Mac vs PC

[higley]

Every once in a while an issue arises that demands our thoughtful consideration. So I ask you: are you a Mac or a PC?

Once, when I was young(er) and ignorant in the ways of the world, I called Macintosh "Macintrash" and trumpeted the superiority of Microsoft. I rescind these thoughtless words as I sit typing on my Mac computer.

I know it depends on what you use the computer for (as an artist I find Macs better suited for my work, but I understand that programmers prefer Windows still). When I purchased my new Mac I gave my old MacMini to my mother, who is still trying to understand it and I think still prefers the Dell machine she uses at work. My father loves Macs however, and swears the next computer he gets will be one. But being something of a techie himself, he favors the Linux system above all else.

How about you? Or does it really matter? Macs are so expensive and that is really my only objection to them. I about broke my budget getting this one, but I love it so I won't complain. :D Apple's become trendy (my fellow artsy people view Steve Jobs with reverence) but I don't think that dismissal of pop culture--in this case--ought to overshadow the genuine appeal of these machines.

I do, however, keep my Dell computer handy although using it is a pain now. There are yet some programs only available to PC that I wish would make the jump to Mac already.

[Virgil]

I've never really used a Mac Higley so I can't tell. But I've been happy with the PC system. I know Mac users are extremely loyal. But I've always thought of it as novelty and the association of being unique. If Macs are so expensive then I don't see any reason for buying them.

[Zee.]

Macs are amazing

[papayahed]

I've never used a Mac.

[Mathor]

I have been a Mac user for much of my life, and honestly I don't really see any reason to switch over. I'll run down my pro's and cons.

Windows -
Pro - CHEAPER!
Con - Windows software is HORRIBLE.

Mac -
Pro - The monitors have better resolution and more light (so for artists this is VERY IMPORTANT).Programs like Photoshop or other programs that use a lot of memory like photo or video editors like Final Cut Pro tend to run faster on Mac hardware (I have both a P.C and a Mac and always yield better results from my Mac). Their software is often very well-written. (iTunes, Safari)
Cons - Expensive. No very good games for Mac if you are a gamer.

So at least for me, the only reason not to get a mac is if you seek affordability. Though I agree they are VERY overpriced, I love them enough that it's worth it for me.

[Themis]

Every once in a while an issue arises that demands our thoughtful consideration. So I ask you: are you a Mac or a PC?


Mac.
We always had Macs in the family. I did have a PC once (for games though) and had to use one at school (and I'm still certain that I almost failed my informatics class because I simply couldn't get my PC to do what I wanted it to do) , but I'm definitely a Mac-fan. What you can get with one click on a Mac, you'll need five steps for on a PC as far as I know.

[billl]

Macs are too expensive. The most recent versions of software usually pop up on Windows first, too, but the software situation seems to be improving for Macs (People have been saying that for some time, so it must be true :)).

Other than that, I think Macs are superior. I've used both (at jobs, it's always been Windows, and a lot of my friends and family do Windows). Macs have well-integrated innovations before Windows adopts them; impressively done standard features such as Spotlight (which searches the hard-drive for file-names and text SUPER-fast, as one types, and is hovering in the top right corner at all times); there's rarely a system request involving super-technical issues or arcanely named files; and my experience is that Windows is more apt to get into trouble as things get more automated (for example, a highly-regarded security program had a feature that automated updates on a relative's computer, and it suggested updating software that wasn't on the machine, confusing it with another program). Still, it is truly impressive how Microsoft has managed to hold it together, maintain support for older versions of that spaghetti-coded graft over DOS, and continue playing a decent game of catch-up with Macintosh. I think the price issue makes Windows a very-defensible choice. And I think higley's right about how the purpose for using the computer could also be a deciding factor.

[AuntShecky]

What a timely thread, right up my own personal alley today, as tech problems (such as booting up) are currently rampant.

Right now I'm fortunate to be able to be online, since our three-year-old computer, an "emachine" whose name is Pong II, is moribund. I wish I could afford a Mac, but it's too expensive. Not every program is compatible, but the good things I've heard about Macs over-ride that issue. For instance, the Mac is extremely user-friendly.

If you don't see me on the LitNet for awhile, you'll know that Pong II has breathed its last, but I'll try to get another one ASAP.

