MacOS - 3 months in
Discussion
I have a MacBook Pro from work and have been using it for 3 months. When I started out it was tough getting to know the differences having been a die hard Windows user for 30 years. I have been using iPhones since they came out so was optimistic.
Well, I have to say.... I hate MacOS. I can't understand how anyone would think it better. I know that there are those who feel the same about Windows so I have to understand why my experience is so terrible with MacOS.
Simple things, I am working on something and an Outlook reminder pops up. Now I can't see what I am working on so dismiss the reminder. Due to it being the active program it switches to Outlook and I know longer can see what I was working on.
There appears to be a "hidden" folder structure. I say hidden because "finder" relies on you knowing what you are looking for. My current downloads folder is showing empty but if I search for the file I know is in downloads it comes up and tells me it is in downloads.
Navigating around different windows is just crap. If I want to see a safari window I can click on the icon in the navigation bar (if the bloody thing will pop up. How do I make it stay up permanently?). Once I click the icon I get random window almost certainty not on the screen on which I clicked the icon on. I thought MacOS was meant to be one button but the only way I can see to work around this is to right click. I right click on MacOS constantly.
Want multiple active windows open? Well that is going to be a massive pain to set up nicely. As I look at my screens, I have one with 2 windows filling the screen. One with 2 windows down to the navigation bar. One with a full window floating because I couldn't be arsed to try and make it look good.
I am working on 3 screens, 2 external and the macbook. all different whites. One is dirty and flashes every few seconds to remind me it can show what it should but then goes back to crap.
The thing that sums up MacOS to me is the camera. Both internal and external There is no control. genius. I know the apps are meant to take care of it but they don't. The integration of apps is terrible and the native apps are mostly worthless. The default for windows Excel files to open in the numbers app is just a joke. That is like windows defaulting iTunes files to open in their player.
If I had a choice I would dump the Mac in a heart beat.
Well, I have to say.... I hate MacOS. I can't understand how anyone would think it better. I know that there are those who feel the same about Windows so I have to understand why my experience is so terrible with MacOS.
Simple things, I am working on something and an Outlook reminder pops up. Now I can't see what I am working on so dismiss the reminder. Due to it being the active program it switches to Outlook and I know longer can see what I was working on.
There appears to be a "hidden" folder structure. I say hidden because "finder" relies on you knowing what you are looking for. My current downloads folder is showing empty but if I search for the file I know is in downloads it comes up and tells me it is in downloads.
Navigating around different windows is just crap. If I want to see a safari window I can click on the icon in the navigation bar (if the bloody thing will pop up. How do I make it stay up permanently?). Once I click the icon I get random window almost certainty not on the screen on which I clicked the icon on. I thought MacOS was meant to be one button but the only way I can see to work around this is to right click. I right click on MacOS constantly.
Want multiple active windows open? Well that is going to be a massive pain to set up nicely. As I look at my screens, I have one with 2 windows filling the screen. One with 2 windows down to the navigation bar. One with a full window floating because I couldn't be arsed to try and make it look good.
I am working on 3 screens, 2 external and the macbook. all different whites. One is dirty and flashes every few seconds to remind me it can show what it should but then goes back to crap.
The thing that sums up MacOS to me is the camera. Both internal and external There is no control. genius. I know the apps are meant to take care of it but they don't. The integration of apps is terrible and the native apps are mostly worthless. The default for windows Excel files to open in the numbers app is just a joke. That is like windows defaulting iTunes files to open in their player.
If I had a choice I would dump the Mac in a heart beat.
I use Mac OS natively and Windows OS via thin client daily, it took a while to get use to but a quick swipe left/right and I'm on another OS doing something else.
I was a die hard Windows guy for years, but video editing/music etc made me switch and the transition wasn't easy, but I wouldn't choose Windows now if I'm honest due to the driver incompatibilities, AV/Malware, rebuilds every few months etc.
I assume you have Excel installed so you just need to change the default app for XLS files.
I usually maximise my windows and then swipe to move between them, rather than have multiple windows open on the same screen, is that an option?
I was a die hard Windows guy for years, but video editing/music etc made me switch and the transition wasn't easy, but I wouldn't choose Windows now if I'm honest due to the driver incompatibilities, AV/Malware, rebuilds every few months etc.
I assume you have Excel installed so you just need to change the default app for XLS files.
I usually maximise my windows and then swipe to move between them, rather than have multiple windows open on the same screen, is that an option?
It was the much much simpler stuff that got me.... the fact that close/maximise are on the left not right, the fact that scrolling with a mousewheel goes the other way etc. I'm sure it'll be something to do with patents, but I just find it jarring from the very start. It's not worth getting used to for me because I use Windows for work.
I am using a mouse due to multiple screens but did find out how to change the scrolling direction. One thing that drives me mad is using excel in a browser and trying to scroll back to column "A" often means it goes to far and goes back a web page. arrrrggggh.
The point about the gestures is a good one. Mac is driven by gestures and short cuts. Windows to the average user is not. It is mouse driven. As a result of the proprietary software I spent years on being mouse driven only, no short cuts, I am mouse driven. I had to print out a Max OS shortcuts cheat sheet.
I have been a multiple monitor user since the 90's. I like to see things side by side, or if excel, on one screen and no scrolling. I have 2 34" ultra wide monitors and the macbook screen. I like these to be perfectly aligned. I like being able to snap them to their place on windows.
I have noticed in the past that most of my colleagues, at former employers, who were on Mac did not use multiple screens. I don't know how they can be productive.
I can see how for a specific application the Mac could be better. The issue I have is that I have 20 windows open from 5-10 applications. I need to jump around and it does not allow that experience.
I do not have a choice but to keep trying. But, it came to a head yesterday when I was asked for some information and I could not find it. I have no doubt that my level of work is being compromised.
The point about the gestures is a good one. Mac is driven by gestures and short cuts. Windows to the average user is not. It is mouse driven. As a result of the proprietary software I spent years on being mouse driven only, no short cuts, I am mouse driven. I had to print out a Max OS shortcuts cheat sheet.
I have been a multiple monitor user since the 90's. I like to see things side by side, or if excel, on one screen and no scrolling. I have 2 34" ultra wide monitors and the macbook screen. I like these to be perfectly aligned. I like being able to snap them to their place on windows.
I have noticed in the past that most of my colleagues, at former employers, who were on Mac did not use multiple screens. I don't know how they can be productive.
I can see how for a specific application the Mac could be better. The issue I have is that I have 20 windows open from 5-10 applications. I need to jump around and it does not allow that experience.
I do not have a choice but to keep trying. But, it came to a head yesterday when I was asked for some information and I could not find it. I have no doubt that my level of work is being compromised.
h0b0 said:
I am using a mouse due to multiple screens but did find out how to change the scrolling direction. One thing that drives me mad is using excel in a browser and trying to scroll back to column "A" often means it goes to far and goes back a web page. arrrrggggh.
Which mouse are you using? I've always found the apple mouse horrible to use with spreadsheets. I now use a Logitech MX Master. With that you have much more control over how you navigate around the sheets.h0b0 said:
I can see how for a specific application the Mac could be better. The issue I have is that I have 20 windows open from 5-10 applications. I need to jump around and it does not allow that experience. .
My workflow sounds analogous. Command tab cycles through applications, command ~ cycles through windows within an application. This is pretty much the only way I switch windows/applications so I would suggest it is worth you trying.I run multiple desktops on my Mac, very easy to switch between them, just a swipe away, OP hit F3 and you can add desktops and see what is in each one.
The mouse and trackpad scroll the same way as any other Apple device.
The mouse and trackpad scroll the same way as any other Apple device.
Edited by megaphone on Tuesday 4th June 17:41
Edited by megaphone on Tuesday 4th June 17:42
h0b0 said:
I have a MacBook Pro from work and have been using it for 3 months. When I started out it was tough getting to know the differences having been a die hard Windows user for 30 years. I have been using iPhones since they came out so was optimistic.
Well, I have to say.... I hate MacOS. I can't understand how anyone would think it better. I know that there are those who feel the same about Windows so I have to understand why my experience is so terrible with MacOS.
Simple things, I am working on something and an Outlook reminder pops up. Now I can't see what I am working on so dismiss the reminder. Due to it being the active program it switches to Outlook and I know longer can see what I was working on.
There appears to be a "hidden" folder structure. I say hidden because "finder" relies on you knowing what you are looking for. My current downloads folder is showing empty but if I search for the file I know is in downloads it comes up and tells me it is in downloads.
Navigating around different windows is just crap. If I want to see a safari window I can click on the icon in the navigation bar (if the bloody thing will pop up. How do I make it stay up permanently?). Once I click the icon I get random window almost certainty not on the screen on which I clicked the icon on. I thought MacOS was meant to be one button but the only way I can see to work around this is to right click. I right click on MacOS constantly.
Want multiple active windows open? Well that is going to be a massive pain to set up nicely. As I look at my screens, I have one with 2 windows filling the screen. One with 2 windows down to the navigation bar. One with a full window floating because I couldn't be arsed to try and make it look good.
I am working on 3 screens, 2 external and the macbook. all different whites. One is dirty and flashes every few seconds to remind me it can show what it should but then goes back to crap.
The thing that sums up MacOS to me is the camera. Both internal and external There is no control. genius. I know the apps are meant to take care of it but they don't. The integration of apps is terrible and the native apps are mostly worthless. The default for windows Excel files to open in the numbers app is just a joke. That is like windows defaulting iTunes files to open in their player.
If I had a choice I would dump the Mac in a heart beat.
This is not the experience I have in using MacOS. I too am a long time Windows user, but made the migration relatively quickly (although I have used a bazillion differnet OS's over the years, so am used to change).Well, I have to say.... I hate MacOS. I can't understand how anyone would think it better. I know that there are those who feel the same about Windows so I have to understand why my experience is so terrible with MacOS.
Simple things, I am working on something and an Outlook reminder pops up. Now I can't see what I am working on so dismiss the reminder. Due to it being the active program it switches to Outlook and I know longer can see what I was working on.
There appears to be a "hidden" folder structure. I say hidden because "finder" relies on you knowing what you are looking for. My current downloads folder is showing empty but if I search for the file I know is in downloads it comes up and tells me it is in downloads.
Navigating around different windows is just crap. If I want to see a safari window I can click on the icon in the navigation bar (if the bloody thing will pop up. How do I make it stay up permanently?). Once I click the icon I get random window almost certainty not on the screen on which I clicked the icon on. I thought MacOS was meant to be one button but the only way I can see to work around this is to right click. I right click on MacOS constantly.
Want multiple active windows open? Well that is going to be a massive pain to set up nicely. As I look at my screens, I have one with 2 windows filling the screen. One with 2 windows down to the navigation bar. One with a full window floating because I couldn't be arsed to try and make it look good.
I am working on 3 screens, 2 external and the macbook. all different whites. One is dirty and flashes every few seconds to remind me it can show what it should but then goes back to crap.
The thing that sums up MacOS to me is the camera. Both internal and external There is no control. genius. I know the apps are meant to take care of it but they don't. The integration of apps is terrible and the native apps are mostly worthless. The default for windows Excel files to open in the numbers app is just a joke. That is like windows defaulting iTunes files to open in their player.
If I had a choice I would dump the Mac in a heart beat.
I turn off Outlook notifications, so no problem there.
Downloaded things are in the downloads folder - don't know what's going wrong for you.
When opening an item from the dock, it places it where it was last on the screen.
The dock can be permanently showing by right clicking on the dock and selecting 'turn hiding off'.
I don't understand your problem with multiple windows open - just resize and drag?
I assume the different 'whites' is just setting the monitor controls correctly, and the flashing screen could be to do with the USB-C/HDMI/DP connector not being upto the job?
The Camera controls is a fair point, but the apps work for me, so I've never encountered a problem.
The supplied apps are generally good, and MacOS choosing to open numbers instead of Excel is a simple fix - right click on a file in finder and select 'open with' to find app to use.
I find MacOS a significantly more reliable OS in almost every way. I spend less time making the OS work, and more time actually working. One example - the sleep function works 100% of the time unlike windows which still can't manage this simple task even though they've been trying (bless them) for the last 20 years - no more opening my laptop bag to find the sleep function didn't work and the laptop has been merrily overheating for the last 16 hours.
CheesecakeRunner said:
MacOS isn’t better than Windows. Windows isn’t better than MacOS. They’re just different, and both require you to actually learn them.
