05/08/2010 12:29:00

Perhaps the hyperbole doesn’t tell the whole story or give you facts needed to make an informed decision. Let’s explore a little deeper. I hear it all the time, “my PC is slow and full of virus, I think I’ll buy a Mac.” That’s a fair and common statement but one that is likely uninformed. It is true that PCs with the Microsoft Windows XP operating systems are plagued by virus and malware attacks. The PCs require special software to protect them against such problems. The Mac, for the most part, is not subject to virus attacks. PCs need additional software to accomplish what the Mac does natively. Let me suggest the PC is maligned for two reasons. First, there are many more PCs in this world than Macs. This means there are more people seeking help when problems occur. In addition, there are more hackers trying to make a name for themselves hacking Microsoft products. Fame comes from the number of infections one can create. PCs draw a bigger crowd because the Windows world dominates the market with 85% while Macs have l0% - all the other systems taking the remainder. Second, the Windows XP operating system is over 10 years old. It wasn’t designed to root out the type of malware that exists on the Internet today. Most will compare Windows XP against the latest Mac version of Snow Leopard. Snow Leopard is about a year old. Not a fair comparison. The good news is PCs now enjoy the security of Windows 7, which I have maintained since its introduction, is a game changer. Windows 7 has a secure system design from the ground up. It is approaching its first birthday. To compare Mac against Windows 7 is a fair and reasonable comparison. I give the edge to the PC. Here’s why. The most compelling reason to own a PC is the ever expanding library of applications available to it. The Windows operating system (OS) is generally more open and receptive to new applications than the Mac. That means more developers write and release applications (programs) for the Windows operating system. Mac applications must withstand a higher level of scrutiny and nothing gets released unless Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple) says it may. The most compelling reason to own a PC is software, lots and lots of software. PCs are less expensive than Macs. If cost is a major purchase consideration you should know you will spend less for a PC and get more power for your dollars. The Mac will cost more than the PC would and you get less hardware in the bargain. In addition to the hardware (computer itself) Mac software is generally more expensive due to the limitations imposed by Steve Jobs and a smaller market to sell applications to. Oh, did I mention Macs break down as frequently as PCs? Price is an important factor in your decision. Repairs are necessary for just about any PC or Mac. For example, the Mac and PC use exactly the same hard drives and those drives break down at exactly the same interval. However, getting a hard drive installed into a Mac simply costs more. Getting Mac repairs done can be tough because there fewer Mac repair shops compared to the shops and stores repairing PCs. If you have trouble locating a Mac repair shop you could send your Mac to the repair depot. It may be your only alternative but that’s not all bad because my sources tell me if your Mac is under warranty they provide excellent service. Frequently Mac techs will replace your computer with a new one, rather than have you suffer the rigors of repair. On the other hand Macs can be flexible according to Andrew Stuart, a repair tech who owns and repairs both Macs and PC at ComputersUSA in Clayton, “It [Mac] has something for everyone, from the novice, to the windows administrator, to the Unix professional. The ease of use for most casual users is magnificent.” It seems out of the box you can be productive as a single user. No doubt the Mac is a winner. Special software will allow you to run both Mac and Windows applications. However, in various business environments the PC is still king and Macs can be unruly. Simply, if you’re an existing PC user and have a PC networks, stick with them, mixing platforms isn’t recommended. In summation, Macs are a good choice, but so are PCs. So, it really depends on your application, need and budget – neither holds a major superiority edge against the other. I would not suggest Macs for specialized business applications, system monitoring, power network users or users that can’t afford the luxury. Macs are expensive even when compared to PCs needing constant antivirus modifications. If you get your email from a Microsoft Exchange server, then stick with Microsoft. If you don’t know what a server is, it may not matter. If you’re looking for an uncomplicated, and easy computer, and can afford it, go Mac. Anyway, you should seek out a licensed computer professional for advice on your situation.