After twenty years, I ditched Microsoft and embraced Apple. For a writer who is on the computer 24/7, that was a scary decision. The change seriously interrupted my word output as I groped through new methods of managing my files, getting email and saving to my flash drives. But the pros outweighed the cons, and I made the leap from a flawed platform I knew very well to another I’ve had to learn from scratch.
Friends and family reminded me I hate to learn new stuff. I say old dogs can learn new tricks and keep their sanity. So far, that’s a real maybe.
First I tackled my email. Mac calls it “Mail.” I had Outlook Express on my PC. Mac Mail wants me to sort messages fifteen different ways. Luckily, I was able to customize Mail into something I can live with. The delete button gets rid of problems I can’t fix. Gone and completely forgotten, that’s my motto.
They call those of us who switched from PCs to Mac refugees. I feel like a refugee. Like someone caught in a flood, frantically trying to save my belongings (files) and not lose them in the transfer. Treading madly, I try to keep my head above water.
Am I sorry I made the switch from PC to Mac? Not when the writing is going well. Not when I can get my headers to behave.
At least I’m not bored. I’ve been scrambling, trying to learn all the bells and whistles of this Apple creature crouching on my desk. And have I done that? Learned everything? You’re kidding, right?
I’ve barely scratched the surface. When I think of all I have to learn, I’m scared spitless. Maybe challenged is more accurate. And righteous when I see that commercial where the cute Apple guy makes mincemeat of the old fashioned, fuddy-duddy PC guy. Because now that I live in Mackintosh Land, I consider myself mainstream and progressive. Color me proud as a peacock, cool as a cucumber, walking on clouds—all those old clichés I love and hate.
On the other hand, I know what panic is. Picture this. I’m typing along and realize I need to send my editor an attachment in about five minutes. And Ohmigod! I am lost in Apple Land and have forgotten everything. How do I send an attachment on this damned thing?
Clearly, it’s time to play my old lady card. I pull up Mail and write: Dear Editor, I have a doctor’s appointment today. Attachment on it’s way tomorrow.
And it will be. I know a Mac aficionado who can walk me through this and make me feel great. Remember those old Beatle lyrics? “I get by with a little help from my friends; I get high with a little help from my friends.” Mac friends are simply wonderful. #