3. Macs are Better for Beginners

While working as a computer instructor, I heard new computer users say the same things over and over again:

"Why do I have to click Start to shut down my computer?"

"But what if I want to uninstall Internet Explorer?"

"Why does my computer keep interrupting my work to ask questions about icons on my desktop?"

Now that I'm introducing people to the Mac, I hear very different comments:

"Is that all there is to making a DVD?"

"So I can just attach my digital camera, and my Mac does the rest?"

"How did my Mac automatically know I had hooked it up to my t.v.?"

While Windows newbies are struggling with nested menus and obscure driver issues, new Mac users are downloading music, watching movies, and getting work done. I've introduced beginners to both systems, and I'm convinced: Macs are better for beginners.

Comments

[Cal]

Oh really? Here's a few questions I've been hearing from new Mac users:

"How come the icon doesn't run when I hit enter? What? I have to hold Apple + O? That's stupid."

"Why can't I stretch this window from all angles? How come I can only stretch it from the bottom right corner?"

"Why is image preview only available in columns view? Shouldn't there be a separate preview window so I can click on an image and it'll show me a preview no matter what mode I'm in?"

"How come I can't select any solid color I want- I don't want a wallpaper."

"Why is this thing slower than my PC? It's $500 more."

"Dreamweaver just crashed again- I thought this thing doesn't crash?"

"How come I can't view some websites? They say the site doesn't support Macs??"

"Do I have to right-click on an image file and 'Get Info' to see the image's resolution or details? Can't I just click on it?"

"How come my USB TV Tuner doesn't work on my Mac? No Mac drivers? But I thought Macs don't need drivers?"

"I need help, why is my Macbook screen all fuzzy like this?"

"Does this gray screen mean the Mac crashed? I thought they don't crash..."

Oh there's more- but unlike some people I don't have the time to write a book about it.

[Mark McElroy]

Cal:

You're coming pretty close to writing a book, what with posting twelve posts in less than 24 hours. If this little site prompts that much response from you, you might wanna take a deep breath or two.

Doing so might also help clear your head. Again: my post here is about Macs being easier for *beginners.* More than half of the points you cite above would have to be made by people who, having grown used to a Windows interface, are adjusting to the ways the Mac interface differs.

I don't know your background, but I've taught hundreds of people how to use all kinds of computers ... and again and again, total beginners have an easier time mastering the Mac.

[Ted]

I don't know that I'm down with the Mac vs PC debate at the moment, but...I will say that it seems as though Macs are helping people get dumber and dumber. Simplicity is great and all, but when people don't have to delve into their computer for more sophisticated stuff, their knowledge of how things work seems to suffer.

[Mark]

Ted wrote:Simplicity is great and all, but when people dont have to delve into their computer for more sophisticated stuff, their knowledge of how things work seems to suffer.

On a daily basis, I use a Mac to edit audio and video, create complex graphics from scratch, produce eye-popping presentations for big companies, write books, track dozens of projects on one to-do list, read more than 100 RSS feeds, play games, and share photos, videos, and blog entries with friends all over the planet.

I dont know if any of this qualifies as more sophisticated stuff, but none of it requires me to delve into my computer. And that pleases me, because when I sit down at my computer, Im usually not there to delve into it ... Im there to get something very specific done.

Unless my goal is to be a more experienced Windows PC troubleshooter, I cant imagine how having a reliable tool that lets me work quickly, efficiently, and joyously on the task at hand deprives me of anything worthwhile.

Cheers,
Mark