Mac or Windows?Every computer has an OS (operating system). The OS controls the computer and allows the programs to work. There are three major operating systems: Windows, Mac, and Linux. Linux is generally more difficult to use, and has the fewest number of people using it. About 95% of all computer owners use Windows. Most of the rest use the Mac.
The nature of computers has changed slightly this year. Before, there were two major computer "platforms," two types of computers you could buy: Windows and Mac. Each platform used different hardware. Windows runs on the Intel-style platform (though AMD also makes the same type of CPU), and is commonly called "Wintel." Macs have used Motorola and IBM CPUs in the past, along with other differences in the machine.
Each platform could only use its own operating system. If you bought one, you could not use the other. This meant you had to make a big choice; if you changed your mind later, you would have to buy all new hardware and software.
This changed in January of 2006 when Apple Computer switched to using the Intel CPU; in effect, Apple moved onto the Windows platform. As a result, any Macintosh computer introduced in 2006 or later can also run Windows. You can buy one computer, but use both operating systems. These new Macs are sometimes called "Mactel" computers.
Only Mactels, made by Apple, can run both operating systems. If you buy a Wintel computer (made by companies such as Sony, Dell, Fujitsu, and so on), you cannot run the Mac OS.
On a Mactel, you have four choices. You can:
- run the Windows OS only
- run the Mac OS only
- do a "dual boot," where you choose Mac or Windows every time you restart
- run the Mac OS, but use "virtualization" software that allows you to run the Windows OS "inside" the Mac OS
Apple's computers tend to be a bit more expensive than the cheapest Wintel computers, but when the computers are the same quality, the prices are about the same. In some cases, Apple's computers can even be cheaper. However, if you buy a Mactel computer and want to run Windows, you must buy the Windows OS separately. It will cost a bit more, but in the end, using a Mactel can give you much better flexibility and choices.
So, what is the difference between the Mac and Windows? That depnds on what you want to do and what your personal style and preference is.
Which programs you use is important. If you want to do gaming or business, for example, a Windows PC is better. For editing movies and other artistic goals, the Mac is better.
Software variety is also a difference. The Mac has almost every kind of software that Windows has, but Windows has more variety--for example, if you want a word processor, there might be five choices for the Mac, but twenty for the PC.
Then there is ease-of-use. The Mac tends to be more stylish and user-friendly--easier to use, less difficult to deal with. However, only 3% to 5% of people use the Mac, which means that there are more choices in software are for the PC.
For security, the Mac is the better choice--almost all viruses and computer attacks are aimed at the Windows PC. There are about 60,000 viruses that can attack your Windows computer. The Mac is more secure; there are no viruses that can hurt the Mac right now. The main reason for its safety is that few people use it, so the hackers aim at the bigger target: Windows. But the Mac's general security is also of better quality than Windows. If you have a Mac, you never get viruses and you do not need an anti-virus program.
Cost is also a factor. PCs tend to cost less at first; the PC machines are cheaper. However, the Macs are better quality--they last a longer time, they have fewer problems, and they are easier and cheaper to fix and to upgrade. In a business situation, PCs require more technical support, more repairs, more service time. So in the end, the costs are pretty much equal.
The final consideration might be user support. There are more Windows users, so if you have a PC, there might be more people who can share with you and help you.
However, Apple's customer support is the best of all the computer companies; it gets the highest ratings. Furthermore, Apple Computer has a worldwide warranty, which means that if you buy it in Japan, you can get it fixed in America.
Apple computers are also more multilingual: the Mac OS can change between languages very easily. Not only can you read and write in many different languages, but the basic language of the OS can be changed. That is not possible in Windows.
So, Windows is better:
- For gaming
- For special business apps
- Because is has a wider selection of software
- Because it can be cheaper (but not always)
- Because most people use it, and it is easier to find support
The Mac is better :
- For graphics or moviemaking
- Because it is more stylish and easy to use
- Because it is safer, with no viruses or other malware
- Because the language support is better
- Because the customer support is better
In the end, you may want to test both machines for a while, using them in stores or borrowing them from friends, and see which one feels better for you.
Or, if you can afford a little more, you can get a Mactel plus Windows, and use both.