[Niamh]

I use a PC. Very few people use MACs here in Ireland. Probably because of all the software giants that have located here in the past. I have however used A MAC in college to make a website. For the Dreamwever and Fireworks programmes (which are probably prehistoric at this point in time...was 2001 after all) i found the MAC much better than the PC which i struggled to get around certain proceedures on that were simple on the MAC. I think from a design/ art point of view the MAC does win hands down. But, for a plain, simple, easy to use computer for writing, its Microsoft... although i'm not a fan of vista and thankfully still have windows on my laptop. :D

[Virgil]

I use a PC. Very few people use MACs here in Ireland. Probably because of all the software giants that have located here in the past. I have however used A MAC in college to make a website. For the Dreamwever and Fireworks programmes (which are probably prehistoric at this point in time...was 2001 after all) i found the MAC much better than the PC which i struggled to get around certain proceedures on that were simple on the MAC. I think from a design/ art point of view the MAC does win hands down. But, for a plain, simple, easy to use computer for writing, its Microsoft... although i'm not a fan of vista and thankfully still have windows on my laptop. :D

Isn't that another good reason to go with a PC? There is more available software for them. At least they used to be.

[Niamh]

yeah it is. The new tills we got into work are actually microsoft systems and are classed as the best. They are really good. :)

[AimusSage]

This topic is like a religious debate for geeks.

Windows FTW! Vista was a dud, but windows 7 is so much better, taking the best bits of the mac while leaving out all the crappy stuff.

Mathor, Mac monitors do not have better resolutions. Actually there are better monitors available for both the mac and PC than the standard mac monitors.

[JBI]

I have a Mac, and though tempted to become a "Mac guy" because it cost too much, I still am a PC person, simply because the system is far more natural and user friendly, though neither are particularly good.

[Mathor]

This topic is like a religious debate for geeks.

Windows FTW! Vista was a dud, but windows 7 is so much better, taking the best bits of the mac while leaving out all the crappy stuff.
\

Wishful Thinking? Windows 7 hasn't come out yet.

[higley]

Vista is a major pain in the butt. It was the bump in many a road for some friends during college, trying to transfer projects from their homes to the campus.

What's nice is that as much more money as the Mac cost, I have saved at least as much in all the repair work I haven't needed for it. The built in virus protection is superb; with my old PC laptop I am constantly dealing with virus alerts, scans and bugs. I haven't gotten a single virus on my Mac. Whether that's because the built-in firewalls are so effective or because there simply aren't many viruses yet being unleashed on them, it's liberating not to deal with that. And I LOVE the system updates.

Plus, the processors and graphics cards really are great. I use the Adobe Creative Suite and it just goes so smoothly on this computer, whereas Photoshop on my Dell is a frustrating experience.

AimusSage you are right. This is a total nerd debate. :D

Isn't Windows 7 sort of a step back from what they were trying to do with Vista? I'm not familiar with that outside of playing with it in Best Buy and listening to my bud complain.

[AimusSage]

Wishful Thinking? Windows 7 hasn't come out yet.
It's called a release candidate.

higley W7 takes away all the annoying slow stuff and incompatability. so yes, it is nice.

[Mathor]

It's called a release candidate.

higley W7 takes away all the annoying slow stuff and incompatability. so yes, it is nice.


As has been seen with Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft is finally catching up. My dad is a big Microsoft nerd and he showed me Internet Explorer and I was impressed they took all the best things about Safari and Firefox. I imagine W7 will take all the best things from OSX on the Mac and give it a Windows feel. If that's the case, I might switch to Windows. As far as I know the last good OS they've made is Windows 98 (which was made over 11 years ago), so I'm not getting my hopes up, though. :(

[AimusSage]

As has been seen with Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft is finally catching up. My dad is a big Microsoft nerd and he showed me Internet Explorer and I was impressed they took all the best things about Safari and Firefox. I imagine W7 will take all the best things from OSX on the Mac and give it a Windows feel. If that's the case, I might switch to Windows. As far as I know the last good OS they've made is Windows 98 (which was made over 11 years ago), so I'm not getting my hopes up, though. :(

they actually did take a lot of good things from OSX and put them in windows while retaining the things that windows does do well. of course I concede it is not perfect, but as far as I can tell it might just be the best windows ever. I've been using windows 7 for a few weeks now and I have not had a single Hick up. the hardware drivers that come with windows generally work really well, although I switched to the latest beta drivers provided by manufacturers, to see how they hold up. I'm not using Internet exploder 8 anymore, I installed firefox, because I am used to it and have all my bookmarks in there and just don't feel like switching.

The Vista Dud made a lot of people switch to OSX, with good reason, it was terrible, I just skipped it entirely (except for my laptop, which came with it) and have now tried windows 7 and have not looked back to XP since.

