OSX Myths

Having been on some forums and seeing people praise the decision by Apple to discontinue the "I'm a PC, I'm a Mac" ads I see a lot of people baselessly denigrating Macs as a whole, specifically OSX. They say things like "the shortcuts are obscure and difficult to find" or "there isn't a wealth of software available like there is for Windows". Since these are pretty baseless assertions what else is there to do but revel in proving them wrong?

• The keyboard shortcuts are limited in comparison to those Windows has, e.g. alt+F4

Not true. For one you can simply take a look at the various menu bar options that most programs have to see the keyboard shortcuts for almost every function. If you also want the window control shortcuts, a simple google search will get you very far. You will probably end up here.

• Windows has far more software available than OSX.

Tell that to people who use fink or Darwinports. Not to mention the plethora of applications such as Garagesale, Ecto, Appzapper, or for example some of the file rescue tools available. For the experienced Unix/POSIX users you also have bash at your disposal. First I would like to point you to this very brief list of applications. This list barely scratches the surface as these are just some of many contemporary very well designed applications. If you have further doubts, check out this list of darwinports programs ready to install on your Mac. If you would like a different package management system there is also Fink with thousands of great applications available. Windows may technically have more applications, but I doubt you'll find a comparable ratio of useful apps as you would for the Mac.

• OSX phones home just as Windows does.

Also not true. Some have contended that OSX started sending information to Apple starting with 10.4.7. The truth of the matter is that visiting Apple's homepage gives them more information than this new process does.

• Apple copied Microsoft or Microsoft copied Apple in Vista/OSX/Windows in general.

The funny thing about this myth is that it's absolutely true. To throw you for a further loop, it's probably intentional. People have been quick to forget about this little announcement. The two companies basically agreed at this point to allow implementations of each others' intellectual properties. Thus you are wasting your breath or typing in arguing this point at all.

These are just some of the common myths, if you want to argue against the Mac, please make sure you're doing so without using any of these points. It's just not conducive discussion :)