Which one is better, PC or Mac?

Question

I just saw the ad from Apple. They said that their mac has 0 percent chance to get virus, better movie player, and eaiser way to hoop up with Internet. Is here any Mac users who really knows how Mac works better than PCs? But I have a question, if Mac is truly superior than PC, why PC is more popular?

Answer 1

Since we've had quite a few pro-PC arguments here (since there are quite a few PC users here!) I'd like to contribute to the pro-Mac side and talk more about the average person's use of a Mac.

First, I've been a Windows user (and computer nerd) all my life. I only switched to Mac (I bought a 12" iBook laptop) last year, because I was sick of my computers crashing and I'd heard that Macs were better for that. I also liked the design, and the cool creative software that comes free with Mac, like Garageband or iMovie, and lately, the built-in digital camera you can use for quick pictures and webcam conversations. So here's what I liked about my Mac:

+ I can trust it to not lose my work.

A program rarely ever freezes (and if it does, it's usually the same program), so I've actually gotten lazy and rarely save anything until the last minute. When I use Windows computers at school, I forget that rather that just one program freezing, the whole computer can actually freeze and force you to restart. I've yet to see that happen on either of my Mac laptops. In other words, I never have that moment when you realize the mouse cursor won't move.

+ The interface is more intuitive.

For example, when I was setting up my new wireless internet, my laptop instantly connected to the signal and I just had to plug in my username and password, and I was good to go! But when I set it up for my friends, (who all run Windows) I had to open different folders and change different settings, and go through a "wizard" and keep clicking "ok" and stuff. Once I got used to my Mac, it feels like Windows - with its endless folders and subfolders and crappy file search and confusing organization system - is just trying to take the most complicated route. If I'm not sure what to press, I just try based on a hunch, and it usually works.

+ Better software.

As soon as I got my first Mac, I quickly acquired Microsoft Office. While I still use it to open some files, I rarely ever use it to create files. Especially with word processing; I just like using my Mac program more. A great example of this is bullets: have you ever tried to make a list with bullets (like the "+" signs I'm using here) in Word? It's infuriating, especially if you want different kinds of bullets, and sometimes one of the bullets will be a bigger size than the others, or the indentation will be different, or you can't stop bulleting, or you have to press all kinds of keys to make it happen. My program Pages just...does it.

+ Durability!

I was used to replacing my computer within two to three years if it was Windows. I was used to total system crashes, hard drive problems, and other failures. Mac is more like a Toyota - it rarely needs a total overhaul, but when it does, it's actually over something serious. Also, I have never paid a cent for computer service. I just buy AppleCare (something like $300) which is a warranty that protects me for three years after the first 90-day warranty is up. Compared to what I've paid salvaging all my Windows computers, I'm ok with this! Not to mention just regular physical durability - there's nothing scarier to me than those CD-ROM drives on Windows laptops, that slide out of the machine - they're so fragile! My Mac is self-contained and has a slot drive - you pop your DVDs or CDs in, and it'll spit them back out on command. This is part of the design element.

Did I expect to be sold on the Mac right away? No. Was I? Yes.

As to the other comments about Mac:

+ Less software:

Mac users can get a program called Boot Camp that lets you run Windows on a Mac machine. I suggest sticking with Windows if you are an avid gamer, or use it only for business purposes and don't mind the freezing/crashing. Other than that, as someone who uses regular stuff and also dabbles in less common programs, I have never felt restricted by being Mac. If anything...it's more like me, saying to my friends, "What? You can't get Adium? You can't navigate all this pictures using iPhoto? Can't I sync this with iCal? How do you get anything done?" Also...why does it take like five minutes on a Windows computer from boot-up to being ready to open programs? If it takes more than 30 seconds on my Mac, I'd be worried.

+ Less susceptible to viruses and spyware:

It's true, most hackers and bad programmers are more familiar with Windows than Mac. So I've never used a firewall or a spyware sweeper or anything, because I never have problems. Ever. I run Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy on my friends' computers and cringe when it comes up with 200 results.

+ Cost:

In what I pay for replacement computers, parts, and service on a Windows machine, I'd rather stick to Mac, thanks. I've never paid for anything since I bought the machine. I've had two problems with Mac machines - one, I broke my adaptor port by stepping on the adaptor while it was inside (no longer a problem with new Mac laptops), and two, my battery died (I took it to my local Apple-certified computer shop, and they gave me a new battery.)

A note about Windows Vista and Mac Leopard:

Both companies are releasing new operating system within the next two years. Vista should be sooner, around January, Leopard later, like next spring. Vista is a bit cumbersome - slower, bulkier, and copied a lot of Mac concepts (see the links below). I think that's a good indication of Windows realizing that Mac has a better interface right now. At any rate, since Vista is basically a chunkier version of the normal Mac OS, "Tiger", I'm sticking to what I've got...and will wait for Leopard, which will hopefully learn from Vista's mistakes.

Why, historically, have PCs been more popular?

+ They came first. Mac computers were initially just a response to IBM, that was meant to be easier to use, with an emphasis on pictures rather than text. Once you've got a lot of people using one brand, it's hard to convince them to switch, especially when they've invested in that computer and all the software.

+ Mac had a lot of trouble in its earlier years - it was considered radical, it didn't have a lot of variety, Windows kept launching better and better new platforms and programs, and Mac couldn't keep up - it had to outdo Windows to get people to switch, but it had such a small user base it was hard to make that happen.

