2009 marked the seventh anniversary of the introduction of Mac OS X. Seven years of innovation and achievements that have transformed the experience for users interfacing with digital technologies.

In the process, Apple created an entire new class of users. Those generally not aware of concerns that 90 percent of technology users face every day.

The latest release of the worlds most common operating system demonstrates little "forward progress" in addressing these past complexities.

The knowledge gap will only widen, as a growing number of new tech users start right out with OS X, unwashed by classic intricacies. With that in mind, and following the theme of Seven, Seven things users of 7 still get to do with their technology.

1. Defrag.

Regular maintenance required to maintain the integrity of the file system.

OR

• Not generally necessary or even advised in OS X
• http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1375?viewlocale=en_US
• http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/macosx10_3_8/topic2779.html

2. Explore wide range of complex backup options.

Even within sub versions of the operating system, there are differences, choices to make.

OR

• OS X, one clearly defined, vendor supplied option - http://www.apple.com/macosx/what-is-macosx/time-machine.html
• Specialized third party options available for specialized needs.

3. Explore wide range of complex antivirus options.

See above.

OR

• http://www.apple.com/macosx/security/
• Specialized third party options available for specialized needs.

4. Spend weeks after upgrade learning your new system.

Everything gets moved to new places, some things work, some things don't.

OR

• There are corollaries in OS X, some things work, some things don't, some UI changes.
• Generally, throw in the disk, answer a few questions, machine does the upgrade, reboots, back to work.
• Any problems plug in a firewire backup, restart, back to the former system.
• Change always has potential to create problems. It is how quickly and easily you can recover to old, or advance to new, that is remarkably different.

5. Figure out latest registry hacks.

Learn how to prevent things like - uh - the computer automatically rebooting right in the middle of a busy work day. May be dependent upon which version you select.

OR

• No corollary in OS X.

6. Sort complex options to -HOPEFULLY- pick out the correct sub version of the version for purchase.

There may be as many choices for an operating system within an operating system as there were for Vista. Users still get to search for expert advice. Can you get by with the best deal today, or should you pay more for a version that allows full use of your computer hardware and networks in the future?

http://lifehacker.com/5386523/figure-out-which-windows-7-edition-has-the-features-you-need

OR

• No corollary in OS X.

7. Eagerly anticipate the "next" version(s).

Like all versions before, some or most of the sub versions will be the most secure, most user friendly, most reliable, lowest total cost of ownership, most highly revered by people who depend upon them not being any of that to keep their jobs, versions ever.

The choices are yours..

OR

The choice is yours.

Complexity is the enemy. OS X empowers starting simple and staying simple.

OS X works best with expert setup in the beginning. Likely about the same level of effort required to integrate each new release of the most common operating system. After that, real benefits begin to accrue in time savings and productivity, as these 7 time consuming chores vanish in the simplicity of machines designed to take care of themselves.

Apple Certified Consulting in Southwest, MO doug.brethower@lakedata.net 417-327-6673

More..

How big a complexity matrix is manageable? Tic-tac-toe..

Complexity consulting and complexity management solutions for the masters of complexity. http://www.objectwatch.com/