PC vs Mac (vs Linux): The Great Debate

In this day and age, buying a new computer can be about as difficult as listening to Shaqel O’Neil trying to rap or get your girlfriend to finally let you get off the phone. With so many different brands, models and technical specifications, the number of potential choices can quickly become overwhelming. One of the most frequently asked questions when trying to decide on what computer you want will inevitably be “PC or Mac?” If you’re one of the completely computer illiterate, or just a regular guy considering trying out a new operating system, then this is your lucky day. Everything you would ever need to know about choosing a PC or Mac (or Linux, for those with extra balls) for your reading enjoyment.

Windows (XP/Vista/7)
Pros: Compatibility, versatility, general ease of use
Cons: Will likely be hacked within 48 hours of purchase, will completely crash three days after that.

In the world of computer platforms, Windows is the undisputed ruler. Almost every regular computer you’ll take a look at is guaranteed to have some version of Windows on it. It’s dominance over the market has a few positive perks to it. For starters, you will never have any issues with software compatibility. Every major program written that you could ever possibly want is originally created for Windows. Windows also makes it relatively easy to install new hardware, such as an external hard drive or printer. Most products support Windows Plug n’ Play technology that makes adding new hardware as simple as plugging it in.

However Windows compatibility comes with a price. Despite being the most popular operating system in existence, Microsoft has yet to figure out how to make their code secure. Their releases are often plagued with security flaws, and the entire platform is frequently the target of virus and malware attacks. As a Windows user, you will have to be more cautious about what kind of… sites you browse or what kind of email you choose to open. As long as you’re fairly careful with using the Internet and use a decent antivirus program, viruses and malware shouldn’t be an issue.

Mac (OS X)
Pros: Security, comes with a free Obama button and a $5 Starbucks giftcard
Cons: Compatiblity, no right click

Over the past few years, Mac has greatly increased in it’s popularity, software compatibility and general ease of use. A few years ago the only people who used Macs were hardcore nerds who had nothing better to do, or people who needed a computer specifically for audio/video editing. This all changed with Mac introduced their own line of slim, powerful notebooks and struck a deal with Microsoft to include Microsoft Office support on their operating system. Combined with the ability to easily install Windows on any Mac OSX computer, Mac has quickly become a trend among college students looking for laptops to meet their everyday needs.

The main positive feature that Mac has going for it over Windows is in security. Nobody writes viruses for Macs. They just don’t have the time, not when it’s so damn easy to hack a Windows computer. This is great for most people who choose Macs, as it’s about as easy to pick up using a Mac as it is a PC. The main drawback for choosing a Mac over a PC is in price. A Macbook will easily cost twice as much as a comparable PC notebook. The other major drawback is Macs still suffer slightly from the compatibility issues of old. While most well known programs have their own Mac counterpart, numerous other programs have yet to have a Mac version made. If you go the Mac route, be sure any software you purchase is also compatible with Macs, or you might find yourself with a $50 PC game that you can’t even play.

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)
Pros: It’s free at least
Cons: Ridiculously steep learning curve, repels girls

For those feeling extra daring or extra cheap, there is a third alternative for a potential operating system. Linux is a free to download open source operating system that is the result of numerous programmers and coders working together. There are a multitude of different Linux releases, each with their own target audience. The most user friendly of all the current releases is Ubuntu, and from personal experience, that’s not saying much. Unless you’re confident in your ability to use Google or know how to install wireless card drivers by hand, stay away from Linux.

But for those who have yet to be scared off, there are some positives for using Linux. It’s fairly simple to set up a dual-booting machine that can use both Ubuntu-Mac or Ubuntu-Windows. In addition Linux computers boast the greatest security of all the systems, as almost any Linux command that could even partially mess with your machine requires the user to input their password, making malware completely ineffective. There are also free versions of many popular software titles available for download on Linux right through the packages manager that makes downloading and installing apps as easy as clicking a button. But be warned: anything that doesn’t use the package manager will likely cause a migraine when attempting to install it.

Hopefully this clears up some of the confusion surrounding this hot button issue. Ultimately it’s up to you, the computer buyer, to decide what operating system is right for you.