I was talking with a client the other day who is in the market for a new computer. He currently has an older computer,
is a PC owner and is thinking about buying a Mac this time around.
Wondering whether to go the Mac route or buy a PC again. It is a
question I get on an ongoing basis.
There are
advantages to both. Approximately 12% of computers in use today are
Macs and PCs (Microsoft Operating System) account for 85% and 3% are
other. A big factor is cost. If you buy a Mac expect to pay a premium
for it. This is because Microsoft licenses its operating system to
Dell, HP, Lenovo among others so there is competition. If you wish to
buy a Mac, Apple is the only manufacturer.
You
also have more varieties to choose from when you are choosing a PC as
the same companies Microsoft licenses its operating system to build
their own models.
Macs
are not as prone to viruses and other forms of malware. Note that I
did not say you cannot get a virus on a Mac. Those who program viruses
are less likely to make them to affect a Mac due to their market share.
When they asked Willie Sutton why he robbed banks he responded,
"Because that's where the money is." Why go after 12% of the market
when you can go after 85%? In April 2012 Kaspersky noted that Mac’s
platform was a decade behind Microsoft’s when it came to computer
security. Link for article. Again the lower market share is why Macs are not as prone to viruses.
Apple is known for their exceptional customer service. Their Genius Bar provides free technical support
in person. Apple also offers free training as well again in person. I
also suggest if you are buying a Mac you purchase an Apple Care plan.
It is an extended warranty plan for both your computer and questions you
have related to using it. The costs to repair a Mac are higher than
repairing a PC.
The
gap has greatly lessened for these two factors but the availability of
software programs for PCs is greater than for Macs. On the other side,
Macs are easier to use as well as quicker to start
up and shut down. That said, Windows has greatly narrowed the gap here
and will be coming out with their new operating system Windows8 in
October. Apple last updated their operating system in late July of this
year.
In determining
whether a Mac or PC is for you these are some of the factors to
consider. Every situation is different so I cannot give a one size fits
all answer. If you have additional questions about whether a Mac or PC
would work better for you, I can be reached at (917) 572-3468 or email
me at mike@computerconciergeny.com
My Facebook page http://on.fb.me/MikesCCNY provides information on the current goings on in the technology field. There are tips to better use your computer and smartphone. For timely information, please visit and "Like" my page.
Computer training and many types of computer repairs can be done remotely. If you or someone you know needs either training to better use your computer or repairs I am now doing it on a remote basis in addition to in person locally.
http://computerconciergeny.com/3/post/2012/10/joinme-how-to-use-to-allow-someone-to-remotely-view-and-control-your-computer.html takes you to a narrative to use Join.me. It is a very user friendly site and it is easy to temporarily allow control of your computer. I also did an online video as well which is on the following link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyRSqpYNVQY
Except for customized Excel spreadsheets which are provided in the USA and Canada, Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside, NY vicinity.
Showing posts with label MAC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MAC. Show all posts
January 18, 2013
January 2, 2012
Buying a New Computer
Sooner or later you will find yourself in the market for a new computer. It could be a replacement for an existing computer, your first computer purchase (not likely if you are reading this), or an additional computer.
When that time comes you need to keep a few things in mind. The first is probably what will you be using your computer for? Will you use it for word processing, surfing the net, photos, etc? While you need to realize your use may change as your computer usage evolves, you should not purchase much more of a computer than what you will need. Don’t purchase a computer that is suited for games when you will only be doing surfing and word processing.
You should get the most recent operating system provided it has been around long enough to work the bugs out. Usually the operating system should be out a few months.
Consider your space requirements and where you will primarily be using it. If you live in a small apartment, will you have space for a desktop? Would a large laptop (11” and up screen) that is considered a desktop replacement be more suitable? If you have a desktop, you likely will not be moving it around much if at all as it involves a tower. Also keep in mind if you are purchasing a laptop, a bigger one tends to be less expensive.
With that in mind, if you are purchasing a laptop you need to know again how you will use it. If you will be travelling with it often, you should consider a smaller one. You also need to realize that the keyboard is not a standard keyboard that you would find with a desktop. You can buy an external mouse and keyboard to use with your computer but this will take up space in your computer bag which you should get if you are buying a laptop. If you are getting either an external mouse or keyboard, get the mouse. It is more value added to a laptop than the keyboard as far as speed is concerned.
Also note that more and more laptops these days come with a cam for videoconferencing.
