If you go to any tech conference or developer event, you will inevitably find yourself surrounded by glowy Apple logos. Although this might have baffled developers from years ago, now it’s to be expected. The only people that might be baffled are aspiring coders that start to wonder, "Do all developers use Macs? If so, why? And do I need to switch to Mac if I want to start working in this field?"
These are exactly the question we will try to answer in this article.
First of all, as we mentioned earlier, if you found a way to travel back in time, let’s say 15 years, and told developers that Apple devices would become so popular among their peers, they would have laughed at your ridiculous ideas and doubted that you did any sort of time traveling whatsoever. That’s because back then, most developers used a pure Unix/Linux environment or Windows.
So what changed?
Well, Apple computers were always great devices to learn to code on, but what really made a difference was the release of OS X and Apple’s switch to Intel.
The Unix Command Line
Of course, this shift didn’t happen overnight. It was a gradual process. For the past 15 years, Apple has been running an operating system that’s built on top of Unix. Moreover, OS X is certified as Unix by the Open Standards Group. In contrast, not even modern versions of Linux like Ubuntu and Mint can boast the same certification since they’re based on GNU and not Unix.
The Unix shell is extremely important to developers because it allows them to run programs in almost any language directly from the command line environment without having to use a specialized IDE.
A command-line environment lets users interact with a computer by typing commands. This is how most people communicated with their computers before GUIs or graphical user interfaces made it possible to simply click on graphical elements.
The Windows command-line environment doesn’t offer the same advantages as the one on macOS X.
Furthermore, most tech companies want their employees to know how to work on Unix-based systems, so those that can’t afford a Mac will dual-boot Linux and Windows for a while so they can gain the experience they need, but eventually, they’ll buy a Mac either second-hand or through buy now pay later electronics.
Applications and UX
Let’s not forget that developers are also end-users. Much like any other end-user, they prefer well-polished and efficient applications. Part of the shift to macs is due to the UI and the wide availability of quality applications.
As time passed and more developers switched to Macs, they created more tools to make their work easier, which, in turn, made the platform even more attractive, bringing in more developers.
What about the Hardware?
The build quality of Macs also plays a role in their popularity. They’re durable and require less maintenance. The displays are better at handling glare, which makes it easier when you need to work in your car or outdoors. Since macOS is more efficient than Windows, the battery lasts longer, and combined with the aluminum chassis, Macs don’t heat as easily.
Moreover, if you’re trying to make software that runs well on Apple devices, you need to use Apple devices.
While it’s true that Windows computers offer more flexibility in terms of upgrades, and many have similar specs at lower prices, another advantage of getting a Mac is the resale value. Since Apple is a well-respected brand and Macs are known to run well even after several years, developers can upgrade every three years or so by reselling their used devices for around half of what they paid for them. This helps offset the initial high purchasing price.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
We’ve already established that if you need to develop OS X or iOS software, then you automatically need a Mac. But you can also use a Mac to run all the main operating systems. You can use a virtual environment to install Windows or Linux, and you won’t have any problems. On the other hand, it’s difficult to run OS X on a Linux or Windows PC. This means that if you have to develop and test software for Windows and Linux, you can still use your trusty Mac.
Furthermore, almost all commercial software companies provide reliable Mac versions, which is not something you can say for Linux. So, as a developer, a Mac is a much more versatile tool than a Linux or Windows computer.
Does this mean I need to get a Mac if I want to learn how to code?
It depends. A Mac is only a tool. It will not teach you how to code or make you a better programmer. But it is more versatile. You have to consider the type of development you want to do.
For example, if you want to develop software for Windows, then a Windows computer is the obvious choice. It also applies to a lot of enterprise software. For web development, Macs work really well, but Linux is also a great alternative. For iOS development, you don’t have much of a choice.
But if you want to learn how to code, you can do it from any platform. The computer you’re already using can get you started on your path. Having said that, getting a Mac can be a huge benefit further down the line.
You also have to take into account your personal preferences. If you can’t afford a Mac right now, you don’t need to start skipping lunch or anything like that. You can still learn without one. But if you can, and you also like the aesthetic, the applications, and the Apple ecosystem, then you should definitely consider making the switch.
Many developers have tried to resist switching either for emotional or philosophical reasons, or they simply thought that Windows computers were more customizable and offered more bang for their buck. Eventually, most of them did concede, which is why you see all those glowy Apple logos at tech conferences.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).