New Mac User 1st Impressions of OS X

[clevin]

That paragraph made no sense. I'm a Tiger power user on a powerbook 1.2 ghz g4 with 1 gig of ram, 120gb hd + FW800 1TB external. I use the entire adobe cs2 suite plus dreamweaver and flash as well as final cut pro HD. I've yet found a reason to upgrade as my machine runs plenty fast. So I really don't know what you're talking about.

huh, I didn't see anything u said has anything to do with my point, guess misunderstanding does exist here. lol

You'd understand how this works if you were a web designer

I consider myself knowing a little bit about the web design, plz enlighten me with specific details. I don't feel like what you said is convincing for me for now till i see the detail.

As to point 1 ... Diamond Mind Baseball and Action PC Football are developed by very small companies. They can't afford to spend development $ updating their software for Vista online components run in routers with Parallels. Why couldn't Microsoft let its developers know that the open ports would be different for their online software? They simply don't care about the little guys.

As for 2 ... Extra $200 compared to what ... Leopard, Parallels, Vista? Not true. Vista is in fact more expensive because you have to run the business or ultimate version while any flavor of XP will do

1. well, Im sorry for their situation, but first i don;t think update for vista is very difficult, 2nd, they have to if they want to survive. Its business, right?

2. I said $200, coz thats approximate price tag for vista+parallels, I assume ppl who has mac also has leopard (if thats another $130, then just add it), also I don't quite understand the bold part of the quote, appreciate if u can explain a little bit.

 

[yojitani]

I second that

I third that . Seriously, I had all sorts of gripes with windows which, now I only use macs, don't matter that much but windows' compatibility with the web continues to p%$$ me off no end. First, it is so beyond me why MS can't make a browser that reads code as it should be read - CSS, especially. I mean there are web standards which we web workers try to adhere to - us being democratic spirits etc: . BUT to reach the most people, we have to do that extra coding to make our sites IE compatible . AND, worse, if you've been put in a situation, like I have recently, where a server will only work with Frontpage you have to ADD junk code just for frontpage to work properly . </gripe>

Anyway, this is nowt to do with windows OS.

YT

 

[schmintan]

im only a new Mac OS user for about 2 weeks so i cant make an unbiased comparison, however i can use windows without a mouse, and i find this absolutely impossible in Mac OS and that drives me crazy. the lack of the address bar from Mac Os is a bit downer for me, although this might change when i start moving into a mac os mind frame ( as im most likely still in a windows mind frame)

 

[plarusa]

Here are my first impressions:

Finder - not enough functionality, major room for improvement in this thing.

GUI - rubish, would be nice if it all looked like iTunes 7. I used to think it looked really nice in screenshots and such, but the first thing I do when I load up the OS is install shapeshifter. Too much inconsistency between apps. I don't care for the rainbow pinwheel or candy cane progress bars either (first thing I do after install windows is install the uxtheme.dll hack so I can get rid of the fisher price gui)

Dock - hate it, try to hide it, but always end up needing to use it

Menu Bar - I wish I could auto hide this thing or make the bar/font smaller.

Maximize - sometimes I want a full screen view, this is not available in most apps unless you drag the window around, which leads me to

Resize Windows - bottom right corner only, why?!

Those are some of my negatives, I will post some positives later.

It is a mortal sin to use a MAC with a Windows user mentality. Here are some guidelines for the switcher,

On a MAC, a window is maximized only to display all the available information. This can be achieved by clicking the green '+' button at the top left of each window.

Windows uses right mouse clicks extensively, while the MAC deliberately avoids them. Hence the single button mouse.

While Windows implements many ways to do one thing, the MAC restricts the choices to avoid confusing the average user. On the MAC, the choices available are usually adequate.

The MAC does not support keyboard shortcuts to the same extent that Windows does. If you are a Windows power user, you will have a hard time adjusting to this lack of functionality.

The dock is a central piece of the MAC GUI design, and there is no sense in removing it. By doing so, you are attempting to make the MAC look like Windows.

As a final note, I would add that the MAC GUI strives for consistency, far more than the Windows GUI. The MAC GUI discourages the use of "custom UI controls", wich are so pervasive in Windows.

 

[decksnap]

The MAC does not support keyboard shortcuts to the same extent that Windows does. If you are a Windows power user, you will have a hard time adjusting to this lack of functionality.

Where did you get that idea? That is completely wrong.

 

[Le Master]

Where did you get that idea? That is completely wrong.

Elaborate.

 

[flyfish29]

Elaborate.

I have not used a Windows machine much but you can do almost anything through the keyboard if you really want to. What can you do on a windows machine that you can't do on a Mac as far as keyboard shortcuts go?

 

[clevin]

I have not used a Windows machine much but you can do almost anything through the keyboard if you really want to. What can you do on a windows machine that you can't do on a Mac as far as keyboard shortcuts go?

its just a matter of adjustment, the shortcuts are different, but yes, most windows' shortcuts exist in osx, just that the combo keys might be different.

also on laptops, since osx keyboard has less keys, so sometimes u need to press more combo keys to finish the same job that can be done in windows with less keys, such as, move the cursor to the end of line, etc..

