50 Reasons to switch from Mac to PC (with rebuttals by the IHC editor) [I Heart Tech]

Years ago, I used to hate Macs… from the paperclip eject to random crashing, poor software selection and a whole host of crazy shit, there was a period where Apple computers just weren’t that good. I’ve found a list from besttechie.net of 50 reasons to switch from Mac to PC that I thought I’d add my own rebuttals to.

50 Reasons to Switch From Mac to PC (from besttechie.net with rebuttals by Cranberryzero at IHC)

1. Windows is currently the dominant gaming platform; this of course, is a no-brainer. Most games developed today are developed with Windows users in mind. I am not saying there are no games for the Mac; However, I am saying the majority of gaming is done on the PC platform.

IHC: Intel-powered Macs. Duel boot. L2.

2. Ever heard of building your own Mac? Not really, this is because Apple strictly controls what hardware is used in their machines, it is not an ‘Apple’ if it wasn’t built by Apple. Homegrown PCs that run Mac OS are strictly against the License Agreement.IHC: There are people who do build custom Macs, most notably recently was a custom Mac tablet computer. But it is difficult and expensive.

3. Purchasing RAM from the manufacturer is reasonably priced. Apple over charges for RAM, they have been doing it forever. You are better off buying RAM from 3rd party company such as, Crucial.com. Whereas, on the PC side of things you do not have to buy RAM from a 3rd party company when you purchase your computer in order to save some money.

IHC: True.

4. Free software is definitely more plentiful on the Windows side of the fence. While there are a number of free OSX applications, the ones that are decent usually require some kind of fee. However, I must admit there is a large development of applications for OSX starting to take off.

IHC: Seeing as how Windows has been and is still the overwhelming dominant platform, this is true, though there is a large and very active OS X development community.

5. Upgradeability. PC’s are far more upgradeable than Mac’s. In order to have anywhere near the freedom in terms of upgrades on a Mac you essentially are required to buy a Mac Pro.

IHC: True… especially Mac laptops are worse than normal laptops for upgrading, though starting with the G5 PowerMac and into the Mac Pro desktops, the hardware layout is extremely easy to study and swap out, at least in terms of the fringe stuff– hard drives, RAM etc.

6. Windows is the Operating System for the masses, sure you can switch to Mac OSX, but why do you think Apple created Boot Camp? So you could use Windows. Obviously Apple knows that Windows isn’t going away, nor do they think they will be over taking the Windows Operating System (any time soon). If you are buying a Mac for School, remember that much of the software and technical support provided by colleges is geared towards Windows, so even if you buy a mac, you might end up having to pay for a copy of Windows to use via Boot Camp.

IHC: Considering that you can easily duel boot a Mac but not very easily at all duel boot a PC into Windows and OS X, this is a small price to pay.

7. PC’s can perform a lot of the same tasks Mac’s take the credit for such as, video editing, photo editing, audio editing, etc. There are a number of excellent applications for Windows that do those same exact tasks. There is Sony Vegas for video editing, ACID and Sound Forge for audio editing, and there is Photoshop on the PC as well.

IHC: Mac used to be the platform to have for media creation, but PCs have made up quite a bit of lost ground. However, I’ve found that the interfaces in the Mac versions of Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash are far superior than the PC versions and only on a Mac can you get applications like Garage Band and Final Cut Pro.

8. Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office is the premier office suite as of today, businesses use it, students use it, and just every day people use it. While there is a version of it for Mac OSX it does not stack up against the Windows version.

IHC: I’ve found the Mac version of MS Office to be just fine, again with a much better interface than the PC version. Plus, again only on a Mac can you get iLife and iWork both of which are incredibly good productivity suites.

9. Most software is released first for Windows. Ever notice that when new software comes out or new services, the Windows versions are released and a few months after, the OSX versions are then released?

IHC: It depends on what kind of software you’re looking for– games, yes. But for most office or creative software, many companies are releasing both versions simultaneously.

10. Mac OSX isn’t the only operating system with widgets. Vista has the sidebar which has a number of functional and useful gadgets.

IHC: Widgets suck balls.

11. Vista has an integrated CD/DVD burning system that works just as well as Disk Copy on OSX and it is integrated within folders, so a simple click can burn an entire folder to a disk.

