4 Things You Need to Know Before Converting to Mac

If you have been using Windows most of your life, it can be quite daunting shifting to the other world that is Apple. However, after having made the move, most people never look back. Here are four things you need to know before you buy a Mac in 2021.

You Can Run a Version of Windows on Your Mac

One of the primary concerns when buying a Mac is that you have to move from Windows to MacOS. A lot of computer users learnt everything they know about these devices on Windows. That's why it can feel like a whole new world when you leave the Microsoft product behind. The good news is that if you really can't get used to the Apple operating system, you can install Windows software onto your Mac.

In order to do this, you need to download Windows 10 and launch Bootcamp Assistant. At this point it allows you to allocate space on the device for both the Mac operating system and the Windows version. Whichever option you choose, your Mac will load up in that version. In order to change it, you need to restart the Mac and hold down the option key when you do so.

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Don't Fork Out for Loads of Storage

When you buy a Mac, you are faced with a number of different options when it comes to upgrades. It's at this point that the already expensive-looking price can get bumped up even more. Some people may panic when they have to choose storage options, because these can't be changed later on. That means whatever you choose, you are stuck with. In the modern age, though, it doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money on storage for the average user. This is thanks to the rise of cloud-based storage.

For general day-to-day work on documents, users can store all their files to the iCloud. There are also options like Google Drive for saving documents online, and upgrading the storage available on these services is reasonably priced. When it comes to gaming, in the past, a lot of storage was a must in order to install games. However, this is all changing as well, because of cloud-based gaming services.

A lot of the main console providers are now aiming to copy the Netflix library model when it comes to offering games. Options include PlayStation Now, Xbox Game Pass, and Google Stadia. There is now more encouragement than ever to play games in an online setting. The casino industry does this through offering attractive casino bonuses to new and existing players. People who first join sites are able to claim deposit matches and free spins offers that give them a chance to get the hang of the games before they invest any of their own money. The online casino industry also boosts sprawling lists of games for people to choose from, and there is no necessity to use any computer storage to play them.

Make Use of the Migration Assistant

In a way, switching to Mac is almost like moving house. The main worry of some people making the transition is that everything they have is on their Windows computer. The good news is that this doesn't need to be left behind, and it can be transferred over easily.

When users are first setting up their Macs, they have the option to move all of their files and programmes from their old Windows computer onto their new Mac. This is done through a programme called Migration Assistant. First, you need to download it on your old computer for free, and then run the program on your new Mac. This can take a while, so make sure you do it at a time where you have nothing else to do on the Mac.

Buy some USB Adapters

One final point to make is something that may shock people who have never used a MacBook before. It doesn't have traditional USB ports that are found on other Windows laptops. Instead, it uses USB-C ports. So, in order to plug other USB cables in, you need to use an adapter. These can be picked up cheaply, and it is not too much of an inconvenience. You may end up learning to love the USB-C ports because there are numerous benefits to using them. For example, it can be easy to charge the computer from anywhere using power banks, and the same chargers can be used across all of your Apple devices.

If you've been on the fence when it comes to switching to Mac, it really isn't too much to worry about. It takes about a day to get used to the minute differences between Macs and Windows computers. New users are quick to see that they made the right decision when they discover all the additional features such as the Launchpad.

David Pac

Update 12 April 2021