New Mac User 1st Impressions of OS X

[ksgant]

Drag and Drop - you can drag and drop all you want in Windows. I can't stand dragging and dropping. I believe it is counter-productive. This is something I really don't like about OS X. I can move files all over a Windows box lightning fast, while OS X makes it a pain for me.

Quick fix on that...learn to use the OS first, then get back to us about how OS X is a pain on moving files.

Think about it. When you first sat down with a Windows box, did it instantly and intuitively become apparent how to move files "lighting fast"? Or did you at first drag-n-drop before learning different shortcuts?

I mean, come on...some of your complaints with OS X are simply because you ARE new to the OS and don't know the in's and out's of it yet. For instance, reinstalling the OS twice as you said in your original post. You still haven't explained the rationale behind this. Did the OS become unstable? Was it corrupt? From your post it seems that you had just loaded a bunch of third party programs in and it was your way of uninstalling them all.

 

[GodBless]

<ahem>

http://www.aristoi.org/blog/archives/2004/01/maximize_safari.php

Thank you! This is great.

 

[GodBless]

I could go on and on but I won't. Just realize that OS X is NOT what you and others try to make it out to be. Not yet anyway.

To be blunt--you are naïve. You are ignorant of what OS X can do. I switched from Windows a few years ago and I still use it occasionally. I even tested Vista a couple of weeks ago but the sluggish, ugly and still unstreamlined core of Windows' rotting foundation still exists (and yet more unnecessary trashy features were piled on top with this new release). All in all OS X is superior to Windows.

I admit that over the years I learned more about OS X that I didn't know--in fact I am still learning a lot of things about OS X to this day. With this said I can still comment confidently about how OS X tops Windows by far. There are certainly things that Windows can do better than OS X (such as maximizing windows--which still bothers me even though I've used OS X for just over 4 years). The main reason why I use OS X over Windows is because it saves time (and yes after you learn the features you too will save time with OS X ). Here's a short list of things off the top of my head that OS X does better:

- GUI Programming Standards (Apple isn't playing around like Microsoft is)
- Bootable Firewire Hard Drives (use SuperDuper! for free to get a good benefit today)
- Accent letters by holding down the "option" key while typing
- Exposé (as you are aware of)
- RAM management
- Slick streamlined interface (unlike Windows' bloated interface that lacks simplicity and thoughtful design--which wastes time and often causes more problems than it tries to solve)
- System tools (try formatting disks with "Disk Utility.app" monitoring your memory with Activity Monitor.app and then you'll start to see what I mean)
- UNIX Base (solid, effective and constantly tested updated for a very secure user experience)
- Automatic disk defragmenting--this happens when doing system updates and while installing some applications--it's called optimizing (unlike Windows' manual way)
- Free and easy to use programming tools (I'm not even a programmer and I've been able to easily modify keyboard shortcuts of various Applications and I've even written an AppleScript Application all by myself with no help tools)
- Default keyboard shortcut keys (Windows doesn't even compare in this category)
- Tabbing through Applications and windows separately instead of Windows' again unstreamlined and ineffective way (use "command+`" for tabbing through windows and use "command+tab" for tabbing through Applications)
- OS X is new (Windows is still using its rusty 3.1 OS base -- don't tell me that we still need candle holders in every room when all we use today is lightbulbs)
- Dialogue boxes have individualized selections such as "save", "don't save" and "cancel" (much better than Windows' "yes", "no" and "cancel")

This list is just scratching the surface--it's the tip of the iceberg so to speak. I don't care who you are or how fast you learn; six weeks isn't enough to fully analyze an OS--especially OS X. I switched years ago (before OS X was even developed as far as it is now) and it took time to adapt and get used to a lightbulb instead of a candle. Certainly the candle has advantages but it doesn't compare to the lightbulb. I hope you'll be honest and patiently learn how OS X does things differently (and most of the time better) than Windows.

Remember OS X keeps it simple--having a lot of things that were purchased from Wal-Mart isn't better overall when compared to having a few things that were purchased from Nordstrom--this is the Windows vs. OS X battle: A lot of garbage vs. simple, streamlined and quality features. Do you view an OS from an idolater's perspective (i.e. the more features the better) or from a productive perspective? Replace the fat body with the fit one--choose OS X.

 

[chaosbunny]

...I really disagree that accessing your apps is harder in OS X. I think it is much easier. The ones you need are on the dock (if you manage to figure out how to put them there) and the ones you occasionaly use are 3 clicks away (4 if they are in a sub folder), I really see no problem here with OS X...

Actually all apps are 1 click away. Just drag the application folder to the dock. Sorry if this has been mentioned before.

