I need some help! I can't decide whether a mac or a windows based pc. Any advice?

Question

I need a computer that's secure and not as prone to hackers and viruses, ect., that's fast, THAT WILL LAST LONG, not crash, can handle minor business programs, can use media easily, that will have some good support, and can run the internet with no worries or hiccups. I really am considering an iMac, but I'm worried about the freezing a little bit, and it's rather new. I've used Macs before (that's really why I want to switch, I prefer them) but I need to think of the rest of the house, with some business, and of course, security. Macs are secure, for the most part, and I'm planning on putting virus software on it, just in case. But, I need some advice, and no flames on Mac vs Windows. I really need some help, and no, I'm not getting Ubunto/Linux or whatever.

My brother likes gaming, but Macs can run Windows, so gaming's fine, right? The other thing is, gaming isn't all that important anyway, my brother might have to live without it (like he has for around 5 to 6 years). The business program is QuickBooks/Quicken, it's pretty basic, and I'm pretty sure they have it for Mac. If they don't, once again, I can run Windows. I don't want to get caught in the trap I'm in now with Windows;I have Windows ME (I know, it's horrible) on a system built for 95/98 (I know, that's also not a good decision, but it wasn't my decision either) but I can't upgrade ANYTHING for Xp because it's TOO OLD. BY THE TIME I UPGRADE IT, IT'S GOING TO COST THE SAME AS A NEW COMPUTER. I don't want Xp or Vista just because I'm so SICK OF WINDOWS and ALL OF THEIR PROBLEMS. I want a computer that can stay new for a long time, AND DOESN'T FREEZE AFTER JUST A START UP OR 20 MIN. I know computers get old, but seriously... It's annoying.

The other problem is convincing my parent whether or not to get a Windows based Dell/Hp/Gateway or w/e. I really do like Macs, but it's still a concern. I'VE ALSO NOTICED SOME WINDOWS FANBOYS. BUG OFF! IF YOU LIKE WINDOWS THAT'S FINE, BUT IT DOESN'T MEAN YOU JUST SAY MACS SUCK FOR NO REASON. MACS AREN'T MEANT FOR IDIOTS, THEY'RE MEANT FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE CREATIVE AND AREN'T GEEKS. IF YOU LIKE WINDOWS, YOU CAN ATLEAST SAY WHY, NOT WHY YOU HATE MACS. IF YOU HATE MACS, SAY WHY, AND ATLEAST HAVE A GOOD REASON. I KNEW THAT FANBOYS WOULD POP UP, BUT REALLY, IT'S PATHETIC. I NEED ADVICE, NOT SOME BRAIN WASHED IDIOTS.

Answer 1

It really depends on what you need to do with it.

Surfing, word processing, music stuff, photo stuff only I would get a mac.

But if you need more flexibility then you want windows.

However, you said you need to think about the rest of the house so you must ask them what they will be doing.

If someone plays a lot of games then forget the mac.

Macs are better, in my opinion, at the things you can do with them but there are limitations. That said, software support is far better now then they were but it still doesn't change the fact that macs are used in many environments for specific purposes such as video editing, photo manipulation, music creation and they do it all very good.

P.S. I am a long time windows user and I have used most operating systems. I don't see one as being better than another, just different.

Break Down:

Windows = Versatile, not always very stable, reasonable performance.

Mac = Clean interface, stable, good performance.

Linux = Similar to mac in terms of software support.

Make sure that those 'minor business programs' you talk about are gonna work the system you decide to get.

My final thought is, I have a windows machine built to high standards and it's never crashed in over 16 months.

My previous windows server/desktop was restarted around three times in three years and it was running solid 24/7. The resets were for maintenance and not because of crashes.

Windows crashes more often because of user error than anything else. Still I hate microsoft.

Answer 2

As far as the viruses and hackers, Mac is the way to go. The programs are very user friendly and easy to use. The freezing encountered with Mac is a small speck compared to the Windows operating system's problems. Windows is very accessable to outside sources and programs that threaten your computer's system and important (and personal) information. If you do choose to go with Windows, I agree with the comment below. Go with Windows XP Pro simply because of the up to date software. Vista (Premium or Basic) is way too new for release and should only be used with caution. Bottom line, go Mac.

Answer 3

It works like this. You either need some brains or some money. If you have brains, you can buy a Windows computer (I recommend XP Pro) and keep it up to date against the latest threats or you can install a free operating system like Ubuntu Linux which is more obscure but safer from many of the threats against Windows.

If you don't want to learn anything, you can buy an Apple Macintosh, but you'll basically be paying for an Operating System that is already free -- just dumbed down for dummies :]

Answer 4

When your on the net any computer you get is prone to hacking, it just depends on how good a firewall you get allong with any other security software.

Answer 5

If you want to customize your OS, windows. If you want a generic, dumbed down OS, mac.

Answer 6

First check at home how many persons would use your choice;
Second check around your friends how many % have your choice.
Third check where you are studyng or working how many have your choice.
After this the higher That is your choice,

Answer 7

i say a windows i think macs suck