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<p>Macs are usually strongly preferred for the arts, design, journalism, etc.
Most science applications I’ve used run on both Mac and Windows.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that you rarely buy a dual-platform computer. Macs usually only come with Mac OS X installed and most PCs only come with Windows installed. With Macs, Apple gives you the ability to install Windows on your Mac computer for free with their built-in Boot Camp software. Because of Apple’s EULA (End-User License Agreement), and because of physical safe-guards put in place by Apple, Mac OS X CANNOT be run on PC hardware. The reason Microsoft doesn’t prevent people from installing Windows on a Mac is because Microsoft sells software (the OS), not the actual computers as Apple does. So while Apple and Microsoft are competitors in the software sector, they are far less of competitors in the hardware sector (with the exception of stuff like iPods, Zunes, etc.) So if you buy a Mac, you can run Mac OS, Windows, or Linux (a third-party, open-source operating system that probably doesn’t concern you). If you buy a PC, you can only run Windows and Linux.</p>
<p>**So anyways, if you want to cut through the fat of that detailed response, here’s the simple answer:</p>
<p>You almost certainly won’t buy a dual-platform computer – very few companies sell this out-of-the-box. If you want the ability to use both Macs and Windows, you MUST buy a Mac. PCs cannot run Mac, but Macs can run Windows. If you buy a Mac, you’re not committed to running Windows, but you have the option if it’s ever needed.</p>
<p>In terms of the majors your interested in, the software is generally available for both.**</p>