So, lately, I’ve been doing a lot of personal work on a new macOS device. While I really love the hardware, the software feels a bit foregin to me. The last time I actually used macOS was back in the 10.7.x days, and while I have access to a modern Mac at work, I don’t really use it for much other than work stuff. Plus much of it’s locked down or disabled.

Being on Linux for so long has gotten me used to absolutely amazing utilities and features that you kind of have to cobble together on macOS to get the same effect. I’m missing pretty much all of the GNU userland utilities, installable through Homebrew. I’m missing a good Logitech configuration tool that doesn’t cost >$20, and I feel like things are intentionally hidden from me. Requiring me to do more work.

That being said, the UI components are actually well done, consistent throughout the OS and generally a joy to use. The integration with iOS and iPadOS is great and I can still do much of what I was doing on the Linux command-line with some modifications and extra steps. I’m well aware that it shouldn’t require this much effort, but I did also have to cobble together my Debian laptop, too.

I’m not about to get rid of my venerable Linux laptop. It’s a whip-smart and fast device. However with the keys being faulty and the battery life sinking, it may be taking a back seat for a while. After all, I’m not entirely in love with the Apple system as it stands. It has certain advantages over the Linux environment, but it’s hard to give up that control, too.

Do you have a story about moving from Linux to macOS or Windows and what you liked/disliked?