 

[dejo]

It is a mortal sin to use a MAC with a Windows user mentality. Here are some guidelines for the switcher,

On a MAC, a window is maximized only to display all the available information. This can be achieved by clicking the green '+' button at the top left of each window.

Windows uses right mouse clicks extensively, while the MAC deliberately avoids them. Hence the single button mouse.

While Windows implements many ways to do one thing, the MAC restricts the choices to avoid confusing the average user. On the MAC, the choices available are usually adequate.

The MAC does not support keyboard shortcuts to the same extent that Windows does. If you are a Windows power user, you will have a hard time adjusting to this lack of functionality.

The dock is a central piece of the MAC GUI design, and there is no sense in removing it. By doing so, you are attempting to make the MAC look like Windows.

As a final note, I would add that the MAC GUI strives for consistency, far more than the Windows GUI. The MAC GUI discourages the use of "custom UI controls", wich are so pervasive in Windows.

Um, it's "Mac" (not MAC) by the way!

 

[m1ss1ontomars]

What you call a criticism is what I call a major feature. This is what I HATED about Windows. I like how the Mac expands to only show what is in the window...NOT full screen. If I wanted it full screen I'll pull it out to full screen thank you very much. But again, you're used to it one way, we're used to it another.

Are you kidding me? This was my favorite thing about windows! I get pissed if my window isn't covering even just one column of pixels on the right or left edge. ChemDraw is particularly annoying. It never remembers the right window size. And that stupid drawer in Preview always make me wonder if I've dragged out my window far enough or not. Besides, with Exposé who cares if the whole screen is filled up?

 

[flyfish29]

Are you kidding me? This was my favorite thing about windows! I get pissed if my window isn't covering even just one column of pixels on the right or left edge. ChemDraw is particularly annoying. It never remembers the right window size. And that stupid drawer in Preview always make me wonder if I've dragged out my window far enough or not. Besides, with Exposé who cares if the whole screen is filled up?

I for one like to have the right side to just click a song change on the iTunes controller without having to click once on expose then a second time to change the song, then another time to click back to my document/task. It also provides for less tracking on my track pad if I have a window or two showing on the right side of my document i am working in.

It sounds like I am not as anal as you...and I am *VERY* anal!!!

 

[m1ss1ontomars]

I for one like to have the right side to just click a song change on the iTunes controller without having to click once on expose then a second time to change the song, then another time to click back to my document/task. It also provides for less tracking on my track pad if I have a window or two showing on the right side of my document i am working in.

I use quicksilver to change songs. That way, i can use my entire screen for one window AND not have click 5 million times to change a song.

 

[ksgant]

Are you kidding me? This was my favorite thing about windows! I get pissed if my window isn't covering even just one column of pixels on the right or left edge. ChemDraw is particularly annoying. It never remembers the right window size. And that stupid drawer in Preview always make me wonder if I've dragged out my window far enough or not. Besides, with Exposé who cares if the whole screen is filled up?

Again, it comes down to personal preference. There is no "right" way. I could easily say the "are you kidding me?" to you also. You're preference is for it to expand full screen, mine is that it only expands to show all the content, as it's always been on the Mac. I never got used to it on Windows. But I DO think there should be an option on BOTH OS's to have it either way. Why should you be locked into one way on the Mac or Windows?

Also, Exposé is a fairly recent thing...to change the way the window behavior acts for something recent can throw people off that are used to one way.

 

[ksgant]

I use quicksilver to change songs. That way, i can use my entire screen for one window AND not have click 5 million times to change a song.

True, and I use Quicksilver extensively too...which is why I haven't even touched the Finder in a while. But we're talking about stock OS behavior and preferences. When you add 3rd party customization, pretty much all bets are off for debate on both OS's as you can change all kinds of things around. This thread pretty much is stating operations from out-of-the-box OS X and Windows XP/Vista.

Though I still don't know what the Quicksilver equivalent is in the Windows world. There are launchers of course, but I'm talking about something that goes as deep as Quicksilver with as many plug-ins and features.

 

[gloss]

A Mac with Quicksilver punches any Windows interface in the teeth.

 

[clevin]

A Mac with Quicksilver punches any Windows interface in the teeth.

if a launcher is that amazing, and can single handedly defeat windows UI, everybody just go with Linux, by default, Gnome EV has this launcher build-in, lol, don't make statement like that. Not realistic (realistically, I do believe windows has much more 3rd party apps, so when u found some 3rd party apps for mac is "amazing", do a google search, chances are, there are one or more of the same kind for windows). also check this out
http://www.launchy.net/

Are you kidding me? This was my favorite thing about windows! I get pissed if my window isn't covering even just one column of pixels on the right or left edge.