 

[nplima]

To be blunt--you are naïve. You are ignorant of what OS X can do.[...]six weeks isn't enough to fully analyze an OS--especially OS X.

Isn't that the funniest thing?


Source: https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=3428537#post3428537

A few carefully selected quotes by the user Godbless:

Although I haven't used Linux for a while I am bound to think that the file manager you mentioned doesn't include column view (as Mac OS X's Finder does). Also what about Finder's desktop mounting drives--and how about the side bar? Don't you think these features are better too?

That's the point--Linux is a junk yard--a collection of trash so to speak. In reality Apple's OS X is a finished product as you said and that's why it will always be better than Linux.

I have recently had a conversation with an all out Linux user and I often read news about Linux and therefore I do think I can comment wisely about this topic.

That's a lot of opinion ruling out the truth, isn't it?

 

[Old Fuzzface]

OK, here's a view from another Mac newbie.

Please bear in mind that I've only had a Mac for 2 weeks and I haven't touched Vista yet. However I have used Windows since the end of the last Ice Age and for my work everything happens on PCs running Windows XP. Before Windows I was a DEC and HP user so I have used many OS and UI in the past. I also currently use different UIs in the form of SAP and Siebel on a daily basis - these things run on Windows but the UIs are nothing like standard Win apps.

In general, I like the Mac & OSX very much. There hasn't been anything that's been too tough to figure out with some reference to the help & Apple Support pages. Some tasks are just so easy compared to the same job on Windows. For instance, configuring a wireless TCP/IP LAN connection was child's play on the Mac. Not like my experience of W2K or XP...

The UI is clearly descended from X-windows of years back and that's a good thing for me. I always liked the dock concept on X and although Windows now gives similar functionality in different ways the dock at the bottom of the screen just works for me. Expose is a brilliant feature, too.

I had very little difficulty in moving files from the old home PC to the iMac using a USB memory stick and a USB HDD (except for contacts from Outlook which were a bit of a challenge). Mostly there's a file-compatible app either bundled in with or readily available for the Mac that will read common file formats. I particularly like the built-in support for PDF format on the Mac platform. I also haven't felt the need to rush out and buy Parallels just yet.

I really don't think there's any point in the endless merry-go-round of "this or that OS is best arguments". The corporate world is locked into Windows and Office and probably only a major screw up by Microsoft could ever change that. For the rest of us, there's now a range of choices for personal computing at the same time as a very good level of interoperability and file level compatibility between those choices. Which is very good.

Given some time one can learn to get the best out of any system but you have to be prepared to go though the necessary learning curve(s). If you can't be bothered learning a new system - stay with what you know. If you want to try something different, it's never been easier to change. So I have.

 

[MRU]

I dont quite understand how 'offended' some people get because 1 person prefers vista / windows over OS X.

Some people like oranges more than apples too.

It's natural for every person that likes and adopts the mac os, there will be others who prefer a differing one, be that xp, linux, vista....

It's there comfort zone and they are more than welcome to it.



remember peeps : - Ferrari make nice cars, but there are plenty of people who are more than happy in a Ford Focus.

 

[Skrilla™]

Quick fix on that...learn to use the OS first, then get back to us about how OS X is a pain on moving files.

Think about it. When you first sat down with a Windows box, did it instantly and intuitively become apparent how to move files "lighting fast"? Or did you at first drag-n-drop before learning different shortcuts?

I mean, come on...some of your complaints with OS X are simply because you ARE new to the OS and don't know the in's and out's of it yet. For instance, reinstalling the OS twice as you said in your original post. You still haven't explained the rationale behind this. Did the OS become unstable? Was it corrupt? From your post it seems that you had just loaded a bunch of third party programs in and it was your way of uninstalling them all.

Like I said in my original post, I have been using computers for a very long time and have used many different operating systems. Moving files in OS X is the worst way since DOS. When I first sat down with a Windows box I was using 3.1 and yes I could move things around in there faster than OS X.

I reinstalled the OS twice because
1 wanted to free up space - print drivers, garage band etc and get a fresh install
2 formatted entire drive to repartition and get rid of everything

The more stuff on a hard drive, the slower it operates. Why do you care if I format to get rid of everything?

Isn't that the funniest thing?


Source: https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=3428537#post3428537

A few carefully selected quotes by the user Godbless:






That's a lot of opinion ruling out the truth, isn't it?

OWNED!

 

[Diatribe]

Maximizing is a preference, not a disability. Perhaps you are unable to see that.

I never said maximizing was a disability, I said you not being able to focus is.

