Embracing macOS: A Windows User's Journey After 24 Years
After nearly a quarter-century of using Windows, starting from the iconic Windows 95, Iβve taken a significant leap into the Apple ecosystem with an Apple Silicon M3 Pro MacBook. π»π This transition has been quite an enlightening experience, and Iβm excited to share some remarkable Mac applications that have genuinely impressed me and eased my adaptation to this new operating system.
π Raycast
Raycast has quickly become my new command center, effectively replacing the built-in Spotlight search. This productivity booster and powerful app launcher significantly streamlines navigation on my Mac, making daily tasks more efficient.
π Arc
Arc represents what appears to be the future of web browsers. Itβs as if Chrome has been reimagined from the ground up. With its array of intelligent features, Arc is poised to become my default browser for the foreseeable future.
π DropOver
DropOver is an ingenious utility that simplifies the drag-and-drop process. It allows users to stash, gather, or move any draggable content without the need to open multiple windows side by side, enhancing workflow efficiency.
β‘ Hyper
Hyper is a sleek and high-performance terminal that brings both aesthetics and efficiency to command-line operations. When combined with oh-my-zsh, fzf, and powerlevel10k, it transforms into a powerhouse for developers and power users alike.
π¦ Amazon Q for CLI
This command-line interface enables natural language conversations, allowing users to ask questions and receive responses from Amazon Q. Itβs a valuable tool for those who prefer working in the terminal.
π₯οΈ BetterDisplay
BetterDisplay offers enhanced control over display settings, making multi-screen setups more manageable and customizable than ever before.
π Rectangle
Rectangle has proven invaluable for window management, allowing me to organize my applications precisely to my liking, boosting productivity and screen real estate usage.
πͺ Alt Tab
AltTab brings the familiar and powerful Windows alt-tab functionality to macOS, making switching between applications a breeze.
π· Lookaway
Lookaway is a unique and thoughtful tool that periodically puts your Mac into rest mode, encouraging regular eye breaks. Its gentle, smart, and fully customizable approach makes it an excellent addition for those concerned about eye strain.
π¦ Hidden Bar
Hidden Bar allows users to declutter their menu bar by hiding unnecessary items, resulting in a cleaner, more streamlined look for your Mac.
π Stats
Keeping track of system performance is crucial, especially when transitioning to a new operating system. Stats provides real-time monitoring of all vital metrics, helping users stay informed about their Macβs health and performance.
Conclusion
These applications have significantly enhanced my macOS experience, making the transition from Windows smoother and more enjoyable. For those interested in further optimizing macOS for development purposes, I highly recommend following this comprehensive video guide.