Jul
15
I know I’ve only had it for two days, but I love the Mac. I don’t miss the PC one bit.
Tonight I installed Microsoft Office on the new computer since I need it for writing and for the occasional take home project from work. The install wasn’t anything special, just the usual registration keys and initial software updates, but it was what happened after the install that made me oh so happy to no longer be on a Windows based system. Besides installing the usual Office software (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), it also installed Entourage and Messenger. I had no clue what Entourage was, so I clicked on it. Turns out it’s some sort of email software similar to Microsoft Outlook, which I really didn’t want. The first thing it asks me after starting the program is if I want Entourage to be my default email program. Just like that, no tour of the features, no hi how ya doin, right out the gate it wants to take everything over.
You know that annoying friend you have who makes himself too comfortable in your house. That’s Microsoft. Microsoft comes into your house, helps himself to your fridge and plops himself in your favorite chair while drinking your last Coke Zero. Oh, he’s also got the remote. And it doesn’t matter how many times you take the remote from him, he always asks for it back.
Yeah I know Apple’s probably not much better, but at least they’re a bit more subtle. I recall a few months back when Apple snuck Safari onto my old laptop during an update of iTunes. Yes it was a sneaky trick to get more people using their browser, and although it was a little annoying at least it didn’t try to set itself as my default browser.
Messenger wasn’t as annoying when I tried to remove it from the Applications bar, it just gave me a helpful reminder that I could always go back and set it up later should I feel the need. I don’t think I will.
Congratulations on buying a Mac. I think you’ll be happy with the stability and coolness of the whole package.
It also works well, being a creative sort, having the slickest equipment out there.
And I hate Microsoft, too. But Word et al, works better on a Mac.
I like your analogy to the annoying friend. Good stuff.