Now tell me how you don't get distracted by your your desk when you're working on a regular paper

 

[Diatribe]

This thread is completely ridiculous. All of these confused Windows users have been completely owned by dpaanlka's clear and articulate explanations of the superiorities of the zoom button but then respond with illogical garbage about their preference to have a window unnecessarily take up the entire screen. Let me try to be as clear as possible. If you are working with an application that would benefit from utilizing every pixel on your screen, then the zoom button will happily maximize the window for you. However, if you are using safari for example, it will make the window just wide enough for you not to have to scroll horizontally. OH MY GOD IM DISTRACTED BY THE OTHER WINDOWS BEHIND. Well, if that is the case just hide them and do not tell me that you are distracted by the desktop; if your ADD is that bad then maybe you need to pop another adderall. If you really can't get over being able to see the desktop then feel free to satisfy your preference and grab the resize handle and make it take up the whole screen, but a little hint: it would be a lot less work to just use the zoom button. I won't say that your preference is wrong but it is pointless and inefficient.

That pretty much sums it up.

 

[ksgant]

Like I said in my original post, I have been using computers for a very long time and have used many different operating systems. Moving files in OS X is the worst way since DOS. When I first sat down with a Windows box I was using 3.1 and yes I could move things around in there faster than OS X.

I reinstalled the OS twice because
1 wanted to free up space - print drivers, garage band etc and get a fresh install
2 formatted entire drive to repartition and get rid of everything

The more stuff on a hard drive, the slower it operates. Why do you care if I format to get rid of everything?

Again, you just pointed out that you don't know what you're doing in the OS if you don't know how to move files. Why are you under the impression that the only way to move them is drag-n-drop? Have you not looked into shortcuts or other ways? I haven't dragged and dropped in I don't know how long. You do know you can just copy and paste folders and items in the Finder don't you without having to drag-n-drop?

Also, I still can't wrap my head around why you reinstalled the OS to get rid of things. You do know you can just delete the things you don't want don't you? Select garageband, type command-delete and WHAM, it's in the trash. This isn't a Dell or Gateway where they load a TON of third-party spyware and useless apps that act almost like a virus. You're thinking like a Windows user even though you're on a totally different system. The filesystem is also totally different from NTFS and FAT32, which is why I kind of chuckled when you said "The more stuff on a hard drive, the slower it operates".

Why do I care if you format to get rid of everything? Well, it shows me that you really don't know what you're doing, despite all this experience you're claiming...THEN you go and say how bad everything is when you clearly haven't investigated how to operate your computer. That's why I care. It's like an airplane pilot suddenly trying a helicopter and then writing about how it's a lesser flying machine because it doesn't work exactly like an airplane. When I first saw you original post I took the benefit of the doubt and assumed you had legit observations and I tried, in my first post here, to help and point you in different directions and even agreed with you on some points. But now it looks like you're turning into just a forum troll. If you had come on here and done a simple "how do I do this" or "New to OS X, how do I do this" instead of the adversarial tone you exhibited in your very first post and all those after, it may have been different. But you've been nothing but combative even to the people trying to help.

 

[Skrilla™]

That pretty much sums it up.

No, this thread just shows how many (if not most) Mac users have a seniority complex. dpaanlka did nothing but own himself. What he said is not entirely true. The zoom feature does not work as he and others described. I am sick of reading about it!

No wonder so many people can't stand the Mac crowd. Take off your apple goggles and get a life!

 

[ksgant]

I never said maximizing was a disability, I said you not being able to focus is.

Now tell me how you don't get distracted by your your desk when you're working on a regular paper

Maybe you should look into WriteRoom. Not much distraction there.

 

[Skrilla™]

Again, you just pointed out that you don't know what you're doing in the OS if you don't know how to move files. Why are you under the impression that the only way to move them is drag-n-drop? Have you not looked into shortcuts or other ways? I haven't dragged and dropped in I don't know how long. You do know you can just copy and paste folders and items in the Finder don't you without having to drag-n-drop?

Yes I do know this. However, where is the cut and paste? Oh that's right there is none in Finder!

Also, I still can't wrap my head around why you reinstalled the OS to get rid of things. You do know you can just delete the things you don't want don't you? Select garageband, type command-delete and WHAM, it's in the trash. This isn't a Dell or Gateway where they load a TON of third-party spyware and useless apps that act almost like a virus. You're thinking like a Windows user even though you're on a totally different system. The filesystem is also totally different from NTFS and FAT32, which is why I kind of chuckled when you said "The more stuff on a hard drive, the slower it operates".

And I chuckle at you. I don't care what type of file system it is. The more garbage on the hard drive, the slower it operates. Simply moving the app icons to the trash does not remove everything associated with that application. I did my research. You are a fool if you think your box runs just as fast 6 months after a fresh install.

