There is something about a computer that inspires devotion.
When a person has grown up with a operating system or program and followed it since childhood, through multiple upgrades and versions, through the good times and the bad, a certain attachment develops.
Is it any wonder, then, that users of specific platforms may defend their decisions as strongly as priests or rabbis might defend theirs?
The battle begins
The whole mess between Macintosh and PC devotees dates back to the early 1980s, when Apple co-founder Steve Jobs made the fateful decision to use hardware in his new Apple systems that was incompatible with the PC prototypes being produced by companies such as IBM.
But this was an age when computers were merely for hobbyists -- often bought as a kit and then assembled by the user, much as a model airplane might be today. Either that, or they were supercomputers, so big that they filled up entire rooms -- hardly for use by the average customer.
When knowledge of computers implied a degree of technical know-how, ease-of-use was not a key goal.
Everything changed halfway through the Superbowl in 1984, though, when an advertisement -- one of the most famous commercials ever -- playing off of George Orwell's "thought-police" theme introduced the world to the Macintosh.
The Mac was the first popular computer to use a mouse and a graphical user interface -- a system that allows users to choose programs by clicking on an icon, rather than typing them, as in DOS format -- which made the formerly esoteric world of computing readily available to anyone. It also offered "plug-and-play" support, which greatly simplified installation of new hardware, and other features that made it a very attractive new system.
The IBM-compatible computer contingent responded with the licensing of its software, a business procedure in which one company grants others the use of its product for a fee. This allowed many new computer companies to be created while ensuring that they would have compatible products. Apple refused to license its software, unlike companies including mega-player Microsoft.
By the mid-1990s, Apple's falling market-share and dismal earnings reports made it look as though the Mac were about to go the way of the Betamax VCR.
In an effort to bolster its sales, Apple continued its effort to "Think Different." The company consolidated its product line and focused on the physical appearance of its machines, giving them brightly colored cases that produced a more personal feel.
At the same time, PCs, or Windows machines, named after their operating system, continued to improve the user-friendly qualities of their products.
As it currently stands, each machine excels at different tasks, and the decision over whether we will ever have one world operating system is still up in the air.
Macintosh computers
Macintosh computers seem to cater to the left side of the brain. Their colors -- including "Ruby" and "Indigo" -- allow users a more friendly feeling and can even contribute to a dorm room decorating scheme. At the same time, they offer certain advanced features not yet available on Windows machines.
Apple continually works to incorporate the latest technology into its computers. Recent Macs offer support for Firewire, which helps the computer communicate more quickly with peripheral devices such as printers. The new G4 Cube, which is cooled entirely by convection currents, has eliminated the need for a computer fan, making the unit quieter than many other machines.
The entertainment industry has always preferred Macs, because their graphical interfaces have been well-suited for making art -- which meant that the best desktop publishing and art software was created for Macs. Most professional software for sound, video editing and graphic design is written for Macs, although such software is generally now made for both platforms.
The Mac product line, especially the iMac, also particularly appeals to consumers who are new to using computers. Macs are designed to be easy to use and set up -- plusses for first-time users.
Indeed, the Mac setup is very simple. Every component of the computer is included in one main apparatus, and there are only a few cords that users must attach.
There are some disadvantages to Macintosh computers, though. They are generally more expensive than their PC counterparts, and they have limited upgradeability. In addition, MacOS has been shown in stress tests to be less stable than newer versions of Windows, crashing more often.
There's also the problem of software compatibility. Since most of the world uses PCs, Mac users sometimes have trouble transferring files and finding the best software. And it's not as easy to find support for Macs when users (who aren't at Dartmouth) have a problem.
Windows machines
Windows machines are the effective worldwide standard. Licensing of the OS has ensured that Windows is the platform on over two-thirds of the world's computers -- especially in business offices.
In addition, Windows is the most common system, with support from multiple hardware companies and the largest software base.
The prevalence of Windows machines prompts most software companies to design their products first for Windows. This means that PC users can usually be the first ones to access new software, which can increase business productivity and profits.
The large array of PC companies allows buyers to customize their computers and get exactly the computer they need, something difficult to do with the minimalist Apple product line. On the other hand, PCs can be quite unstable and often must be rebooted. PCs are often slower to adopt new technologies, as it is difficult for many producers to agree on one standard. Setting up the computers is also more complicated than it is for Macs.
Despite Dartmouth students' adoration of Mac-oriented games like Snood, Windows is winning the race in the gaming arena. Games are almost exclusively released first for Windows machines. Gaming hardware for Windows machines also surpasses that of Macs, with a larger variety of products available, and often released sooner. Microsoft's optical Intellimouse was available more than a year ago, and Logitech's was released soon thereafter.
The decision
With all of the choices available, it can be difficult to determine the proper system for each customer.
Macs are probably the best systems for people majoring in humanities subjects, especially music or film. And they are great products for first-time computer users.
Most other majors should consider a PC. They are the most common system in the business world, and it would be difficult to find an internship without at least some proficiency in computers that operate with Windows.
And if procrastination is your priority, the game-oriented Windows computers are the only reasonable choice.
The schism between the systems is as much one of philosophy as anything else. It is a judgment on what you want from your system, and how much time you are willing to commit.
