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Monday, January 10, 2005
Mac Quest: Contemplating the Switch
Okay, this is getting serious. It’s starting to feel like a religious experience. One Mac user wrote to me privately and told me he was “praying for my conversion.” I’ve had more comments on my Mac Envy post that anything I have written previously. You may disagree with the Macophiles, but you have to respect their passion. You sure don’t find much of this in the PC community.
Instead, almost everyone I know complains about their PC. This past weekend, I spent a couple of hours providing tech support for my family’s four PCs. One daughter needed a printer driver installed. Another was sure she had a virus. My wife wanted to install some anti-spyware software, but the installation program was asking all kinds of techie questions she didn’t understand.
It suddenly dawned on me: Mary, my lone Mac daughter, has never asked for my help! I was so stunned by this revelation, I called her on the phone to verify it. “That’s right, Dad. I just don’t ever have any problems.” No crashes. No pop-ups. No viruses. Just a computer that works! (Note to self: if I want to be more productive, why am I wasting so much time on a platform that constantly crashes. I had to reboot three times today alone. Every time, I lost 10–15 minutes in rebooting and trying to get back to where I was before the crash. Something’s wrong with this picture!)
Back to my quest … I spent a few minutes at lunch surfing some Mac software sites. On my way home from work, I stopped by CompUSA and played around with a PowerBook G4 with a 15” screen. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the 12” screen. Because I travel so much, I think I really want the smaller unit—assuming I decide to buy a Mac. (I know, it looks inevitable. I’m already in “the tractor pull of the Mother Ship.”)
When I got home, I stopped by Apple’s Web site and noticed an interesting menu option: Switch. Just as I suspected, it was a page targeted toward people who are considering switching from a PC to a Mac—people like me.
This is brilliant marketing and some very compelling information:
I also noticed that they sell Move2Mac, a program that allows you to move all your PC files to your new Mac environment. Cool. One more barrier down. My family is already betting on how long I can hold out. I’m afraid the odds are not in my favor.
One final note: I also e-mailed Rick Proctor, our VP of Information Technology, about Macs in our environment. We have several Mac users on our network. I wanted to know what kind of issues I might face. He replied, “Some of the issues we have had have been around network connectivity. We have yet to find a decent VPN client for the Mac. Mac users cannot connect to our network remotely.” Has anyone else faced this issue and solved it?
January 10, 2005 at 09:03 AM in Mac | Permalink
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» Mac Enlightenment from KasLog
Thomas Nelson on Working Smart nails the reason why I want a Mac:
It suddenly dawned on me: Mary, my lone Mac daughter, has never asked for my help! I was so stunned by this revelation, I called her on the phone to verify it. “That’s right, Dad.... [Read More]
Tracked on Jan 11, 2005 11:12:01 AM
» Goal setting from the blog of michael eaton
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Tracked on Jan 11, 2005 12:28:18 PM
Comments
One of my clients uses Citrix which gives users a virtual "windows" world on a server at their site. Using Mac IE 5.2 (outmoded but works) i have a secure connection to them without VPN. It is weird seeing windows apps running on my iBook but works quite well.
Posted by: jr | Jan 11, 2005 7:43:09 AM
Michael: Depending on the kind of remote access you need, Secure Shell (SSH) may be a good option. You can use SSH for secure remote access in a shell (command line) environment, perform seure file transfers using SFTP, and tunnel just about any TCP/IP application through the encrypted and authenticated connection.
Mac OS X has OpenSSH, the open source implementation of the protocol, built in and uses it for File Sharing. There are a number of free and shareware GUI SSH clients for the Mac as well. Talk to your admin about running a Secure Shell server to provide remote access and you may be all set.
Posted by: Marc Orchant | Jan 11, 2005 7:59:12 AM
Michael-
One option, though it comes with its own set of problems (namely, hardware ones) is using Microsoft's own Remote Desktop Client.
It's elegant, fast, and easy to use. The problem is that you essentially have to have a machine waiting on the other end for you to use. It doesn't just establish a secure connection, it actually allows you to control a PC on another network.
On another note, the Mac OS has VPN built in. No guarantees on how well it works, but it's there for the using, supposedly. I've never had the opportunity to use it. It is part of the Unix-flavored back end, so I can't understand why it wouldn't work well. I suspect any problems your IT guys are having with it have more to do with the servers and less to do with the Mac apps. But I don't know that for a fact. (That's probably not fair, but it's based on a lot of cross-platform experience, especially dealing with MS servers vs. Unix/Linux servers.)
