[ChristDude]

I'm not the best person to debate with, but I do want to lay down my opinion on the subject.

Well first off, if you are looking for a computer that will do basic computer needs such as browsing the web, checking your e-mail, AIMing a few people, doing a few work projects, etc. , a Windows PC would work nicely in this place. With Anti-Virus software, Windows is a very fine operating system that most people would want to use.

Now, if you're looking for a computer full with features such as making cool movies, fancy built-in webcam, etc, a Mac might just fit your needs. The only thing holding back from most people getting Macs (since it can do all Windows can do basically) revolves around two different things: A high price tag and the lack of applications. Yes, Mac has it's share of apps, Windows has so many more since it has been around for a little longer. The price tag is just ridiculous.

Now, I need some more facts from you guys. And if there's anywhere I need to correct, try to tell me without yelling.

[BanditFlyer]

Originally Posted by ChristDude

I'm not the best person to debate with, but I do want to lay down my opinion on the subject.

Well first off, if you are looking for a computer that will do basic computer needs such as browsing the web, checking your e-mail, AIMing a few people, doing a few work projects, etc. , a Windows PC would work nicely in this place. With Anti-Virus software, Windows is a very fine operating system that most people would want to use.

Now, if you're looking for a computer full with features such as making cool movies, fancy built-in webcam, etc, a Mac might just fit your needs. The only thing holding back from most people getting Macs (since it can do all Windows can do basically) revolves around two different things: A high price tag and the lack of applications. Yes, Mac has it's share of apps, Windows has so many more since it has been around for a little longer. The price tag is just ridiculous.

Now, I need some more facts from you guys. And if there's anywhere I need to correct, try to tell me without yelling.

MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON IS STUCK. COULD YOU TELL ME HOW TO NOT YELL? PLEASE!!!!!

oh, ok. There it goes. All better now.

Windows doesn't have more apps "since it has been around for a little longer", it has more apps since Gates was smart enough to partner up with IBM for the development of the PC. Also, you're comparing the PC to the Mac, not Windows to the Mac. The PC has been around longer than the Mac. That much you are correct on. But the Mac came out before Windows. Earlier PCs had DOS, not Windows.

Windows came out in 1985, the MAC came out in 1984.

If you don't know much about computers, do what the Military is doing and switch to Mac. It costs a little bit more, not as much more as people would have you believe, but it's easier to use for someone who's never used a computer before and it doesn't break as easily as Windows.

[Stoner]

Now, if you're looking for a computer full with features such as making cool movies, fancy built-in webcam, etc, a Mac might just fit your needs.

Or a Dell. There are windows machines that come with web cams, too. And XP and Vista do have an app called 'Movie Maker' which I've never tried. I think even Me came with that app.

And Macs are now built on an Intel platform, so they are PCs and the big difference now is the OS.
True, there are Windows based PC that are built out of substandard parts, but from what I've read in the past, the Mac has had its hardware issues, too.

My first computer was a Gateway. It almost convinced me to leave the Windows platform because it was truly a pos.

Now I'm comfortable with Windows and do not intend to spend time learning OSX or Linux. Or spend time and more money rounding up the applications in those platforms that duplicate what I currently use.

But a first time buyer might look at the Mac OSX as easier to initially learn on and that's a selling point. (Having never used OSX, I don't know if that's even true)
As far as security, hackers have recently started to focus on the OSX operating system and the Mac community seems lax on security issues. I see this as a negative, but image is everything in advertising and the 'image' is Macs are more secure.

If image is the issue, make mine a red 'vette

[Wino]

Buy both PC and Mac, it's good for the economy. I use both, Mac seldom. Not overly impressed with Mac (Ibook G4 OSX). Do all my video editing on PC and just about everything else. AntiVirus protection for Mac is limited and currently paying Symantec $25/yr. as have found nothing 'free' to replace it that I would consider. Have constantly had problems with Adobe Flash programs and todate have not gotten it to install properly and working. G4 makes a realitively expensive web browser and email recipient IMHO as there is nothing I've ever found it will do my PC's won't. Frankly it hangs up and crashes more than my old 98SE machine.

[lotuseclat79]

Why bother with the cost of a Mac, or the extra cost of security software of a Windows PC when you can get a Linux and install a restricted iptables firewall and have all of the applications you will need to do whatever you need?

-- Tom

[linskyjack]

There are too many programs that I use every day that one run in Linux, and there are not Linux alternatives.

[Stoner]

Originally Posted by lotuseclat79

Why bother with the cost of a Mac, or the extra cost of security software of a Windows PC when you can get a Linux and install a restricted iptables firewall and have all of the applications you will need to do whatever you need?

-- Tom

Because Linux is not a do all OS for the desktop.
There is no current usable voice recognition available for a Linux based distro.

I find Linux Live CDs interesting.......but Linux is not useful for me other than making a homemade router/firewall out of an old computer.

[BanditFlyer]

Originally Posted by Stoner

Because Linux is not a do all OS for the desktop.
There is no current usable voice recognition available for a Linux based distro.

I find Linux Live CDs interesting.......but Linux is not useful for me other than making a homemade router/firewall out of an old computer.

Simpler than that - because it's too freakin hard! I've met lots of computer techs and the low rent ones haven't got a clue about linux. If this is a discussion about people who don't know much about computers, linux is automatically disqualified for the simple reason that you actually have to spin a disc and install it on your own computer.

[Stoner]

Originally Posted by BanditFlyer

Simpler than that - because it's too freakin hard! ..................................

It is becoming easier to configure than the first I experimented with some 6-7 years ago.
But it becomes a nightmare for me when anything goes wrong.
The nomenclature is often too cutsie-pie and non descriptive.
Windows does offer a lot of 'hand holding' that I appreciate.
I don't want to learn how to modify script, I just want to use it.

I never did quite understand how to install an app into Linux _
Easier to pay Bill for his efforts and move along.............