Mac vs. PC: Common misconceptions

[Cognizant]

Mac vs. PC..?
While yes, I am a dedicated Mac fan (if you didn't know that, my username says enough :P) I have no problems with a Windows PC. I wanted to just point out some of the things that people commonly say when battling between Macintosh and a typical PC, and prove or disprove them.

First off, A mac is indeed a PC!
P.C stands for Personal Computer, and last time I checked, a Macintosh is a computer as well. A more proper term for other PC's would be a Windows/Linux/(Insert os name here) PC.

Now, without further ado:

Mac's are super expensive, though!
Yes, one of the most noticable things when purchasing a Macintosh PC is the price tag. But, every thing has a reason to be more or less money or value. Macintosh computers tend to use more higher quality materials, such as Aluminium and Glass to provide an elegant and professional look to the product. The OS, Mac OS 10, or Mac OS X also provides a good chunk of the cost. Ergonomics also take a good chunk of money- chicklet keyboard, tiltable screens, Speakers that bounce the sound are some common ergonomic features on the Mac computers.

PC's are better Gaming computers!
As a gamer myself, that is simply not true. Macintosh computers are 100% capible of the power needed to run the game; even the laptops can still play the games without hassle. The problem probably lies in the fact that OS X uses a different file format than Microsoft Windows. I will go into greater detail in just a second. And, if you experience lag, Mac computers are pretty easy to upgrade.

There isn't enough compatible software with Mac OS!
Again, that simply isn't true. Many companies, even Microsoft, makes software compatible with OS X's file system, .dmg or .app. If there is a program that doesn't run with OS X natively, I know how you feel. I have the same problem. You can use Parralls by vmWare, which emulates any OS you can imagine to run your programs. You can also use BootCamp, which allows you to partition and install Windows XP (sp2 higher), Windows Vista, Windows 7, and even Windows 8 on the newer macs. It is not an emulation, but an actual copy of Windows on your mac. Everything works- volume controls, wireless internet, even the iSight/Facetime Camera!

Macs don't have right click!

You don't know how silly this argument is from a Mac user's perspective. As a previous Windows user, I know that right-clicking is almost essential to the operating system. Don't let looks decieve you, Mac's actually have right click abilities, right out of the box. There are 3 ways you can go about right clicking in a mac:
1) while clicking, hold down the control key. This acts like a right click
2) Open the mouse system prefs, and you'll see that there is an option for right-clicking on the Apple mouse, it's just disabled by default because Right clicking is not a heavily used feature in the OS
3) If you want to be stubborn, any standard issue 2-button mouse will work with a mac.

That's all I have for now, If you want to add something on, go ahead! If you disagree with something I said, say it! Just don't bash others, we don't like infractions, do we? :P

[Stryker125]

Macs don't have right click!


I hear this quite a bit, and it's not true. Yes, there is no right button, but it's not true. On the laptops, you simply click with two fingers. I'm not sure about on the desktops, but I think you hold command and click...I think.

[Thunduhbuhlt]

I agree, but many people don't even really need or want a fancy quad-core high resolution screen beast. They just need a functional, inexpensive computer that gets the job done. I am like that with computers. (Not tablets or phones though) I could get a phone, tablet, and computer in the price for one Mac. I see no use of it, but I am sure gamers and people who want the best no matter the price will be more than willing to cough up $1000+ for a computer.

[Cognizant]

Macs don't have right click!


I hear this quite a bit, and it's not true. Yes, there is no right button, but it's not true. On the laptops, you simply click with two fingers. I'm not sure about on the desktops, but I think you hold command and click...I think.
That is a good one. It's actually control, but that is correct. And if that combination is just too much for somebody, any standard 2 button mouse can work with it, and the mouse that comes with the computer does actually have right click, it's just disabled by default :P
I agree, but many people don't even really need or want a fancy quad-core high resolution screen beast. They just need a functional, inexpensive computer that gets the job done. I am like that with computers. (Not tablets or phones though) I could get a phone, tablet, and computer in the price for one Mac. I see no use of it, but I am sure gamers and people who want the best no matter the price will be more than willing to cough up $1000+ for a computer.
You raise a good point. If you just wanted to do every day work, such as Browsing the internet and word processing, PC's are a much better way to go as far as costs.