[Niamh]

Vista was a piece of crap. I hated what i saw of it and cant get my head around it. Its annoying.
I have XP and i'm quite happy with it. If 7 is good i'll consider it.

[Michael T]

Visa was a piece of crap. I hated what i saw of it and cant get my head around it. Its annoying.
I have XP and i'm quite happy with it. If 7 is good i'll consider it.

Yes Niamh, but you can buy things with Visa... Just give it to the girl behind the counter! Vista however is not that popular. :D

[Niamh]

Yes Niamh, but you can buy things with Visa... Just give it to the girl behind the counter! Vista however is not that popular. :D

woops! :lol: once again my ablity to leave out letters when typing has gotten me in to a mess! :lol: but you knew what i meant... :D *coughs-smartarse-*

[AuntShecky]

When Windows Internet Explorer 7 came out a couple of years ago, it detrimentally affected the use of my HP system. For instance, before IE 7, I was able to put a photo in the printer and push "scan" to put it in the hard drive. Since IE7, I can't do that anymore. If I want to save a personal photo, I have to go online to a geocities site.

HP sent a patch that was supposed to override the problem, but something in Windows never let me install it in the "ADD New Programs" feature. There's a whole lot o' blockin' goin' on!

[Mathor]

When Windows Internet Explorer 7 came out a couple of years ago, it detrimentally affected the use of my HP system. For instance, before IE 7, I was able to put a photo in the printer and push "scan" to put it in the hard drive. Since IE7, I can't do that anymore. If I want to save a personal photo, I have to go online to a geocities site.

HP sent a patch that was supposed to override the problem, but something in Windows never let me install it in the "ADD New Programs" feature. There's a whole lot o' blockin' goin' on!

Get INTERNET EXPLORER 8!!!!!! I've ALWAYS been pretty Anti-Microsoft for many years and a big fan of Mac and Firefox. Internet Explorer 6 and 7 have ruined so many people's computers, as has Vista and XP, and i wish some people would just up and sue Microsoft for it. It's pretty terrible. Programs like this should NOT exist, and especially shouldn't be marketed and told that they really are good. However, as I said above, the new internet explorer fixes all of their old mistakes. It is faster than Firefox, it's smoother, there's more security, and the bookmark system is very similar to Safari and Firefox. It's really just Firefox but they put the Microsoft name on it. I do not use it for the simple fact that I'm a Mac user, so I use Safari or Firefox.

[Haunted]

MAC rules.

If you use a Mac you can ignore the following:

(email I received this morning)
HUGE VIRUS COMING ! PLEASE READ & FORWARD !

Hi All,

I checked with Norton Anti-V irus, and they are
gearing up for this virus!
I checked Snopes, and it is for real. Get this
E-mail message sent around to your contacts ASAP.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY
AND CONTACTS!

You should be alert during the next few days. Do not
open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM
HALLMARK,'regard less of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens
A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your
computer.

This virus will be received from someone who has
your e-mail address in his/her contact list. This is the reason why
you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts. It is better to
receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it.

If you receive a mail called' POSTCARD ,' even though
sent to you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down your computer
immediately. This is the worst virus announced by CNN.

It has been classified by Microsoft as the most
destructive virus ever. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday,
and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus.20This virus simply
destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information
is kept.

COPY THIS E-MAIL, AND SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS.
REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US

[AimusSage]

MAC rules.

If you use a Mac you can ignore the following:

(email I received this morning)
HUGE VIRUS COMING ! PLEASE READ & FORWARD !

Hi All,

I checked with Norton Anti-V irus, and they are
gearing up for this virus!
I checked Snopes, and it is for real. Get this
E-mail message sent around to your contacts ASAP.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY
AND CONTACTS!

You should be alert during the next few days. Do not
open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM
HALLMARK,'regard less of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens
A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your
computer.

This virus will be received from someone who has
your e-mail address in his/her contact list. This is the reason why
you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts. It is better to
receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it.

If you receive a mail called' POSTCARD ,' even though
sent to you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down your computer
immediately. This is the worst virus announced by CNN.

It has been classified by Microsoft as the most
destructive virus ever. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday,
and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus.20This virus simply
destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information
is kept.

COPY THIS E-MAIL, AND SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS.
REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US
Oh my goodness another boot virus...

Seriously, any one that panics or thinks you need to put stock in these lazy man's virus emails, should not even be allowed to use a computer.

