Why you will love a Mac

It's a powerful computer that's easy to use.

Every Mac comes with software that's easy to learn and a pleasure to use. And every Mac is built on Mac OS X Snow Leopard, an operating system custom-made for the advanced technology inside.

It works the way a computer should.

Apple puts as much thought into the software that comes on a Mac as the Mac itself. Apple applications work together, and they work in similar ways. So once you get the hang of one application, it takes little or no effort to master the others.

Open a Finder window, for example, and you'll notice it looks a lot like iTunes. Want to attach a photo or video to an email? On a Mac, it's one-click easy because iPhoto and iMovie are tightly integrated with Mail. In fact, once you start using a Mac every day, you'll find that just about everything is easier and more intuitive than it is on a PC.

Experience a better operating system.

Everything that was second nature to you in Windows XP won't be with Windows 7. So if you're going to learn a new operating system, why not learn one that's highly secure, loaded with advanced technologies, designed to be simple and intuitive, and delivers incredible performance and stunning graphics? It's called Mac OS X Snow Leopard, and it's what makes a Mac a Mac.

Speed through everything.

Snow Leopard is the first version of Mac OS X in which virtually all built-in applications and services — from the Finder and Mail to Safari and Spotlight — run as 64-bit processes. And the Intel multicore processors built into every Mac take full advantage of this 64-bit architecture. So you get exceptional performance for everything you do on a Mac.

It doesn't get PC viruses.

A Mac isn't susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers. That's thanks to built-in defenses in Mac OS X that keep you safe, without any work on your part.

Safeguard your data. By doing nothing.

With virtually no effort on your part, Mac OS X defends against viruses and other malicious applications, or malware. For example, it thwarts hackers through a technique called "sandboxing" — restricting what actions programs can perform on your Mac, what files they can access, and what other programs they can launch. Other automatic security features include Library Randomization, which prevents malicious commands from finding their targets, and Execute Disable, which protects the memory in your Mac from attacks.

Download with peace of mind.

Innocent-looking files downloaded over the Internet may contain dangerous malware in disguise. That's why files you download using Safari, Mail, and iChat are screened to determine if they contain applications. If they do, Mac OS X alerts you, then warns you the first time you open one.

Stay up to date, automatically.

When a potential security threat arises, Apple responds quickly by providing software updates and security enhancements you can download automatically and install with a click. So you're not tasked with tracking down updates yourself and installing all of them one by one.

Protect what's important.

Mac OS X makes it easy to stay safe online, whether you're checking your bank account, sending confidential email, or sharing files with friends and coworkers. Features such as Password Assistant help you lock out identity thieves who are after personal data, while built-in encryption technologies protect your private information and communications. Safari also uses antiphishing technology to protect you from fraudulent websites. If you visit a suspicious site, Safari disables the page and displays an alert warning you about its suspect nature.

As a parent, you want your kids to have a safe and happy experience on the computer. Mac OS X keeps an eye out even when you can't. With a simple setup in Parental Controls preferences, you can manage, monitor, and control the time your kids spend on the Mac, the sites they visit, and the people they chat with.

It backs up automatically and networks easily.

Backing up is one of those things you know you should do, but never get around to. A Mac does it for you automatically. And it connects to any network with ease.

Set it, then forget it.

Every Mac comes with Time Machine: an application that automatically backs up your entire Mac to your external hard drive (sold separately), including system files, applications, accounts, preferences, music, photos, movies, and documents. But what makes Time Machine different from other backup applications is that it not only keeps a spare copy of every file, it also remembers how your system looked on a given day so you can revisit your Mac as it appeared in the past.

Network minus the work.

If you already have a wired or wireless network, a Mac can connect to it easily. For a wired setup, simply plug an Ethernet cable into your Mac. It should automatically receive the information necessary to establish a connection. If it doesn’t, a helpful setup assistant will guide you through the process painlessly. Connecting to wireless networks is even easier.

One click of the AirPort icon in the menu bar gives you a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Just select one, enter a password if required, and you’re up and running. Share files with any computer on your network, browse the web, access work or school servers and files, and get your email. You can also access secure networks with the built-in VPN support.

It’s accessible for everyone.

A Mac comes with helpful features designed for individuals with disabilities. To get the same functionality on a PC, you need to purchase third-party software.

Hear your way around a Mac.

For those who are blind or have low vision, VoiceOver screen-reading technology that’s part of Mac OS X enables you to use your computer via spoken descriptions and offers plug-and-play support for braille displays. If you don’t use a screen reader but have trouble reading text on your computer screen, you can have your Mac “speak” the text you select. Mac OS X also lets you magnify the content on your screen, including the cursor, and adjust the display contrast to white-on-black or black-on-white for better visibility.

See your way around a Mac.

For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, Mac OS X lets you change system notifications from an audible alert to a visual alert. So if an application needs your attention, instead of playing a tone, Mac OS X flashes the entire screen. Mac OS X also supports playback of closed captioning using QuickTime Player, Front Row, and DVD Player applications. And if you communicate using sign language, iChat and the high-quality video frame rate of the built-in iSight camera make for a great way to stay in touch with anyone, anywhere.

Talk your way around a Mac.

For those who find it difficult to use a mouse, keyboard, or trackpad, Mac OS X features Mouse Keys, Slow Keys, Sticky Keys, an onscreen keyboard, customizable keyboard shortcuts, trackpad gestures, and more to help you navigate your Mac. Speakable Items let you control the computer using your voice instead of the keyboard. And your Mac can even help you perform routine tasks by recording your actions as you do them and saving them to use later.