The Icing

So, I've been the happy owner of a Mac for a couple of months, but have yet to blog about this change.

I've used PCs for years, mainly because that's what I used at work and therefore it made sense (when I could finally afford a computer) to buy a PC for home. Although I had my frustrations with the occasional crashes and the quirks, no, the consistent problems with Microsoft Word, all I had to compare it with were good memories of using Word Perfect (especially the function that allowed me to reveal and delete codes). When I encountered Macs, I was usually a little confused; I was never really sure how to turn things off, for one thing. Macs seemed like another language that it would take a long time to master, so I stuck with my PC.

Over the years, I've become frightened of the power of viruses, but that wasn't enough to cause me to switch. However, as I've started blogging and doing more advanced work on the computer, I've consistently encountered Microsoft software that is . . . well, buggy. I've tried different RSS Readers, many of which crashed. I've tried different blogging platforms for PCs, all of which crashed. And I started seeing all these cool programs available for Macs that didn't have an equivalent for the PC. Finally, I decided it was time for me to make the change . . . at least at home.

In October I bought the MacBook that I'm using to type this entry. Having a Mac has opened up a lot of possibilities for me. I now use Net News Wire as my RSS Reader. And I recently bought a package of programs that included the very fun Memory Miner (a digital storytelling program), which allows me to combine text, pictures, maps, and historical context for photographs. I still have a lot to explore with Yep (an organizational tool), Xmind (a mapping/webbing software), PulpMotion (which allows me to create slide shows), and Swift Publisher 2 (a publishing program), among other programs. These programs are fun, yes, but they also create computing possibilities that I never knew existed.

I also use Airport Express so that I have wireless in the house (for the computer, for my printer, and for my stereo system). I love that I can now play ITunes over my (admittedly) bad speakers. I can't remember the last time I played an actual CD.

I also love programs that came on my computer like IPhoto, Address Book and ICal. They help to keep me organized--and it's great to have everything in the same place. I'm beginning to see how my computer can help me get control over the piles of paper in both my home and school offices. And I can't say enough about how useful Spotlight is--I can find any file without searching through all the possible places I could have stored it.

I have a lot yet to learn. And sometimes my Mac programs crash (especially ITunes). Nevertheless, I'm glad I made this change. My Mac opens up creative uses of the computer that weren't available to me with my PC. Yes, my school computer is still a PC--but I look forward to a time in when all my computers will be Macs.

See the picture at the top of this entry? That was the first day I opened my MacBook. I've internalized that smile. I'm a happy and proud Mac owner.