Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Windows to Mac

Aug 6, 2010 11:37AM PDT

I am truly and finally fed up with Windows. Currently I have it on my laptop (Windows Vista), netbook (Windows 7) and cell phone (Windows mobile). I would really like to migrate to the Mac platform. However I am hesitant whether I will be able to transfer all my software and data from Windows to Mac with ease. Any advice?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
No that won't work
Aug 6, 2010 9:38PM PDT

Mac and Windows use different file systems, so you cannot transfer software between them.

Even data may be a problem. Personal files like images, music and videos may transfer across, but not documents unless they are saved in Rich Text Format, (eg document.rtf).

In effect, you are 'starting again' with software.

Mark

- Collapse -
The filesystem
Aug 6, 2010 10:44PM PDT

The filesystem has nothing to do with it, it's the binary format they use for executable programs. It's been a long time since I've had to pull this info from memory, but I think Windows uses PXE format, and Mac OS X uses ELF. The filesystem is just the means by which the operating system catalogs and stores files. So Windows may use a series of three drawer filing cabinets with plain manila folders, while Mac OS X may use five drawer cabinets with multi-colored folders. But at the end of the day, a TPS report is a TPS report no matter where it's stored.

Data will transfer just fine, it's really more a matter of whether or not you can find a program that will be able to read that particular file format. I find a great many people who end up saving things in the new OOXML format of Office 2007/2010, and so about the only way you're going to get those files to open is with Office 2008 on a Mac, since Microsoft deviates from their own specification whenever they feel like it. IIRC, Office 2007 was tested and found to be the worst in terms of compliance with the OOXML spec of all apps that claimed to support it.

But plenty of apps will have direct Mac counterparts. All Mozilla software, like Firefox and Thunderbird, iTunes started as a Mac program, VLC Player, OpenOffice, MS Office (and, I might add, puts the Windows version to complete and utter shame)... Then there are plenty of really good alternatives to programs. Adium is one of the best IM programs I have ever used, it's just a shame development has really slowed on it lately.

It's not quite as dire a situation as you're painting. There will be some teething pains, but nothing quite so dramatic as you seem to be implying.

- Collapse -
I did it
Aug 7, 2010 2:28AM PDT

I made this move back in February, it took me all of an hour to get up and running. all you files will transfer (save MS office files to a .doc or .exl and then open office will read them). Most programs I needed had free Mac versions available.

GO for it and enjoy!