IHC: Vista sucks balls.

12. Firefox loads and runs much faster on a PC it seems than on Mac OSX. However, this seems to apply for most applications that are cross-platform.

IHC: Firefox– yes it does run a little smoother on the PC currently, but much of that will be changing with Firefox 3. Safari, the default browser for Mac is far from perfect, but beats the shit out of the child molester anal rape piece of shit that is IE. As far as “most applications that are cross-platform”… uh no. Out of the box, Macs are much faster than your standard PC.

13. Audio and video codec support – it is definitely much easier to play certain video files on Windows than it is on Mac OSX.

IHC: Like wmv? What a joke.

14. Going back a bit to software selection, one of the best audio players (if not the best) for the computer is Windows only – foobar2000.

IHC: iTunes is the roxxor.

15. Now you can run Linux within Windows using a new Linux distribution called andLinux. By within Windows, I do not mean virtual machine, I’m talking within the actual Windows operating system.

IHC: Big fucking whoop.

16. There are far more Windows based communities on the web where you can give and receive tech help.

IHC: Because there are more Windows users. And because Windows is a bigger piece of crap.

17. The XBOX 360 integrates seamlessly with Windows Vista. I don’t see that at all on the Mac.

IHC: Because the 360 and Vista are both made by Microsoft. Not a big fucking surprise there.

18. Microsoft patches security holes fast. There are certain exceptions; however, for the most part Microsoft stays on top of the game when it comes to providing security patches.

IHC: Not necessarily. Various versions of Windows have so many security holes, it’s hard to keep up, but they do their best. Apple has always been on top of whatever security issues come up with solid updates.

19. On Windows you can easily reassign system folders to different drives such as, My Music, My Documents, My Videos, etc with a simple right-click and edit of the path. I have yet to find a way to do that with ease on OSX.

IHC: This is a little easier on a PC, but who the hell cares.

20. On Windows clicking the X actually means you’re closing the application (with a few exceptions). No need to worry about it still running after you click X, I still do not understand why this isn’t the case on OSX. Granted it’s not actually the OS itself, just the way the application works, it seems to be more common of an issue on OSX. Is it too much to expect that when I click X it terminates and closes the application?

IHC: This does take some getting used to on a Mac, but it’s not like you’re ever in doubt as to whether an application is still running or not– look in the dock.

21. Going back to getting support, it is much easier to find a computer technician who is Microsoft certified than is Apple certified. I would have to say this is a definite plus for new computer users.

IHC: Again, true because there are more PCs out there in use than Macs. However, you’d be hard-pressed to easily find the kind of (semi sometimes) competent and friendly support that you get at an Apple Store for your PC. Take your Dell to CompUSA and see what kind of service you get.

22. The Microsoft Knowledge Base is an excellent source of information. It is very informative and resolves a number of Windows problems from common to not so common.

IHC: Apple also has an extremely extensive knowledge base and community forum available on apple.com.

23. Active X controls aren’t always bad. While they are commonly associated with malware, they do have a lot of use in the corporate world.

IHC: Active X was created by Satan and will be the downfall of mankind.

24. Windows’ built-in FTP is much nicer than OSX’s in terms of ease-of-use and accessibility through Explorer. Granted there are definitely better 3rd party software applications out there, in terms of comparing this particular feature in both operating systems, Windows has it right.

IHC: For the most part, yes, but there are plenty of free or almost-free FTP programs for the Mac that are really outstanding. Or you can just learn to terminal.

25. Exchange servers for Email. In a business environment Exchange is the way to go – hands down. It is leaps and bounds ahead of Leopard’s SquirrelMail. Plus you have Outlook Web Access which is just phenomenal.

IHC: Outlook is a piece of shit. Apple Mail isn’t the best in the world, but it’s pretty damn good and is superior to Outlook. So there.

26. Window management. Windows in my opinion does a better job at managing the windows you have open on your desktop. They sit in your taskbar or system tray and are easily accessible when you need them.

IHC: Not true… Between the easy to use and easy to read Dock, Spaces and Expose, OS X makes much better use of screen real estate and it’s much nicer looking to boot.

