by Gerald Lucey

Created on: July 04, 2010

The age long debate when it comes to computers is between Windows and Mac operating systems. Each side has its own fan club and devout supporters. There definitely are benefits to each type of computer, but I have found that the benefits of a Mac far outweigh those of a Windows based system. I once firmly believed in Windows PCs and only bought them, but recently after having been exposed to them on a daily basis for video-editing, changed my mind.

When I purchased my first computer, Windows seemed to be the right way to go. Windows based computers offered a lot more power for my money than comparably priced Mac systems. However, after having had to upgrade my computer a couple of times over the years, I finally saw the appeal of Mac computers. They don't really get "outdated." Despite the seemingly exuberant specs of a Windows PC I might build, developers and publishers still seem to find a way to make me need to upgrade its components every 3 years. With Macs, I don't have this problem. Sure I can't runt he latest version of Final Cut Pro as quickly on a 8 year-old MacBook, but the old G3 desktop seems to run Final Cut Pro just fine year after year. Windows systems force users to upgrade either their operating system or software rapidly. It feels like there was no space in between the release of Windows Vista and then Windows 7. Those two OS's cost consumers a fat sum of money to upgrade to. Apple treats their customers better, and never forces them to upgrade software.

Perhaps the most basic but best aspect of Macs is that they are optimized. Just like a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360 is, Macs are designed to run the programs that are published for them. Of course you have never worried about your new PS3 game being compatible with your PS3- and the same comfort is offered by Macs, but how many times have you wondered if your PC will have the stuff to run a program? Or you buy a program seeing that your computer meets its recommended hardware, but the program runs horribly? On a Windows based system, your computer may or may not meet a programs requirements. A long time ago fewer applications were compatible with the Mac operating system, but those days have passed. You no longer need to worry about the Powerpoint presentation you created on your Mac working on a PC.

Macs also have useful built in programs. Windows Movie Maker is not very powerful, and while it can do the most basic of video editing, it never really stands out as a good choice. Apple iMovie on the other hand is extremely powerful and is capable of creating great home-made movies. It is nice to see an operating system include useful programs instead of just junk.

While it still holds true that Apple computers cost way more than similarly powerful Windows based computers, they tend to have more longevity in the end. Apple stands by the Mac computers they make, and with only a handful of pre-configured systems readily available, (and not too many customizable options) there is no real way for publishers to design programs and content that won't run on one Mac system but will run on another.

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