Q: I’m buying a new computer and I don’t know if I should get a Mac or a PC. Which is better?

A: Have you seen the Apple television ads that start with “Hi, I’m a Mac – and I’m a PC…”? The ones that claim Apple Macintosh computers are easier to use, more reliable, and less prone to spyware and virus infections than machines running Windows? They’re all true.

Really.

Apple builds their machines using a more elegant design than most PC companies (except possibly Dell), while putting much more care into quality control than most PC manufacturers (Dell is the exception again on the PC side). What really sets Apple’s computers apart is their operating system: Mac OS X (Operating System 10).

Mac OS X is actually built on top of FreeBSD Unix, an operating system that has been around for some time and that was engineered with security and reliability in mind. Apple’s genius was to hide FreeBSD under a shiny, and wonderfully easy to use interface.

Apple’s design is better; their hardware is generally better; and their operating system is years ahead of Microsoft when it comes to reliability and usability. You don’t have to worry about your system getting infected with every little thing that comes along (unlike Windows).

That’s the good news.

Here’s what the Apple ads don’t tell you: Their computers tend to cost around 50% more than an equivalent PC; their warranty and support doesn’t compare to that offered by other computer manufacturers (Dell stands out again – noticing a trend here?); and the selection of software available for Macs is a fraction of that available for Windows PCs.

Those doing their books on Simply Accounting should know that there is currently no Mac version offered for sale – Quickbooks is the only major accounting software offered for the Mac platform. Farmers and ranchers using AgExpert Analyst are also locked into using Windows. Those who like higher-end games (flight simulators, first person shooters, etc.) will also have to stick with Windows. The reason for this is that Windows owns over 90% of the desktop market, so software developers tend to go where the money is. Hopefully this will change.

Apple would like you to know that Macs are also capable of running Windows (true!), but this means buying an extra license for Windows. You’re looking at shelling out an additional $270 or so for Windows Vista Home Basic Edition, for example. It also means that your Mac – when it’s running under Windows – is now vulnerable to all of the same crud on the Internet that you bought your Apple to get away from in the first place.

The bottom line is that Apple’s Mac computers are better than Windows PCs in terms of reliability and performance so long as you can live with the higher initial price tag and a more limited software selection. Windows PCs are suggested for those with wider ranging software needs and better anger management skills.

If you decide to buy a Mac, I recommend skipping their retail outlets, which are staffed by pimply, obnoxious sleazoids who will push unneeded extras on you. You’re better off ordering through their online store at www.apple.ca.

Those buying a Windows system should consider buying a Dell, which currently offers the best price, performance value, and build quality of the major manufacturers, in my opinion. They are also the only major company that will actually dispatch a technician from Lloydminster to homes in this area in the event you have a hardware problem as part of their warranty coverage. The only thing I have against Dell is that their systems come loaded with Windows.

Sean McCormick
A+, Network+, Linux+, CTT+, I-Net+
MCSA, MCSE, LPIC1