10 things small business owners should know about Mac Computers
Twitter uses Mac Computers
Back in 2000, due to problems I was having with my Dell, I moved all my computing needs both business and personal to a Mac. My first Mac was a PowerBook G4. Today business people and entrepreneurs are quickly beginning to understand what many Mac users have known for years, that Apple computers can not only handle virtually every business application a PC can handle, but also provide a more stress-free computing experience.
Here are 10 things every business owner should know about Mac Computers.
1. Today’s Macs are more intuitive and stable than PCs running Windows Vista or XP, and they can even run Windows applications.
2. Mac users also worry less while surfing the web, since the Mac OS X operating system is not susceptible to spyware or viruses. I have not run virus protection or any type of spyware on any of my Mac’s….ever.
3. Apple computers come with a Mac Genius: A Mac Genius is a Mac experts who speaks in layman’s terms and is knowledgeable about the Apple products. Every Mac comes with 60 days of free technical support by phone or in person. Apple’s technical support (for those who pay for the optional AppleCare program), which features unlimited in-person or telephone support from Apple has virtually eliminated long hold times for telephone support and welcomes users to receive in-person support or repairs at any Apple Store. Recently I stopped into my local Apple store to get some help with building a database to manage my prospects and customers.
4. Making the move from PC to Mac is easy: Apple also now offers a free service that will transfer all of your existing PC data to a new Mac when it’s purchased at an Apple Store. For an additional $99 a year, Apple will provide one-on-one training on any Mac to get new users up to speed on the differences between the Windows and the Mac OS X operating system.
5. No need for a PC: Recent hardware upgrades now allow Macs to run Windows XP or Vista, meaning that if a Mac version of a popular business application isn’t yet available, the user can run the Widows version without experiencing slow processing speeds or other hassles.
6. Microsoft Office runs on Mac: Undoubtedly the number one question I get from those tinkering with the idea of coming over to Mac is …..”does it run Microsoft Office”. Yes, Microsoft Office runs on a Mac.
7. You can share files with PC users: Compatibility issues with data and files created on a PC vs. a Mac have been virtually eliminated, making it possible for PC and Mac users to communicate and operate better together in a work environment.
8. You can count your pennies on a Mac: Popular money management applications that were once available exclusively to Windows users, like Quicken,QuickBooks, are also now Mac compatible.
9. Free Stuff: While Macs come with dozens of useful applications built in (including the iLife ‘08 suite of programs), Apple’s website offers a download section, which allows users to download shareware or 30-day free trial versions of thousands of first- and third-party software applications, including many popular business applications.
By trying software before purchasing it, users can determine which applications are best suited to meet their unique computing needs. Any Mac OS X software application will run on any current iMac or MacBook, so there’s no need to worry about matching up system specifications, processor speeds, sound card or graphics card compatibility.
10. It’s easy to stay connected: BlackBerry, Palm Treo, Windows Mobile or Apple iPhone users can also sync data between popular Mac applications and their mobile devices using first- and third-party software, such as Mark/Space’s Missing Link application ($39.95).
The only way to know if you’re a Mac is right for you is to try one. The sophisticated, ergonomic design of these machines might catch your eye, but the functionality and ease of use that will definitely meet your business computing needs.
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