The Big Debate

Since Apple and Microsoft's beginnings, there has always been that big debate: Which is better?  Did Steve Jobs have the real insight to make his machines work better, or did Bill Gates have the edge?

I will admit up front, that I've always been a big fan of PC.  Maybe it's because as a kid I was tinkering about with them, they were easy reach of our family's budget and components were cheap to replace and source should they go wrong. But just because I've always used them, doesn't mean that they are the best.

One thing to consider here, before we get too deep, is the fact that we are comparing a company that manufactured the machines in which their operating system would run on, against a company that really was just designing the Operating system to run on IBM and compatible machines.

And here is an important point.  Windows operating system has to be compatible with a huge variety of devices which are plugged into the computer system. Different Memory, Graphics Cards, USB Devices, Hard Drives, CPU's, Monitors, Keyboards, Mice, Game Controllers, Cameras, Printers all have to have a driver written for them and inevitably you can get conflicts between them which often causes systems to crash.  Windows also has to cope with various computer programs from a variety of vendors, each often wanting to tap into those devices.

Mac's on the other hand have had their devices precisely controlled from the factory and therefore the operating system runs smoother and with less glitches. 

The comment "You don't get viruses on a Mac" is actually incorrect. But admittedly the quantity of viruses currently around that affects Mac's is a minute percentage when compared to the PC. Why? Because currently the PC holds a greater footprint on the world.  However, as more and more people purchase Mac's, you'll find the balance will be met.

After spending time in front of a Mac, in a busy Apple store, I found that everything that I had on my PC was available on the Mac.  Email, Internet, Photo's, Music all presented in a very nice Interface.  It didn't make me want to spend out over a £1000 to buy one, but it didn't scare me away either.

It drew me to this conclusion:

If you want a computer to work well, rarely crash, do the job efficiently, smoothly and look smart in the process then get a Mac.

If you like to tinker with a machine, open it up, play with the insides, enjoy the challenge and satisfaction from getting your computer to do something you didn't think it was designed to do. Get a PC.

Which is better? I'll let you decide.