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For all their differences, Mac and Windows are more alike than you may initially grasp. Sometimes, it's only a matter of semantics. Here are some commonalities:
- Macs and Windows PCs can share the same printers, scanners, digital cameras, mice, keyboards, and other peripherals.
- Both systems are fluent in the common file types, including PDFs, JPEGs, and text.
- Microsoft produces a version of Office for both platforms, so you can work in programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with little difficulty.
- The Mac can read Windows PC–formatted CDs and DVDs.
- Both sides can easily communicate by email or the AIM (AOL) instant messaging service.
- You can access a .Mac account — including documents, pictures, and movies stored in iDisk — from a Windows PC.
- Versions of the Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, and RealPlayer work on a Mac.
- The two systems can be on the same wired or wireless network. If file sharing is turned on in Windows, the computers can share files.
- Intel is now inside both computers.
You've invested a lot of time and energy over the years in getting your Windows files and preferences just as you like them. You have a lengthy list of Internet Explorer bookmarks and favorite background pictures too. Within limits, the following sections describe ways to replicate your Windows environment on a new Mac.
Using Move2Mac software
The Move2Mac program from Detto Technologies does most of the heavy lifting of moving to a Mac from Windows. You create a profile of settings and files that you want to move over from the PC and let the software take over from there.
 | Move2Mac combines software you load on both your Mac and PC with a special cable to connect the two. For pre-Windows XP systems, get the version of Move2Mac with a Mac-USB-to-PC-parallel cable. For an XP machine, get a USB-to-USB cable. |
The software is smart enough to put files in the right place. So, My Music files in Windows go into the Music folder on the Mac, My Pictures go into the Pictures folder, and My Videos go into the Movies folder.
 | When a company produces versions of its software for both platforms — such as Intuit and its Quicken personal finance software — you have to convert files produced in Windows to the Mac format before you can access your data. |
It takes about 15 minutes to migrate 500MB of data. You can move data off a single PC (to any number of Macs), unless you pay for extra software licenses. Check out Detto.com for more information.
Getting help from Apple
When you buy a new Mac at the Apple Store, you qualify to have a certified Mac technician transfer all your data for free. If you purchased your Mac online or at another retailer, a technician can still transfer your data for a fee.
| The PC must be running Windows 95 or later, and you need to bring your Windows installation discs, any appropriate cables, and the PC keyboard and mouse. Under the free scenario, you have to configure settings on your own. |
Burning a disc
Because your Mac can read CDs and DVDs formatted for Windows, you can burn your important files onto a disc and copy them onto your Apple. You may not have to burn all your files onto a disc, but a good place to start is in your My Documents folders (which may include photos and videos) on the Windows machine.
Working with external hard drives
You can exchange files on external USB or FireWire-based hard drives, USB flash drives, and Iomega Zip drives.
 | You can even use an iPod as an external drive by setting it up for disk use. Temporarily dump songs off the iPod to create more room (then add the music back later). Visit Apple.com for a detailed explanation. |
Using an existing network
Another way to get files from Windows to a Mac is by using a network. Make sure that file sharing is turned on in Windows. In Windows, start by double-clicking My Computer. Then choose Tools --> Folder Options and click the View tab. Make sure that the Use Simple File Sharing option is selected.
Add your Mac to your wired or wireless network (if it's not already part of it) and exchange files.
Using a KVM switch
If you just bought a Mac but are holding onto your Windows computer for a while, consider buying a KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switch. This device uses USB ports to let the two machines share a monitor and various peripherals.
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