BY GRAHAM HENDERSON
STAFF WRITER

The debate will go on as long as Microsoft and Apple are in business. Both companies’ crown jewels are their most current operating systems, Windows Vista and OS X Leopard, respectively, and while both systems have their pros and cons, Leopard is a better choice.

Initially, the purchase cost of a Windows-based computer is cheaper than a comparable Apple one, but according to the Website macvspc.info, it is a false economy.

The website uses the analogy of buying a car: While the Windows ‘car’ may be marginally cheaper initially, when features and maintenance, and fuel economy are taken into account, it’s the Mac ‘car’ that comes out making the most economic sense.

For the average computer user, Macs are also much easier to use. Unlike PCs, where the computer, operating system and programs are all made by different companies, Apple’s monopoly-like business plan allows all their products to work together seamlessly.

For example, an iPod is able to automatically sync its calendar with the iCal program on the computer. Because Apple makes its own computers and operating system, the operating system can be optimized to run on Apples hardware. Apple also uses better quality hardware in its computers, which improves performance and reliability.

Even though other companies, including Microsoft, offer programs for Macs, the monopoly approach still has its downsides. It requires you to buy into Apple’s way of thinking, and hence, buy into their product line.
Other types of MP3 players cannot automatically sync with iTunes. Similarly, Apple does not make it easy to syncronize your iPod with other popular music downloading programs, such as Rhapsody and Napster music subscription services.

While it is possible to overcome this limitation by installing other programs to syncronize your iPod, it requires a bit of tech knowledge that the general public may not have.

Presently, Mac OS X has only 7.3 percent of the market share, and the business world remains even more Windows dominated.

Most hackers and viruses are aimed at Windows because it’s larger market share means a higher number of potential targets. Less viruses are created for Macs means less chance of your computer getting infected.
The real winning feature of Macs is how easy the operating system makes it to run Windows-based programs. Theoretically, Windows can run Mac operating systems as well through the use of emulators, but this is too complicated in practice.

Apple’s Boot Camp makes it easy for anyone of any skill level to install and use Windows on their Mac. Apple will even install Windows for you at an Apple store when you buy your computer.

Windows will always have a place, but the reality is that most people don’t want or need to endlessly customize their operating systems. People want an operating system that will do what they want reliably and consistently and Apple delivers.

DESMOND MILLER / GUARDSMAN