Switch To A Mac: How to Switch Part Four: Mac Hardware Benefits and Purchasing

Deciding to purchase a new computer is a much easier task than deciding on the specific model to take home or order. The task can be so daunting in the PC world because there are so many different processors (Intel vs. AMD), processor specifications, RAM types and speeds, video cards, configurations, features, manufacturers, and security concerns. If a newly purchased Windows based computer doesn't come pre-installed with an Anti-Virus and/or security suite, the system is better off removed from the Internet. It will only take a few minutes before an unprotected Windows system is compromised. There is an emerging trend towards the exploitation of new and unprotected computers connected to the Internet. This is caused by numerous issues:

Windows default installations and configurations are insecure
By the time a Windows system is purchased by a consumer, new security vulnerabilities, viruses, worms, Trojans, Spyware, malwaure, and malicious code will likely have emerged since the computer was manufactured. The system will be vulnerable despite having an anti-virus program pre-installed.
Attackers and hackers regularly scan the common broadband and dial-up IP address ranges looking for vulnerable systems.
The Internet is circulating with worms and other exploits that are continuously scanning for vulnerable and new computers to exploit.

The time to exploit an unprotected Windows computer connected to the Internet is often measured in minutes. This is especially true for broadband users. It is entirely possible for Windows users to get exploited through a vulnerability when they are downloading a software patch/fix/update for that vulnerability. Macs don't have this problem. There are no known viruses or Spyware that are able to infect a Mac running OS X. Furthermore, all you need to do is enable the built-in UNIX based firewall in Mac OS X prior to connecting a Mac to the Internet. Once the firewall is enabled and optionally configured, you know that your Mac is safe. You can then feel safe downloading any OS X updates. Some Mac owners will purchase additional software to protect their systems. For example, Intego sells a range of security software for Mac OS X and Symantec sells software under the Norton brand.

When you buy a Windows system, you're essentially getting a PC kit with components from several different third party vendors. When something goes wrong with the system, you're likely to have to engage those third party component vendors, especially if your manufacturer's warranty has expired. Often you'll be faced with a situation where a vendor will blame another vendor for the problem. Another common problem is the need to download and install the vendor's latest firmware or driver. The installation can lead to many unforeseen problems. In many cases, you're often left in the dark and will have to figure out the solution on your own.

Macs owners do not face this problem because the operating system and hardware are designed, built, and engineered by Apple. The advantage is that you get seamless integration with Apple. Apple designed OS X to work with their hardware, whereas Microsoft designed the Windows operating system to work in a "generic" fashion that various third party vendors have to comply with. Buying and using a Macintosh is a great experience. Take it out-of-the-box, plug it in, run your setup, enable OS X's built-in firewall, download updates, and start enjoying. With Apple, everything works together with ease. Consequently, Apple stands behind their products. When something doesn't work, you only have to work with Apple, not numerous third party vendors. In fact, Apple ranks near the top amongst vendors in repair history and tech support. Be sure to read the post titled "Apple's End-To-End Model Leads to Innovation and User Experience"

Apple's vision and hardware have made choosing a Macintosh computer a relatively easy task. For consumers, Apple has less than 10 competitively priced models. Of course, Macs have historically been more expensive than Windows systems but you're paying for that seamless integration, stability, ease of use, and quality engineering. The introduction of the Mac mini in January 2005 lowered the cost barrier and is geared towards first time Mac users and switchers.

Apple computers are relatively easy to purchase and configure to suit any consumer's needs. Based on the type of user, (read the post titled, "What Kind Of User Are You?") a consumer will be able to zero in on the type of Mac that will suit his or her needs. This makes the selection process simple, you choose the system based on your user profile and either choose a preconfigured system or a built-to-order (BTO) system customized to fit your needs.

Think about purchasing a Windows based system. You have to compare systems from the same and competing vendors. This is a difficult task because there is no way to really conduct an effective comparison. Vendor A may have a faster processor but less and slower RAM, whereas Vendor B may have a somewhat slower processor but more and faster RAM, as well as a larger hard drive. This is where Macs have an advantage, identify the type of user you are then, choose your Mac.

A Mac can be purchased from the online Apple Store, in Apple retail locations, or through the Apple Store number 1-800-MY-APPLE. Alternatively, you can purchase from a resellers such as Amazon.

Updates

July 24, 2006