Author: Maria Alfano
The question of PC vs Mac and which is better has been around for more than 20 years. How will you ever make up your mind on which computer best suits you? You first need to know the differences between the PC and the Mac and understand the nuances before making this big decision.
Currently, only 16% of computer users have a Mac. The majority use a PC instead. That doesn’t mean PC is better. It just means more people are comfortable with a PC than a Mac. Most people are familiar with working on a PC through their job. It’s pretty rare that companies use Mac computers unless they are a creative company like an advertising firm.
Purchasing a computer at any age can be stressful. I can sympathize with those of you who are buying one for your personal use for the first time in midlife and beyond. Sure, you likely had the company laptop at your disposal whenever you needed it. Of course, your children had their own but they are either gone or are with one foot out the door. Now, you need your own piece of technology. The dilemma is which one do you choose? PC vs Mac! That is the age-old question.
PC vs Mac Computers – How To Know The Differences Between The Two
Understanding the key differences between a personal computer (pc) and a Mac can be complex. This post will break down the pros and cons for each and hopefully, this will help you make your well-informed decision a lot faster. To be completely honest with you. I use both. I love them both but they serve two very unique purposes for me!
Some History
|
PC |
MAC |
|
Runs on Microsoft Windows Operating System |
Runs on the Apple Operating System |
|
Started in 1985 |
Started in 2001 |
| Works with all computers |
Works only on Apple devices |
PC vs Mac Pros and Cons
It would be remiss of me to share only the good features of both computers. How would you ever possibly make a good and informed decision with only half the information?
PC Pros
Price – with so many different computer brands on the market today, the price of PCs has gone down considerably over the years. Heck, you could get a decent PC starting at around $300 at certain times throughout the year (back to school, black Friday, boxing day).
Software – there are so many more programs available for a PC. Because there are so many more PC users, software developers tend to concentrate on creating programs for the masses.
Tablets – since there are so many more programs, the new Windows software allows laptop manufactures to create 2-in-1 computers. Laptops can be easily converted to tablets with touch screens.
Connections – PCs offer so many more ports (plug-in areas) for you to hook up extra hardware. If you like a wireless mouse and keyboard, a headset for listening to videos, or a microphone to talk to loved ones via wifi, these will come in very handy.
Repairs – are easily done at home if you have a little technological savvy. Nothing the university of YouTube can’t help with. If not, and you prefer to have a computer geek take care of it for you, the cost will be much less than the cost of Mac repairs.
PC COns
Virus-prone – with the majority of the computer population using a PC, hackers tend to create viruses and malware that can easily attack your computer and destroy files, or steal private/confidential information. It is highly recommended that you purchase an anti-virus program to keep your information safe.
Lifespan – is considerably shorter than that of a Mac. Because they run on parts that work on a myriad of brands, the parts quickly become obsolete. Often, you won’t be able to repair a computer that is older than 5 years.
User experience – PCs may be more common and most folks are more familiar with them, but they are not as user-friendly as a Mac. PCs are not built with simplicity in mind. They require a little more skill to know how to use than the simplicity of the apps (applications) on a Mac.
Defragment – files stored on PCs create void spaces that are rendered unusable. This space takes up memory that could slow down your computer and limit your storage. PCs require regular manual defrags to remove those empty spaces. It is not automatic.
MAC Pros
Viruses – Macs are virtually virus-free. Since so few users exist, there is little money for the cybercriminals to make from the Mac users so they rarely create malware for Mac.
Windows – this is not the Apple operating system but Macs can read anything from WIndows and adapt it into its own language.
Defragment – files are automatically defragmented and empty spaces are removed behind the scenes. You never have to run this process manually.
Backup – files are automatically backed up and saved for you so that you don’t lose what you are working on. In fact, a Mac will save every iteration of the file for you so you can easily retrieve a prior version.
Rename files – you can rename a file even if it is opened. Unlike with a PC where you need to ensure all copies of the file are closed before you can change the name.
Apple devices – are all automatically connected so you can access your files from any MAc, iPhone, or iPad.
MAC Cons
Price – this is the biggest negative of all with respect to Mac computers. Unlike PCs where there are literally dozens of brands competing for your attention and money, there is only one Apple. The price for Mac computers is really high.
Gaming – unless you are trying to have a new career as a gamer, then this may not affect you. But, Macs are not the fastest or best computers for professional gaming. There are also not many games developed for an iMac.
Repairs – are costly because they must be done by a professional computer service. Since the system is all-in-one, the parts can be much more expensive than a PC. You can’t just change one small piece, you could end up replacing the entire guts of your Mac.
Customization – besides creating folders for your apps, or changing the background picture of your home page, there is very little you can customize on your Mac.
Keyboard – this is probably the hardest thing to get used to. The standard keyboard is tiny! A Mac keyboard is not as user-friendly. It has more symbols than words on the non-alphabet keys. Many of the keyboards don’t have a side number pad. And, hotkeys aren’t the same as those on a PC.
In Summary
PC vs Mac and which one is better is a question only you can answer. It all boils down to what you can afford, what you need the computer for, and what features you can and cannot live with.
We would love to hear from you. Are you team PC or team Mac? Why did you choose the computer you have?