Apple might be the coolest technology company on the planet, but we’ll be sticking with Microsoft’s flaky Windows operating systems for years to come
A couple of years ago, this month's cover feature may have sent many readers running for the hills. Mac, PC or Linux? For anyone who bought a PC magazine or read a PC website back then, this was a question with only one answer.
Frustrated as Windows users were with the sometimes flaky OS (operating system), the constant fear of their PCs being hit by a virus and Microsoft’s lack of ambition with new versions, Windows always had been and always would be their OS of choice. It was a case of better the devil you know and many people immediately switched off when Apple devotees started spouting the benefits of the Mac OS.
Macs were for trendy designers, while the third option, Linux, was for übergeeks with a bee in their bonnet about Microsoft’s evil empire.
But even though PC users looking for an easy life are unlikely to replace their current Windows setup, the Mac is enjoying a renaissance. Swayed by Apple’s emergence as a leading consumer electronics brand, many home computer users are considering Macs for the first time.
In fact, some suggest that Microsoft’s shiny new operating system – Windows Vista – may even be inadvertently encouraging people to consider making the switch to Apple. This isn’t because Vista fails to live up to expectations, but because its release has encouraged people to get into an upgrade mentality at a time when Apple has become the coolest technology company on the planet. Already this year while Microsoft has given us Vista, Apple has launched the iPhone and Apple TV. The version of Apple’s operating system, Mac OS X Leopard, could be the icing on the cake.
All of this paints a rosy picture of the Mac platform, but let’s not get carried away. Even if Apple did start chipping away at Microsoft’s dominance of the desktop and future versions of Windows failed to bring any conclusive reason to upgrade, Microsoft would remain the dominant force in computing for many years to come. Windows is convenient and, for home users looking for a new computer on a budget that will support thousands of easy-to-use applications, a Windows-based computer is most definitely the way to go.
Plus, even the fiercest Mac OS proponents are now giving Windows a vote of confidence. Apple’s Boot Camp – a dual-booting technology that enables a single Mac to run both the Mac OS and Windows – is proving popular among Mac owners. This reinforces the fact that Microsoft’s OS supports a wider range of useful applications than Apple’s platform.
You decide
But with increasing numbers of people purchasing a second and even a third computer for the home, the option to mix-and-match has never been more appealing. This month we give you the tools to help you make the right decision when you buy your next computer, whether that’s over the next few months or in the years to come. As well as Windows Vista, Windows XP and Mac OS X, we look at the up-and-coming Linux, comparing all four on various criteria to establish which one is most appropriate for different types of applications. Whether you place security, performance, appearance or support – from third-party software developers or from Microsoft and Apple themselves – at the top of your agenda, our feature has the answers.
See the full contents of PC Advisor's June 2007 issue, on sale now.
Comments
Colin McEwan said: PS DBLLinux runs quite happily on an ancient PC an AM radio or a length of knotted string Mac OS Pah
Colin McEwan said: Weird This is supposed to be a debate on operating systems and yet everyone seems to be fixated with the hardware Anyhoo Linux for me Ubuntu at the moment Apple and Microsoft can stick their ludicrously expensive proprietary shackles where the sun dont shine
DBL said: The fact alone that I would have to use Apple hardware is deterrent enough to use OS X dont upgrade just throw away your old Mac and buy a new one and replace your carpet when it gets dirtyNo Either buy an open concept Mac like a tower or sell your old one you are familiar with our economy and the whole idea of trading currency for value correct A two-year old Mac will often sell for half its original retail price whereas a two-year old PC is worth a tiny fraction of that Why I am typing this on a 7-year old 400Mhz G4 towever and its running the very latest Apple OS and its purring along nicely thank you I also use all the latest iLife apps and the latest Photoshop Try that on a 7-year old PCPC user get thyself a clue and take the leap into Apple hardware There is a reason why the aftermarket values it far above any beige box PC The fact that you personally dont simply shows that you have been misled by your peers
Stephen said: Wow people tend to respond with no real facts here For the ultimate in compatibilityexpandabilityupgradeability I cant think of a better option than a MacPro Tower Reasons1 Macs run everything now OS XWindowsLinux you name it And can do it natively at full speed or through an emulator at 85 to 90 speed 2 Unlike what Bob has falsely stated the Mac towers MacPros are very upgradeable from processor to graphics cards Room for up to 3 Terabytes of storage via the 4 hard drive bays 3 additional optical bays 2 filled with DVD RW drive leaves one open 3 open full pci slots 4 firewire ports 7 usb ports wireless networking built in Now that you can simply drop in a chip upgrade as well I dont see what would hold someone back if they want a top of the line system that does it all Proof wwwanandtechcommacshowdoc
John said: FYI Paul Leopard has been delayed till Ocotober
Don G. said: It sounds like Paul has never used Macs very much He has used PCs all his life then tries to tell us that PCs are the only way to goWell I use PCs at work and a PC and a Mac at home Now I can get rid of the PC and have access to all the programs on both platformsI only use a PC when I have to I use a Mac because of the quality of software and hardware
Darwin said: For those not familiar with getting a good deal on Apple hardware heres howHigher Education discount is 12 - just call the store in the name of someone at Uni and order surely someone you know is getting educatedBuy at a time when Apple are offering a free printer or iPod and eBay it cashing it in as a discountDo this right and at times it is possible to sell your Apple hardware after a year for the same price you bought it forNow try that with a PC that drops 50 the moment you walk out the store with itThe iMac G4 800MHz is still selling on eBay in the UK for 400 I paid 750 one 5 years ago
Darwin said: Mac users loading Windows to run the odd program is not proof that the Windows platform has more compatible software With Macs able to run Windows and Linux software in VM Wine Bootcamp Native or recompiled Linux Apple hardware runs virtually ALL softwareBob your comment about throwing away valuable hardware is a waste of other peoples time Mac hardware depreciates slowly making it the best value new hardware The same logic makes it more expensive second handVery often it is possible to upgrade your entire machine for the price of a single graphics card because of the low level of depreciation Try upgrading your entire PC monitor OS and much of your software for 250 because thats all if costs with a consumer level Apple Mac
John @ Bob said: Are you kidding Apple has the best hardware ever Have you ever used a macbook pro I have used dell hp and gateway laptops and they are all crapdamn things fall apart the drives break they crack easily have issues with loose screwsThe mac hardware is not like anything I have ever seen Its solid reliable the magnetic power plug and many design details in the hardware I am still discoveringYou definitely get what you pay for Crap will always be cheaper than quality
Eridan said: Great this is what happens when you let Bob the ignorant post comment on the internet
Bob said: Great this is what happens when you let 14 year old kids post comments on the internetI would love to use OS X if it could do what I need it to do but it doesntThe fact alone that I would have to use Apple hardware is deterrent enough to use OS X dont upgrade just throw away your old Mac and buy a new one and replace your carpet when it gets dirtyApart from a nice and elegant interface although at times clunky up to version 13 I still dont see a real reason to switch to OS X with its compatibility issues and smaller software support base
Eridan said: Theres only one COMPUTER and OS worth havingApple Mac and OSX
Jon T said: Wow This writer is and PC Adviser are just so behind the curve its dumfoundingMacs run OSX Windows and Linux Fools