<p>which one is more ideal for college? and im talking about the whole package. Discuss... </p>
<p>thanks</p>
<p>Macs. </p>
<p>They have a more stable operating system in Mac OS X, the only things you really need in college is the internet and a word processor, which the Mac has (Safari is far superior to Internet Explorer and they have Office for Mac). </p>
<p>The design of the Mac is sleeker, the processor speeds are faster than PC machines, and if you are looking for portability, Mac's are the way to go.</p>
<p>If you want visual graphics or audio, Mac's are also superior. That is really the primary use of them in the real world, so if you are into any of that, it is in your advantage to get a Mac.</p>
<p>I can't wait to get my Powerbook G4 for college. And btw, I am a current PC user.</p>
<p>Macs are less suseptible to all the viruses that your computer may be exposed to if you share files or use a network
We have used Macs exclusively for approx 13 years for work and school and I can count on one hand the times that I have had problems with a worm. ( It didn't crash my system but it replicated emails)
Most if not all the computers at my daughters college are Macs. many students have gotten interested in Apple from ipod and because they are tired of having to use tech support to save their data from the wonkiness of Windows, and are very pleased with their choice.
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What type of computer should I buy?</p>
<p>We strongly recommend the Apple Macintosh because it is powerful, easy to learn, and very well supported on campus. Windows computers are also accommodated at Reed, though there is less software and support for them. If you are buying a new Windows computer we suggest that you purchase it with Windows XP Professional. If you are bringing a computer that you already own, you don't need to upgrade it to XP; in particular, we've had good success in supporting Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows 2000 as well.
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<p>Macs are great if money isn't a concern. I plan to buy a PC because you can get a lot more power and options per dollar. Macs have a great reputation for reliability and ease-of-use, but if you're relatively computer savvy, maintaining a PC without viruses or errors is easy.</p>
<p>If you get a Mac, you'll never want to switch back to a PC. As a Powerbook owner, I cringe at the thought of having to use a Windows computer.</p>
<p>Macs and PC's have about equal use at colleges. In the real business world, PC's outnumber macs about 99 to 1. All the things mentioned above about a Mac are true -- easier to use, the better operating system, less threat of virus (those who generate viruses focus on PC's because they do dominate the business world; i.e., the reason Macs don't see a threat of viruses is because they are such a small part of the business market, not because it is more difficult to create viruses for them), and more expensive for the same level of system. An important factor to consider: when she gets that first real job or internship, she will most likely find that the employer will expect her to be proficient on and use a PC. For that reason (and cost) I usually lean towards a PC for a college student.</p>
<p>Buy a cheap PC, then install linux.</p>
<p>your ruining my thread. if you could post your questions on my thread titled "why apples suck" (i know they really dont but i needed a catchy title and nothings better than a little controversy), we could be more effiecient by getting our information from one thread rather two.</p>
<p>What's "linux?"</p>
<p>If money, gaming are a concern: PC</p>
<p>If you are heavily into graphic design and such: mac</p>
<p>Otherwise I would just try out a computer with OS X on it and see which one you like better. Other than the lack of support for most games on OS X, it is really identical to Windows in terms of supporting things, and much easier to tinker with than Windows is.</p>
<p>Linux is a free operating system.</p>
<p>More specifically, Linux is an operating system for PCs that is more stable and reliable than Windows. So if you don't like Windows, that doesn't necessarily mean you should rule out PCs.</p>
<p>Yes, Macs are better quality. Their systems are more reliable, faster, and smoother. But, they are MACS. Not PCs, even if you install virtual PC and such programs--they will never work the same as an actual PC. The fact remains that the vast majority of programs are designed for PCs. You may face compatability issues with a Mac. </p>
<p>As several posters have already pointed out, Linux is a free alternative to Windows, and it has a much higher reputation. I personally use Firefox (free also) instead of IE, and it is Linux-based. When I get a laptop for college, I may very well switch to Linux.</p>
<p>pc</p>
<p>i use both everyday, but i still like pcs better. don't be worried about viruses - there are tons of programs to keep your computer safe, and that + safe browsing habits will keep you out of trouble. i've never had any problems with viruses and adware, or with windows crashing. if you want to get a mac, don't get it because it's "pretty" or "techy" or lolz w1nd0w$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ sucks am i rite.</p>
<p>I talked to someone at my prospective school (currently majoring in what I hope to study) and she said that macs were definitely the best bet it you want to study something like broadcast journalism (or film, etc). But money is definitely a concen and I dont know that I'd be able to afford a mac. Is there software made for linux (or just pc in general) that is comparable to the editing software on macs?</p>
<p>Yes. Adobe Premiere.
It is comparable to the Final Cut line.</p>
<p>The reason why Macs don't get viruses isn't only b/c they are so few in number, though it is ONE reason. There are many other reasons why Macs are less likely to get a virus. One major one is having administrative access to the OS. Whenever you want to install a program or make a change to the OS, you MUST put in your administrative password. This is not the case in Windows. This is why you see all sorts of programs randomly appearing on your desktop on Windows, and why this very rarely happens on Macs. The Mac OS will ALWAYS require you to authenticate before a program is installed.</p>
<p>I have used both for several years...PCs are by far the most compatible for college. No matter what, you can use a PC to get your work done..I have tried to use certain CD's that came with textbooks and not all have worked on my Mac, but all have worked with my PC. For a student PCs are cheaper to buy, cheaper to upgrade and can do more.</p>
<p>That being said, I prefer the MacOS and if I could own just one computer it would be a Mac..but for school and life in general...the PC is the better buy, especially for a student.</p>
<p>it's debatable whether PCs can do more. Also, cost is not as big of a deal as it used to be. For $999(without the educational discount) you can get an amazing iBook. It includes all the software you'd need as a student, if you're not into computer science or other areas that require specific software. Macs have traditionally been known as computers for people in education, and most CDs that come with textbooks work on Macs as well, though not all, and vice versa. </p>
<p>And as Steve Jobs said, Microsoft Office is for when you're doing work, but iLife is for the rest of your life. Both available for the Mac(and Office 2004:Mac is AMAZING).</p>
<p>However, although I'd say that Macs are superior to Windows based PCs(Macs are PCs though I too use PC for shorthand), to each his/her own.</p>
<p>Can you put Linux on both Macs and PCs?</p>