Issue date: 11/13/09 Section: The Verge

(Krystal Moya/The Daily Eastern News)

We can thank the recent Mac TV ads for engraving the idea that a PC equals a man in a stuffy suit while the Mac is the cool, laid-back kid.

So which is really better, Mac or PC?

Doug Lawhead works at Eastern as a network LAN support specialist. He works with Macs on Eastern's campus and believes they are more reliable and stable than a PC.

"They work," Lawhead said. "Seriously, all computers are going to have hardware issues, that's a given. But when I say [a Mac] runs, it works, I'm talking about the operating system. Macs run on a solid reliable operating system based on the Unix system. A very, very old operating system, but very stable."

This operating system, while stable, is a challenge to some who are more PC friendly.

Laura Lehnus, physical education major, found the Mac operating system to be difficult and sticks with a PC these days.

"PC over Mac, because when I had to use a Mac for journalism in high school it took me a whole year to figure out how to really use one well," Lehnus said.

Lance Ulanoff, editor in chief for PC Mag, believes a lot of the choice is based on what one is comfortable with.

"Macs and PCs both have good platforms but it depends on the type of environment you want to work on," Ulanoff said. "If you were raised using a PC you probably will feel more comfortable purchasing one in the future."

Ulanoff stands behind Windows 7, the latest operating system for a PC, and believes it runs faster and has some neat features for PC fans. Even with this new development for PCs, some people just aren't fans of the PC.

After using Macs for almost two years, Alyssa Wlrich, journalism major, is a fan for life.

"I believe that Macs perform quicker and the graphics are better," Wlrich said. "They are easier to personalize, very small chance of them getting viruses and I've never had a problem with mine."

Wlrich has owned a PC in the past but says she would never go back.

"I have had a PC before and I definitely prefer my Mac over the PC," Wlrich said. "Mac over PC because you don't have to install virus protection and there's a very small chance that they will have any problems."

"Mac vs. PC, honestly, it really depends on what you're used to," Ulanoff said.

Megan Tkacy can be reached at 581-7942 or metkacy@eiu.edu

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