How did you get hooked on the Mac?
Did someone show you the wonderful world of Macintosh? Maybe
someone, such as a close friend, told you to "just give it a try" -
or did you wander upon it yourself?
You probably remember the first time you saw that Mac smiling at
you - or, if you're younger, that grey screen with the apple in the
middle.
Once you discovered computing the Macintosh way, you probably
never wanted to go back. But what makes it so special? Is it the
user-friendliness that cuts frustration to a minimum? Or is it that
colorful, happy-looking graphical user interface (GUI) that tickled
your fancy?
Whatever the reason, there's something special about this line
of computers that has captivated millions.
End of an Era?
Is the "Mac fanatic" group dying out? Some would say that the
new wave of PC popularity has caused the popularity of the Mac to
fall even more that it had previously. With Apple's switch to
Intel, the Mac is now capable of performing just like a PC by
running Windows XP and (soon) Vista, and some people are buying
Intel Macs because they can run Windows so well.
With the switch to Intel, Apple is gaining new Mac customers.
But are they coming for the Mac OS or Windows?
Ever Yelled at Your Computer?
If you've ever yelled at your computer, you might be using a
Windows PC. But how many times have you expressed your joy at how
much easier Macs are than your old Wintel boxes? (Some of you might
be privileged enough to not have had that experience.)
With Macs, it's usually not hard to figure things out; many of
us have seen young children learn how to use a Mac on their own.
Unlike most other operating systems, the Mac OS is fun and easy to
learn.
Pass It On
What we need to do is carry this wonderful experience to someone
else in need.
Mac users often feel a sense belonging to each other and may
feel as if they belong to some sort of club or cult, if you will.
As Mac users, we feel a responsibility to support Macs and try to
get something across to the next generation. And we work to get the
"Mac is bad" image out of the heads of today's youth.
Sure, Apple advertises, but nothing even close to the massive
proportion that the Windows world does. It's simply not enough for
Apple to advertise, so it's necessary - as with all great
experiences - to pass it on by word of mouth.
Now you know what to do the next time you hear, "My old PC
finally bit the dust - have any ideas for a new computer?" or "Hey
Dad, what kind of computer should I get for college?"
Who Wants a Mac?
Let's face it, we could go on and on about how much greater we
think Macs are. We all have a story to tell about our first Mac
experience, and that's something we'll always remember. Those are
all great conversation starters for all those times when you're
caught with a Mac vs. PC question.
What about the other writers on Low End Mac? Their first Mac was
most likely what inspired them to their Mac writing career.
Share your story with someone else and pass on the joy; this can
spur the imaginations of coming generations. So tell your story.
Reach out to someone and encourage them to try a Mac. 
