For years, the debate over the differences between Mac and PC has raged on between experts and novices alike. The consensus often reached is that PC is better for work-related tasks, especially in an office environment, while the Mac is the best choice for creative endeavors such as graphic design, audio editing and video editing. Times have long been changing in the tech world, so where do we stand today? In today’s environment, does the debate still have any meaning?
Compatibility Issues
There was time when you would have to make your choice between PC and Mac based on the software you used. In many cases, specific software packages were only made for Mac or PC, effectively making the choice for you. Today, however, with the advent of cloud based applications and developers comfortable with both PC and Mac, the choice is often left up to you. Creative software, for example, is readily available for both systems and, in most cases, functions almost identically regardless of the platform you are using. By the same token, basic office systems once dominated by the PC are now easily found for the Mac as well.
Hardware and Maintenance
Amidst the debate of which platform is better, there has also arisen a belief that one system is inherently better than the other. The truth is both systems are made with almost identical components under the hood, and either system can suffer hardware failures. Apple tightly controls its hardware, forcing you to go to them for many replacements outside of basic hard drive and memory repairs and upgrades. This can give PC an edge in business as IT departments continue to search for ways to reduce failures and decrease maintenance times.
Viruses and Malware
It seems there is a new story almost every day about a data breach or a new virus wreaking havoc on computer systems world-wide. PC’s are most definitely more at risk than Apple as most viruses and malware target these systems. That doesn’t mean a Mac is immune from security threats. As the popularity of Apple has soared, more and more viruses and malware have begun to appear that specifically target these systems. No matter what system you decide to use, a strong and reliable antivirus software package should be your first purchase.
Costs of Hardware and Software
Apple has a reputation of being much more expensive than most PC products and it is a reputation that is most certainly deserved. With a Mac, a user is investing in not only a functional piece of equipment but also a brand with an elegant design that has yet to be matched by PC manufacturers. It’s not always about design, however, and many PC systems still look great while being highly functional, often making them much more attractive for businesses looking to manage costs.
While the lines between PC and Mac have definitely been blurred in recent years, which platform you choose for your business really comes down to personal preference. In the end, both platforms are simply tools that must be selected carefully in order to accomplish whatever goal you have set for your company. You must select the one that you and your employees are most comfortable with, and that will allow you to get on with business in the most efficient manner possible.
