Next in our mini series documenting the A-Z of computer purchase we look at computer types and brands. Much like some people are left handed and some a right, or some like Fords and some like Holden’s, we have two main computer operating systems – Windows (made by Microsoft) or Mac (made by Apple). Windows based computers have around 90% market share with Mac sitting at around 10%.
We do not sell Mac’s and obviously favour Windows based computers, whether we are talking about Servers, Desktops or Laptops. When it comes to smaller portable devices such as tablets and smart phones we then recommend the Android based devices such as the Samsung Galaxy range. So, what is the difference between these devices?
Mac based products got a real start in the advertising sector with desktop publishing software which they ran particularly efficiently. Now this advantage has all but eroded, but they still have a loyal band of followers – just the same as Volkswagen has a loyal band of followers. Most software that can run on a Windows based machine will not run on a Mac – and vice versa. The producers of popular software will normally turn out their product with a version for either operating system.
Neither Windows’ PC’s or Mac’s PC’s can be classed as perfect without ever having a glitch and either can get viruses or be hacked. Android operating systems are much simpler in their programming – but also way more limited in use and as a result are usually a little more robust in their use.
Focusing more on the Windows side of things for now, a desktop PC can be a very small device around the size of a bottle of milk – but they can still attach to a very large screen which is both easy to read and vibrant enough to watch a movie on or spend hours looking at while shuffling through family photos.
A laptop PC can offer all the above options but can also be taken out of the house and on holidays if this is your thing. I enjoy the use of a desktop PC for most of my computer work (like typing these articles) and always have my smart phone with me if I need to connect to the Internet or send/receive an email while away from the office or from home. If I go on a holiday I take a Samsung tablet for its portability and larger screen size.
The main limitation of Tablets is their limited ability to store files (not near as much capacity as a desktop or laptop) and the lack of a built-in keyboard with easy to use discrete keys. Also, the more complex software programs such as photo editors and document / spread sheet editors do not run as well or have as many options when installed on Tablets.
When it comes to brands, we love our own custom-built Kerr premium desktops as well as the Hewlett Packard range of commercial desktops and laptops. We mostly look to supply items that have a good balance of performance, reliability and price and have seen many of our own desktops being used for 7 to 10 years. There is a lot of junk around in our industry today which is hard for a novice to spot and very disappointing in its use.
We will focus more next week on stretching the budget to obtain something worthwhile. Future Byte Me topics can be emailed to [email protected] and Bruce is contactable at Kerr Solutions, 205 Musgrave Street or on 49 222 400.
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