Face Off: Mac Vs PC

Traditionally, many have found the Mac user-friendlier than the PC. It's generally faster to operate: For example, it has a much faster start-up (about a minute) and shut-down (15 seconds) times. A Windows machine takes close to two minutes to start up and over a minute to shut down.

Although the Mac operating system (OS) is not perfect, it has loads of features that are very clever and nimble to use. For example, it takes fewer steps (about three) to turn on, say, the "file sharing" feature on a Mac compared to the PC's seven steps. Also, it has many complimentary integrated programs that are innovative and intuitive to use. For example, the Mac has Spaces, a clever program that allows you to have multiple desktops instead of one, so that you can lay out your programs without cluttering up your desktop.

From a hardware standpoint, the Mac is generally much more solidly built and thoughtfully laid out. For example, on an iMac desktop, the USB port is part of the keyboard, giving you immediate accessibility (instead of having to plug it in at the back).

Also, the Mac is simply more pleasing to the eye.

Software and other considerations

It's somewhat of a misconception that the Mac is only used by those who are involved in the creative sector because of its native multimedia programs such as iLife. The Mac can be used as a serious business desktop/laptop, being able to do everything you can on a PC.

Other misconceptions are that you can't get software for the Mac and if available, are very costly. It's true that in terms of sheer number of programs available, there is more PC-based software in the market for the Windows platform. However, there is also a vibrant Mac community of developers and quite a fair bit of freeware and shareware that are available for downloads.

Another plus point for the Mac is that you're less likely to face unexplainable crashes and incompatibilities as you might on a Windows PC, as the Mac OS and Apple computers come from the same company.

One often-heard remark is that Macs are freer of computer virus, malware and spyware, which abound on the Internet these days. It's not that there are no Mac viruses/malware out there; it's just that malware writers target the Windows platform as there are more users for them to make money from. If Macs become more popular, Mac malware will appear in due course.

One truth, however, is that the Mac does not support many games. which are primarily the domain of Windows PC machines.

Conclusion

So what is the verdict? Well, there is no hard and fast rule to this. If you're looking for an easy-to-use, pleasant and a fuss-free computing experience that comes in a great-looking and well-built machine, and have some cash to spare, the Mac is worth your while.

But if you're a price-sensitive shopper and will only use your machine for general computing, and not multimedia activities, or as a gaming machine, you'd be better off buying a simple PC based machine.