dufference between mac and microsoft.

boxst

For Linux it is fast, convenient and of course free but a pain if you want to plug stuff in or find specific software. You are reliant on some third-party creating a driver or some hobbyist creating the software. All good of course, but I'm just too old for that and just want something I can use easily. (and this from someone who used to be an assembly programmer on 6502 chips ).

Steve

scheming_gypsy

Dave_C wrote: »

Virus free
Did I mention it was free and no viruses?

'No' viruses is a bit of a myth. they only reason there are 'no' viruses won't be because the software can't be penetrated by a virus but because people who write viruses just don't care enough to write them for Linux. Although like Mac's, there will be viruses just few and far between at the minute.


Although it isn't a false dichotomy as the OP was wanting to know the difference between a Mac and a PC running a Microsoft operating system. Other operating systems aren't part of the question.

AliceJenkins

Be careful with macs, a lot of software will not work on a mac, any software you've currently purchased will not work on a mac.

If you need any software you cannot live without, for work etc make sure it will work on a mac.

Badger_Lady

Without going techy, this is how I feel about the experience of owning Mac cs PC:

Apple

Very expensive outlay for a very sleek computer. However, when something goes wrong you will get very good help. If you have a problem with your Mac laptop, you can take it into an Apple store and not only will they fix it, they'll also replace the keyboard because it's looking a bit 'grubby', and polish up the screen surround so that it looks brand new again.

You'll find that you take good care of your beautiful product and buy it all the best accessories and upgrades. You'll want matching Apple products elsewhere in your home so you'll keep spending on them and keep getting that wonderful 'value-added' service. Your products will be reliable, predictable and a joy to use.

Microsoft

You can get a much cheaper computer. It'll work, then maybe it'll not work for a bit and then work again. It'll do exactly what it says on the tin. The majority of the time when it goes wrong (it always seems to go wrong just out of warranty), you'll have to try and find a 'computer man' to help.

One day it'll just not work properly any more but hey, it was cheap right? And it's served its purpose. So you'll just buy a new one with a better spec.

gonzo127

This is a interesting take on things, spend more money initially and then even more money on Apple products and you get ‘value added’ services – which has cost you in the first place, so is it really value added or is it just a service built into the initial purchase price?

You do also know in the last product failure rate study, Apple actually came out in third place behind Asus and Toshiba therefore showing that they are no more reliable (and in some instances less reliable) than a ‘PC’ made by other manufacturers.

mart44

Why are Macs said to be better for graphics and photographic work? Installed on my Windows 7 computer are:

CorelDraw X5 suite (Home and Student edition)
Xara Photo and Graphics Designer (formerly know as Xara Xtreme)
Xara 3D 6
Serif DrawPlus
Serif PhotoPlus
RealDraw Pro

All of these programs work with W.7 Home Premium. Macs certainly look good but I don't know how how they could perform better as regards running image programs.

Badger_Lady

gonzo127 wrote: »

You do also know in the last product failure rate study, Apple actually came out in third place behind Asus and Toshiba therefore showing that they are no more reliable (and in some instances less reliable) than a ‘PC’ made by other manufacturers.

But when it does fail you get simple help.

Mine is a very subjective view based on my own experiences (and those of my friends), but it seems to be that help and service that has turned some of my housemates and colleagues into religious fanatics of Apple products, meaning that they willingly spend thousands of pounds in total despite being relatively low earners.

I'm more of a PC girl myself, but I do tend to buy replacement goods once they stop working well, because the cost and effort of repair/upgrade is rarely worthwhile.

Badger_Lady

mart44 wrote: »

Why are Macs said to be better for graphics and photographic work?

It's a historical thing. Macs used to be the only thing for graphic design but PCs caught up a long time ago.

Yolina

Badger_Lady wrote: »

It's a historical thing. Macs used to be the only thing for graphic design but PCs caught up a long time ago.

Yep - that why my "photostation" as it's known was a custom build - that way I chose to spend money on the important bits for photo processing (I've got big files and use lots of layers...) and not on stuff that didn't matter, like audio or gaming. PC is now about 3 years old and happily whizzing through whatever I throw at it in Photoshop.

raven83

interesting read thankyou. i do agree macs do look very nice compeared to other computers and i think thats what is seducing me into getting one. are they alot harder to use than microsoft?