting. I like being able to force quit an application and not have the entire computer freeze up on me with 100 "application has unexpectadly quit, send note to microsoft?" messages.



i'm not denying that many people find windows programs freezing a pain, but thats what Control-Alt-Delete is for, but to actually sort it, you then need to go to Processes and actually end the process. That way you dont need to restart the whole computer!

[teacherrob9]

xp as a whole, RARELY freezes... Programs freeze occasisonally, but that happens with apples too, I'm sure.

[robert-a-hudson]

True, but I'm lazy and OS X indulges my laziness... what you just proposed is like an extra 3 clicks. :p


I find it easier just to use the Admin account all the time, that way, no entering passwords when i want to install a program, no logging in and out. I can just install the frikin' program. Seriously, its just as easy with windows if your on and Admin account

[Project]

... because I dont need to hit CTRL - ALT - DEL to simply be able to move my cursor when a program brings the OS to its knees.

[Cloudgazer]

OS X is great for me for these reasons:

1. Expose (can't live without it now)
2. The interface is awesome, especially the dock
3. Its stable, I've never crashed the OS (the same can't be said for XP)
4. There are no driver issues, everything works.
5. apps don't take up the whole desktop, to me the apps almost seem part of the OS.
6. OS X seems to multitasks better than XP

[robert-a-hudson]

... because I dont need to hit CTRL - ALT - DEL to simply be able to move my cursor when a program brings the OS to its knees.

Fair play - i agree force quit is a much easier method, i was just pointing out that there is a method to kill the app in xp

[wiseone]

Whiners. I have a long history of using both windows and Apple OS (about 20 years worth). And none of you are making any decent points. Yes, both Windows and OS X crash, but for every 100 times Windows crashes, OS X will crash once or twice. As for applications hanging (which also does not happen as much on OS X as Windows), more often than not on OS X you can just kill the app; more often than not on Windows it will lock the whole system. I have worked for large companies in IT for the last 18 years, mostly in a Windows environment, but some Mac and I will choose a Mac over Windows any day of the week. They are easier to use; more intuitive; softer to touch; better construction (not all the competition to make a buck as in the Windows world), software is cleaner and less buggish - again because not as many people trying to make a buck. One of the most important features is less virus prone, actually almost virus free, you do know how often you have to update virus software and what a nightmare it is to manage in a corporate windows environment; Apple does not have anywhere near those issues. In a $120MM (1000 computers) company we had 5 people dedicated to virus protection, you don't need anywhere near that amount in an Apple environment.

Mail is easier to use, faster and more intuitive; the search is incredible and quick! Photo editing, visualizations, sizing, printing and ordering prints are much easier and faster than Windows. Calendar features out weigh Outlook and Outlook Express by far. Installing and Uninstalling are much better (drag and drop as stated earlier). Downloads from the internet has a better interface (either in Safari or in FireFox). Tab browsing (yes I know you can do this in FireFox on Windows, but it is still much better on a Mac). Multiple monitor features are better. Hard drive searches are better and faster, the new search with categories and groupings is incredible. You can do some of these things in Windows but it is an add-on application not out of the box.

And what about Microsoft? They have never had an original idea. They created their first operating system from what IBM had already started. Stole windows form Xerox and Apple. Thought the Internet was just a passing fad. Only developed IE (which was also originated by someone else) because Netscape was doing so well. And now, they are even stealing more from Apple to put into Vista.

Then to top it all off, Jobs has now provided a way for Windows to run on Apple hardware (you knew it was coming once he started using Intel processors). Now even all of us (me included) that are stuck between the two worlds, can have it both ways.

Alright I am done with my ranting and raving.

[Eithanius]

3. Its stable, I've never crashed the OS (the same can't be said for XP)


OS X does crash, whether unexpectedly or purportedly, but it doesn't take everything down with it... just a simple relaunch and voila....!

with XP, it's either you've got some missing taskbar icons or [insert your horror eXPeriences here].... :p

[robert-a-hudson]

...
4. There are no driver issues, everything works.
5. apps don't take up the whole desktop, to me the apps almost seem part of the OS.
...

WRT (4) One reason for driver issues in XP is simply that windows is expected to deal with such a diverse range of hardware (on the insides XP has to deal with a greater combination of parts, for which all permutations can't be tested, unlike mac's which generally have only a few types of internal components which i'm sure makes testing easier!) - but yeah, driver issues are annoying, trying to select the "correct" one for your pc can be a pain!

WRT (5) I quite like the windows idea of fullscreen applications at a click of a button, it makes me feel that the computer is focused on that program for me... I dont know if it can be done with OSX, I've only really played with it on a friends mac for the past 3-4 years, but it is the one thing I'd like to get to grips with more when my MBP arrives (assuming TNT havent lost it as they seem to have :eek:)

[Cloudgazer]

WRT (4) One reason for driver issues in XP is simply that windows is expected to deal with such a diverse range of hardware (on the insides XP has to deal with a greater combination of parts, for which all permutations can't be tested, unlike mac's which generally have only a few types of internal components which i'm sure makes testing easier!) - but yeah, driver issues are annoying, trying to select the "correct" one for your pc can be a pain!