Is the correct answer. I can and do use both, MacOS is great if I am in front of the TV doing some web surfing and a few bits and bobs. Then when I need to work or game its over to the Windows machines.Riff Raff said:
h0b0 said:
I am using a mouse due to multiple screens but did find out how to change the scrolling direction. One thing that drives me mad is using excel in a browser and trying to scroll back to column "A" often means it goes to far and goes back a web page. arrrrggggh.
Which mouse are you using? I've always found the apple mouse horrible to use with spreadsheets. I now use a Logitech MX Master. With that you have much more control over how you navigate around the sheets.CheesecakeRunner said:
MacOS isn’t better than Windows. Windows isn’t better than MacOS. They’re just different, and both require you to actually learn them.
My first question would be, if you’re so entrenched in Windows, why you got a Mac from work? Didn’t they have an option of a Windows machine?
I wasn't given a choice. The Mac turned up on my first day.My first question would be, if you’re so entrenched in Windows, why you got a Mac from work? Didn’t they have an option of a Windows machine?
Even though my posts appear to be anti-Mac I have not been in concept. I'm open to making the shift to mac at home as my PC is getting ready to be retired. It is a 1950X Threadripper from about 7 years ago.
I think the disappointment is that Mac OS is made out to be stable and intuitive. That has not been my experience. I think the native stuff probably is but does anyone use the native apps for work?. My webex integration with outlook works 25% of the time. Also, another example just happened. I was on a call and wanted to see something on another screen, I clicked it and all windows for that application popped up and covered my call. I know there is a setting to stop this. I have it checked.
Couldn't agree more OP. I have an iPhone, and an iPad that I am very very happy with so I'm not anti Apple, but Macbooks are the most overrated piece of hardware ever.
Why can't I have separate scroll motions for my trackpad than my mouse? Why is it so hard to get to the file system? Why is the shell navigation dialogue box so. complex and basic at the same time? Why is multi-monitor support so crap?
Plus I know this isn't MacOS, but you can tell that Office 365 is a second class citizen on MacOS - why can't I put more than a few calendars side by side before it munges them all together?
Oh, and the Macbook is so bloody heavy - I can't wait to get back to Windows!
Why can't I have separate scroll motions for my trackpad than my mouse? Why is it so hard to get to the file system? Why is the shell navigation dialogue box so. complex and basic at the same time? Why is multi-monitor support so crap?
Plus I know this isn't MacOS, but you can tell that Office 365 is a second class citizen on MacOS - why can't I put more than a few calendars side by side before it munges them all together?
Oh, and the Macbook is so bloody heavy - I can't wait to get back to Windows!
tangerine_sedge said:
This is not the experience I have in using MacOS. I too am a long time Windows user, but made the migration relatively quickly (although I have used a bazillion differnet OS's over the years, so am used to change).
I turn off Outlook notifications, so no problem there.
the example of outlook was just one. All notifications do the same thing. My logic is that if I press the red circle it should go away and not open the app.
Downloaded things are in the downloads folder - don't know what's going wrong for you.
They should be but they are not. This is new for today when I needed a file. It is also an example of inconsistency I was not expecting with Mac.
When opening an item from the dock, it places it where it was last on the screen.
good to know
The dock can be permanently showing by right clicking on the dock and selecting 'turn hiding off'.
not on multiple screens it can't. It appears only on one scree. On the others you have to crash the mouse into the bottom of the screen and wait. and wait. and then realize it has not worked so try again.
I don't understand your problem with multiple windows open - just resize and drag?
[b]you have not used windows for a while then. It is a very common complaint about Mac not being as good at snapping windows around the screen.
I assume the different 'whites' is just setting the monitor controls correctly, and the flashing screen could be to do with the USB-C/HDMI/DP connector not being upto the job?
This is another common complaint and I have not found a resolution for it yet. Others have found things that work for them but not in my case. The screen is flashing different contrasts. I can't control it.
The Camera controls is a fair point, but the apps work for me, so I've never encountered a problem.
Webex has no zoom. I have been able to control the camera with another app. But, it is only 720p even though the camera is 1080p. I think this is part of the "it just works" philosophy. But, what happens when it doesn't?
