Ask the Network Guy!

Dear Network Guy, I am looking at getting a new computer for my business and different friends have suggested the PC; while others are pushing that I get a Macintosh.  Now I am confused as to which one to buy, please help!

The “Great Debate” continues.  Since the mid 80’s this debate has been alive.  There are those that are pro Mac and would only suggest a Mac.  While on the other side of the fence are the PC techies that would only recommend a PC.  In this world that we live in we have been given the great opportunity called “preference” and “choices.”  Whether one is debating computers or cars it all comes down to the end user.  Just like buying a car, you want to purchase a product that suits your personality, functionality and budget.  Unlike cars where the prices differ so greatly that some choices are made by themselves (Can afford the Chevy and not the Jaguar). This is not as much as a driving factor in the computer world these days where personal computers both Mac & PC’s cost about the same.  So here are some general things to think about as you decided which one is best for you.  To begin the thought process I thought it might be helpful to break into some categories:

• Comfort ability (Which system is more intuitive for you to learn/use)
• Applications (Purpose)
• Compatibility (Is there a need to be compatible with others in your work)
• Upgradeability (Can the system be upgraded in the future the way you want the system)

Comfort Ability- You will be the one that will be working on this computer for hours at a time.  Especially as you grow and operate your business.  With that said, which system seems more intuitive, or easier for you to understand.  I have found over the years with all my tech support clients that people have the overwhelming feeling of just wanting to be productive when using their computer.  My clients want to be able to hop onto their computer and whip out their work, regardless of the type of work.  In a simplified context the earlier debates were geared towards the type of work that you were trying to accomplish.  If you were writing business letters, needed to work with spreadsheets, etc then you bought a PC.  If you were doing more creative and graphic work, then you bought a Mac.  Today that is not the case; today I think that people want to be comfortable with their computer.  They want to feel that they can just get the work done

Applications (Purpose) – As I mentioned above it use to be more cut and dry.  Some might want to argue that point, and we can leave that for another day, you can always email me your viewpoints!  Today the types of applications for both systems have gotten better.  One can build graphics on the PC just like others on the Mac.  As well as people on the Mac can crunch numbers as easily as the PC.  But for today’s discussion, let’s focus on what you want to accomplish.  Which system offers the software that you need to accomplish your goals?  Research your industry and make sure that you can find the software that you will need to perform your work.  Being that you are buying this computer for what sounds like a new business, think about all the different hats that you will be wearing.  From advertising to accounting and payroll to posting information to web sites or keeping track of inventory.  Sometimes looking at software needed to perform all business related jobs will be a driving factor.

Compatibility – The first thing that I must address is that file compatibility has gotten so much better.  The number of utilities that also convert files from PC to Mac and visa versa has improved over the years.  Not to mention, being able to export files to different versions.  That does not mean that you still do not need to keep this aspect in mind during your purchase.  For example if you are creating magazine layouts and every time you need to send something to the printer you have to create a special conversion of the work, or are finding that your converted files are not printing correctly, then being on a different platform (PC or MAC) would be the answer to that problem.  Think about the companies and the individuals that you will be working with on a regular basis.  What would be most compatible with them?

Upgradeability – Where do you want to take your computer over the next few years?  Are you hoping to add memory, a faster processor or change out system components?  Then you want to think about which system will allow you to do so within your time frame, budget, etc.  Usually most systems have some options of upgradeability, but you still want to ask appropriate questions on this area.  If your hope is to upgrade your system in a year or so, in the hopes of extending the available life of the unit, then consider what components can be upgraded, and how much of a jump in technology will those upgrades will take you.

These are the areas that I think will being to shape your future computer.  Again, it is all about personal preferences.  While some people like the Porsche racecar others prefer the Yukon SUV.  Neither is good or bad, but what someone prefers or feels more comfortable with for them.