Macs VS PCs - Martha's Reference for BCST 119

SOURCE: http://www.openobject.org/modmania/Macs_VS_PCs - accessed 9/25/12

Nowadays is computer’s era. From the statistic in 2008, there are over one million computers are being used worldwide. There are two main available choices of computer in the world market, which are Macintosh Interface and Windows Personal Computer. Therefore, there are two different types of people as well; Macintosh users and PC users. This essay is going to talk about the comparison between Macs and PCs ; How are they similar? How are they different? And Between Macs and PCs, which one is better?

Mac stands for Macintosh and it refers to any computer products from Apple Company. Mac is classified separately from PCs. However, in early 2006, Apple switched to an Intel architecture for their computer systems, which now makes it possible to run Microsoft Windows on Mac hardware. Apple redesigned their operating system based on UNIX in 2000, and more software packages and file formats have become interoperable between PCs and Macs every day.

PC stands for Personal Computer and it refers to any IBM-compatible computer. The word PC comes from the first personal computer made by IBM. A computer that is IBM-compatible means that its architecture is based on the IBM microprocessor. Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system, which is compatible with PCs.

Basically, Macs and PCs have a lot in common, even though they have been made out to be two completely different types of computer.

Firstly, Macs actually are PCs, in term of PC is stand for personal computer. However, the reason why people not refer Macs as PCs is because Macs are so thoroughly branded and different from other PCs that people refer to them as Macs.

Next, if Macs and PCs are taken apart, you will find that Macs and PCs use the same parts and components which means they use the same basic hardware like a motherboard, processor, RAM memory, graphic card and so on.

However, they use different software. Macs run on the operating system OS X that can run Windows on Macs as well. But OS X is the default operating system of Mac computers only. Steve Jobs, the co-founder and chief executive officer of Apple, specifically built Apple to be the sole supplier of Mac software as well as Mac hardware. Thus, it can be guaranteed that all of software and hardware will work well together.

On the other hand, PCs are best known for running on the operating system Windows. It is the most popular operating system in the history of computers because Bill Gates, the co-founder and chairman of Microsoft, chose to sell Windows to any computer manufacturer that wanted to distribute it with their own PCs. That is why Dell, HP, SONY and so on, are all Windows PCs.

It is true that PCs have some advantages over Macs. But for now, the focus will be on advantages of a Mac over PC.

Firstly, as we know, Macs have a higher quality sound, and picture than the PCs. Therefore, Macs are very clear and focused on the artistic and creative market. They generally better for audiovisual work such as audio engineering, film editing, and graphic design.

Secondly, OS X is a great operating system. It's easy to use, efficient, and features a very friendly user interface. However, it does not mean that Macs will not get viruses because they can, but there are far less OS X exploit viruses out there than Windows viruses.

Thirdly, OS X is a flexible operating system. With Macs, you have the flexibility of OS X and Windows operating systems on one machine, which is different from Window PCs because it cannot run OS X on themselves. Thus, OS X together with Windows is better than just Windows.

Fourthly, Macs have a better design of the interface and look and feel. They are very well designed computer and visually appealing with a "high-end" feel. Until some people claim that the new Sony Vaios and HP Envys’ design copy or get the inspiration from Macs. Plus, Apple’s fit and finish does not generally bend and creak like the plastic panels on many PC laptops and its keyboards are high quality because Apple selects good quality parts like very good LCD or LED panels for its screens.

Next, Macs have the innovations by producing Multi-touch, Magic mouse, iTunes, and so on, which people cannot get these things from buying Window PCs. Then, Apple also provide the Apple Store that is a place where customers can take their Mac if anything goes wrong, and there's a good chance it will get fixed. In addition, there is also Apple support, which is available 24/7.

Plus, Macs are faster than PCs. PC Authority’s own Labs tests proved that the Mac Pro, the current top-end machine in Apple’s line up, was faster running Windows XP than any conventional PC at that time. In addition, even though Macs are often criticized for being overpriced, but when you spread the cost over their respective working lives, the Mac comes out cheaper than a PC.

Lastly, PCs always load up with junk that keeps popping up at you reminding you your six month trial is about to run out, and some apps are deliberately difficult to uninstall. But with Macs, this situation will not happen. Plus, On a Mac, you don't have to run additional security software, which therefore doesn't slow down the computer, doesn't cause problems

On the other hand, the following paragraph will focus on the advantage of PCs over Macs

Firstly, due to being first in the world market, PCs are more commonly used worldwide. Window is the program and interface that most computer manufacturers use for their laptops and desktops. This makes it more accessible and available. Which means branded PCs are a wide market. But there are really only 6 types of Mac computer including MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, iMac, and Mac Pro. Thus, PCs have a larger support community behind them.

Secondly, PCs are generally cheaper in price than Macs. Thus, You can get the same processor, amount of RAM, and hard drive capacity for much cheaper with a PC.

Thirdly, you can build a PC from the ground up or pay someone to do it for you, by picking each individual component such as choices of case, CPU, monitor and so on. It shows that PCs give you maximum customizability.

Fourthly, PCs are better for gaming because PCs support thousands of decent games while Macs is still selling the out of date games, which are at least one to two years behind. So, if you live for the latest video games, PCs is the better choice for you.

Next, the strength of PC is on basic programs that are commonly used by people in work or school such as word documents, tabular sheets, or presentation materials with the Microsoft Office software. Using these programs in a PC allows more shortcuts and formulations, which are missing in the Mac version of the same software. For example, it shows that the majority of businesses use PCs. It might due to Macs do not support some important business programs, therefore the most of business man choose to use PCs instead of Macs.

Lastly, if some people say Macs is the best computer, why there is a survey shows that 85% of Mac Owners Also Have a PC?

However, from the statistic in 2007, there are 22 million Mac users worldwide. So if the world has about 6.6 billion people, that would mean 0.57 billion Mac users. Moreover, in March 2008, Apple has sold about 10 million Macs, and nearly half to switchers from Windows.

On the other hand, another research shows that in 2009, 93.06% are PCs user worldwide whilst Macs users are only 4.87%

Nevertheless, there are two types of people, Mac person and PC person. In this case, at some point in a person’s life they come across computers for the first time. For example, if a person was first introduced to a Macintosh and immediately picked up on how it worked, they would most likely become a Mac person. Or maybe the person never figured out how to work a Mac, but understood how a PC operated better. Then most likely the person would become a PC user.

However, many people never think about switching from a PC to a Mac. A switch would be a change and people are naturally afraid of change, especially when they already have to change the software on their computer regularly because of changes in technology. Thus, often times when a person is introduced to another computer type they feel overwhelmed. Additionally, they usually cannot work the new software on it and may just give up totally on that brand and stick to their original brand. Events like this are likely to make a person more loyal to their computer brand.

In conclusion, both Macs and PCs have its pros and cons for use, but they are equally efficient in helping one work smartly. This topic is all personal preference and opinions. Some people like Macs better, some people like PCs better. But the most important thing to think about is which one is more fit for an individual’s use for a computer, not just which one is better.

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MACs VS PCs - Reference for BCST 119