[jan_hangballas]

Which is better, PC or the Apple Mac?
And why?

[psi42]

Which is better, PC or the Apple Mac?
And why?

Well, that's a very subjective question. :)

Personally, I HATE the Mac OS X GUI, but others don't. Personally, I HATE everything about MS windows. But, let's try to be objective here.

Why people like MACs (more or less):
* Easy to use (supposedly)
* Less hardware problems (because Apple controls it all)
* Strong UNIX-based stuff under the hood, with a BSD-based kernel

Why people don't like MACs (more or less):
* Clunky GUI, too much stuff on the screen
* Mac hardware costs much more than PC hardware
* Fewer software titles than MS windows


Why people like windows (more or less):
* Most software is published for this platform
* Most software is published for this platform
* Most software is published for this platform
* Most computers are sold bundled with windows

Why people don't like windows (more or less):
* It crashes. A lot.
* Most virii are published for this platform
* Heavy-handed licensing tactics ;D


Why people like Linux (or GNU/Linux), or whatever you want to call it. Most stuff here can also apply to other Free Unix-like OSes, some to the non-Free ones maybe, but I have zero experience there:
* Incredibly stable
* Incredibly flexible
* Open source / Free software
* Excellent community support (meaning mostly better than "vendor" support)
* More choices

Why people don't like the stuff mentioned above:
* Not the easiest to learn apparently (You really really have to RTFM :) )
* Less consumer-level commercial software is published for these platforms
* You have to pay for "vendor" support, if you want it



Yeah, okay it's biased. Go figure.

You will never get a straight answer to this question. :)

[cremedies]

MAC's are more stable and generally will give you less problems and less downtime, however, PC's will give you more compatibility and usefulness because the vast majority of computer users use PC's. Even with all the problems and security issues that Windows PC's are open to, PC's still remain the computer of choice.

Also, Mac Repair technicians are harder to find because very few people actually work on them. Having said that, a MAC owner will tell you that it's because MAC's never break down.

I don't work on MAC's because that is not where the money is as a computer consultant. Out of several hundred calls a year, less than 5 of them are for MAC repair, so it is not worth my time to even learn MAC repair.

[labman]

You don't want Windows. Scroll through the computer sections here. Look at all the problems especially with viruses. Read the instruction for using Norton, McAfee, Spybot, etc. Do you want a computer you can set down and use, or one you must constantly be paranoid about what might happen to it. I have 2 computers, and never bother with that stuff. One is an ancient Mac. Great machine except it can hardly cope with many of the over done web sites these days. A newer Mac could and the malware would run off it like water on a ducks back. There are programs available to open the unending different MS files. ISP's and such can cope with a Mac. Most printer manufacturers write Mac drivers. Mac comes with sound, video, and ether net. The price difference isn't near as big as it is said to be.

Linux is available for most any hardware you want. You can watch sales and pick up add ons like DVD burners, etc. to go with a PC based system. You can partition your hard drive for dual boot and always be able to bring up Windows for the worst of the compatibility problems. You can also access Windows files from Linux. It can be difficult to learn. In dealing with tech service people, they will freeze up and say sorry, I can't help. The RoadRunner techs tell me they are not allowed to do anything with a Linux system.