Quick Scan
The majority of key programs and files transition seamlessly. See the first table.
Some Windows programs are replaced by Mac counterparts. See second table.
Remaining programs that don't have a counterpart can be run in Windows on your Mac as necessary.
Can I Do Everything on a Mac that I Do on My PC?
Worried about what you will have to give up if you switch to a Mac? We'll break down what you can and can't do on a Mac that you do right now on your PC.
Let's start with three categories of compatibility: Seamless, Same but Different, and Uh-oh. For the sake of brevity, I'll try to stick to the most commonly used programs that cover most consumer computer uses.
Seamless. This group of programs are more or less the same as what you used to on a PC. They might look a bit different, but the Mac version works just as you're used to. Other than email, these programs comprise the bulk of typical computer use and are written by the software companies for both Windows and Mac using the same file types.
Same but Different. In this group are programs that are written only for Windows but have a good or better match on the Mac. For these, you can get the same functions you are used to, but in a different software product. You shouldn't find much of a learning curve with this group since they are doing essentially the same thing.
Uh-oh. This last group encompasses the vast realm of niche Windows products too numerous to list here. If you discover that there are no adequate Mac software titles that can replace your vital Windows program, this is where Apple's shift to the Intel chips will really help you out. Your solution lies in running Windows on your new Mac.
Huh? That's right. Because Macs and PCs use the same Intel processors these days, you can buy a copy of Windows XP or Vista and install it on your new Mac. It may cost a few dollars to go out and buy Windows, but it will give the peace of mind that you can cover all your bases in a time of need.
Bonus Round. There are two benefits of switching to the Mac that are easily overlooked in this discussion. The first is you won't need to buy any anti-virus and anti-spyware programs for your new Mac. Not only do you get to save that money, but you also save yourself the headaches of installing them and keeping them up to date. The second benefit is the free group of iLife applications that come with your Mac. These iLife programs that help you manage, create and manipulate media are unmatched by anything available on the Windows platform.
So as it turns out, you can do everything on a Mac and more that you do on a PC right now. You might have to learn a few tricks, but My First Mac is right here to help you out, along with the rest of the Mac family.
Did I miss an important program that you use? Let us know in the Comments section below.
DIG DEEPER
Some of the programs mentioned above can be found here:
Elgato Systems EyeTV
FileMaker Pro
Omni Group's OmniGraffle
Flip4Mac Plug-in
I Use This ranking of top Mac software
Running Windows on a Mac
Boot Camp (Apple)
Parallels Desktop for Mac
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Your Comments:
Fred
07/16/2007 at 04:23 PM
Don't forget that FileMaker Pro is also PC as well as Mac.
In Australia we use MYOB (now called AccountEdge on the Mac where it first appeared as MYOB but now the PC version is MYOB) and Quicken is used less frequently.
I think the Adobe stuff is understated in terms of importance and don't forget Premier (which also started as a Mac program) is only now available on the PC.
It has been about 18 years since we were first able to stick a PC formatted disk in a Mac. We still can't say the inverse about the PC.
Lyndsay
07/19/2007 at 09:16 AM
Taylor H.
07/20/2007 at 06:14 PM
Can I use family tree software " FAMILY HISTORIAN" on a Mac and can I transfer all my files on this subject?
A. Ford
07/22/2007 at 02:19 AM
You do say that with the second group of apps they essentially work in the same way meaning small learning curve. Well with MS Access to FileMaker Pro I would say this is the exception. These two apps are made for the same purpose but due to the complexity of databases I would say the leaning curve would be reasonably large.
Also, I'm not sure if this has been mentioned but there is no Quicken for Mac available in Australia. We have to use MYOB or other alternatives.
Joel
07/23/2007 at 07:53 PM
Rick Daugherty
07/25/2007 at 06:35 PM
now since countless hours have gone into getting the data into this program, i want (need) it to run in the host os directly so it is fullys stable - so parallels is no good).
and when working in sage i need full access to all my windows files, to copy and paste, for reference, etc, so boot camp is no good either.
plus i like gaming, and to have to reboot every time i fancy 10 minutes playing a game is just not good at all.
so, windows for me. i fancy the mac, but until its userbase grows and more software is supported i can't use it, which is a shame but thats the way it is.
nt_j
07/27/2007 at 12:01 PM
Chris K
07/27/2007 at 12:05 PM
Kendra
07/30/2007 at 05:43 PM
Chris K
07/30/2007 at 06:01 PM