22 august 2022 Procano Expected reading time: about 4 minutes

If you are torn between PC and Mac, you have most likely experienced that this is a topic that many have strong opinions about, much like Coca Cola and Pepsi Max. 

Many may feel that the choice between the two 'extremes' contributes to defining a person. To what extent this is true is not something we will delve into, but one thing we can say is that the differences may not necessarily be as significant as many make it out to be.

However, there are still some points you should consider before investing in your new PC or Mac. Here is an overview:

What needs should your PC or Mac meet?

The most important thing to assess before choosing between PC and Mac is your own needs. What will the machine be used for? It's a good idea to make a list of what is important, less important, and completely unnecessary, so that you don't end up investing in functionality that you do not need.

The fundamental main difference between a PC and Mac is the operating system (OS). The operating system usually comes pre-installed on the computer you purchase and is the basic software that controls the machine's memory, processes, software, and hardware. Without the operating system, your PC or Mac would be completely useless.

A Mac has macOS and a PC often has Microsoft Windows as its operating system. It's worth mentioning here that  Microsoft Windows is an operating system designed to work on most PC brands. This means that the operating system and the PC have different suppliers, whereas Mac and the macOS operating system come from one and the same supplier.

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In short, we can say that Mac with macOS offers you few opportunities to alter and manipulate the systems. This provides you with stability and access to everything in a fully integrated world, but little flexibility. A PC with Windows is more flexible and can be more easily customized, upgraded, and specialized according to your needs.

Which price range matches your needs?

There are significant variations in the price tag, depending on whether you choose Mac or PC. Mac originates from a company with a single mindset, and Apple has positioned the Mac in the upper echelon of the 'high-end' market, without cheaper alternatives for buyers.

In the world of PCs, the selection is wide with several different suppliers (with different mindsets) and you can find machines in all price ranges. The wide selection means that you often find some of the strongest, most flexible, and most affordable machines among PCs. 

Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that a Mac cannot be labeled as the most expensive option, as you can certainly find PCs in the same price range.

You do not necessarily have to choose Mac over PC if design is important to you 

Do you have the perception that Mac is the only machine that delivers elegant design? You are not alone, and it definitely does not have to be the case. Apple as the supplier of Mac has always delivered beautiful design. Compared to a cheap PC, Mac often emerges as the clear winner of the 'design duel'. However, if you choose to invest the same amount of money in a PC as in a Mac, there is a high probability that you will get a PC with elegant design.

In other words, it is not a given that Mac is the only right choice if attractive design is important to you. If you allocate the same investment in a PC as in a Mac, you can eliminate concerns related to the design of your new machine.

IT security: It's a myth that Mac gets fewer viruses and is more secure than a PC 

It is important that you do not take this myth at face value when choosing between Mac and PC. There are in fact two truths that must be highlighted:

1. As much as 80% of security threats are web-based. This means that they target your machine as long as it is connected to the internet - regardless of whether it is a PC or Mac.

2. Those who program viruses have long focused on the PC market because it is much larger than the Mac market. In recent times, there have been enough Mac users for it to now be profitable to launch attacks against this platform.

Many believe that it is impossible for malware to attack a Mac, but that is not the case. The attacks follow the money and the large user base. 

Regardless of whether you choose Mac or PC, it is always important to consider IT security to avoid cybercriminals gaining access to valuable information such as login details, bank card numbers, and social security numbers.

What kind of IT expertise do you have access to?

It is advantageous to have access to individuals with high expertise in the machine and operating system you choose, so take this into account. 

Many think 'it won't happen to me', but if IT security is lacking and you are subjected to a virus or hacker attack, the consequences will be significant and immediate help will be necessary.

By ensuring access to high IT expertise for your machine, the IT responsible can easily address threats and potential attacks.

If the machine is intended for work purposes, workplaces often have systems set up for either PC or Mac. Feel free to check with the IT department if they have expertise in both Mac and PC before making a choice, and be aware that in some cases, the choice has already been made for you. If the company does not have an IT department, it may be time to contact someone who can take full or partial responsibility for IT operations in your company? It is advantageous to use a supplier who can assist you with both PC and Mac.