Some may ask why all school computers are from Dell, which only uses Microsoft Windows? Schools are big supporters of computer development, in the 90s computer labs started to rise. Now there are computers in every room, and soon, there will be one per student. Students would benefit from the installation of Macintosh computers in schools because Macs alleviate the process of making presentations and simplify all program functions. The instant understanding Mac programs foster would eliminate the need for a computer applications class which could open up students' schedules. Schools should purchase Macs, but a school's budget limits the buying market to the most affordable average computer. If value was truly a concern, schools ought to purchase parts straight from the manufactures and assemble them, cutting the cost of an average PC down to $500-$1000, but schools are drawn to preassembled PCs such as Dell and Gateway spending around $800-$2000 on an average PC. Apple is the only company to sell computers sporting Mac OS X and the superior Macintosh software but prices run from $1000-$3000 for an average Mac (Apple Store). The action of schools stepping up and investing in Macintoshes to better student education would help chart the unknown waters and dissuade die-hard Windows users.
Many avid composers, artists, and gamers choose to stay with Windows because they believe the actual circuits and electronic that make up a PC are better than those in a Mac. This fear is generated by the multiple companies who make PC compatible hardware that compete to explosively create new advancements. It is true that Apple is the only producer of the hardware in Macintosh computers but that does not diminish a Mac's performance. Computer hardware and computer games are complimentary. Most of the gaming world is stationed on the Microsoft Windows operating system because originally hardware was better for windows users. This is why PC gamers, who are often of the most advanced computer users, are not tempted by Mac's selection of games and are the least likely of users to abandon Windows. Because Macintosh represents only a small fraction of the computer usage, there are not many games residing on the Mac OS X operating system. “There are games for Mac, of which a couple are excellent,” retorts Johnny Wang, “it is only the lack of public demand that keeps Mac's collection of games so slim”. Even though the Macintosh gaming field is underdeveloped, its hardware is now up to par with a PC. A new technological advancement originates from the PowerPC chip that can be found in any new Apple Macintosh which delegates tasks to any one of eight smaller, simplified processors, which are known as SPEs” (The Cell). This advancement is called the “Cell processor and it incorporates nine processors onto a single chip (The Cell). The use of Apple's technology as a base for new components of future computers credits the performance of a Macintosh.
Apple's Mac OS X is better suited for the general public than Microsoft Windows XP. There are many approaches that can fix the nuisance that is Windows XP but computer consumers must be willing to adventure away from familiar territory. The best way to rid people of problems Windows XP generates would be a pilgrimage of computer users to Apple inc. followed by a mass switch to Mac OS X. Another way is for schools to start buying new Macintosh computers instead of Dell computers. Mac OS X and its applications will increase in awareness through student's experiences and consumers will be influenced to purchase a Macintosh as their next computer. Instead of a large change in operating system usage percentages, it is more likely that the two companies will strengthen their own weaknesses or will team together. If more PC games come out for both operating systems and if Apple's computer game market expands, PC gamers would be tempted to indulge in the rock solid operating system, Mac OS X. Microsoft has débuted its new operating system Windows Vista which is will solve some of Windows XP's problems and it attempts Macintosh's user friendly feel but it still has Microsoft's abysmal software. A cross-licensing agreement between the rivals and the release of Microsoft Office software on both Mac OS X and Windows XP are signs that Microsoft and Apple are starting to join forces and combine their pros to try and eliminate the cons of each operating system (Microsoft Set Apple). From the 90's to the present computers have gone through a huge boom, Microsoft's monopoly has gained so much productive power that there are many incompatibilities and errors between all of the software and with the operating system but Mac has less demand, which is noted in Apple's almost flawless products. PC and Mac both set sail around the same point but captain Microsoft twisted, turned, and doubled back too many times while captain Apple has kept his heading, to create a personal computer. Maybe the next time Windows crashes or catches a virus, we shall invest in a Macintosh to receive a true understanding of modern technology. This comprehension will allow all computer users, even my Dad to move out of the dark ages created by Windows XP.