The supplied apps are generally good, and MacOS choosing to open numbers instead of Excel is a simple fix - right click on a file in finder and select 'open with' to find app to use.
simple fix which I have done. But, to default to mac app when the appropriate app is installed is another worrying sign
I find MacOS a significantly more reliable OS in almost every way. I spend less time making the OS work, and more time actually working. One example - the sleep function works 100% of the time unlike windows which still can't manage this simple task even though they've been trying (bless them) for the last 20 years - no more opening my laptop bag to find the sleep function didn't work and the laptop has been merrily overheating for the last 16 hours.
in my experience windows is prevented from going to sleep by an application. In my case, it is 100% of the time Chrome. I always know I have a Chrome update because my office will be glowing/pulsing bright purple as the PC is not asleep. I think this just proves my comfort level is higher with Windows as I am more familiar with its quirks. I have no choice to persist with Mac OS for now. But, it certainly has not lived up to my hopes.
I turn off Outlook notifications, so no problem there.
the example of outlook was just one. All notifications do the same thing. My logic is that if I press the red circle it should go away and not open the app.
Downloaded things are in the downloads folder - don't know what's going wrong for you.
They should be but they are not. This is new for today when I needed a file. It is also an example of inconsistency I was not expecting with Mac.
When opening an item from the dock, it places it where it was last on the screen.
good to know
The dock can be permanently showing by right clicking on the dock and selecting 'turn hiding off'.
not on multiple screens it can't. It appears only on one scree. On the others you have to crash the mouse into the bottom of the screen and wait. and wait. and then realize it has not worked so try again.
I don't understand your problem with multiple windows open - just resize and drag?
[b]you have not used windows for a while then. It is a very common complaint about Mac not being as good at snapping windows around the screen.
I assume the different 'whites' is just setting the monitor controls correctly, and the flashing screen could be to do with the USB-C/HDMI/DP connector not being upto the job?
This is another common complaint and I have not found a resolution for it yet. Others have found things that work for them but not in my case. The screen is flashing different contrasts. I can't control it.
The Camera controls is a fair point, but the apps work for me, so I've never encountered a problem.
Webex has no zoom. I have been able to control the camera with another app. But, it is only 720p even though the camera is 1080p. I think this is part of the "it just works" philosophy. But, what happens when it doesn't?
The supplied apps are generally good, and MacOS choosing to open numbers instead of Excel is a simple fix - right click on a file in finder and select 'open with' to find app to use.
simple fix which I have done. But, to default to mac app when the appropriate app is installed is another worrying sign
I find MacOS a significantly more reliable OS in almost every way. I spend less time making the OS work, and more time actually working. One example - the sleep function works 100% of the time unlike windows which still can't manage this simple task even though they've been trying (bless them) for the last 20 years - no more opening my laptop bag to find the sleep function didn't work and the laptop has been merrily overheating for the last 16 hours.
in my experience windows is prevented from going to sleep by an application. In my case, it is 100% of the time Chrome. I always know I have a Chrome update because my office will be glowing/pulsing bright purple as the PC is not asleep. I think this just proves my comfort level is higher with Windows as I am more familiar with its quirks. I have no choice to persist with Mac OS for now. But, it certainly has not lived up to my hopes.
h0b0 said:
The issue I have is that I have 20 windows open from 5-10 applications. I need to jump around and it does not allow that experience.
Have you tried the Stage Manager function? This will show the window that you’re working on, with the other windows/apps that are open, down the side of the screen.If you to to the control panel in the top right of the screen, there should be an option for Stage Manager.
HTH
I have to ask why you are using a Mac if you are primarily on Microsoft Office? It’s definitely optimised for Windows.
I agree with the bakery fitness person, that you have to learn both OS’s. On a Mac, touch gestures make much more sense. I always use the trackpad, never a mouse. Use Mac OS how its supposed to be used and it makes a lot of sense. It will frustrate if you apply Windows logic to it.
Personally, I use both platforms for work. Its definitely a case of using the right tool for the job. Working with open source software doing some sort of dev work? MacOS. Working with Microsoft Office? Windows.
I agree with the bakery fitness person, that you have to learn both OS’s. On a Mac, touch gestures make much more sense. I always use the trackpad, never a mouse. Use Mac OS how its supposed to be used and it makes a lot of sense. It will frustrate if you apply Windows logic to it.
Personally, I use both platforms for work. Its definitely a case of using the right tool for the job. Working with open source software doing some sort of dev work? MacOS. Working with Microsoft Office? Windows.
Edited by wyson on Tuesday 4th June 18:53
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