Microsoft is now getting into the anti-virus business for the Mac. While I’ve run virus software on Windows PCs in the past, I’ve never run it on the Mac. Every time this question comes up, I get emails asking for advice. Notably, Windows switchers often feel like they are doing something wrong if they don’t have virus software, so I can see why Microsoft could see former Windows users wanting to bring familiar virus software to their Macs.

Everyone has to make their own decisions, but I can tell you that when I was running anti-virus software on a Windows PC, it was maddening. It almost felt like the virus software became a sort-of virus all on its own. Everyone has to make their own decisions on this, but I don’t see myself installing Microsoft anti-virus software on my Mac any time soon.

In the last decade, the iPad has gone from a brand-new device to a wide-reaching line of products that meet the needs of a range of users. On this week’s episode of Mac Power Users, Stephen and I talk about the current state of the platform, and how it fits in with the iPhone and Mac.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:.

• FreshBooks: Online invoicing made easy.

• TextExpander from Smile: Get 20% off with this link and type more with less effort! Expand short abbreviations into longer bits of text, even fill-ins, with TextExpander from Smile.

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On the latest episode of Automators, Rosemary and I look at our automations surrounding capture and review. Between Shortcuts and web-based automations, Drafts and URL schemes, there is plenty you can automate.

This episode of Automators is sponsored by:

• Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code AUTOMATORS to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2021.

• ExpressVPN: High-speed, secure, and anonymous VPN service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.

• Kensington: The professionals’ choice. Find the right docking solutions for your organization today.

Stephen Hackett just released a new podcast called Flashback. The subtitle “Let Past = ‘Prologue’” explains it all. They are looking at technology in the past and how it led to where we are now. I can think of no one better than Stephen to make a show like this. Already listened to the first episode and can’t wait for more. 

In episode 82 of the Focused podcast, I ruminated about the merit of “the hustle”. For the longest time, I thought the hustle was a good thing. It meant I was willing to wake up earlier and go to bed later. It meant that even when my heart wasn’t in it, I was ready to grind it out to get the job done. But the problem with the hustle is that grind. Indeed, as David Heinemeier Hansson wrote, the “hustle” became the “grind.” 

Since we recorded that episode, I’ve been thinking about this concept. When I compare periods of hustle versus periods of thoughtful consideration and deliberate work, I believe that my very best work comes from the latter. Indeed, a lot of the work I have done over the years in the midst of the hustle was, in hindsight, subpar. Looking back, I realize I was doing work that was less than my very best and burning myself out in the process.

So after years of coaching my children that they should always be willing to hustle, I find myself reversing course and talking to them more about planning and deliberate work. If you pride yourself on your ability to hustle, maybe it’s time to rethink and put that in the rearview mirror.