Posted by: jeremy | Jan 11, 2005 8:03:12 AM
We're using the built-in VPN client (MacOS X 10.3) to connect to our company network from remote locations. Works just fine for us. Of course YMMV depending on the type of VPN server you have.
Posted by: Hans Martin Kern | Jan 11, 2005 8:22:25 AM
I think you'll be able to figure out the technical problems. They'll magically go away when the boss starts using a Mac, and the IT guys have a reason to fix whatever needs fixing.
But I'm curious about your plan for using two computers; one for presentations and another one for taking notes in meetings. Is that practical? Will you show up with two laptops when you need to give a presentation? Murphy's Law guarantees, that file you need will always be on the other laptop.
I also understand your conundrum, because I want a Tablet PC, but each time I see a Mac I am wondering why I don't switch. Each time Windows steals some of my time, I kick myself for not using a Mac. If only Apple made a Tablet PC...
Posted by: Karsten Schneider | Jan 11, 2005 10:41:19 AM
Hehehe, well, that was my exact point. I don't understand why people think they're being productive rebooting and recovering from crashes all of the time. It's not worth it. Wanted to second Hans Martin Kern's comment about the BUILT-IN VPN client - I know lots of people who use it in mixed corporate environments and it simply works, transparently. Michael, are you sure the techie folks just don't know about the latest Mac operating system?
Mark
Posted by: Mark J. Harris | Jan 11, 2005 11:17:28 AM
Hans, using two computers is probably impractical. I just want to make darn sure that the Mac will meet my needs before I give up the PC. It's also part of my rationalization process. ;-)
Posted by: Michael Hyatt | Jan 11, 2005 12:47:35 PM
I have always loved the Mac. It really is like a religion. I finally had to convert to Windows a few years back because it was the only platform some required apps would work with. I have often drooled over the latest Mac's however. Now that I have a Tablet PC my desire to switch has been temporarily abated. In your "rationalization" process I thought you might enjoy this: http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/01/07/02OPcurve_1.html
Both Tom Yager & Chad Dickerson of InfoWorld have written several columns on their "Mac conversion" over the last few months.
Good luck! MH
P.S. I really enjoy your blog!
Posted by: Marshall Huwe | Jan 11, 2005 3:37:43 PM
My company uses CheckPoint as its firewall, which is not compatible with the built-in VPN utilities in OSX. Luckily, CheckPoint has released its SecureClient software for NG (Next Generation) CheckPoint firewalls for Mac OSX and it can be downloaded from this link:
http://www.checkpoint.com/techsupport/downloads/bin/securemote/r56/SecureClient_B558000178_1.pkg.zip
I have used the software and it functions as easily as it does in the Windows XP environment.
Good Luck!
Ross
Posted by: Ross | Jan 11, 2005 3:48:33 PM
I was "switched" from Mac to IBM four years ago when I changed jobs. There was a slight learning curve, but all of the programs I normally use (Quark, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver) were in both Mac and IBM formats so I didn't scream too much.
The Mac format is more intuitive. Window "hides" a lot of information from us that is clearly visible with a Mac.
But don't think your computer will never crash and you will never have to reboot if you switch to a Mac. Admittedly, I use a lot of memory-intensive graphic programs, but my Mac crashed from time to time too. (But not three times a day - and my IBM doesn't do that either. It sounds like it's time to run a utilities program!)
Posted by: Shawn Lea | Jan 11, 2005 4:37:39 PM
Wow, at $499 for the new mini Mac who wouldn't switch? At that throw-away price, at least it's worth a try. I can set that thing on top of my Windows PC, hook it up to the KVM switch, and it's off to the races.
Oh, it just occurred to me that you wanted a laptop...
Posted by: Scott | Jan 11, 2005 5:29:00 PM
Yes, PCs are much more plagued by viruses, worms, adware, spyware, etc. than Macs are. But this is because there just aren't that many Macs, so hackers don't bother targeting them.
If your PC crashes frequently, it is possible to figure out why, and it is often possible to fix the problem.