WRT (5) I quite like the windows idea of fullscreen applications at a click of a button, it makes me feel that the computer is focused on that program for me... I dont know if it can be done with OSX, I've only really played with it on a friends mac for the past 3-4 years, but it is the one thing I'd like to get to grips with more when my MBP arrives (assuming TNT havent lost it as they seem to have :eek:)

WRT (4) Yes, Windows has to deal with a diverse range of hardware, but for me as a user, I don't care about that.
All thats important to me is that i can plug in a peripheral device and it works. I don't want to have to update drivers with every new game/app released.
I'm not blaming MS, I'm just talking from an end-user perspective.

WRT (5) I like the fact that the computer doesn't feel 'focused' on one app at a time.

[fiercetiger224]

OS X is just great, OKAY? Happy? Or should your thread be called "Why is Windows XP so great???" teacherrob9, why make pointless threads about OS X? Find out the answer yourself by using OS X. :p

[FFTT]

If you've spent your entire computing life working only in Windows, it may be difficult to grasp just how much better and different another operating system can be.

Personally, I much prefer the way everything is organized.
Everything has it's correct place, but it's also easy to make it your own.

Little things to that make a tremendous difference for me like system wide spellchecker and the built in dictionary.

The Dock provides shortcuts to all your daily routine tasks and applications
without having numerous alias' all over your desktop.

Applications are far more plentiful than you might imagine and most are easier to use than a comparable Windows version.

The majority of Apple buyers are interested in productivity more than they are in maintenance.

Personally, I've gone more than 8 years without ever once having to worry about a single virus or malware issue.

My kids have used both Windows 98, 2000 and XP and OS9 and OSX
since they were tall enough to reach a keyboard.

They use our computers to create, to solve problems, to explore and to manage projects.

When anything they are doing is important, they always use one of our Macs.

We have MS Office in both platforms, but if they want to be sure that their work is safe, they use a Mac.

Now that my youngest has discovered GarageBand, her Sony VAIO sits in the corner gathering dust.

She was the last holdout and now she wants an iMac.

[Electro Funk]

How about Plug and Play?

I have NEVER once had to install a driver for any external devices with OSX...

camera, video Cam, mouse, keyboard, phone, external drive....etc...

cant say the same for windows.... (and usually with winblows the drivers that are provided at purchase are usually outdated and then i have to search the internet for current drivers) PITA!

Of course there are MANY other reasons i think OS X is superior... this is just one example :cool:

[teacherrob9]

how come i read about printes and cameras that aren't recognized by apples? Plug and play is the same for xp as it is apples...

[bousozoku]

In 10 minutes of using Windows 95/98/2000/XP, I felt as though I could live with it and that it was very usable.

Using it day after day, I found that it wasn't so usable, that the operating system got in the way. Simple things on Mac OS X became more complicated, especially with all of the "help" given. How many times do I need a wizard to do a minor computer operation amounting to practically nothing? Zero times. When I tell the Recycle Bin that I don't want a warning, that means that I don't want a warning when I empty it but still, it gives me the warning. If you want an application that isn't what Windows deems important, you have to wait for "All Programs" to be shown. In fact, Windows constantly gets in the way as if it's the enemy.

Mac OS X works smoothly. You can't mess with virtual memory and have no need. Occasionally, you have to add a hardware device. Load the driver, if it's not already there, and connect the device. It works smoothly. It also doesn't complain if I've disconnected the device and re-connected it later. Most people don't notice it, but foreground processes are not given extra priority and I'm thankful for that. There are many times I start something and let it work in the background. It works the same whether I can see it or not.

[milo]

And the troll strikes again.

Ignore the troll.

[robert-a-hudson]

WRT (4) Yes, Windows has to deal with a diverse range of hardware, but for me as a user, I don't care about that.
All thats important to me is that i can plug in a peripheral device and it works. I don't want to have to update drivers with every new game/app released.
I'm not blaming MS, I'm just talking from an end-user perspective.



Hehe, yeah, Bill Gates sure knows what you mean - that famous photo of him showing of plug and play in Win98, "look, i can just plug the scanner in"....BSOD Hehe, man that made me laugh!

[BKF]

I'm new to the MacRumors forums. I'm new to forums in general. This is hard for me to say, but, I had no idea what a troll was! I feel so naive! Maybe I'll go bait some Windows XP fans somewhere with taunting comments... or maybe I'll just get back to work...

[Eithanius]

Hehe, yeah, Bill Gates sure knows what you mean - that famous photo of him showing of plug and play in Win98, "look, i can just plug the scanner in"....BSOD Hehe, man that made me laugh!

do you have the link to that video...? :D

seems like I've missed outt that one...

[robert-a-hudson]

do you have the link to that video...? :D

seems like I've missed outt that one...

Okay, found a link (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7370998653497771170&q=video+bill+gates+Windows+crash&pl=true), turns out its win 95, and its a techie, but Billie Boy is there. I wonder if that techie has ever found a new job....

[dejo]

do you have the link to that video...? :D

seems like I've missed outt that one...

http://www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9804/20/gates.comdex/gates.30.240.mov

[bousozoku]

This isn't going anywhere.

There is already enough information for someone who wants to know.