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Hey friends,

Turn back now if you are against all things Apple.

I saw this post in the FB group today from someone struggling with switching to Mac, and it inspired me to share some thoughts.

I'm going to write about why to use a Mac and some tools that might be helpful if you're working in IT or Software Development for getting your Macbook tuned.

First off - I think companies should let users pick whichever OS helps them get their job done. Forcing an OS on someone is like forcing them to write with their non-dominant hand. Sure, they'll adapt, but why make them suffer?

How’d I get into Macbooks?

I first used Apple computers in elementary and high school. I liked the computers but they were too damn expensive for my family to ever own.

I mostly used Windows and Linux computers until my work career started.

I first got a Macbook when working at a defense contractor. Interesting.

I quit that job quickly but since have worked for a variety of startups based out of Silicon Valley and other places. Development teams at world-changing companies are obsessed with Macbooks.

What’s the deal? Why are all of these teams using Macbooks?

Why Use a Mac at all?

After being provided an Apple computer, I can say definitively: The Macbook pro is the greatest laptop ever created.

• The build quality is insanely good - these things last forever

  • The trackpad is precise

  • Screen Display is high-res

  • and they’ll hold their resell value well.

• The latest M-series chips are fast af and run cool - no more laptop doubling as a space heater.

• The battery life just goes and goes. My Mac doesn’t need charged for maybe 12-14 hours. I keep it docked most of the time and charge infrequently when I’m off-dock.

• There’s no ads in my start button (looking at you, Windows).

• Time machine makes backups easy

Linux Native

Mac is based on Unix, which means that software development tools are easy to get up to speed with. Mac comes built-in with a terminal, but most people probably use something like iterm2.

The Unix foundation means you can run most Linux/Unix tools natively, making it great for developers.

Why Avoid a Mac?

I’m here to be objective. Not everything is perfect about Apple.

• Macs are expensive AF - seriously, prepare your wallet

• Don't want to integrate with Apple ecosystem

• Gaming support is limited (though improving with Apple Silicon)

• Less hardware customization/upgrade options

• Software compatibility issues with some Windows-only enterprise apps

• The learning curve can be steep if you're a Windows power user

• Apple's "walled garden" approach can be frustrating

How to use a Mac

• Finder is the main file explorer - it's like Windows Explorer but with some quirks

• The Dock is your app launcher and task switcher - customize it to your liking

• Spotlight (Cmd + Space) is your best friend for launching apps and finding stuff

  • Check out Raycast, which replaces spotlight and adds all kinds of stuff

• Mission Control gives you a bird's eye view of all windows

• Hot corners can be super useful, eg: You can set bottom-right corner to show the desktop, top left can log out.

Essential Tools for Technical People

Here’s the good stuff. My recommended apps for people in IT/Software dev getting up-to-speed on a Mac.

Package Management

Ubuntu has apt, Redhat has yum, Windows has…the windows store? and exes? also, chocolatey

Mac package management is easy and can be handled on the command-line.

• Homebrew, the missing package manager for Mac

  • This tool lets you install programs easily, via something like brew install netcat

• mas cli for App Store

Terminal Stuff

• iterm2 - Terminal replacement with tons of features

• Oh My Zsh - a terminal framework for productivity and those who live on the cli

Productivity Apps

• Raycast - Spotlight replacement with superpowers

  • This is my FAVORITE mac app. There’s so much customization, scripting and cool stuff you can do. You gotta try it.

• Rectangle - Window management that Windows users will appreciate

  • Raycast can replace this btw

• Alfred - Power user automation tool

  • I used to use this but use Raycast now. Alfred is still good.

Software development apps

Most of these are available on Windows, to be fair.

• VS Code - Cross-platform editor. Simply amazing.

• Cursor.sh - a fork of VS code that allows you to code with AI. Nice peak into the future.

• Docker Desktop - Container management and building

  • Also check out orbstack, which replaces docker’s build/run-time environment

• Ollama - Run LLMs locally

  • This app is great. M-series macs can easily run llm models and Ollama makes it easy. You can download the latest models and run them in the command-line or build your own ChatGPT like web ui to use, for totally freeee.

  • Check out these frontends for Ollama

• Postman - API testing

  • Insomnia is also a worthy alternative

  • Real ones just use curl, btw ;-)

• GitHub Desktop - Git GUI if you prefer it over command-line nerd stuff.

System Tools:

• Activity Monitor

Tips for Windows Making the Switch:

• Learn keyboard shortcuts - they're different but more powerful

• Embrace the command line - most of the commands will translate to/from Linux.

  • Need some help here? I built an app to learn the Linux command line

• Get comfortable with Spotlight instead of clicking around

  • Launching apps is quick and easy with command+space

• Install Rectangle or Magnet for familiar window management.

  • Flying around and moving windows via keyboard shortcuts is so rewarding.

• Use Time Machine from day one

  • Back your stuff up! Nuff said.

• Learn gestures - they're game-changing on Mac trackpads

What are your mac go to apps?

If you’re just learning Mac, I’d recommend you dive in and try it out. Don’t worry about reading up too much. Immersion is the best form of learning.

What tools do you use on your Mac everyday?

BTW, be sure to check out today’s sponsor, Codeium:

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