[Thunduhbuhlt]

You raise a good point. If you just wanted to do every day work, such as Browsing the internet and word processing, PC's are a much better way to go as far as costs.
Yeah, I'm broke as fuck, I could barely afford my $300 laptop. I spend so much on tablets and phones though.

[Stryker125]

Student discounts FTW :D

[Cognizant]

Student discounts FTW :D
...If you want to save 100 dollars off of a 1400 dollar laptop :P

[Magus]

Common misconception:

Mac is not a PC. It is some other worldly expensive hip shit.

[Cognizant]

Common misconception:

Mac is not a PC. It is some other worldly expensive hip shit.

Covered that already :P

[Rayquaza]

There isn't enough compatible software with Mac OS!
Again, that simply isn't true. Many companies, even Microsoft, makes software compatible with OS X's file system, .dmg or .app. If there is a program that doesn't run with OS X natively, I know how you feel. I have the same problem. You can use Parralls by vmWare, which emulates any OS you can imagine to run your programs. You can also use BootCamp, which allows you to partition and install Windows XP (sp2 higher), Windows Vista, Windows 7, and even Windows 8 on the newer macs. It is not an emulation, but an actual copy of Windows on your mac. Everything works- volume controls, wireless internet, even the iSight/Facetime Camera!


Well, firstly the companies aren't making the software COMPATIBLE with mac, they need to re-write the whole program. I mean, look at mac:word and mac:powerpoint compared to their native Windows Versions, they're just awful. Also, with Windows, the fact that it doesn't require you to install mac for almost every program out there is a plus side, but because mac know that a lot of the software doesn't work, they have no choice BUT to give you an option of installing Windows side-by-side with mac.

[Magus]

Covered that already :P

I guess you didn't get the joke.

[Cognizant]

Well, firstly the companies aren't making the software COMPATIBLE with mac, they need to re-write the whole program. I mean, look at mac:word and mac:powerpoint compared to their native Windows Versions, they're just awful. Also, with Windows, the fact that it doesn't require you to install mac for almost every program out there is a plus side, but because mac know that a lot of the software doesn't work, they have no choice BUT to give you an option of installing Windows side-by-side with mac.
First off, that is biased. Usually, the software is the same as the Windows/Linux version, just with different source coding. Secondly, however, that is true. But since a good chunk of software that the average computer user uses is already made/ported to the Mac Platform, you aren't required to. Do you see an average computer user using SharpDevelop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SharpDevelop) every day?
I guess you didn't get the joke.
What was the joke? Macs are indeed Personal Computers, hun ;)

[Rayquaza]

First off, that is biased. Usually, the software is the same as the Windows/Linux version, just with different source coding. Secondly, however, that is true. But since a good chunk of software that the average computer user uses is already made/ported to the Mac Platform, you aren't required to. Do you see an average computer user using SharpDevelop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SharpDevelop) every day?

What was the joke? Macs are indeed Personal Computers, hun ;)

You're missing the point. I'm trying to tell you that many software developers are mainly focused around windows. The fact that their programs are usually then written to Mac shows that Mac isn't their main priority. I would also argue that you said that a lot of software is already built into Mac. But I don't think so. I mean look at textedit and wordpad. That's just one example that when we look at features, wordpad is a clear winner in my opinion. Also come to think of it, I'm surprised apple doesn't give ilife for free with apple computers, seeing as many people use of from a day to day basis.

[Cognizant]

You're missing the point. I'm trying to tell you that many software developers are mainly focused around windows. The fact that their programs are usually then written to Mac shows that Mac isn't their main priority. I would also argue that you said that a lot of software is already built into Mac. But I don't think so. I mean look at textedit and wordpad. That's just one example that when we look at features, wordpad is a clear winner in my opinion. Also come to think of it, I'm surprised apple doesn't give ilife for free with apple computers, seeing as many people use of from a day to day basis.

Okay. From a developers standpoint, I see your point. However, there is a lot of alternatives to mac programs that may not already be on the market. Software built into the mac is decently executed, Wordpad and TextEdit do the same exact thing- word process at a basic level. Both can check spelling, change the typeface, and have picture support. As far as iLife goes, it does come standard with every mac- MacBook air to Mac Pro. From purchased on the store to previous gen refurbished models. I think the iLife suite is more advanced than the alternatives found on a fresh Windows PC.

[kryptonite]

With a right-click on a Mac, I believe you can just hold the mouse button down for 2-3 seconds and a menu pops up.

