Essay/Term paper: Mac vs ibm

Essay, term paper, research paper:  College Papers

Technology has led the world into the 21st century.
Competition between two main computer systems, creates
controversy over which system is superior. IBM compatables
have captured the largest market share, but Apple Macintoshes
hold a special place in capabilities. Computer buyers need to
keep in mind different capabilities and their own unique
requirements when deciding which way to go. Although both
provide state of the art computer systems, IBM compatibles and
Apple Macintoshes attract their own distinct clients because of
their unique operating systems and stand alone buying powers.

Adequate performance and mediocre ease of use, bundled in an
extremely low cost package, have allowed IBM compatible
computers to lead the computer industry in personal computers.
To begin with, the average computer generation is about six
months, and with every generation IBMs increase their
computers^ capacities to appeal more and more to the ^average
Joe.^ Memory, normally measured in gigabits, is constantly
increasing though most people cannot use as much as is
available. One year ago 166 mhz was considered fast. Now 350
mhz is what is being advertised. With the ability to hold more
information, graphics have also improved. Megahertz, one type
of speed of computers, is increasing at a blinding rate soon
surpassing the speed at which a user can operate his computer.
In fact, the biggest drawback to IBM compatibles is their
complexity. IBMs allow access to useless information that
clutters the hard drive while confusing the user. On an IBM,
all programs, including Wi! ndows, are DOS based which means
one will, at some time, have to use the convoluted system that requires
typing rather than point and click. Another problem is that viruses
are very common on IBMs especially if connected to the internet. If a
computer is contaminated with a virus, even further frustration, time
and money may be lost. However, a good element of IBMs is their
purchasing abilities. For IBMs there are millions of programs,
including games, business tools, and other various varieties. Also,
IBM compatibles themselves are relatively inexpensive, and this drives
their popularity. A decent, fully equipped machine can be bought for
as low as $700.

While IBMs appeal to the general public with lower prices,
Apple Macintosh has proven to be a better overall product.
Unlike IBM marketing claims, which have mislead potential
buyers about the superiority of their product by emphasizing
their few strengths despite the value; modern Macs can easily
outperform commercial IBM computers. Like IBMs the memory on a
Mac often exceeds the user requirements. Today^s top of the
line Mac features a10 gigabit hard drive. The only Mac
property clearly recognized by IBM users as better, is their
high resolution graphics; all qualified computer artists use
Macs to produce more lifelike images. Additionally, in
contrast to the IBMs that produce speed exclusively by
megahertz, Macintosh has integrated megahertz with another kind
of speed to result in the world's fastest commercial computer.
Though IBMs copied Macintosh^s point and click system with the
introduction of Windows 95, Mac OS remains superior. With a
Mac one does not need t! o worry about fighting through
information, because there is none. Also, all programs run off the Mac
operating system, and point and click universally applies. Whereas
there are infinite viruses for IBMs, there are only four that affect
Mac OS and they are controlled by any anti-virus software. Lastly, the
limited purchasing ability of the Macintosh, has resulted in a loss of
market share and is its major drawback. The price of Macs is almost
twice that of low cost IBMs. Also, there are far fewer programs
available for Macs than IBMs. On the other hand Macs are capable of
translating IBM programs to their own format, but programs to do so are
also expensive and reduce speed. Ultimately, Macintosh and IBM
compatible computers offer distinct capabilities and appeal that have
split computer users into two faithful camps.
Although IBM compatables and Apple Macintoshes offer many
technologically advanced set-ups, computer buyers must chose
which most suits their individual preferences. They must
consider what is wanted in their overall computer setup. The
demands of the consumer will define computers of the future.