This is what I, and some ppl discussed previously, "personal preferences", there is no right or wrong, to be fair,

but

since Apple is the one who ask ppl to switch, Apple should be the one to meet your (a "switcher" and a mac user) "personal preference", for Mr. ksgant and others who don't like windows way of doing this, windows didn't ask mac users to switch, and you are not using windows, right?

 

[ksgant]

since Apple is the one who ask ppl to switch, Apple should be the one to meet your (a "switcher" and a mac user) "personal preference"[/U], for Mr. ksgant and others who don't like windows way of doing this, windows didn't ask mac users to switch, and you are not using windows, right?

Let me repeat, and please, try to understand my position here. I've maintained that both Apple AND Microsoft should both have an option on their maximize gadget for a window to either go full screen, or just expand to the contents of the window. That way, what I can get what I want, and you can get what you want...on either OS. But like you, I agree it comes down to personal preference. I don't care about any switcher ads that Apple runs, as I've had nothing to do with it.

I don't care about Apple's advertising at all and I honestly think it's stupid. They should always play on the strengths of OS X and stop with the "we're better than you" attitude. The advertising they have now just seems like they're saying "if you have a PC instead of a Mac you're stupid...you don't want to be stupid do you??!!". I hate that. I always have. It breeds the contempt we've seen in this thread.

 

[clevin]

Let me repeat, and please, try to understand my position here. I've maintained that both Apple AND Microsoft should both have an option on their maximize gadget for a window to either go full screen, or just expand to the contents of the window. That way, what I can get what I want, and you can get what you want...on either OS. But like you, I agree it comes down to personal preference. I don't care about any switcher ads that Apple runs, as I've had nothing to do with it.

I don't care about Apple's advertising at all and I honestly think it's stupid. They should always play on the strengths of OS X and stop with the "we're better than you" attitude. The advertising they have now just seems like they're saying "if you have a PC instead of a Mac you're stupid...you don't want to be stupid do you??!!". I hate that. I always have. It breeds the contempt we've seen in this thread.

well, honestly, and fairly, I can't disagree with anything u said in this post,

Its about users, and Im sure there are ppl who are complaining about lacking of "zoom window size to content" somewhere in some windows forums.

 

[killmoms]

since Apple is the one who ask ppl to switch, Apple should be the one to meet your (a "switcher" and a mac user) "personal preference", for Mr. ksgant and others who don't like windows way of doing this, windows didn't ask mac users to switch, and you are not using windows, right?

First, Apple isn't asking people to switch. They're encouraging it. That said, they're encouraging people to SWITCH. That implies that they are trading one thing for another—two different things that are comparable but different. I don't see any place in that equation where Apple is beholden to other people's ideas of what they should or shouldn't do as regards the capabilities of some other product. Apple makes the product they make, people are free to choose to use it or not based on its merits.

 

[clevin]

First, Apple isn't asking people to switch. They're encouraging it. That said, they're encouraging people to SWITCH. That implies that they are trading one thing for another—two different things that are comparable but different. I don't see any place in that equation where Apple is beholden to other people's ideas of what they should or shouldn't do as regards the capabilities of some other product. Apple makes the product they make, people are free to choose to use it or not based on its merits.

Im guessing my main point is "fullfill ur users' personal preference if they switched by your action (encouragement, or told them they are somewhat stupid/uncool/unwise/weird to use a pc, or whatever tricks)". whatever words u choose to use, I guess that doesn't change the fact that:

there are a groups of users, apple's users, who have personal preference, and should be taking care of. (maybe u think they should be taking care of by "telling then to adjust to OSX", which is fine, altho I think they should be taking care of by "meeting their needs")

 

[dejo]

First, Apple isn't asking people to switch. They're encouraging it. That said, they're encouraging people to SWITCH. That implies that they are trading one thing for another—two different things that are comparable but different. I don't see any place in that equation where Apple is beholden to other people's ideas of what they should or shouldn't do as regards the capabilities of some other product. Apple makes the product they make, people are free to choose to use it or not based on its merits.

Agreed. And can you imagine what a mess Mac OS X would be if Apple kowtowed to the personal preferences of every single switcher? Yikes!

 

[clevin]

Agreed. And can you imagine what a mess Mac OS X would be if Apple kowtowed to the personal preferences of every single switcher? Yikes!

thats laughable, single user? thats a big stretch. isn't it?

 

[dejo]

thats laughable, single user? thats a big stretch. isn't it?

Let me quote your previous statement (emphasis mine):

...since Apple is the one who ask ppl to switch, Apple should be the one to meet your (a "switcher" and a mac user) "personal preference"...

Sounds like a single user to me.

 

[yellow]

I guess I don't understand why Apple should change the model they've had since the begining of their modern UI, just to suit Switchers.

 

[deputy_doofy]

Strangely, I like putting windows in full-screen mode while using Windows. I like each window to fill up the screen. Conversely, I hate full screen windows on any of my Macs. I'd much rather have them be just the right size to have numerous windows on my screen. I can't explain it. I just switch "modes" when I have the operating system in front of me (and yes, that includes parallels).