You also have 3 other aspects to consider. Note that the minimums given are as of now and will change as technology changes. Random access memory (RAM), processing speed, and hard drive size. RAM is the most important. It is the memory used when your computer is on. Once your computer is turned off, this memory is no more. It is sometimes referred to temporary memory. The more RAM, the faster your computer operates and this is the most important of the 3 components. It is where the operating system all opened programs, and current data used are stored. Your minimum RAM should be 2GB and if money is not an issue, a minimum of 4GB. You also need to consider your hard drive size. Think of this as the drawer space for keeping clothes. It is your permanent memory as opposed to RAM memory. You should have a minimum of 160 GB of hard drive storage. If you will be storing, pictures, video, audio streams, you will need more depending on how much you plan to store. Processing speed is the speed of your computer. You do not need to get the fastest processing speed available. You should get 2nd or 3rd fastest. You will not notice the difference and you will appreciate the savings.
The next issue is MAC vs PC. There is a greater availability of software for a PC than a MAC but this gap is a lot less than it used to be. There are other factors to consider however. See below:
MAC Advantages
1. Not as Prone to Viruses.
2. Less Issues of Breakdown – also quicker to start up and shut down.
3. Excellent training. A lot is free.
4. Better maintenance and customer service.
5. Easier to use. However Windows 7 operating system has greatly narrowed this gap. It is competitive with MAC’s Snow Leopard Operating System.
PC Advantages
1. Owned by 90% of people and businesses.
2. More varieties (HP, Dell, etc).
3. Less expensive especially laptops.
4. More for businesses especially since more availability of software as noted.
Last but not least if you are buying a desktop, think about the screen size of your monitor. Again space considerations come into play.
By doing a little research into your needs and space availability you will be able to get a computer that works best for you.
When that time comes you need to keep a few things in mind. The first is probably what will you be using your computer for? Will you use it for word processing, surfing the net, photos, etc? While you need to realize your use may change as your computer usage evolves, you should not purchase much more of a computer than what you will need. Don’t purchase a computer that is suited for games when you will only be doing surfing and word processing.
You should get the most recent operating system provided it has been around long enough to work the bugs out. Usually the operating system should be out a few months.
Consider your space requirements and where you will primarily be using it. If you live in a small apartment, will you have space for a desktop? Would a large laptop (11” and up screen) that is considered a desktop replacement be more suitable? If you have a desktop, you likely will not be moving it around much if at all as it involves a tower. Also keep in mind if you are purchasing a laptop, a bigger one tends to be less expensive.
With that in mind, if you are purchasing a laptop you need to know again how you will use it. If you will be travelling with it often, you should consider a smaller one. You also need to realize that the keyboard is not a standard keyboard that you would find with a desktop. You can buy an external mouse and keyboard to use with your computer but this will take up space in your computer bag which you should get if you are buying a laptop. If you are getting either an external mouse or keyboard, get the mouse. It is more value added to a laptop than the keyboard as far as speed is concerned.
Also note that more and more laptops these days come with a cam for videoconferencing.
You also have 3 other aspects to consider. Note that the minimums given are as of now and will change as technology changes. Random access memory (RAM), processing speed, and hard drive size. RAM is the most important. It is the memory used when your computer is on. Once your computer is turned off, this memory is no more. It is sometimes referred to temporary memory. The more RAM, the faster your computer operates and this is the most important of the 3 components. It is where the operating system all opened programs, and current data used are stored. Your minimum RAM should be 2GB and if money is not an issue, a minimum of 4GB. You also need to consider your hard drive size. Think of this as the drawer space for keeping clothes. It is your permanent memory as opposed to RAM memory. You should have a minimum of 160 GB of hard drive storage. If you will be storing, pictures, video, audio streams, you will need more depending on how much you plan to store. Processing speed is the speed of your computer. You do not need to get the fastest processing speed available. You should get 2nd or 3rd fastest. You will not notice the difference and you will appreciate the savings.
The next issue is MAC vs PC. There is a greater availability of software for a PC than a MAC but this gap is a lot less than it used to be. There are other factors to consider however. See below:
MAC Advantages
1. Not as Prone to Viruses.
2. Less Issues of Breakdown – also quicker to start up and shut down.
3. Excellent training. A lot is free.
4. Better maintenance and customer service.
5. Easier to use. However Windows 7 operating system has greatly narrowed this gap. It is competitive with MAC’s Snow Leopard Operating System.
PC Advantages
1. Owned by 90% of people and businesses.
2. More varieties (HP, Dell, etc).
3. Less expensive especially laptops.
4. More for businesses especially since more availability of software as noted.
Last but not least if you are buying a desktop, think about the screen size of your monitor. Again space considerations come into play.
By doing a little research into your needs and space availability you will be able to get a computer that works best for you.
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