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:

Noel: Office for Mac is probably best for you, although if you aren't a hardcore excel user, you may want to try iWork. (After all, it's only $79, and what is Office?) Mail is an excellent Mail program. It seems to compare quite well to Outlook, but I have never been a huge Outlook user. I am a big emailer, though, and I have NEVER wanted to do something that Mail didn't have the capacity to do.

Basically, it sounds to me like Office for Mac would be the best choice, but iWork could also be fine if you aren't a big number cruncher. (Also, a new version of Office for Mac comes out in 2008...)

 Adam F
 09/16/2007  at  04:45 PM

Noel,

If you are the type that uses all the complexities in MS Office, you may run into difficulties. I'd suggest trying out your files on someone else's Mac MS Office first to be sure. Macros are one of those areas I hear of problems, so test it out first.

Sujay: I don't know what those things are. If they can be run in X11, you might be in luck. If you are doing Windows development, I expect you'll want Windows on Boot Camp. Try it out at your nearest Apple store or friend's Mac.

 Chris K
 09/17/2007  at  11:50 AM

Adam F/Chris K,

Not a hardcore Excel user. Straight forward formulas. Do not use macros at all. Will try my files on someone's Mac though.

For Outlook, nothing complex in my daily email checks. Dont even use the calendar function. I do however, assign alot of rules for individual emails to go to their respective folders whenever mails come in. But if Mail can handle this too, i'd be happy to switch. Outlook a pain sometimes when it doesnt close properly etc. Address book also messed up during last transfer from my previous pc laptop. I understand Mac wont have laptop to laptop transfers

Office for Mac (standard ed) vs Office for Mac (student/teachers ed). From the sounds of it, will student/teacher ed suffice? what is the main difference between these two?

 Noel Y
 09/17/2007  at  07:39 PM

Sounds to me like unless you need guaranteed 100% compatibility with Microsoft Office, iWork is the way to go. It can handle Office Word documents, and 95% of the time, everything goes seamlessly, but every once in a while, a formatting error will crop up. However, think of the savings. iWork is $79, Office is above $200, haven't checked prices lately. Mail, iCal and Address Book combined should be fine for you. I'd say don't spend the money on Office because it sounds like you probably don't need it.

I think you only qualify for student/teachers edition if you are a student or a teacher. Don't quote me on this, but I don't think there is much difference besides price.

 Adam F
 09/17/2007  at  07:50 PM

Adam,

I'd be happy to try iWork 08 for sure. Looking forward to a new interface really. Price of Office is ex too. Will skip the Office entirely i think. Use my excel for simple sales reports and quotations anyhow. If Numbers can do that, then fine.

Been reading up lots and think I'll get either the Macbook 2.0 (80GB/upgrade to 2Gb RAM) or the 2.16 (120GB/upgrade to 2Gb RAM) now. They also come with the 30-day trial for Office and iWork so I'll definitely try the iWork first.

 Noel Y
 09/17/2007  at  08:09 PM

Good! Also try downloading some free office alternatives such as NeoOffice (Google it) It may just work for you, with a pricetag of $0.

 Adam F
 09/17/2007  at  08:11 PM

Am a Mac convert now. This site has been super helpful and informational. Will keep reading for more updates.

Thanks Adam. You've been a great help.

 Noel Y
 09/17/2007  at  08:22 PM

Thanks guys.
SAS and SPLUS are statistical analysis tools/programs....minaly used in science research or also financial analysis.
Yep ive heard about the Office for Mac not being bale to support various macro structures whihc would normally work on MS Office on a PC. Was just wondering if anyone had any further info or experience regarding any deficiencies please?

Thanks again
Sujay

 sujay
 09/20/2007  at  08:51 AM

Sujay,

Sorry, but no experience here with those tools. Perhaps the manufacturer has info on it. Check out their support forums.

It definitely sounds like a case of Try before you Buy.

 Chris K
 09/20/2007  at  10:42 AM

Has anyone figured out how to open a .mdi file on a Mac, this is another thing that pisses me off about Microsoft with their usual "us only" attitude

 Norm Rechtman
 10/21/2007  at  09:06 AM

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