Posted by: Susan | Jan 11, 2005 6:48:45 PM
I just made the switch today with a Powerbook G4 15". Right now it will just be my "home" system and I will remain Windows for work. I will say that the process of setting up the new system was certainly quicker and less painless than the way most Windows systems ship. I was up in running in about 10 to 15 minutes. The worst part was typing in the hex version of my WEP key to get on the network.
I look forward to Michael getting a Mac so I know what tools to buy for this system.
With regard to the VPN compatibility, its going to vary from vendor to vendor. It was stated previously that Checkpoint has a client. My employer uses Cisco, so I will have to see if there is a client available or if I can get the built in client to work.
Posted by: Griff | Jan 11, 2005 8:00:15 PM
A quick search of versiontracker.com/macosx led to several VPN clients in addition to the built in client within MacOS X
Posted by: mark | Jan 11, 2005 8:41:13 PM
When you consider that the lion's share of the entire IT industry is essentially an ecosystem that's evolved around the necessity for the constant maintenance of Windows, it's unsurprising that your IT staff is unfamiliar with or unwilling (or perhaps too pressed for time?) to research the VPN options for MacOSX. As others have pointed out, VersionTracker is perhaps the best resource to find them all if the built in VPN isn't enough.
Also, though it's not nearly the best reason to use a Mac, I've got to refute the notion that the Mac is less vulnerable to viruses because of Apple's small market share. As any computer security expert worth his or her salt can tell you, Windows and it's "integrated" browser Internet Explorer have some critically inherent architectural flaws which have made it the playground of virus and spyware authors etc. For more on this, read the excellent piece "Broken Windows" by John Gruber: http://daringfireball.net/2004/06/broken_windows
Personally speaking, as a Mac user for over ten years I think I may have had a MS Word macro virus once, but I have never lost any data or otherwise experienced any intrusive malware and with OSX my uptime is measured in months.
Finally, I believe the best reason to get a Mac is the software, but this really has to be experienced to be believed.
Cheers and happy decision making!
Posted by: Martin Ferrini | Jan 12, 2005 1:41:22 AM
Being the efficiency afficiando that you are, you should first check Tim (http://www.tbray.org/ongoing/When/200x/2005/01/09/JeremyOut) and Jeremy (http://jeremy.zawodny.com/blog/archives/003868.html) who are both considering reducing their Mac time because of it's lack of good keyboard shortcut support.
I am a very happy PowerBook 15" user, but I must admit the lack of keyboard shortcuts drives me nuts (e.g. Alt for menus, and then being able to choose the option by the highlighted letter).
As for VPN, we have Cisco VPN and I've never had any problems with it (per se). I have had problems with the VPN but they are usually VPN problems. A few times I have also restarted the underlying daemon because something networky has got its knickers in a knot.
Posted by: Nathan Bailey | Jan 12, 2005 5:00:42 AM
Nathan-
Keyboard shortcuts can be turned on:
System Preferences ->
Keyboard and Mouse ->
Keyboard Tab ->
Full Keyboard Access
Get efficient!
Posted by: jeremy | Jan 12, 2005 7:57:26 AM
Michael,
Sorry to disagree, but I love hearing all these comments about how much more stable the MAC and how you have to reboot Windows machines all the time. I have used Windows machines for years and I have four of them in my house right now, and ever since MS introduced Windows XP, while I may still have to do an occasional reboot from time to time, it is nowhere near what you seem to be experiencing. One of the things about Windows is that there are so many programs out there that people love to tinker and do installs, removals, and reinstalls, and I think that contributes much to the instability of some machines. Whereas many MAC users I know basically stick to a few programs and that's it.
In addition, it is waaaaay too much trouble for to switch platforms for many reasons (software available, compatibility, etc.). While I'm by no means a great Microsoft fan, I just think many folks are too impressed by a few nice features they get on a MAC and then jump in only to be dissapointed later when they want something only available in Windows.
Of course it is certainly a personal decision, and probably easier to deal with if you are just talking about personal use vs. business, but I'm perfectly happy with my Windows for now:)
Posted by: Greg G | Jan 12, 2005 7:36:51 PM
I got rid of my last Windows PC over a year ago, and couldn't be happier.
I used to experience several system crashes a week on Windows XP with virtually nothing but MS IE and Outlook even if it was shut down everyday due to noise, while all my OS X machines generally lasted weeks or months without booting under heavy usage.