Or...just avoid the $30 "Mighty Mouse" and get a $4 mouse with two buttons.

[Infidelitas]

I found this on a website: (Here is the source) (http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=macs_cant)

One thing PC users can do that Mac users can't:
http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/images/stfu2.jpg

Ever notice how most Mac users are skinny? It's because of all the calories they burn because they can't shut the fuck up about how great their Macs are. What is it about Apple that makes its users unable to shut their mouths? Everywhere I go, there's another asshole with a Mac preaching about how much better Macs are than PCs. They regurgitate lines directly from Apple's marketing campaign, like "it just works." I have the following rebuttals to this argument:


1. If everything on a Mac just works, then why does a website called "Mac fix it" exist, assholes? Here are a few choice topics on macfixitforums.com:
-Login window stuck!
-lower caSe "S" key not working!!
-Menu bar keeps flashing
-I can't drag and drop!
Waaaah, boo hoo! I can't drag and drop! Dumbass. Looks like your Macs aren't perfect after all, which leads me to my second point:

2. Fuck you.

I don't know why Mac users get so defensive when you call them idiots. I mean, Apple is a company that has built its entire user base around the fact that its users can't do simple things like turn their computers on. Hell, most Mac users can't even talk without using their hands, which ranks their intelligence somewhere between a simian and hog shit:

4Tq7yykR-DM&feature=player_embedded

Stupid user base aside, I will never own a Mac. It's not so much that I'm a PC loyalist. I'm not. It's that I'm not stylish enough to own one. Most iPod commercials feature guys with long hair, chicks roller skating, and guys wearing fedoras. I have dandruff, and I buy most of my jeans from a grocery store. I feel like in order to have a Mac, I need to be:

* An artist.
* In a band.

Unemployed (see above).
After the recent Apple conference, Mac fans were elated. One person was quoted as saying "I've had a Macintosh now for a total of 35 days, and I'm really excited to be part of the Mac community." Part of the Mac community? It's a computer, not a social movement, asshole! I feel like Apple is not just selling computers, they're selling a way of life, and I'm not ready to be that heavily invested in a product. I think this parody helps illustrate Apple's unspoken message:

JixbzFjv_cU&feature=player_embedded


iTunes is the new Real Player:

In doing research for this article, I decided to reinstall iTunes, a program I hadn't used since version 4 (now on 7). Here it is, just working:
http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/images/itunes_error1.gif
Back in the late 90s, everyone used Real Player. Then those cocks at Real Network got greedy, and tried to get their application to take over your entire PC, and people stopped using it. Same thing is happening with Quicktime now. You can't install Quicktime anymore unless you download bullshit iTunes. This section was supposed to be longer, but I couldn't even install iTunes so I could bitch about it. Not that I could have used it for what I wanted to anyway:
http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/images/eula.gif

If I want to manufacture biological weapons with my copy of iTunes, I will, fascists. Ditch this bullshit.


5,355,249 Mac fans switched back over to Windows, even though Windows is just as shitty.

[Cognizant]

I found this on a website: (Here is the source) (http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=macs_cant)

One thing PC users can do that Mac users can't:
image (http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/images/stfu2.jpg)

Ever notice how most Mac users are skinny? It's because of all the calories they burn because they can't shut the fuck up about how great their Macs are. What is it about Apple that makes its users unable to shut their mouths? Everywhere I go, there's another asshole with a Mac preaching about how much better Macs are than PCs. They regurgitate lines directly from Apple's marketing campaign, like "it just works." I have the following rebuttals to this argument:


1. If everything on a Mac just works, then why does a website called "Mac fix it" exist, assholes? Here are a few choice topics on macfixitforums.com:
-Login window stuck!
-lower caSe "S" key not working!!
-Menu bar keeps flashing
-I can't drag and drop!
Waaaah, boo hoo! I can't drag and drop! Dumbass. Looks like your Macs aren't perfect after all, which leads me to my second point:

2. Fuck you.

I don't know why Mac users get so defensive when you call them idiots. I mean, Apple is a company that has built its entire user base around the fact that its users can't do simple things like turn their computers on. Hell, most Mac users can't even talk without using their hands, which ranks their intelligence somewhere between a simian and hog shit:

4Tq7yykR-DM&feature=player_embedded

Stupid user base aside, I will never own a Mac. It's not so much that I'm a PC loyalist. I'm not. It's that I'm not stylish enough to own one. Most iPod commercials feature guys with long hair, chicks roller skating, and guys wearing fedoras. I have dandruff, and I buy most of my jeans from a grocery store. I feel like in order to have a Mac, I need to be:

* An artist.
* In a band.