[Taliesin]

I have a Mac, call it Alan sometimes. (after Alan Turing, there is an urban legend that says that the Apple logo is a homage to him)
Basically, what I most like about my Mac is that it works. I think I also could like to try Linux sometimes (since I like the freeware ethos), but since Mac works at this moment, I don't see a reason to.

It's not just the OS but also the hardware - i.e the magnetic cord - if it weren't for that, I'd have pulled the computer crashing down on the floor and had tripped over it for several , the light weight, the fact that you can put it to hibernate mode just by shutting the lid.
Plus the fact that there are no viruses and some quite comfortable gadgets - about the games, I agree, one can't play most of them. About programs, I think Mac has most of them, there is a nice number of Mac freeware out there, although some of it is a bit difficult to install. (while installing an obscure go program, I had to go into the python code and change the name of a certain module because my macs version of python (of which I am totally ignorant) was so new that the module had a different name than in the program).
I also have had a bit trouble while getting to work some programming language compilers/interpreters - couldn't actually do it with Prolog and Haskell. Mind you, I have had similar problems on Windows too since I am not very well versed with computers.

But other than the difficulties installing some obscure freeware programs and programming language compilators/interpreters, I can't complain.

[PortugalWillie]

Mac all the way. I got a mac for HS graduation a year ago and couldn't be happier with it.

I'm in college and a lot of my friends are computer science majors, most of which are in love with their Macs. So, the programmers are fans of Mac too.

Mac has done an amazing job at creating a customer base who really love their stuff, so while a lot of Windows users argue that the only appeal to Apple is the social status. People like that just don't understand. But I haven't see that argument made in the forum, so two thumbs up.

[Mathor]

Mac all the way. I got a mac for HS graduation a year ago and couldn't be happier with it.

I'm in college and a lot of my friends are computer science majors, most of which are in love with their Macs. So, the programmers are fans of Mac too.

Mac has done an amazing job at creating a customer base who really love their stuff, so while a lot of Windows users argue that the only appeal to Apple is the social status. People like that just don't understand. But I haven't see that argument made in the forum, so two thumbs up.

As a longtime Mac AND PC user, I would say generally the only people who have legitimate concerns about the Mac are those who have never had a Mac.

[Page Turner]

I've used a Mac for over 10 years and love them. I couldn't see myself going back to Windows. I don't think one is superior over the other. I just think girls are attracted to men who use Macs and being rather homely I need all the help I can get.

[Haunted]

I use a MacBook Air. It looks like a dream. Works like a dream.

I also have an old G4. At work I use a G5.

When I started working from home I thought I'd need a more powerful machine but no, the MacBook Air handles everything. 500MB Photoshop file - no problem. 2GB video file - no problem. I ftp gigantuan files back and forth over wifi. No problem. It's so seamless, I haven't gone into the office since I started 3 months ago.

I had a bit of PC experience before switching to Mac. I never looked back.

My fond memories of the PC were those "fatal errors". I always wondered who died inside the computer. Now I have Microsoft programs on my Macs, I get monthly "critical" update alerts from Microsoft. At least they downgraded from fatal to critical. But they are serious nevertheless, like if I don't update my Microsoft programs, very bad things will likely happen to my machine.

Outside of my creative circle are my PC friends. One of them had her PC infected so bad, she couldn't turn it on and had to throw it out. Unfortunately she bought another PC. It was returned to the factory twice for repair in less than a year.

I have 2 PC friends who are also PC professionals. One of them is a Microsoft Certified System Engineer, something like that. We IM each other everyday, back when I was on my old G4. But it'd be minutes before I get a message back from him. Turned out that his PC was so bogged down by anti-spyware and anti-virus programs, he couldn't do a thing on his PC. Then one fine day he went out and bought an iMac. He instantly got his life back.

Lastly, my other PC friend got her MacBook long before I got mine. She worships the Mac and told me PCs are bad news. I sure believe her, she writes programs for the PC for years.

Macs are extremely stable and worry-free. I haven't had any anti-virus programs on my G4 since 2005. I never had one on my MacBook Air either until 2 months ago, when someone told me about an anti-virus software, which I downloaded free.

My friend still turns on his PC, but only on Patch Tuesdays. I think he said every month on a Tuesday Microsoft releases major security updates, etc.

Apple has their Tuesday events too. But nothing life threatening. It's new music Tuesdays, when you get new songs on iTunes.

Some other footnotes....

Safari is the fastest web browser yet. It's available for Windows.

According to my web developer friends, Internet Explorer can't handle some websites because it doesn't support certain Javascript and Flash Actionscript but said the latest version is ok.