Admittedly, there are far more Windows software, but that often is a problem rather than an advantage. Typically, the Windows platform tends to produce large quantity of low quality software, while the Mac community is generally more conducive to a small number of high quality applications.
In fact, due to its UNIX heritage and open source nature, Mac OS X often has more free software than Windows.
Posted by: Robert Lee | Jan 12, 2005 11:45:18 PM
If you did switch totally to a Mac, what would you do about the Outlook GTD plug-in?
Posted by: rickl | Jan 13, 2005 8:27:26 PM
What? Mary's Mac has never experienced a pop-up? What has the world come to?
You're right; we PC users are the grumbliest folk on the planet. I wonder what Macophiles complain about?
Posted by: Bonnie | Jan 14, 2005 12:38:27 AM
I don't have the reference but I recall reading an article a couple of years ago where a help desk person was asked about tech support for mac users vs pc users.
The tech support person said they get the same number of calls from people regardless of the platform used.
He then clarified that the PC users were calling about 'how can I print' and the Mac users were calling about 'how can I set up a video oonference'
Re the issue of virus I've always assumed that virus writers were running on a Wintel PC and that was the reason for the sheer volume of Windows malware that exists.
But that argument doesn't cut it
1. 3-5% (pick your marketshare) is a whole lot of virus and
2. Wouldn't you think the challenge of hacking the mac should attract some virus writers with some talent?
Posted by: | Jan 18, 2005 4:22:47 PM
I recently switched to a Mac: dumped my shitty Dell laptop for an iBook G4. I never downloaded a lot of third party programs to the Dell-I'm just a casual user-had spybot and adware and a firewall. I even switched to Firefox once I heard about it. This didn't detract from the fact that the Dell still crashed on a regular basis, slowed down quite a bit when I started to run say 4 programs and the all the general troubles usually associated with having a PC.
On my Mac I can run 6 programs with ease and forget that I'm doing so until I start to quit programs.
I will say though that it depends on what programs you generally used on the PC: if enough of them, or an equilavent is available on the Mac go for it. If not it may make more sense to stick with the PC and just grin and bear it.
Posted by: Arethusa | Feb 7, 2005 9:47:20 PM
Hello Michael,
I’m writing about your frustration at a lack of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to manage the menu items in OS X.
This is the first time I’ve read your blog. Really enjoyed it.
I use both Windows and OS X. I’m huge Mac fan and was glad to read that you’re enjoying your move to the Mac platform. Give yourself six months with a Mac and you’ll never see using a computer in the same way again. It truly is a better way.
You don’t need Quick Keys, it is, IMO, an overpriced program. There’s a cheaper alternative called iKey. I bought a license but no longer keep it on my machine (a 15” Albook, like yours).
Now to the menu shortcuts you miss so much. Please go to the Apple menu (top left of the screen), then select System Preferences from the drop down menu. Once your Preferences window is open, choose Keyboard and Mouse. And, when you K&M window is open, choose the Keyboard Shortcuts tab.
Once this window comes forward, there is a checkbox to check: “Turn on full keyboard access.” Check this checkbox.
In the window above the checkbox are a load of shortcuts you can use to control the menu and dock. This is accomplished by using a combination of F-keys and Command key combinations, along with the arrow keys. It’ll take a bit of study but it’s simpler than it first appears.
If you want a full explanation you can find one in David Pogue’s “OS X: The Missing Manual” books. There is a Panther edition, which is the one you need. Find it at Amazon reasonably priced. Look in the index for, what else? Keyboard Shortcuts. These are the best books for learning OS X, quickly and easily.
It will probably help if you take a couple of screenshots of the keyboard shortcut window to help you remember the shortcuts. You can do this by pressing Command-4, then dragging the cursor across whatever it is you want a screenshot to capture. The screenshots will appear on your Desktop ready to open for reference, when you need them, with a doubleclick.
Another resource I highly recommend is a Mac forum called dealmac. Just type dealmac into Google to find it. This is absolutely the best Mac oriented forum on the internet. The guys there will help you with anything you want to know about Macs.
Enjoy your Mac. Please keep us up to date on your progress with your new computer. Hope this information is helpful to you.
Joe
Posted by: Joe | Feb 27, 2005 2:32:29 PM
I had the same problem with accessing the network over VPN at my old job. I finally solved the issue by connecting through Virtual PC.
Good luck.
Posted by: Doug | Feb 28, 2005 10:27:39 PM
