- Are you a Mac or a PC? The answer doesn’t really depend on your hardware preferences but more on your computing philosophy.

- Each system tends to attract a different type of personality.

- From a hardware standpoint, they're about the same.

- They use many of the same components from the same manufacturers, including processors like those made by Intel, memory, and hard drives.

- Price is no longer the determining factor, either. If the systems are similar, they will cost more or less the same.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE THEN?

In a nutshell, the true differences between the systems lie in the way the hardware is packaged and the software is implemented.

If you like a close integration between hardware and software, you're probably a Mac.

But if you want the freedom to choose from a wide range of system components, peripherals, and applications, you're most likely a PC.

But what does that mean? Doctor MacIver has more on the subject.

SIDE NOTE:

Hello I’m Doctor MacIver

First of all I’d like to clarify that PC stands for personal computer so in essence an Apple Mac is also a PC, however, due to the success of the IBM PC back in the day, what had been a generic term came to mean a computer that’s compatible with IBM's specification. And so nowadays the term PC refers to what make up the majority of today's non-Mac personal computers.

So with that out of the way let me tell ya:

- Apple's approach to computing is simplicity and power but with only a few models to choose from.

- No other company can produce a Mac or its operating system (OS), and Apple even dictates how other developers write programs for the Mac.

- Apple are also known for the power of their high end systems.

- Conversely there are dozens of PC makers including big names and they make almost any combination of processor and component you can think of.

- Imagine if you’re single you have two dating services… one with four gorgeous women… perfect in every way… almost too perfect. That’s the MAC

- Now you have another dating service… this one has them all… short ones, tall ones, big ones, small ones, blondes, brunettes, redheads… ones with big… uh… personalities. That’s PC.

- So in conclusion the narrowness of Apple's product line can make it easier to decide between buying a Mac and a PC. If Macs offer too little variety or too much computing power for your needs, consider a PC.

So how do you know which you are?

I shall put on you on the right path young master hobbit. ENOUGH WITH THE LORD OF THE RINGS references.

Let’s look at advantages of both:

Let’s look at both of them based on the user

Go for a Mac if you’re:

- A newcomer to computer world: Due to Mac’s user friendliness.

- A family guy: Due to the full suite of multimedia applications that play well together.

- A graphics artist: Superior graphics that would cost a bit extra on the PC

Go for a PC if you’re:

- On a budget: due to much more cost effective options

- A worker Bee: A PC runs just about any business application under the sun.

- A gamer: Due to the customization options

- A computer geek: due to the individually upgradable hardware