27. Ctrl + Alt + Del – easy to find and press on a keyboard. In Mac OSX the Force Quit key combination is just strange. If I was not familiar with a Mac keyboard I would have no clue what to press.IHC: Ctrl+Alt+Del? WTF is that for? If I have a program lock up on a Mac, which is unusual, I can right click on the icon in the dock, click on Force Quit and holy jesus shitcakes it actually force quits on the first try.

28. Add/Remove Programs – simple, easy to use, point and click uninstall process. I’m aware that on a Mac most applications can be removed by just deleting them from the applications folder. However, some put files in the Library which are not removed if you delete them that why. Is it just me or is it weird you need to download a 3rd party application such as AppDelete or AppZapper to make sure you completely remove software from your Mac?

IHC: A load of propaganda bullshit. Do you want to install an app in OS X? Drag it to your applications folder. Done. Want to remove it? Drag it to the trash bin. Done.

29. Hardware customizations – PC’s are definitely easier to customize in terms of what hardware you can use with them. On the Mac if Apple doesn’t support it, you’re essentially screwed driver/support wise.

IHC: Isn’t this a repeated point? No cheating.

30. The dock may look nice, but it is a poor alternative to the task bar. I always thought it looked excellent, until I had first hand experience with it and realized the way it handles applications in terms of on the desktop itself is rather obscure. It just seems all over the place and potentially distracting - it doesn’t sit on your desktop nearly as nicely as the task bar. Not to mention, ever move something off the Dock? What happens? It goes *poof* - not cool.

IHC: Never really found the Dock distracting and if you do… you can hide it. If you remove something from the Dock it does go poof. But only from the dock. If you want to find it again, it’s most likely in your applications folder or the hard drive where it’s always been.

31. Microsoft Keyboards and Mice are excellent in my opinion so why not use them to their full potential? If you use Windows you can activate all of the features of the keyboard and mouse. On Mac OSX you cannot due to the software not working on the OSX platform.

IHC: Apple keyboards are the awesome, Apple mice not so much. Microsoft does make some very nice peripherals.

32. PC selling companies such as Dell offer to come install your new computer for you, for a brand new computer user this is great. I haven’t seen that offered by Apple.

IHC: That’s because there really isn’t a whole lot of bullshit when it comes to installing and setting up a new Mac. Turn it on and voila– you’ve got tons of great apps out of the box, none of which are malware or spyware. On a PC, after you boot it up for the first time, you have to spend hours configuring shit and removing the built-in spyware that most store bought PCs come with.

33. Uh… hello. Where’s my right-click? Why can’t Apple provide me with a mouse that has a right-click by default?

IHC: Because Steve Jobs sucks at designing a mouse. See, I’ve said it.

34. The Genius Bar… Well, it is really not so genius in my experience. They’re not that good. I realize this may vary depending on location and who you get, but I went twice and I wasn’t too impressed with their knowledge and support.

IHC: Your mileage does vary with the Genius Bar, but it’s certainly a lot better than taking your POS eMachine to Best Buy and seeing what they do with it.

35. People say Windows is more susceptible to malware, viruses, and Trojans, well, it may be compared to OSX, but it sure doesn’t mean just because you run Windows you are going to get infected. This goes with any operating system though, each has vulnerabilities. So surf safe, don’t install random applications, and I guarantee you’ll be infection free without an Anti-virus or anti-malware application.

IHC: This isn’t always so on a PC. I guarantee no matter how safe you are you’ll eventually and quickly pick up some sort of spyware or malware or virus, even minor… it’s like swatting flies. I’m running 2 Macs currently– I surf the web with reckless abandon and never have had a hint of a problem.

36. You have an iPod or an iPhone, guess what no problem. They work on Windows too!

IHC: Yay!

37. Leopard’s Finder gives me fits when I try and search a network computer. It works sometimes, but mostly it doesn’t. Windows XP and Vista both have no issues picking up each other across the network.

IHC: Never had that problem. Finder and Spotlight are actually leaps and bounds over any local or network search that Windows provides, plus seeing other Apples in the network is pretty damned easy.

38. Why do I have to customize the Finder toolbar to have it show the Path I’m currently at? And even then, it still doesn’t display it unless I click the button. Windows seems to have the Address bar by default and will always show you your current Path.

IHC: Yeah, that is pretty gay. In Leopard there is an option to turn on the file path but I have no idea why it’s turned off by default.

