Every computer has an OS (operating system). The OS controls the computer and allows the programs to work. There are three major operating systems: Windows, Mac, and Linux. Linux has been more difficult to use in the past, but is getting more user-friendly; still, it lacks software choice the other two systems enjoy, and has the fewest number of people using it. About 90% of all computer owners use Windows. The Mac's market share has been increasing quickly over the past few years--usually going up around 40% each year. As of mid-2009, the Mac's market share was at 10%, more than double just a few years ago. Part of this is because of the "halo effect," with Windows users buying iPods and iPhones and deciding to switch. But a more important part is the fact that new Macs can run the Windows OS in addition to the Mac OS.

Computers used to run on platforms; that is, each computer could only run one, specific OS (Mac or Windows). If you bought one, you could not use the other. Each OS had software which would run only on that OS. This meant you had to make a big choice; if you changed your mind later, you would have to buy all new hardware and software.

This changed in January of 2006 when Apple Computer switched to using the Intel CPU; in effect, Apple moved onto the Windows "platform." As a result, any Macintosh computer introduced in 2006 or later can also run Windows. You can buy one computer, but use both operating systems. These new Macs are sometimes called "Mactel" computers.

On a Mactel, you have four choices. You can:

• run the Windows OS only
• run the Mac OS only
• do a "dual boot" (using "Boot Camp"), where you choose Mac or Windows every time you restart
• run the Mac OS, but use "virtualization" software that allows you to run the Windows OS "inside" the Mac OS

You can also run pther Operating Systems, such as Linux as well as other minor OS's.

In the end, using a Mac can give you much better flexibility and choices.

• Ease-of-use: Macs are usually easier to use for beginners. On the Mac OS, most actions usually take less time and are easier to find. People switching from Windows to Mac usually have a difficult time at the beginning, because they are too used to the Windows style. That usually ends after 3 or 4 weeks. However, it is not too hard because most features in Windows were originally copied from the Mac.
• Security: Windows has more than 100,000 viruses, worms, trojans, and other malware, in addition to all sorts of spyware and adware. So far, there are 0 (zero) viruses or worms on the Mac. There are two known trojans, but only a handful of people were affected by them. On Windows, you need special antivirus software, and you need to pay attention to it. On the Mac, no antivirus software is needed, yet.
• Cost: if you want a super-cheap, bare-bones computer, you can get a Windows PC like that. Windows PCs are sold with the cheapest possible construction--the slowest CPUs, the smallest amount of memory, no extra software, and so on--so you can buy it for a super-cheap price. However, these computers actually cost more because you have to add everything--more memory, new software, etc. When you compare prices on a new Mac and a new PC with the same features, then the prices are similar--and sometimes the Mac is even cheaper. Apple's software is certainly cheaper. The upgrade price for the Premium Home version (that's an upgrade of the 2nd-cheapest version) of Windows Vista is ¥18,690; the full version of the New Mac OS X (10.5 Leopard) is ¥14,800. The upgrade price for Microsoft Office 2007 "Standard" (not "Professional") version is ¥27,600; the full price for Apple's Office suite, "iWork," is priced at ¥9,800. And since the Mac does not need anti-virus software, that's another ten thousand yen or so not necessary to spend. Finally, Macs tend to require fewer repairs and less support, costing less money that way as well.
• Software: one advantage of the Windows OS is that more software is made for Windows. For most applications, Windows has 20 choices where the Mac only has perhaps 10 choices; there are still enough choices for both OS's. However, when it comes to business software and games, Windows has many software titles which cannot be found for the Mac OS. Generally speaking, Windows are used more for business and gaming; Macs are used more for art, movie-making, type design, and graphics.
• Language Support: Macs come with the ability to have 16 different languages for the OS; you can switch between many languages for the system's main language, with menus, dialog boxes, etc. Windows can only be used in one language, and cannot switch.
• Support: Since Windows is used by 90% of computer users, it is easier to find people to help you with it. However, customers report very low-quality support from the companies. Apple's customers have always reported the highest satisfaction with customer support from the Apple company.
• The "Wow" factor: Apple has long been famous for great style; people tend to the design and style of Apple products. Apple pays a great deal of attention to small details of the "user experience."

So, Windows is better:

• For gaming
• For special business apps
• Because is has a wider selection of software
• Because it can be cheaper (but not always)
• Because most people use it, it is easier to find support

The Mac is better :

• For art, design, or moviemaking
• Because it is more stylish and easy to use
• Because it is safer, with no viruses or other malware
• Because the language support is better
• Because the customer support is better

In the end, you may want to test both machines for a while, using them in stores or borrowing them from friends, and see which one feels better for you.

Or, if you can afford a little more, you can get a Mactel plus Windows, and use both.