Running head: PC VERSUS MAC

PC Versus Mac: The Comparison of Both Nathaniel Gutierrez Waxahachie Global High

PC VERSUS MAC Table of Contents

Abstract3 Introduction..4 Compatibility................4-5 Reliability.....5-6 Cost..6 Availability..6 Design..........................................................................................................................................7 Performance........7 Software....7-8 Conclusion...8 References...9 Appendix....10 Figures...10

PC VERSUS MAC Abstract The debate PC vs. Mac has been the top topic discussion for well over two decades. When deciding in which computer type is more superior, there are many factors to take into consideration. Factors to consider are compatibility, reliability, availability, cost, design, performance, and software. Both computer systems have their strengths and weaknesses in each field. Macs perform better than PCs and are generally more reliable in security. A huge advantage is that Macs are also compatible with both types of operating systems, but there are

other advantages that PC has over Mac. PCs are more available and cheaper than Macs and have more software programs available to it. Another important factor is how the consumer intends to use the computer. One may choose a PC if the main purpose is gaming, or if its more towards creative purposes, one would choose a Mac. In the end, the choice comes down to personal preference (Mac* vs. PC Debate, n.d.), but due to availability and cost, PCs come out on top. Keywords: system, reliability, Boot Camp, Trojan, availability, software, preference

PC VERSUS MAC Introduction

There are certain two-sided debates that are meant to be eternal. According to The Boston Globe (1994), Mac users think those Windows people are idiots (p. 11); this quote shows how strong this debate was two decades ago and still is. In the technical world, the biggest ongoing discussion thats dominated for over two decades would be the PC vs. Apples Mac debate. PCs were once the leading computer because developers used to write the best apps for Windows first, but over the last several years, that's changed. Now, it's almost impossible to find an app on Windows that isn't also on Mac. Todays computer users live in an age where there is more variety when it comes to choosing computing devices. In truth, theres no clear winner in the Mac vs. PC contest. Instead, both devices have significant developments. Both Mac and PC demonstrate increased memory, larger hard drive space, better stability and more availability than four years ago. However, differences still remain. Compatibility Compatibility is big difference when it comes to comparing these two types of computers. The main operating system for Apple is OSX, and PCs operate on Microsoft Windows. Both systems continue to develop faster and more powerful versions that are more user-friendly and more compatible with handheld devices. A huge advantage when comparing the two is that Mac computers are able to open almost all PC files and can coexist on local networks with PCs. For example, .doc, .exe, .xls, etc. Also, Windows can run on a Mac for 100% compatibility. Every Mac has a built-in program called Boot Camp that lets you install Windows on your machine. Boot Camp allows an operator to divide space their hard drive between Windows and Mac OS X so there can be both operating systems on the same computer. Unlike

PC VERSUS MAC Mac, PC can only run Windows. Mac-based files (.DMG) cannot be opened on PCs natively,

but you can install software that can read, and possibly write Mac-based files on a PC (Mac vs PC, n.d.). Macs are a better consumer choice if that customer wants to be able to use both operating systems. Reliability Another big difference between Mac and PC is the level of security to be expected. Because the vast majority of the world's computers run Microsoft Windows, most attacks focus on PCs. The ways PCs are attacked are by malware like Trojans. According to Pumphrey (n.d.), Trojans trick users into installing them by pretending to be something desirable, like antivirus programs; but a Trojans purpose is just the opposite. Trojans are designed to enable hackers to control computers without the knowledge of the owner, spreading spam or advertising fraud. Since Macs are not as popular as PCs, there are fewer malware written to target Macs, but as Mac increases in popularity, so will their threats. Mac users this past year have certainly awoken to the fact that Macs are also vulnerable to sophisticated attacks. Though ultimately, both PC and Mac users are safer after installing antivirus software designed to protect their devices. In case a computer is in need of repair, the better tech support comes with Macs. With Macs, customers can take it into any of their locations and get their computers fixed without any trouble. Apple even has classes available to take in their store, to teach Mac consumers how to use their computer. Receiving help for PCs are more frustrating; someone in need could be on the phone for several hours and will most likely be asked questions that they cannot answer. This can be a big problem that for someone with little knowledge about diagnosing or fixing

PC VERSUS MAC computers. Many people give up and take their computer to the Geek Squad and end up paying more for repairs than their computers are worth. Cost