39. Call me crazy here, but in order to have access to Back to My Mac, you need to buy .Mac? Isn’t Remote Desktop free on Windows?

IHC: .Mac is a ripoff. And Remote Desktop is pretty decent, but there are equally good or better solutions from Apple.

40. People always say – “well, OSX is based off UNIX, so you get the UNIX system under the hood” My response generally consists of “Well, great. Chances are most users will not even be using that portion of OSX.” So I like to cross that “benefit” off the list.

IHC: True, most users don’t use this, but when you do need to use it, it’s much much betterer. Plus it’s just generally a more solid and secure platform than Windows.

41. Windows Media Center – I haven’t seen anything like that on OSX (at least that is comparable). iTunes is nice, but it is not the same. Windows Media Center is just perfect for parties or just browsing your music and videos.

IHC: Windows Media Center is overhyped and with the Apple remote that comes with all Macs these days, all those Media Center functions are available at the click of a single button.

42. Apple is essentially an electronics company today. They are no longer Apple Computer. They are Apple, Inc. If that doesn’t tell you something about their motives for the future I don’t know what does. Microsoft has been sticking to the software side of things since they were started. Of course, they have spread out a bit in terms of XBOX and some computer peripherals, but their main focus is and always has been software. I see dedication when I look at that. Apple well, I’m not really sure what they will be doing in 10-15 years from now.

IHC: Microsoft has stuck to the software side for quite some time now, yes indeed. And they still can’t get it right.

43. Steve Jobs will not be around forever. I don’t know who will replace him and when that time comes will they be able to keep up the good work?

IHC: Die in a fire.

44. Context menus – This is something I’ve only really seen in Windows. I can add context menus, edit them, etc. On OSX, I don’t see that ability so much.

IHC: I’ve found the context menus in OS X to be perfectly fine and if you need more, there are plenty of apps out there to give you all you need.

45. Inconsistent updates on OSX, I don’t know about you guys, but I like my regularly scheduled updates. Makes things simple, gets you into a habit.

IHC: Updates on OS X are pretty consistent. Granted, OS X doesn’t have a 10 year backlog of problems it’s still trying to work out, so it’s understandable why Windows wants to restart for new updates every god damn day.

46. Backup. Sure OSX has Time Machine which is nice, but up until Time Capsule was released and I’m sure not sure of this as I haven’t used Time Capsule, I have not found a way to use Time Machine with a network drive. On Windows my network drive is found and connected no issues and I can backup my data easily with the Backup Files Wizard on Vista. Time Machine is nice, but in reality here, you really don’t need to back up EVERYTHING. Just your data files should suffice for most people. However, in Vista Ultimate the Backup Files Wizard will allow you to backup EVERYTHING if you so desire.

IHC: I will agree that Time Machine is flawed in its current incarnation, but I have faith that it will get much, much better in the future. Plus it’s built in, easy to use and incredibly, incredibly useful. Fuck Vista.

47. Windows Vista ReadyBoost, I haven’t seen anything like that on OSX. Granted the technology is not there yet, but the theory behind it intrigues me.

IHC: Flash boot technology is on the horizon for both Windows and PC.

48. A small but handy feature in Windows Vista – check boxes for when you’re selecting files. How many times have you been in the process of selecting a number of files and you accidentally forgot to hold down Ctrl and everything was suddenly deselected? The check boxes feature allows you to tick files/folders so that doesn’t happen anymore. Where is this feature on OSX?

IHC: Checkboxes are nice… that one little thing isn’t a seller.

49. The Windows Event Viewer. Ever start troubleshooting a problem and end up checking the Event Viewer for answers? I have. On OSX, sure you have the Console which logs stuff, but I haven’t found anything comparable to the Windows Event Viewer which is a beyond useful troubleshooting tool.

IHC: Well, when you’ve got an OS so riddled with problems, I can see how this can come in handy.

50. Alright, here we are #50. Last one. So where’s my Print Screen key so I can capture this accomplishment? Oh yeah, I need to open Grab or something on OSX. I don’t really like that.

IHC: Print Screen is for losers. On a Mac, you have 3 options that can be accomplished with simple, quick key combinations built in– grab the whole screen, just the active window or part of your screen (using crosshairs) and you don’t actually have to open up Grabber to use it.