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Apps for Mac

Started by Cumulo , Dec 18 2023 10:48 AM

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7 replies to this topic

#1 Cumulo

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Posted 18 December 2023 - 10:48 AM

I am thinking of migrating from Windows to Mac but first need to get an idea of the cost, including software.

Apps I think I I will need include:

(1) Office for Mac

(2) Antivirus/malware

(3) Speech to to text a-la Dragon

Re: (1) I was wondering whether an Office 365 subscription can be used across all platforms, as I already have this).

(2) would I need to purchase a program like Malwarebytes for Mac? Or does Mac native software already take care of this?

(3) this is very important. I rely on Dragon NaturallySpeaking a lot with Windows. I gather it is not available for Mac but I hear there is a native app that does the job. Is it any good?

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#2 greg18

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Posted 19 December 2023 - 12:06 AM

Do not need Antivirus software, use Microsoft Office or Google Docs, MacOS has a built in Speech to Text that uses Siri. Nuance is geared more towards offices that use Windows infrastructure. They shorted theirselves due to MacOS is huge in various market segments.

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#3 Cumulo

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Posted 19 December 2023 - 06:17 AM

OK, thanks.

A couple of other things occur to me:

Backup. I use Easeus Todo with Windoiws. Does Mac have a decent native backup option?

And how about a VPN?

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#4 MoxieMomma

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Posted 19 December 2023 - 02:36 PM

Hi:

Perhaps this will help?

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/offer/deals/save-over-150-on-microsoft-office-2021-for-mac-through-dec-25/

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#5 greg18

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Posted 20 December 2023 - 12:19 AM

Backup use Time Machine, not some paid third party software. Do you really need a VPN? If you want one use a router that allows you to keep the VPN info on there, you can use OpenVPN.

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#6 Cumulo

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Posted 20 December 2023 - 05:59 AM

Than

Thanks guys.

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#7 TazzyOpz

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Posted 20 December 2023 - 02:16 PM

AppCleaner for mac is a great tool when "Uninstalling" software from your Mac. Usually to delete an app on Mac you just drag and drop it from the applications folder, however that does not remove all the dependencies and other files the application places on the computer. AppCleaner will delete the app and any associated files with it. It's been around for 10+ years now. The developer works off of donations and has a few other useful utilities on their website.

I.T Systems Administrator
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Head Developer of NoBot est. 2015

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#8 Win11DataSavior

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Posted 26 December 2023 - 07:21 AM

Migrating from Windows to Mac can be a smooth and rewarding experience, and your concerns about costs are understandable.
Here's a breakdown of the potential expenses you might face:

1. Office for Mac:

If you already have an Office 365 subscription, good news! It covers Mac versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other apps. You can simply download and install the Mac versions without any additional cost.

2. Antivirus/Malware:

macOS has built-in security features called Gatekeeper and XProtect that offer real-time protection against malware and other threats. This means you likely don't need a dedicated antivirus program unless you specifically require advanced features or parental controls.

3. Speech to Text:

Unfortunately, Dragon NaturallySpeaking is not available for Mac. However, several excellent native alternatives exist:

Dictation: Built-in to macOS, offering good accuracy and integration with system-wide functions.
Siri: Apple's virtual assistant allows voice dictation within various apps and features.
ExpressKeys: Offers advanced dictation features like custom vocabularies and commands, with a one-time purchase price of $49.
MacSpeech Dictate: Similar features to ExpressKeys, for a one-time purchase of $69.

Additional Costs:

Software: Depending on your specific needs, you might need additional software for tasks like photo editing, video editing, or graphics design. Research your options and budget accordingly.
You might need a data recovery software, to recover your files.

Final Tips:

Start with free options: Many great functionalities are available through built-in Mac features or free applications. Try them out before considering paid alternatives.
Budget realistically: Allocate a budget for essential software and prioritize based on your needs. You can always add more software later as needed.

I hope this information helps you estimate the potential costs of migrating to Mac and make informed decisions about software choices. Remember, migrating can be a fun and rewarding experience, so approach it with an open mind and enjoy exploring the exciting world of macOS!