In my previous blog I covered the situation Microsoft has forced upon many of you in which they will end support for Windows 10 in October of next year, but due to their stringent hardware requirements, you will not be able to upgrade to Windows 11.
Generally, Microsoft will support a specific Windows version for five to seven years. Apple on the other hand tends to support a specific Mac operating system version for seven to ten years. Furthermore, since Apple controls both their hardware and software, older Macs tend to keep performing well with each update and therefore will last longer than similar Windows-based computers. Therefore, if you are in the situation where you cannot upgrade your Windows 10 computer to Windows 11, then it might be time to consider switching to a Mac.
Macs used to be much more expensive then Windows computers, but that is no longer the case. The latest Mac mini, likely much more powerful than your current Windows computer, starts at $599.00. If you have other Apple devices, such as an iPhone or iPad, you can’t beat the integration with a Mac. With the right settings, from your Mac you can automatically synchronize Calendar, Contacts, Safari bookmarks, Photos, Notes, passwords, and files among all your Apple devices. You can also iMessage, text, and take phone calls on your Mac.
But, before deciding to switch to a Mac, you need to consider the following:
1) Software compatibility: you need to make sure that the software you rely upon is available on a Mac. One common issue can be Quickbooks Pro Desktop. There is a Mac version of Quickbooks, but it is not as feature rich as the Windows version. If either you already have moved to Quickbooks Online or are willing to, then you won’t have any issues, at least with that specific application.
2) Hardware compatibility: if you have a specialized hardware device such as a plotter or other equipment, you need to make sure Mac device drivers exist for that specific device.
3) Learning curve: the Mac operating system is different than Windows, but not all that different. If you are comfortable with moving around your Windows file system and controlling application windows, you will have no problem on a Mac.
If you have several computers and are willing to try switching to Macs, I recommend you purchase just one Mac initially to confirm it will work both for you and within your environment. If you purchase it directly from the Apple Store or from an Apple retailer, you can return the product for a full refund within 14 days.
Update: In my last blog, titled “ChatGPT and the Demise of Windows 10” I referenced an option in which you can pay for what Microsoft calls Extended Security Updates in which for an annual fee, Microsoft will continue to provide you Windows 10 updates for a limited time. Here are the details:
Generally, Microsoft will support a specific Windows version for five to seven years. Apple on the other hand tends to support a specific Mac operating system version for seven to ten years. Furthermore, since Apple controls both their hardware and software, older Macs tend to keep performing well with each update and therefore will last longer than similar Windows-based computers. Therefore, if you are in the situation where you cannot upgrade your Windows 10 computer to Windows 11, then it might be time to consider switching to a Mac.
Macs used to be much more expensive then Windows computers, but that is no longer the case. The latest Mac mini, likely much more powerful than your current Windows computer, starts at $599.00. If you have other Apple devices, such as an iPhone or iPad, you can’t beat the integration with a Mac. With the right settings, from your Mac you can automatically synchronize Calendar, Contacts, Safari bookmarks, Photos, Notes, passwords, and files among all your Apple devices. You can also iMessage, text, and take phone calls on your Mac.
But, before deciding to switch to a Mac, you need to consider the following:
1) Software compatibility: you need to make sure that the software you rely upon is available on a Mac. One common issue can be Quickbooks Pro Desktop. There is a Mac version of Quickbooks, but it is not as feature rich as the Windows version. If either you already have moved to Quickbooks Online or are willing to, then you won’t have any issues, at least with that specific application.
2) Hardware compatibility: if you have a specialized hardware device such as a plotter or other equipment, you need to make sure Mac device drivers exist for that specific device.
3) Learning curve: the Mac operating system is different than Windows, but not all that different. If you are comfortable with moving around your Windows file system and controlling application windows, you will have no problem on a Mac.
If you have several computers and are willing to try switching to Macs, I recommend you purchase just one Mac initially to confirm it will work both for you and within your environment. If you purchase it directly from the Apple Store or from an Apple retailer, you can return the product for a full refund within 14 days.
Update: In my last blog, titled “ChatGPT and the Demise of Windows 10” I referenced an option in which you can pay for what Microsoft calls Extended Security Updates in which for an annual fee, Microsoft will continue to provide you Windows 10 updates for a limited time. Here are the details:
- For business users, Microsoft will offer to extend support for your Windows 10 computers at a cost of $61 per computer for the first year, $122 per computer in year 2, and $244 per computer in year 3.
- For home users, Microsoft will offer to extend support for your Windows 10 computers for one year only for $30 per computer.
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