Mac vs. Windows?
Not really. Our shop is about half Mac and half Windows workstations, and we have had to learn to work together. Although the corporate giants have often made it difficult to work in a mixed environment (including our numerous webservers, which run UNIX), we have found ways to work with all three platforms.
All of our designers use Mac Pro's running Adobe Suite, including Acrobat, which has become an indespensible proofing tool. We've moved from Quark to InDesign for print layout, and for Web development we add Macromedia Studio 8. It will be interesting to see what Adobe comes out with with the release of CS3. Adobe just bought Macromedia and is saying that this is the biggest software release in the history of the company.
Our programmers tend to use Dell Windows machines, as do most of our editors and support staff. Windows is necessary for working with IU financial systems; Macs just do not work.
Windows machines require more attention to security threats, but updates and virus checks are run automatically, and our main threat vectors have been social engineering attacks such as the I Love You virus and the more recent Credit Union and Paypal phishing scams. We will not be moving to Vista anytime soon. For one thing, most of our machines, which are run on a three-year replacement cycle, would not run it well (we could run without Aero, the new graphic interface, but then the only advantage would be security, and XP is to be supported for another five years.) So although new machines will be "Vista ready," it may be a while before we are all using it (hopefully after the first service pack is released).
On the Mac side we have different concerns. Macs are more like a sports car than station wagons (that's Windows, you know, you've seen the commercials.) They are more finely tuned and run more complex programs, usually all at once. They are run hard and put to bed wet, but just keep on ticking. Font conflicts often cause print jobs to go wrong, so here is a shout-out to Linotype Font Explorer X: you rock! Free, fully supported software from a font giant that works like ITunes, it is the best font software I have ever used.
Recently we have been having some workflow problems within the Web team, as Dreamweaver does not interact well with itself on different platforms; files get locked and users get frustrated. We have pretty much fixed this problem by having our designers log into our OS X server using SMB only; then the confict does not occur. Our programmers use Windows as the main platform with a Mac Mini to do compatibility testing, but as we are still having some issues, this may reverse, with everyone on the Web team (except the editors) using Macs as their primary workstation.
On the server side we have one OS X Server with X RAID, which serves files for Creative Services, and three Windows servers, one with a large RAID array for backup of all of VPUR, one to serve files for our cousins in Media Relations and Marketing, and one to run our test Web server. All but the Web server are in our rack in Poplars, which will soon move to a real server room in the Von Lee.
Bottom line: Although Windows machines are more vulnerable and perhaps XP is now boring, they do the job, and with auto-updates, are stable and useful. Macs are much more elegant and full featured, built for the heavy lifting required by designers and programmers, but they can be touchy and still require some fine-tuning and upkeep. Are Windows/Macs worth the trouble/extra expense? Ask any user!
Comments
I'm getting a Mac Pro this summer. I do mostly video editing, some music, and a lot of Adobe and Dreamweaver design. I love macs! (not a mac snob though)
Your comments echo my own experiences. I use Macs for design and PCs for testing web sites for cross-platform compatibility. I definitely prefer the Mac interface, and user-friendliness, although I've been using PCs just as long. Now if only business and accounting world would switch to Mac... :)
Most Mac users I know claim that Mac is a god-send after problems with Windows. Even the Mac v Windows TV commercials make fun of Windows shortcomings. Its good to know Mac users have their own set of problems to deal with.
I've use both Macs and PC's and while the Mac definitely has clever marketing the PC still runs the show, for the moment. That is unless you're designing graphics or producing music then the Mac wins hands down.
I love the theory of only Mac Vs. PC. But it just isn't that easy. You seem to know that if you are doing graphics or movies, MAC all the way. But for basic business processing day in and day out, a $600 Dell (with plenty of RAM) is still the winner in my book. Thoughts?
I ordered a Mac too, I will install Windows but I like the Mac Design and Power :-)
I am not sure which is better latest Windows or MACOSX ? I have never had Mac, but i want to try it.
As a webmaster myself I've always preferred the Windows environment, only because that's what I grew up around and know. I've used Mac's but it just doesn't feel right. Now adays with emulation, any program can pretty much be run on any operating system, but I still feel Windows IS NOT the best operating system, rather the most functional and dynamic for my needs!
Personally Windows, but I have a friend that very much prefers a Mac. I guess it's just whatever you're used to.
Why not both?
Apple's new Mac mini computer, starting at $499, is an elegant and very affordable way for Windows users to jump the fence into what could be a greener pasture.
To squeeze under the $500 mark, Apple Computer had to do some stretching -- the Mac mini doesn't come with a keyboard, mouse or monitor. And most buyers will want to add more memory. But I don't find the compromises unreasonable.
That's because the Mac mini (www.apple.com/macmini) is a complete Macintosh desktop computer inside a very tiny silver and white case, running the current Mac OS X 10.3 Panther operating system.
It's beyond obvious that I prefer Macs over Windows based PCs. However, you should know that I've used Windows for 11 years. In fact, I've taught Windows classes, I've run Windows servers, and I used to be a Windows advocate. All of this changed when OS X came out. I have never been more thrilled and pleased with a computer than I have with OS X. I used to loath using my Windows based PCs (even Windows XP), but now I thoroughly enjoy not only using OS X, but also using its software, like iLife. I would never go back Windows, and I doubt you will either if and when you give Mac a try.
We have just ordered 2 copies of CS3, one for the MiniMac and one for Windows. I am looking forward to trying it on both machines, but deep down, I'm no Mac fan :D
I recently switched over from PC to Mac for my work and the difference in my workflow from using PhotoShop is just tremendous. I get so much more done. The finder and features such as Expose aid me so much.
I love my new Mac and would never buy a PC again even though bootcamp kinda sucks. Mac forever.
I started off with Mac but eventually I think the future is still with Windows.
I must say Mac is good but windows is more user friendly. From my own experience i have found out that Mac is harder to get used to compared to windows which is rather easier. I remember my gf buying a new Mac and i didnt know how it worked, we had hard time installing and then we had safari problems and couldnt find any fix for it. Windows got a lot of softwares also and in addition some games dont work with mac..
my 2 cents
I have both a high-end Windows workstation and a high-end Macintosh. I've used Windows consistently for 12 years and when I got the Macintosh, I diligently spent time every day learning to the things I needed to do on a Mac. This took some time but now I am just about as good on a Mac as a Windows computer. However, I find myself preferring to use the Windows computer more. The only plus I have found with the Mac is no problems with Spyware or Viruses (at least so far).
OMG, I can't believe it, I've scrolled (quickly) through this post, half expecting to see it, but, no one has, so, may I say ....
LINUX!!!
[sighs in satisfaction]
[And yes, I know it won't run your favourite program, unless you run an emulator]
Between Mac and Windows I will always have to choose the old and reliable.
I've just got a mac and I have fallen in love with it. I've also got the iphone and apple TV. Match made in heaven.
I have worked on both Mac and PC and i really dont see why people are so for one and against another. Sure i will always pick a PC over a Mac, but that is because i develope software for PCs.
What was the reason for choosing Dell? And after the update, how are the Windows systems co-operating?
After Leopard here things went much smoother...
I work on both Mac and PC, but if I had to choose, I would go for Mac.
I just switched to a Mac, and i'm liking things much better.
If there is no rule mandating only one solution then use the best tool for the job, why not? I have seen for years that designers prefer the Mac, and all of the developers I know use Windows.