Should You Go Mac?

The Apple Macintosh computer is an interesting beast and always has been. Much of what is spread around about them are myths. The goal of this article is to inform you of the true differences between a Mac and a PC with Windows.

We’ll start with the basics and then move on from there.

What is a Mac?

A Mac is a PC. This directly goes against what Apple marketing has been trying to convince you of otherwise. A PC as you know means personal computer. Any computer that is in the home is a PC, so yes, a Mac is a PC. When Apple refers to "PC", what they’re truly saying is, "PC with Windows." This is because the Windows operating system is the #1 competitor to Apple’s operating system, OS X.

What is OS X?

As said above, OS X is Apple’s operating system they provide on Macintosh PCs. It is pronounced like oh ess ten, because the X is the roman numeral symbol for the number 10. Why 10? Because the last version of Apple’s operating system was called MacOS 9. They chose to go with the X because it looks better and has a bit of a mystique to it. This does mean that yes, it’s X and not 10 for marketing reasons.

It is important to note that OS X is a UNIX-based operating system. This means as with traditional UNIX and Linux, there are no drive letters, no "defragging" necessary because of the file system it uses.

What are the fundamental differences between Microsoft and Apple?

The first thing is to realize that when it comes to PCs, Microsoft is not and OEM while Apple is. What that means is that Apple makes both the hardware and the software, while Microsoft only concerns itself with software. The only computer Microsoft actually manufactures is the Xbox gaming console. Otherwise they are all software and no hardware other than peripherals such as mice and webcams.

In other words, you cannot buy a Microsoft-manufactured PC, because they don’t make it. When you buy an Apple Macintosh PC, it is built by Apple directly, and the operating system on the Macintosh is also made by Apple.

What are the fundamental differences between Windows and OS X?

The best tutorials on this are by Apple themselves. You can view the videos here to get the scoop on the basics:

http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/

The ones you will be particularly most interested in are "Anatomy of a Mac" and "PC to Mac: The Basics". Unfortunately it does require that you have QuickTime in order to view the videos, but once you have that installed you’ll be able to view the tutorial videos.

Remember: Doing things "The Apple Way" is not bad. Just different.

If you’ve used nothing but Windows for most if not all of your computing life, OS X as said above will put you through a bit of a learning curve. However it’s nothing that can’t be mastered in a few weeks.

Can OS X run Windows programs?

No. Remember, OS X is UNIX-based. You will have to use Macintosh equivalents of Windows programs in order to run them. You could optionally install free software like VirtualBox and install a Windows OS like XP or 7 inside OS X, but you’re better off sticking to Mac-only apps as they will run best.

Apple states you can run an Windows installation simply by using a product they include called Boot Camp. However this requires you to physically reboot your Apple PC every time you want to go into Windows, and that’s annoying. You’re better off using the VirtualBox way so you don’t have to reboot every time you want to run a Windows program.

Do Macs require specific third-party hardware peripherals?

Not usually.

It used to be that if you wanted a custom peripheral, such a Logitech mouse, you specifically had to buy one made for the Mac because the ports on the Mac were physically different than a standard IBM Compatible PC. Since the advent of USB that’s no longer the case being that both Mac PCs and standard PCs all use the same USB connectors.

It is however important you read the box for anything you intend to buy to ensure it has proper Mac OS X support. Contrary to popular belief, OS X is not a magical operating system that will detect everything. In reality, Windows 7 detects more than Mac does because it has better vendor support. The point however is to simply read the box for whatever peripheral you intend to buy to make sure it will run on OS X, which the vast majority of third-party peripherals do.

Do Macs require Apple-made monitors?

No. You can use any monitor you wish, save for the iMac which is an all-in-one computer. If you go with a Mac mini or Mac Pro, any new monitor will connect to it.

Do Macs require Apple-specific keyboards?

Yes. While it’s true you could use any USB-based keyboard on a Mac, Apple keyboards have specific keys for specific use in OS X that standard keyboards don’t have.

Are Macs more expensive than traditional PCs?

Yes. Unless you go with the absolute basic Mac mini, you will spend a bare minimum of $1,200 for the base-priced iMac.

It is ultimately up to you whether it’s actually worth the price or not.

What are the main benefits of using a Mac?

Macs typically do not require having an anti-virus/malware/spyware suite installed because most viruses are made for Windows – however – Macs are not immune to phishing because that’s based on tricking the human (you) and not the OS of your computer.

It is easier to get a Mac fixed when it breaks. If still in warranty, all you have to do is call your local Apple Store, set up an appointment and drop your computer off should your Mac bust. Macs have the same computer problems non-Apple PCs do, such as the optical drive wearing out (this is usually the first thing to go on any computer), a noisy fan, and so on.

The standard suite of apps is better than what Windows offers. Titles like iPhoto, iDVD and iMovie are very well-developed and good applications. The Mac experience is much better tailored to home use compared to Windows.

What are the main drawbacks to using a Mac?

Home-centric, but not business-centric. Mac shines in the home but doesn’t do too well for business. Certain financial apps either have limited or no Mac offerings at all. Microsoft Office – while having a Mac version – is nowhere near as good as the Windows edition.

Popular internet downloadable programs are always better in Windows – and usually first. The Mac version of Yahoo! Messenger is Spartan and terrible. AIM on the Mac is just as crappy. Google Chrome browser was released for Windows first and took a really long time to get on the Mac. When it comes to popular programs, Mac is always second banana to Windows. This isn’t necessarily a problem so long as you’re aware of it.

No Internet Explorer. At all. For some people this is a really big deal because with IE you know all your favorite web sites – including your bank’s web site – will work perfectly. Apple’s default browser is Safari. It is a good browser but is not guaranteed to work with all the sites you use. There used to be an IE for Mac years ago in 2003, but unfortunately Microsoft stopped development of the browser for the OS X platform.

If Safari doesn’t work for you for whatever reason, you can use alternative browsers like Firefox and Opera, both of which have excellent OS X versions.

Should you go Mac?

That is ultimately your decision – but I will give this bit of advice concerning switching from Windows to Mac:

Know what you’re getting into. Understand the Mac is different. Understand it will take time to learn the Mac. Understand that the Mac will not solve all your computer problems, and may even crop up some new ones. After all, a Mac is a computer, and like all computers, they can mess up at any given time. Understand you will have to be a little more selective when it comes to buying peripherals where you have to check for proper OS X support.

Understand that what you’re paying for with the Mac is not the computer nor the hardware within it. You’re paying for OS X – the foundation of the Mac experience. It is Apple’s OS that separates it from traditional Windows PCs more than anything else.

Two final notes:

If you buy a Mac, don’t like it and want to return it, you won’t get a full refund. There will be a 15% restocking fee. Chances are you won’t return it, but if you do, that is something you should be aware of.

If you know anybody in college, be it a son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, have them buy the Mac. Take them to the Apple store and front the money for the box but have the kid buy it. All college kids get a discount just by flashing a student ID – and the discount is significant.