Why do I care if you format to get rid of everything? Well, it shows me that you really don't know what you're doing, despite all this experience you're claiming... THEN you go and say how bad everything is when you clearly haven't investigated how to operate your computer.

You just proved you do not know what you are talking about.

That's why I care. It's like an airplane pilot suddenly trying a helicopter and then writing about how it's a lesser flying machine because it doesn't work exactly like an airplane. When I first saw you original post I took the benefit of the doubt and assumed you had legit observations and I tried, in my first post here, to help and point you in different directions and even agreed with you on some points. But now it looks like you're turning into just a forum troll. If you had come on here and done a simple "how do I do this" or "New to OS X, how do I do this" instead of the adversarial tone you exhibited in your very first post and all those after, it may have been different. But you've been nothing but combative even to the people trying to help.

You are the real troll. Don't assume what I do and don't know. YOU need to do some research.

 

[AdeFowler]

Skrilla,

I agree and sympathise with many of your points, but I strongly disagree with one; my G5 is over two years old and has never had a fresh install. It still runs as fast today (probably faster due to system updates) as it did on day one. It just flies. No research needed

 

[yellow]

What a great thread. I'm glad I spent time to read it all. I'm smarter for it.

 

[Diatribe]

No, this thread just shows how many (if not most) Mac users have a seniority complex. dpaanlka did nothing but own himself. What he said is not entirely true. The zoom feature does not work as he and others described. I am sick of reading about it!

No wonder so many people can't stand the Mac crowd. Take off your apple goggles and get a life!

So he owned himself, because some webpages are coded badly?

Anyway, if you can't stand the Mac crowd, just because we point out catering to a disability then go ahead, the thing is though, I don't think anyone here really cares.

 

[Diatribe]

What a great thread. I'm glad I spent time to read it all. I'm smarter for it.

Do I sense sarcasm in your post? Nah, can't be.

 

[Skrilla™]

Skrilla,

I agree and sympathise with many of your points, but I strongly disagree with one; my G5 is over two years old and has never had a fresh install. It still runs as fast today (probably faster due to system updates) as it did on day one. It just flies. No research needed

Do a fresh install and you will see a speed increase. I could tell the difference between a fresh install and a ~5 week install. Applications loaded faster, no doubt.

So he owned himself, because some webpages are coded badly?

Anyway, if you can't stand the Mac crowd, just because we point out catering to a disability then go ahead, the thing is though, I don't think anyone here really cares.

Yes he did actually, because we are not talking about web pages in Safari, we are talking about ALL applications.

 

[ksgant]

Do a fresh install and you will see a speed increase. I could tell the difference between a fresh install and a ~5 week install. Applications loaded faster, no doubt.

Cool! I'm gonna reload my OS everyday then! Bet it will really fly after it clears out all those demons. BE GONE DEMON FILES!

Uninstall files and apps by doing fresh installs...on a Unix system...that's the way to go!

Comedy gold!

 

[Skrilla™]

Cool! I'm gonna reload my OS everyday then! Bet it will really fly after it clears out all those demons. BE GONE DEMON FILES!

Uninstall files and apps by doing fresh installs...on a Unix system...that's the way to go!

Comedy gold!

Did you read my reasons for doing a fresh install? Go and have a look, because I didn't do a fresh install to clean out apps, this was just an added benefit.

This is the last post of yours that I respond to, I will not continue to feed the trolls!

 

[matttrick]

all of you claiming that OS X is more efficient should really can it. i promise i can do anything in windows just as fast as you can on a mac. ok, we get it that you like the way OS X does things, but to claim it is inherently more efficient is a load of BS.

 

[Skrilla™]

all of you claiming that OS X is more efficient should really can it. i promise i can do anything in windows just as fast as you can on a mac. ok, we get it that you like the way OS X does things, but to claim it is inherently more efficient is a load of BS.

I am glad there are at least 2 of us on this board with some common sense!

 

[GoofballJones]

What a great thread. I'm glad I spent time to read it all. I'm smarter for it.

Funny, I haven't learned anything at all. I was hoping that I would since the firm I was recently hired at went to macintosh based and someone suggested I come here to get tips and help. I saw the message about impressions of OSX and was hoping to get some insight. Haven't found any on this thread other than a guy whining a lot.

 

[Cybergypsy]

Ugh, I HATE the gadget sidebar ... it was the first thing I turned off after installing Vista. At least OS X lets you hide the widgets and call them up with a hot key. Vista forces you to clutter up your desktop with these stupid gadgets.

Yea, but atleast they are there...when you need them......sorry Apple should get a clue....