software and hardware

New computers are always a hot selling item each year. There are so many choices out there these days, it is hard for the average user to determine which bells and whistles are needed and which would be better left alone. The biggest decision for the buyer would be which platform to go with. The two main choices being a Windows based machine (PC) and Apple based platform (Mac).

For the longest time, Windows based PC has dominated the home user market, with Mac only making up a small percentage of the market. This was mostly due to that software selection for the Mac was far less than what was being offered for PC’s. As sales for the Mac grew, so did software support for them, therefore making them as mainstream and as practical as the PC’s. Now that they are as mainstream or even trendy, will a Mac work for what you are going to need it for?

For the majority of home computer users, there are a limited number of uses that will be required of the computer whether it be a Mac or PC. Most users will be using the computer for such things as surfing the Internet, emailing friends or family, storing images and videos, and perhaps keeping track of appointments and financial information. So with that being said, there is nothing that was mentioned that a Mac would not be able to do that a PC could accomplish. Software wise, currently, it is rare to have a software program that is only offered for the PC based machine. The majority of software titles are offered for both the PC and Mac platform. So emailing, keeping in touch with friends and family, and even creating word documents and spread sheets on the popular Microsoft Office would not be an issue.

With the Mac, it could be taken a step further with the software that is offered from Apple to compliment the Mac. Apple’s iLife suite for the Mac is definitely a must for any Mac user out there. From iPhoto for storing and organizing your digital photos to Garage Band to unleash your inner rock star, they have produced a winner for any home user. Throw in iWeb for creating your own personal web space on the Internet, iMovie for putting a little extra pizzazz to those home movies or iDVD for making your own DVD’s and you have the complete software package. Also, one software package that you not have to worry about as a Mac user is the anti-virus and spy ware packages. Unlike a PC, Macs are immune to spy ware and viruses, thereby eliminating the need for such programs like Norton Antivirus or MacAfee Antivirus.

When it comes to hardware, again owning a Mac may prove to be easier than with a PC. As everyone who has ever owned a PC knows, searching for that driver to get that new piece of hardware to work has never been as easy as “plug and play”. And if that was not enough already, throw in a different operating system and you are sure to end up with a headache or two.

So if you are looking for a new computer, it might be worth a look to at least take a look at what a Mac has to offer. For years, people have been scared to take a look at Macs, but these days, it would be wise not to. It will still come down to personal preference, since both will do all of your emailing, surfing the Internet, or organizing those precious photos of the family equally well.