It was 1995 when I first used a computer. My father came home one day very excited – he just bought brand new Operating System, Windows ’95. His excitement was so huge, that I felt it too – so I asked him to show me that toy he spent so many hours on. He launched Paint, and allowed me to play with it. I was 4 years old back then.
To be honest, I never imagined that computers will define my professional career back then, or even when I was in primary school. In fact, the only thing I did with computers in my childhood was heavy playing – and each release of Windows allowed me to experience it better. And then, high school came – and our teacher showed us basics of C++ on one of the lessons, forcing us to write the first program – a simple calculator. This was a game changer for me – literally, because I changed the main reason to use the computer, switching from gaming to implementing my own ideas. Once I’ve started programming, I wanted my programs to actually deliver measurable value – so I decided to apply for Mechatronics, thinking that only programming the machines, which will produce material products, will bring me a satisfaction. No-one told me back then, that programming tools for business processes can do it as well – but, let’s back to the point. It was Windows OS, which opened a world of Software Engineering for me.
During my bachelor studies on Warsaw University of Technology, I had two operating systems running on my laptop: Windows and Linux. Forgive me not to remember the exact versions of each – it is not important for this story. On Linux I did most of the programming during my studies, but still using Windows for writing essays, preparing presentations, calculations and… yeah, gaming. And since my first professional job in 2012, it was always Windows operating laptops I was receiving from my employers to provide them with my services. Also for programming. The more into consultancy and advisory I followed, the less I was annoyed with lack of linux commands, structure of the filesystem or missing and favorite tools for programmers on Windows. Windows actually served my needs in most of the cases. So… why have I changed to Mac a week ago?
Reasons I switched to Mac
To be honest – the main reason to change Windows with Mac was switching from Android to iPhone. I did it, because each Android Phone I had before was unusable after 2 years – battery kept draining fast and the operating system was lagging. I didn’t like to change my device every two year – I felt bad for environment, and I felt bad for my finances due to this fact. I talked to my friends who are using iPhones and noticed that most of them are using their phones much longer than I did with my androids. I even calculated, that if I will use my iPhone for 5 years, overall TCO would be the same or lower than changing Android-powered phone every two or less years.
The next reason was the form of my work. I talk a lot, and in pandemic times, the interaction base model is a phone-call or teams call rather than face to face. For that I needed to keep my smartphone next to me when I was working with the computer. And this was always a temptation to check on social-media or private matters. It is not that I was tempted (which is true – I am good at focusing on one thing at the time), but the very fact of that thought was annoying. Mac allows me to answer phone calls or write SMSes even if my iPhone is in my pocket, or a room next door. This one ecosystem, together with easy to configure modes (allowing me not to be distracted with incoming pushes or messages), allows me to focus on my work better.
Next is saving the time on configuring things, synchronizing files between my phone and my computer and a lot of built-in apps which allows me to make my work smooth. In one word – one operating ecosystem. Of course I can find some app, which after a short configuration would allow me to call from my Windows through my phone. Of course, I can find a way to easily synchronize files between my computer and my laptop. I would probably achieve all of those functionalities I am referring to on this post with Windows+Android. But with Mac – I don’t need to. That allows me to spend this time on valuable work – or writing this post.
The last reason is production quality and speed of Mac. Each Windows-powered laptop needed few seconds to launch all the applications I needed. Mac does it instantly, allowing me to start working with it in a second. If I feel a need to do something, now I just do – because Mac opens faster than my procrastination thoughts appears. Really – this blog and this post is a good example.
Concluding this part and to avoid some misunderstandings: I am not a fun-boy of Apple. In fact, I think iOS lacks innovation thrive which Android Community has, Apple not releasing new functionalities as fast as android-powered smartphones producers does, and Mac is not so flexible in terms of using as Windows or Linux are. Prices of MacBook or iPhone are way too high in my opinion. But, I have a feeling that every functionality or product Apple releases is powered with best possible quality and integrity with their other devices. It just works – you don’t need to “just configure few things”. Being a programmer, I would probably prefer Linux. Being a System Analyst or Architect – probably Windows. Mac is just enough for what I do now, and what needs I have as a Consultant, who spends a lot of time on conversations and consuming/creating online content. It also somehow corresponds to the values I share – that we should focus on functionalities and value we can deliver using it, not on playing with toys. I believe I will deliver my value – advisory and consultancy – better, being powered by Mac. This OS has all tools I actually need, delivered in a way I don’t need to “just install” anything. It doesn’t mean, that it will suit you too, and it is better than Linux or Windows – it’s not. It’s just better for my current needs.
I will somehow try to repeat Apple philosophy on one closed, but integrated environment with DevOps Tools one day – because there are too many on the market, and we, engineers, are focusing on playing with them instead of bringing the actual value – which is delivery and operations automation. But this will be a different story for a different post – and maybe a new project with engineers who share my thoughts.
Mapping Windows to Mac
Ok, so now to the point. You bought Mac. You have a lot of habits from Windows. You have spend first hour on Mac and already hate it. You are now in the moment I was a week ago – you are looking for some Windows to Mac mapping in the internet, which will help you to start with a new device. Let me share some tricks with you then.
The biggest difference I noticed – there is no right or left mouse button on MacBook touchpad. Also, there is no “tap” – it is “click” instead. Right mouse button action you perform by clicking on touchpad using two fingers close together. There are more tricks like this – in a form of a map, which I hope would simplify your first hours with Mac OS:
| Windows | Mac |
| Left mouse button | “Click” on touchpad |
| Right mouse button | Two fingers together – and “click” on touchpad |
| Control + (C/A/Z/V/T…) | Command + (C/A/Z/V/T…) |
| Full Printscreen (print screen button) | Command – Shift – 3. It will save your picture in right down corner, and you can find it in “Finder” as well. If you want to have Mac screenshot in memory, under Command+V: Command+Control+Shift+3 |
| Partial Printscreen (depending on tool you use) | Command + Shift + 4. It will allow you to select the space then. If you want to have Mac screenshot in memory, under Command+V: Command+Control+Shift+4 |
| Left mouse button on file -> Rename | Enter. Yes, it is not opening file. |
| Save as -> Image | Command + P |
| F5 on Website | Command + R |
| Alt + Enter in Excel (new line in Excel row) | Option + Enter |
| – | Here I will put some Mac specific shortcuts I am using heavily now – which I haven’t found on Windows: To convert pptx to pdf, just change pptx->pdf in file name. That’s it. To see all opened tabs: put four fingers on touchpad, and move them to top. Search: Command + Space Skipping annoying autocorrect – right arrow button Close the current tab: Command + Q |
Conclusion
I am sure, that for heavy Mac users, this guideline is lacking most of options, shortcuts and ways to speed things up. I wanted to share the ones, which I was missing or misusing during my first hours and week with Mac. So far – Mac is rather slowing me down, compared to how effective I was with Windows. But after some time I am sure that it will pass, and all benefits I underlined will start working in my favor. Besides – who us, engineers, does not like technical challenges?
What would you add to the table? Is there something I can do faster than I described? Do you love – or hate Apple products? Let me know!
