Apple Thoughts: Hello World: The Chronicles of a Mac Noob

What happens when you set a MacBook down in front of a lifelong Windows developer? Pure chaos.

I have been using and working with DOS and/or Windows-based computers for more than 25 years. I got my first computer during my freshman year of college and it came in the form of a Timex-Sinclair 1000. It was $99, came with 2K of RAM, required a cassette recorder to load programs and you needed a television because it did not come with a monitor. We sure have come a long way since then, haven't we?

I've only been a Mac user for two weeks, but in that short time I have come to realize exactly why most Apple users are considered "fanboys" by people looking in from the outside. It's hard not to boast about the intuitive design of the operating system, or the way applications work together seamlessly. There have been no "blue screens of death" or "fatal exception errors". Are there such things for the Mac? I guess I'll find out eventually, but right now it all works. Brilliantly.

As I opened the MacBook for the first time I had my reservations, but those reservations faded quickly and were replaced with ideas for new software. I'm a developer, and now I have the bug to develop something for the Mac. Although my day job will always require the use of a PC, I can see myself doing everything else on the Mac. I'm sure it won't be long until I am beta testing something.

When Vincent invited me to write here at Apple Thoughts, I thought he was crazy in the head, but hopefully I can bring a different perspective to the table that won't drive too many people crazy. I hope to spotlight Mac software that many of you have used for years while helping others see that not every compliment towards Apple comes from a fanboy.

One thing is for sure, after 25 years in the industry, it's weird being a newbie again.