One of the most daunting tasks for many families is buying a home computer. There is the stress of trying to find the right computer, getting everything you want on it, and not spending too much.
Windows & Macs
Historically, there have been two viable choices for computing; Windows and Macs. Windows has been wildly popular, and has, for the most part, controlled the PC (personal computer) industry. Windows based PCs have traditionally been cheaper than Macs, and have had more software titles. Macs, on the other hand, have traditionally cost a little more than Windows based PCs, and have had a much more limited selection of software titles. However, this tradition has been changing dramatically within the past couple of years.
Apple, the company that makes Mac computers, introduced an operating system called OS X. They based OS X on one of the most secure and stable operating systems ever made, Unix. They then programmed a powerful graphics system and software architecture that turned OS X into multimedia marvel. OS X is now in its fifth version (10.4), and is considered by many technology experts as the most advanced commercial operating system on the market.
Stability
Almost all Windows users have experienced the poor stability that comes with Windows. Many users have to restart their computer at least once a day. Also, when a program locks up, the entire computer usually quits functioning (requiring another restart). This is often due to the fact that all of Windows' software components are connected (married) to each other. For example, if Internet Explorer quits working, the rest of the computer usually quits working too.
OS X doesn't work anything like Windows. Instead, it separates most programs from each other, and from the operating system itself. What this means is that if one program quits working, the rest of the computer keeps working. In fact, you can use a feature in OS X called, "Force Quit" that will immediately close the offending program without affecting any other programs that you're running. You can also restart the program that you closed, and it should work as if there was never a problem to begin with.
Security
Windows is notorious for viruses and security problems. This poses a threat to all Windows users, because a virus can wipe out a person's hard drive (where all of your files are stored), and security holes can allow crackers (often referred to as hackers) to control and sabotage your computer.
Viruses and security holes on the Mac are almost nonexistent with OS X. Because OS X is built on Unix, and Unix is an extremely secure operating system, OS X has yet to be threatened by a virus or have a major security hole.
Reliability
To put it simply, Windows is easy to break. If you move the wrong file or folder, the entire computer can quit working. This is not so with OS X. OS X is so smart, that you can move a program file/folder anywhere on the hard drive, and it won't break. In fact, it will also update any shortcuts (icons) that you had pointed to it. If you did this on Windows, you would have to completely reinstall the software, and it might even make Windows quit working altogether.
Mac computers are also easy to problem solve and fix, whereas Windows computers often need the help of a paid computer technician.
Compatibility
Historically, Macs have not been very compatible with Windows computers. In particular, Microsoft Office documents had difficulty translating correctly between Macs and Windows based PCs. Today, this is no longer an issue. Not only does Microsoft make a version of Office (Word, Excel, etc...) for OS X, they (Microsoft) also consider it to be better than Office for Windows! You can also open and save native Word documents using Apple's word processor, Pages (a part of the iWork software bundle).
OS X is Windows network friendly too. OS X can share printers and files over a network with Windows based PCs.
Multimedia
Windows based PCs are certainly more multimedia equipped than they have ever been, but they are still unparalleled when it comes to the ease of use that OS X provides. It's well known and recognized by Windows and Mac enthusiasts alike, that Macs offer an unprecedented group of applications and hardware for music, photos, and video editing.
Apple provides a suite of applications called iLife. The package contains iTunes (an MP3 encoder/player), iPhoto (a digital photography manager), iMovie (easy to use movie editing), iDVD (creates professional looking DVDs from your movies), GarageBand (studio recording software for the masses), and iWeb (create websites and blogs). All six programs are designed to work together seamlessly. They are also award-winning programs for ease of use and features, where Windows' offerings (Movie Maker & Media Player) are not.
Affordable
Now to the important issue, cost! Windows and Mac computers are now almost equal in cost. Whereas you can buy a Windows based PC for less than $500, you will not get the multimedia hardware and software that you will want and need. In fact, to do so would cost equal or more to the cost of a Mac. You would also end up spending more than you would on a Mac just to get software that could come close to doing what iLife does (which comes bundled free with all new Macs).
Apple now provides an entry level computer called the Mac mini, which is intended to replace an existing Windows based PC. The Mac mini starts at $599, is a stand alone computer, and is designed to use the monitor, mouse and keyboard from the old PC.
It's beyond obvious that I prefer Macs over Windows based PCs. However, you should know that I've used Windows for 11 years. In fact, I've taught Windows classes, I've run Windows servers, and I used to be a Windows advocate. All of this changed when OS X came out. I have never been more thrilled and pleased with a computer than I have with OS X. I used to loath using my Windows based PCs (even Windows XP), but now I thoroughly enjoy not only using OS X, but also using its software, like iLife. I would never go back Windows, and I doubt you will either if and when you give Mac a try.