Unemployed (see above).
After the recent Apple conference, Mac fans were elated. One person was quoted as saying "I've had a Macintosh now for a total of 35 days, and I'm really excited to be part of the Mac community." Part of the Mac community? It's a computer, not a social movement, asshole! I feel like Apple is not just selling computers, they're selling a way of life, and I'm not ready to be that heavily invested in a product. I think this parody helps illustrate Apple's unspoken message:

JixbzFjv_cU&feature=player_embedded


iTunes is the new Real Player:

In doing research for this article, I decided to reinstall iTunes, a program I hadn't used since version 4 (now on 7). Here it is, just working:
image (http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/images/itunes_error1.gif)
Back in the late 90s, everyone used Real Player. Then those cocks at Real Network got greedy, and tried to get their application to take over your entire PC, and people stopped using it. Same thing is happening with Quicktime now. You can't install Quicktime anymore unless you download bullshit iTunes. This section was supposed to be longer, but I couldn't even install iTunes so I could bitch about it. Not that I could have used it for what I wanted to anyway:
image (http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/images/eula.gif)

If I want to manufacture biological weapons with my copy of iTunes, I will, fascists. Ditch this bullshit.


5,355,249 Mac fans switched back over to Windows, even though Windows is just as shitty.
I have no comment, other than the same thing can be said right back at a PC user. The fact that my ENTIRE SYSTEM crashed when I tried to unplug a webcam was a bit silly for me.

[Djentleman]

I don't preach how they're better. I defend them when some "PC Loyalists" decide to not only say how shit they are, but to also insult their user's intelligence.

Opinions are like assholes: Everyone has one.

[Rayquaza]

I feel this article is biased, so I decided to create a thread myself;
http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?p=1694852#post1694852

[Magus]

I have no comment, other than the same thing can be said right back at a PC user. The fact that my ENTIRE SYSTEM crashed when I tried to unplug a webcam was a bit silly for me.

I have never seen a single error when I was using Linux on my box.

[kryptonite]

I have no comment, other than the same thing can be said right back at a PC user. The fact that my ENTIRE SYSTEM crashed when I tried to unplug a webcam was a bit silly for me.

I'm guessing you didn't do it right. Maybe something was plugged in backwards, or maybe it was a conflicting software issue. I'd need to know more details. How many webcams DON'T cause their entire systems to crash?

On the contrary, you should have seen how many iPods I've had that I had to go back to their genius bar because they stopped working...yet, all the genius could do was give me a new one. I've had white screens galore.

No system is perfect.

https://www.google.com/search?q=mac+crashes&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

[kryptonite]

I have never seen a single error when I was using Linux on my box.


It's been ages since I had Windows XP crash. I've had Windows 7 on my laptop since Christmas and it's never crashed.

If you think about what you're doing, don't install every piece of junk software you come across and use common sense on the internet, a current version of Windows is just as reliable...there's a reason it's the most popular OS.

[Cognizant]

Okai

[Magus]

It'crowed ages since I had Windows XP crash. I've had Windows 7 on my laptop since Christmas and it's never crashed.

If you think about what you're doing, don't install every piece of junk software you come across and use common sense on the internet, a current version of Windows is just as reliable...there's a reason it's the most popular OS.

I had XP before shifting. But since XP is out dated and quite vulnerable and slow on my system, I decided to change.

If I want Windows on my computer, it would be for games. But I won't use it for anything else.

[Steve Jobs]

I had XP before shifting. But since XP is out dated and quite vulnerable and slow on my system, I decided to change.

If I want Windows on my computer, it would be for games. But I won't use it for anything else.

I use Windows to run some windows-only apps, mainly in video production and live sound monitoring. ANd yeah.. can't give up gaming :D

[Skyhawk]

Italians talk with their hands just as much as that claim.

Patrick, how many threads related towards Macs have you created this week? I'm pretty sure I replied to two of them yesterday.

[Magus]

I use Windows to run some windows-only apps

Wine, which can easily work with windows applications on Linux and Mac.