When shopping for a computer there are many choices. The biggest decision, however, seems to be between two-- a Macintosh (Mac) or a PC, which runs on Microsoft Windows operating system. PCs may have more software and Macs may be better for design, but both computers have their advantages and disadvantages.

SF State design and industry major Jason Mazza spent almost a year battling with the choice between Mac or PC. On an almost daily basis, Mazza researched the positives and negatives of the two operating systems.

"On paper PCs appeared to be better and PCs have all the design programs I need," said Mazza. "In the design world, all the advice I heard was to get a Mac."

Mazza purchased a Powerbook (from Mac) and said that the Apple computer is pleasant to interact with, but is not completely satisfied.

"I feel like my laptop could be so much better and faster," said Mazza. "But I still would not purchase a PC."

SF State business major Rayna Chargualaf owns a PC, manufactured by Dell, but she really wants a 12-inch Apple iBook. The iBook is described as “the world’s best-loved” and “the world’s most advanced operating system” on the SF State bookstore’s website.

“I want an iBook because it seems more advanced,” said Chargualaf. “I never had a problem with my Dell until recently.”
Chargalauf's internet connection has slowed down and her media player will no longer allow her to play CDs, so she is ready to try a different computer system.

SF State behavior and social sciences (BSS) computing lab Network Systems Manager Alex Keller believes the biggest difference between PCs and Macs are their operating systems. PCs normally run with Windows XP, whereas Macs have their own operating system based on a flavor of UNIX. UNIX is very popular amongst schools because of its ability to multitask and connect users within a computer network.

"MAC OSX is significantly more advanced, secure, and stable than Windows XP," said Keller. "Windows is less secure, in part because unlike Apple, Microsoft does not control the hardware that their operating system runs on."
PCs are made by a number of different companies like Dell and Hewlett Packard, but Intel and AMD typically control the kind of CPU that goes into the computer. Currently, the operating system for PCs is almost always Microsoft Windows XP. Apple computers are far more superior within the realm of internet security because their operating system is based on UNIX, said Keller.
Granted, companies produce far more software programs for PCs than Macs, but Keller pointed out that those programs may not necessarily be high quality.

"Mac software is better engineered since it's customized to their operating system," said Keller.

If sales numbers are any guide to computer shoppers, Apple sold 836,000 computers in the fourth-quarter, an overall increase of six percent, but down five percent third-quarter this year, according to macworld.com. Apple computers gained much attention recently, partially due to increased advertising. The latest Apple marketing attack is the iPod partnership with the band U2. The commercials are now playing.

"The design of Mac computers is sexy and appealing," said Keller.

On Wed. Oct. 13 Apple Computer Inc. announced their fourth-quarter profit rose to $106 million, which more than doubled from their last quarter earnings. The major increase came from over two million iPod units sold. In the last fiscal year, Apple recorded $276 million in profits, and the previous year they earned $69 million, according to an Apple press release.

On the other hand, PC manufacturers will distribute 191.4 million computers this year, a 13 percent increase compared to the previous year. And, PC profits have boosted to $132 billion this year, up from 2003’s $118 billion, according to ecoustics.com.

But Keller does not think shoppers should buy based on dollar figures.

"I would recommend that people purchase a computer that they are comfortable with," said Keller. "Comfort is the most important factor and the 'best' computer is the one you can get your work done on with the least amount of pain and suffering."

Keller will give an internet security lecture Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 3p.m. in HSS 380.

"Students are a high target for internet fraud and its important to protect against internet theft," said Keller. "That's why their choice of computer and operating system is important."