For many users, cost is the key. Customers want to get the absolute most for their money, but most consumers have a limit to how much they can spend. Compared to a Mac, Windows and Windows-associated hardware is cheaper, and are cheaper to build yourself. According to Mac vs PC, (n.d.), Computers running Windows can be found usually 40-75% cheaper than a Mac. Also, with PCs, there is more memory and hard drive space available. For deciding on a budget, PCs win. Availability When it comes to third-party retail stores, Apple is more selective than the PC manufacturers about where it will sell its products. Since Apple opened in 2001, theyve opened more than 300 additional stores in 43 states and 11 countries. Usually, the Apple Stores are built in large population centers, but Apple has entered into several agreements with electronics chains like Best Buy, to broaden their reach. Still, Macs aren't available at many of the stores that sell PCs. Of course, you can order Macs and Windows machines from stores on the Internet as well. Microsoft has a very different strategy. The company doesn't make hardware; it licenses its Windows operating system to other companies. Most of those companies push their products into as many stores as they can. Customers might not see an Apple computer in their local computer shop, but theyll see dozens of Windows PCs (See Figure A).

PC VERSUS MAC Design Though there are more PCs available to keep the overall cost and abundance, some PC

manufacturers build their computers from plastics and other cheaper materials when compared to a Mac. However, there are also PC manufacturers who sometimes exceed the quality of Apple computers and Apple still does use plastic in some of its products. Along with the quality of the production materials, the aesthetic part of a PC depends on the manufacture. Some PCs are more visually appealing than others, but for the most part, attractive colors and curvy looks make the Mac more aesthetically appealing than the PC. According to Joseph (2008), For many years, Apple has actively courted switchers - people who previously owned a PC but have looked enviously at the stylish and elegant design of machines such as the iMac (p. 9). Performance In years past, PCs were known to crash, and users would get the blue screen, (Mac* vs. PC Debate, n.d.) but Microsoft has made their operating systems more reliable in recent years. On the other hand, Mac operating system has traditionally been more stable than Windows. The main reason for this is that Apple use to produce both the hardware and the software, having better control over the combination of the entire system. Now Macs use the same design as a PC, but are selective about the components within the system to ensure that every Mac operates smoothly without worry on lagging, and having stable and expected performance (See Figure B). Software The final Mac vs. PC comparison comes down to software. For the most part, the two are neck and neck. One of the most important reasons why Mac hasnt captured a larger share of the

PC VERSUS MAC computer market is the lack of software written for its operating system. Although the available

software options for an Apple computer is increasing its nothing when compared to the software available for Windows computers. However, with Boot Camp an Apple user could still run Windows programs. More people are using and developing for PC computers running Microsoft Windows, which helps give it a much larger selection. According to Mac vs. PC, (n.d.), there is an almost endless supply of 100% free programs, and for any program that does come out on the PC and the MAC, the PC version is often released first. Both systems support most opensource software. Software for both systems is user friendly and easy to learn. Conclusion When figuring in which type of computer to invest in, there are many factors to put into consideration. It all depends on who and what the consumer does. PCs are more for those who know computers and like gaming, communicating, and locations; Macs are more reliable and used for more in the creative professional market, and for communicating and locations. Macs and PCs both have dedicated followers, and each type of computer has its own strengths and weaknesses. In the end, the choice comes down to personal preference. Due to price and availability, PCs tend to be the winner, while Macs remain the choice for the more elite or antiMicrosoft computer users.

PC VERSUS MAC Bibliography Joseph, C. (2008, July 10). Should your next PC be a Mac. Personal Computer World, 8-10. Retrieved January 21, 2014, from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1181167698.html?refid=bibme_hf Macintosh vs PC. (n.d.). Difference and comparison. Retrieved from http://www.diffen.com/difference/Mac_vs_PC Mac vs. PC. (n.d.). Mac vs. PC. Retrieved from http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001238.htm

Mac* vs. PC Debate. (n.d.). Intel. Retrieved from http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/techtips-and-tricks/pc-vs-mac-the-big-debate.html Pumphrey, C. (n.d.). 10 differences between Macs and PCs. HowStuffWorks. Retrieved from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/macs/10-differences-between-macs-and-pcs.htm The Boston Globe (1994, September 30). The Mac vs. PC Challenge. The Boston Globe, pp. 1113. Retrieved from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-8297983.html?refid=bibme_hf

PC VERSUS MAC Appendix A Figure A

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McGlaun, S. (2012). Sales ratio of PCs versus Macs [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.slashgear.com/sales-ratio-of-pcs-versus-macs-hits-levels-not-seen-since1985-05237232/

PC VERSUS MAC Appendix B Figure B

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Herman, J. (2013). Mac-vs-pc [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/reviews/mac-vs-pc-ultimatelaptop-lab-test#slide-1

PC VERSUS MAC Graded By: Daniel Vargas Abstract Word Count: 167 Body Word Count: 1388

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