8 replies to this topic

[jram]

When comparing these two there are some key differences between Microsoft and Apple that many people tend to leave out that make all the difference.

First off, Microsoft's approach is much more friendly to the consumer because we have a choice when it comes to customizing our PCs as compared to Apples. For instance, I can build a PC with an AMD or Intel Processor but with an Apple I don't have a choice it's either Intel or nothing. So making an operating system that is capable of working on a variety of different hardware configurations is not an easy feat because technology is always expanding and there is always going to be something new on store shelves. Now some of this hardware could be created poorly or contain poorly written drivers that'll reak havoc on your computer. Apple does not have these issues, but why? It's because they choose to build the machines themselves and they tailor the OS to use those resources in the most efficent manner possible. Using that strategy is brilliant but it takes all the choices away from the consumer and so you're stuck with a beautifully crafted machine that's reliable but for what price? With Apple having such a vice grip on the hardware, competition is pretty much non-existant. So the consumer cannot look for a low-cost solution based on the Apple platform because there isn't any. Now this explains why Apple only has about 2% of the market while Microsoft has a whopping 95% (Give or take 2 percent.)

Now Microsoft is not only faced with making an operating system that has to work efficiently on a variety of different hardware configurations but they also are creating their products for a much larger userbase (Which is where the major problems come from.) You have hackers all over the world trying to create malware 24 hours a day/7 days a week so expecting Microsoft to catch every little bug and virus before they have time to infect your computer is very unreasonable. Yeah, I understand that it may be frustrating when your computer gets infected but that is not Microsoft's issue. That's like blaming Toyota for not having bulletproof windows in your car if you just so happened to get shot while driving. Of course, it's there job to provide you with a product that is safe to operate but you can't blame them for the actions of malicious individuals in society. Remember, Windows Update is a service provided to us by Microsoft to keep us happy they are in no way, shape, or form obligated to provide us with it.

Now, I would definately recommend a Mac to anyone that needs a PC for professional purposes but not because they are better machines, that is simply not the case. I would recommend an Apple to a professional becasuse the userbase is much smaller so you don't have to worry about malicious code infecting it as much as you do with Windows Based PCs. Ontop of that you don't have to worry about companies creating buggy hardware that can also cause problems like those found on a Windows based PC. Now to wrap this up, they both have their pros and cons but to compare Apple to Microsoft is ludicrous and I would advise anyone to do their research before they start rambling about which is better. If the situation happened to be reversed and Apple was the market leader they would definately be in the same boat as Microsoft.

[Berton]

JRAM, I just couldn't find anything in what you wrote to disagree with. Your statements sum it up quite succinctly. A big issue with Macintosh in my area is there is no formal repair/support businesses, most people have to rely on someone who has an Apple which generally are teachers using their experience from their school jobs.

[Tonto (RIP)]

....I worked in a home were the husband and wife conducted a graphic arts business for wineries in the Niagara-on-the-Lake area......They had 3 Apple machines. They stated that these machines were tops for their line of work....no ifs ands or buts.......

[jram]

Quote

JRAM, I just couldn't find anything in what you wrote to disagree with

I just copied that from a Mac forum.. I must admit that the topic was closed after the yelling began.. If anyone says anything bad about Mac, those geeks react But the article is true.

[fairlopgirl]

Thank you, jram. Now I understand the difference - I was guided to a PC but now I know why! For my purposes, that's the one I would choose.

[Smokey]

That was a good read jr, I enjoyed it. I agree with the author, it's ludicrous to compare Apple to Microsoft. Microsoft produces operating systems, Apple builds computers and produces the operating systems for their computers only. This comparison could only be fair if Microsoft built every computer that their operating system was installed on but as we all know, Microsoft doesn't build computers.

[dobhar]

Good read, Mr. Mac...

[cybormoron]

http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm