This post is part of ProBlogger’s Top 5 Group Writing Project.

Mac users can be a zealous bunch. Chances are, you’ve heard stuff like “Macs never crash!” or “Macs are invincible!” from Mac fanboys before. These claims build up an unrealistic expectation for recent Switchers who then struggle to get use to the new machine that was supposed to make life perfect for them. “I thought using a Mac would be easy,” they say, and conclude they must be stupid.

Well you don’t have to feel that way dear Switchers. The truth is, claims of the Mac’s superiority (while usually true), are often exaggerated by Mac zealots. Here, I’m going to cut through the misconceptions and share with you Top 5 objective tips for Mac Switchers.

Tip #1: Don’t expect to know how to use your Mac immediately

One of Mac OSX’s selling points is its ease to use. I use both OSX and Windows regularly and I wholeheartedly endorse this. Many Windows power users who start using OSX think they can master it in a day. Not gonna happen. Keep in mind that OSX and Windows are different.

They were designed with different philosophies guiding their development and it will be some time before you get used to this. Examples of these differences include installing applications and how closing a window does not quit the application. Give yourself at least two weeks to familiarise yourself. Also, do yourself a favour by checking out TUAW’s Mac 101 articles and ScreenCastsOnline New To The Mac series.

Tip #2: Buy Microsoft Office for Mac

What kind of advice is this on an Apple blog?? Yeah, I know this sounds like heresy, but I’m just being objective here. Sure, hardcore Mac users tell you that all you need is the free OpenOffice or to just buy Apple’s iWork, but Microsoft Office will help ease the transition to your new Mac. It will provide some familiarity for you like how it’s nice to see a friendly face when you’re in some place new. Plus let’s face it, living in a Windows world, you’ll need to work with people using Windows and so I would say Microsoft office is an essential application for Mac users.

One note about iWork though–I would definitely recommend Pages and Keynote as Word and PowerPoint replacements in a heartbeat, but until Apple releases its rumoured Excel replacement, I don’t feel that iWork can replace Microsoft Office completely yet.

Tip #3: Forget about Windows

If you’re a recent Switcher, one of the factors that may have played a part in your decision to switch was that nice salesperson who assured you that Windows could be installed on your Mac. That’s definitely true but you know what? That was a marketing ploy, plain and simple.

Unless you’ve got a specific application (games included) that you need to run in Windows, you’ll find an alternative that works just as well, if not better, for the Mac. This goes especially if you’ve also practiced Tip #2 and have Microsoft Office for Mac. Miss Internet Explorer? Use Safari or Firefox. Miss Outlook? (gasp why would you?) Apple Mail does a fine job and even has support for Exchange Servers. Check VersionTracker and MacUpdate and you’ll find tonnes of apps that will take the place of your old Windows programmes. So forget about Windows, leave it behind and move on. You’re a Mac user now

Tip #4: Invest in AppleCare

“Macs never crash.”

Yeah right. But bravado by like this gives new Mac users a false sense of invincibility. If Macs really never crash, then why do utilities like DiskWarrior and TechTool Pro sell so well? All computers, Windows or OSX based, suffer from the occassional hardware problem and accidents. Ever dropped your laptop before? Or spilt coffee on your keyboard? Your Mac comes with one year AppleCare standard, however I would advise spending the extra and extending it to three years.

Somewhat along the same lines, make sure you buy some cleaner. It’s a real shame when your greasy palms stain your beautiful white MacBook or iMac’s keyboard and screen. And if you clean the screen, please don’t use window cleaner because you could damage it.

Tip #5: Get involved with the community and culture

Most articles on Mac tips never have this one. But wait, why would anyone want get involved with the community?? Buying a Mac is like buying any other piece of hardware, it’s not like joining a social movement or religion.

True, but if you’ve switched to the Mac, you share a couple of things in common with me and other Mac users in the world–an appreciation for elegant design and simplicity. The same goes for Mac developers worldwide who create their applications with the goal of making it look and work great. By participating in the community and local Mac User Groups like myMUG, you’ll understand your Mac and OSX better, and also meet really friendly people who will readily help you in your transition to the Mac.

And so there you have it, if you’re a new Mac Switcher, I hope the above was helpful to you. And if you’re considering on switching, I hope these tips will help give you some objective advice in your decision.

P.S. If you’re considering switching, you may want to check out my article on How to Switch to Mac.