This is one of the most controversial topics when talking about computers. This document is meant to give a comparison between Apple Macintosh computers and PC computers running Microsoft Windows. This page should be used to help educate users looking to buy a new computer and not as a method of declaring the best of the two. You should base your buying decision off what you believe will work best for you.
| Topic | Mac | PC |
|---|---|---|
| Security | When compared to any PC running Microsoft Windows all Apple Macintosh computers are much more secure and less vulnerable to viruses and other malware. | The majority of people using computers today are running some version of Microsoft Windows and therefore most attackers target these computers and users first. |
| Price | Although many may argue you get what you pay for, when compared to a PC an Apple computer and its peripherals are often much more than a PC. | The vast majority of PC computers and their peripherals today are much cheaper and affordable when compared to a new Apple Macintosh computer. |
| Operating System | The Apple Macintosh operating system is a much cleaner and stable operating system than all versions of Microsoft Windows, especially a new PC bundled with the manufactures software and drivers. | Although Microsoft has improved its operating system with Windows 7 many PC manufacturers keep their prices low by bundling crapware with the computers. With this software and drivers made by dozens of different manufacturers the Windows Operating System can be less stable than the Mac. |
| Software | Although the available software options for an Apple computer is increasing it's still nothing when compared to the software available for Windows computers. However, with Boot Camp an Apple user could still run Windows and many of its programs. | More people are using and developing for PC computers running Microsoft Windows and therefore it has a much larger selection. In addition there is an almost endless supply of 100% free programs available today for the PC. |
| Quality | The Apple Macintosh computers are often built with a lot better materials when compared with most PC computers. | To help keep the overall costs low many PC manufacturers will build their computers from plastics and other cheaper materials when compared to a Mac. |
| Options | When compared to a PC an Apple Macintosh has much less options for customization. | PC computers are available in almost any imaginable configuration, color, size, etc. If you can think of something that's not available it's likely someone could still build it for you. |
| Boot time | The boot time on an Apple Macintosh can be a lot less when compared to a Windows computer. | PC computers have an operating system that is designed by Microsoft and hardware that's designed by dozens of different companies. Because of this and other factors the boot time can be greater than a Mac. |
| Upgrades | Although many of the most commonly upgraded parts in a Macintosh can be upgraded, not everything is upgradable like the PC. In addition, parts that can be upgraded are usually more expensive. | Pretty much every part within a computer can be upgraded in almost all PC computers. In addition because of the openness and competition between hardware vendors, parts are also often cheap and first available for the PC. Finally, if you plan on building your own computer the PC is the only way to go. |
| Drivers | Much of the hardware and drivers are developed by Apple. Because of this you are less likely to encounter driver related issues. | PC computers are often running hardware from dozens of different manufacturers and using dozens of different drivers. Therefore it's more likely you'll encounter driver issues then you would on a Mac. |
| Gaming | Although many (but not all) game developers are releasing games for both the Mac and PC most of them still release their games and updates to the PC first. | The PC is king when it comes to games and online gaming. All major games developed are released for the PC first. In addition PC users have the option of running higher performance video cards and getting the absolute best performance from their games. |
Since PCs and Macs hit the market, the debate has existed over which is best. Depending upon who you're talking to, the PC vs. Mac debate is often even hotter than politics or religion. While you have many who are die-hard Microsoft PC users, another group exists that is just as dedicated to Apple's Mac*. A final group exists in the undecided computer category.
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