MAC-vs-PC

MAC vs. PC

Nowadays, computers have become a very important part of our modern life. It is necessary to have one at home, one at work, school and even at the cafeteria where people can use them for various purposes. However, considering the variety of computers that exist today, the big issue is what kind of machine you are going to use in order to get your work done. In the huge world of countless computer types and models, the choice of systems can be a complicated and difficult one. I did some research on this issue and will be presenting in this paper what the dominant competitors in the Information Technology market are and the most important factors one needs to consider when choosing what computer to purchase.

Basically, there are two main competitors, the Mac using as operating system MAC OS created by Macintosh, and PC using as operating system Windows created by Microsoft. Everyone has their own opinion on which one of the two choices is the best; personally, as a computer science student I have used both programs on different kinds of computers. Even though PC’s are far more popular and preferable, and for good reasons, the Mac system is considered to be the more durable and useful of the two. Computers are made and marketed as all-purpose machines, but for a lot of people they have a rather limited job description: Web browsing, e-mail, MP3s, digital photos, the occasional letter etc. Those are functions that any remotely new computer can easily perform. Unfortunately, just because any random computer will suffice does not necessarily mean that you should buy it without further meditation. (Pegoraro). Here are some of the issues one needs to carefully consider before purchasing a computer.

First of all, the software availability is of great importance. The majority of computer users own PC’s, for both work and entertainment reasons. Therefore, software companies find that it is far more profitable to develop software that is for use on a PC instead of a Mac. There is such a large variety of software provided for PC’s, something that Mac’s lacks, that it could be a topic unto itself, yet Macs do have a major advantage in one area. Mac computers have some highly specialized software for media production, and have been ahead of PC’s for quite some time.

Moreover, the Mac is more expensive than a PC. The cost alone would be more attractive to a home user. A user would be able to purchase a PC computer for the 1/3rd of the cost of a Mac computer, and obtain the same results. Therefore, because the PC is more affordable than the Mac, home users generally prefer PC. Generally speaking, deciding to purchase a Mac is like deciding to purchase a Ferrari high quality and unique. Getting a PC, on the other hand, is more like getting a Hyundai.

In addition to that, it is important to mention that computer technology changes so rapidly, that it unavoidably forces computer users to either purchase a new computer to stay up to date, or to upgrade to a better software and hardware. PC computers are more compatible with hardware and software than the Mac computers are. There is more hardware and software designed specifically for the PC computer use, leaving more options for upgrading in the future. When a Mac computer goes obsolete, its user will most likely have to purchase a new system. Simply upgrading to better or software can be less expensive than just purchasing a new computer, so a PC computer makes this option easier for home computer users.

Furthermore, another issue of extreme importance in choosing between a PC or a Mac is security. The term security implies all kind of possible threats that can cause serious damage to your computer files wile you browse the web. “There are more than 147,000 viruses for PC’s” (Apple website). This is an advantageous issue for MAC users since the structure of the computers created by Macintosh prevents the viruses from penetrate the computer’s system. On the other hand, it is extremely easy for a PC user to have his/her system infected with all kinds of threats. In order to avoid this, the PC users have to spend extra money every year to purchase and install an antivirus program, an internet security program, etc., to keep their computer protected.

As far as setting up hardware and installing software is concerned, it is a much easier task when it comes to using a Mac computer. If your time has great value, you will be interested in knowing that configuring files and resolving problems with peripherals are virtually unknown on a Mac (Georges). PC’s, on the other hand can be quite annoying and irritating when one tries to install an application, since a ‘next’ button has to be constantly pressed, followed by a “are sure?” confirmation, and this keeps going on until the installation process is complete; as you can see, this process can not be time-efficient.

Moreover, Mac files automatically recognize the creator application; PC files require a three-character extension. Changing a Mac file name does not change how an application recognizes it. It is important to mention here that Mac’s multiscan monitors can switch resolutions and change color bit depth without rebooting; PCs need an add-on utility to do this.
Finally, the wireless connection, the function that allows your computer to connect with the internet, needs to be considered when choosing between a Mac and a PC. A Mac makes wireless connection quite easy. Networks appear automatically, and one can get access on the Internet with just a few clicks. On the contrary, when using a PC one has to turn on the rooter, wait while it searches for signal and some boxes to pop up, and then he/she can connect to the internet.

In conclusion, we can say that PC and Apple Macintoshes offer many technologically advanced set-ups; computer users must chose which options better suit their individual preferences. They must consider what is wanted and needed in their overall computer setup. The demands and needs of the consumers will define computers of the future.

WORKS CITED

“Mac vs. PC: How to Decide” The Washington Post 26.nov. 2006. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp_dyn/content/article/2006/11/25/AR2006112500045.html>

“Mac v. PC” ABA JOURNAL mar.2008 < http://abajournal.com/magazin/mac_v_pc/>

“Why you will love a Mac” Apple 10.dec.2008 < http://www.apple.com/getamac/whymac/>