+ Even today, all you have to do is ask a PC user why he or she doesn't switch to Mac. When it comes down to it, they're afraid it'll be confusing, frustrating, and unfamiliar. That's why all the Mac ads recently are trying to show how it'll be easy, functional, and welcoming.

+ Macs appear to be more expensive, because when people buy a new PC, they don't consider the cost of fixing it, replacing it, or buying things for it. So they shy away from Macs and buy lots of cheaper, crappier computers.

+ A lot of programs that are widely used weren't originally available on Macs. That's not really a problem now, but originally, if all your important documents are in Microsoft Word and a Mac can't open, edit, or create them, what's the use? It'd be a disaster in the workplace.

In conclusion:

If you stick with Windows, you stick with Windows. It took me ten years to switch, and I was a damn loyal Windows user. But I really won't go back. When it comes down to it, I just don't feel secure on a Windows computer anymore. I love not having a "love-hate relationship" with my computers anymore. I love that my Mac just...works.

If there's one thing I can leave you with, it's this: as a Windows user, I didn't think I had a bad deal. Sure it froze sometimes, but so did everyone's computer, and sure it crashed sometimes, but so did everyone's. And then I switched to Mac.

And I realized that I'd been putting up with a lot of crap. I had no idea that the problems that are accepted in Windows computers would be appalling in Macs. If you told me, "By the way, your computer might freeze and you'll have to restart pretty often", I'd say, "Then you're trying to sell me a broken computer!"

Mac users are often quite loyal to Mac, and I understand why - the majority of people are all using something that isn't as good, and they won't switch because they don't realize how bad their situation is.

Anyway, best of luck & happy computing!

Answer 2

Mac doesn't have viruses, they have something worse called a rootkit. Basically it's a back door built into all UNIX systems as a fail safe. unfortunately no body can keep a secret and the how to's are already out there.

Besides. Why would you pay three times more for the exact same hardware that comes in a PC now and load linus on it. Linux has rootkits too BTW.

At least a virus can be fixed, rootkits are part of the function of MacOS X, and VMS, and Linux and SUN SOlaris and..and..and..and

Best thing to do is run what you are comfortable with and what can be fixed affordably because Mac or PC, they are all the same parts now. They do break and need to be fixed or you lose your stuff unless you are agressive in your backup strategy.

I'll give you an example. In my shop I charge $90 an hour to fix a PC. I charge $240 an hour for a Mac because Apple charges $300 an hour, so the market says I can charge more. Plus you just bought the same PC hardware for three times the cost, I could tell you that you need purple peanut butter to make it run and you'd pay because you choose not to know. It's like I take a Ford Focus and change all the decals on it to Audi and then tell you it's better in a different wrapper. Pretty slick marketing huh?

Additionally you're still going to have to buy your software. All that software comes with it once and in the next OS uprgrade you'll have to buy it again. And again. And again. Apple drops upgrades many times a year btw. And least for 150 bucks Microsoft keeps supporting their junk without have you to pay twice a year.

I could go on, but if you are asking this question, as a computer repair and consulting business owner with 12 employees. Please buy an Apple because I need to buy a Lexus.

Answer 3

PC is much more user friendly, has much better software support and more hardware options. Also, MAC OS is okay but not near as user friendly. The fact is that I loved my mac laptop that I used to have, but PC is just more functional and less complicated, plus better movie player, etc depends on the software you have and the application that you use it for and that is strictly an opinion.

On another note, the reason why mac has such a good record for security is that the numbers are in there favor, All businesses use PC for a reason, they are the best. Hence all of the best information is being stored on PC and are targeted for hacking whereas there are far fewer macs out there and generally, they don't have any pertenent information so they never are hacked, but believe me, at they can get viruses and the like just the same..

Answer 4

It depends what you are going to be using it for. If you are into making movies, music, or the electronic side of things, then the MAC is for you. But if you need a computer for more of the business side like typing things or making presentations, the PC is better. And yes riht now Mac does not have virus's, but as it grows and becomes more popular, hackers will without a doubt find a way in.

Answer 5

This is like asking, does God exist? I think each kind of computer has its definite advantages. However, I have never purchased an Apple just because they charge twice or three times as much for the same hardware components. So I look at it this way...do I want to spend two or three times as much money on a hard disk or memory or whatever, or spend 1/2 or 1/3rd that amount and get MORE computer for the same amount of money? Plus, I can always upgrade my components, since I build my own computers - which you cannot do with a Mac - you are stuck with their proprietary hardware and you are stuck with their proprietary upgrades. If you are a penny pincher like me who wants the biggest bang for the buck, you will BUILD YOUR OWN PC COMPUTER. That is the way to do it, as far as I am concerned. But if you just have to have designer clothing, and drive a Mercedes, then get a Mac.

Answer 6

Macs are getting better with the internet. And, they are also getting better at integrating with an office environment. But if you are working in a design or photo program, it's Mac hands down! PCs are cheaper, thereby more popular, than Macs, and more office friendly. But once you get used to a Mac, there's no turning back.

Answer 7

MAC alot better...MCs are good for creative minds they have a lot of programs and softwares that are good for creative abilities and Apple is just going to take over the world one day..PCs are just cheaper thats why they are so popular.

Answer 8

Because PC is truly superior and their lack of viruses is simply a byproduct of their unpopularity. Hackers wouldn't even waste their time to infect such an insignificant portion of computer users.