🚀 go-pugleaf

Currently, and I mean TODAY, it doesn't really matter which type of
computer you buy. One may be cheaper today, but tomorrow that will
change, and it will change again next week.

USABILITY:
BOTH are easy to use. Yes, some studies indicate that Windows 95 is
easier to use to a first time user, but not if you've been using Mac
software for years. In reverse, the Windows user will find Mac software
more difficult. This is just because we all grow used to one system,
develope unconscious habits, and it is our nature (darned humanoids) to
resist change.

SOFTWARE AVAILABILITY:
If you know WHERE to look you can purchase software for either platform
at the same time. The major exception to this is Microsoft software.
They live in a PC-dominated society. (Heck, they even try to convince us
that mainframes, and minicomputers are dead issues).

EASE-OF-UPGRADES:
Plug-and-Play works (on the newest systems). Plug-and-PRAY works on PCs
over one year old. The only time that PNP has been found not to work in
the last year or so is when either A) the PC manufacturer did not follow
PNP standards precisely; or B) the manufacturer of the upgraded item did
not follow PNP standards precisely. Also, PNP does NOT work well on
networked PCs. It is very difficult to get PCs using different versions
of operating systems to talk well together. Most networks are not using
ONE computer type. They mix manufacturers (IBM, Dell, Gateway, Acer) and
they mix operating systems (Windows 3.1; Windows 95; Macintosh;
PowerMac; etc...).

WHICH TO BUY: (TRY NOT TO MIX COMPUTERS AT WORK & HOME)
Best advice for anyone buying a computer at home is to look at EVERYONE
who is going to use that computer. Do mom and dad use computers at work
AND will they be bringing work home? If they do, buy a computer using
the same operating software (Mac/Windows) as the computers at work. If
mom and dad are not using computers at work, or are not going to bring
work home, then look at what the children use at school. If your
child/children all use the same type of computer at school, then buy the
computer the school is using. If the child is in elementary school and
ready to move to middle school next year, buy what the middle school is
using. If one child is using PCs in high school or college, and another
child uses Macs in middle school, then you have a tougher choice. At
that point talk with a computer consultant in your area. They will
probably give you a few minutes free, and have an excellent idea of what
the local businesses (where you children will eventually work) are using
the most of. 

Sincerely,
Douglas Knoerr
Computer Consultant / Fox Valley WI