Recently Microsoft released a television ad featuring Jerry Seinfeld. It was generally considered to be a dud and not too funny. They've recently released another series of ads featuring a man dressed like the "PC" featured in Apple's advertisements.
Apple tends to make many claims of superiority over the Windows operating system. While the claims are mostly based in truth there also seems to be a large amount of information the average computer user is unaware of. Mac OS runs entirely on Apple designed hardware. There are little-to-no third party drivers. Most of the applications required for the average user are included on a Mac out of the box. Comparing a brand new Mac to a brand new Dell yields a simple result - the Mac is superior. But when you find yourself with an advanced need or an interest in gaming your options become somewhat limited (for your average user) on Mac. Don't get me wrong, onCALL 25/8 Loves Apples and we enjoy repairing Macs. We just don't think it's fair to make such a bold claim that Apple is entirely superior without all of the facts.
On most Windows based PCs you've got a nearly infinite number of possibilities when it comes to the hardware and software installed. The fact that Microsoft was capable, with Windows XP, to make an operating system that runs relatively smoothly for relatively long periods of time on such varied hardware/software configurations is an impressive feat. While it should not be accepted it should be expected that you will inevitably run into the various errors that "plague" windows users - Blue Screens of Death (repaired in Virginia, Maryland and DC) and unbootable computers (repaired by onCALL 25/8). Conflicts are bound to eventually occur in such an open environment - like two gorilla's meeting in the jungle. But if you put the gorilla in the zoo and only put him with other, friendly gorilla's... well then of course he's going to be safe.
Apple's claim that Windows systems are prone to virus infections are also true but not without need for explanation. Mac is generally more secure due to it's Unix roots. It's also not profitable for viruses developers and hackers to target Mac operating systems. There are fewer threats and so there are fewer infections. But a windows system properly configured is equally secure. We've got technicians who have never had a legitimate virus infect their system. The reason so many computers need virus and spyware removal in Virginia, Maryland, DC and the rest of the world is because they are tricked by clever hackers into allowing the viruses onto their system. If there were more Apple users and it were equally profitable hackers would spend their time figuring out how to trick them into installing malware on their system as well. I'm of the opinion that when virus makers do target the Mac OS we will see a flood of virus infections because Mac users have been goaded into a sense of complacency that lead them to believe their system is safe from viruses and infection-proof. Well, when you start to see bogus system messages tricking you into installing a virus on your computer, and you aren't prepared to second guess the message you're going to forge on without abandon. Mac users are used to regularly being prompted for their user name and password whenever system-wide changes are made - they're not going to suspect anything fishy.
And while I own and use a Mac daily (in addition to my Windows and Linux based PCs) I am well aware of the fact that the biggest issue for all computers (hard drive failures/dead hard drives) applies equally to any Mac as it does to any PC. This extends into those other types of accidental failures or hardware failures, as well: cracked LCD repairs, liquid spills on laptops, broken keyboard repairs, and overheating laptops. And while that Apple care warranty you have sure was a good value try finding a local genius bar that's going to be able to repair your broken macbook in Virginia, DC or MD - or any other place for that matter.
Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts.
And just for your viewing pleasure I've included the new Microsoft "I'm a PC" advertisement:
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