So, the huge question: Why choose windows 7 over a Mac? This is a classic debate, one that has mass appeal in almost all fields; There have been commercials, parodies, comedies, tv shows, appearences on Conan and etc.

So, all joking and comedy aside, which one really is better? I Windows 7 really better than Mac OS X? Is Mac better for a student? Here is a comprehensive side-by-side guide, explaining the advantages of each OS.

Windows 7:

• Customizability, power

Windows 7 is known for its power and customizability. This is not always looked upon as a good thing, and one of the main problems is this provides more opportunity for problems to occur, as there is less ways to generalize an find a problem. The customizability can be a very good thing, however, especially if the user is multitasking more, or doing advanced computing such as web programming.

• Newer Parts for computers

Windows 7 based computers, or just PCs in general allow for far many more hardware setups than a Mac. This is because there are no pre-built regulations on PCs, as with a Mac there are only a set number of hardware setups that can exist. The availability of parts can therefore provide more speed and customization for specific needs that the PC user will need, but this can be at the expense of more errors down the line, or less warranty and manufacturer protection.

• More affordable

Windows 7 computers are, on average, far more affordable than a Mac. This is mainly due to the mainstream availability of the Operating System, which in turn allows for more competition and price wars. This is better for the customers, as it drives prices lower, and creates far more options for a customer interested in buying a PC. Additionally, because more parts are available, PCs can be built for much cheaper than a Mac if the user is knowledgeable in building their own computers. This is a method more and more people are taking on, and this has proven to be a great way to save money, especially when ordering multiple PCs.

• Style

Although Mac is known for the style available, some PC manufactureres such as HP and Sony have made huge strides in the style field. Especially Sony, who launched an entire Sony Style division to the company, which seems to target aesthetics as one of the main sources of their marketing campaign. Additionally, due to the vast amount of manufacturers and available parts, the aesthetics can be infinitely personalized and customized to the users standards.

Another big style element are the input devices, like the mouse and keyboard. There are far more manufacturers targeting the PC than the Mac for input devices, which provides even more customizability and individuality.

• Gaming

PC is a gaming king, due to the availability of more advanced hardware than that of the Mac. PCs have far more choices as far as power supplies, video cards, mother boards and processors, and the overall cutting edge gaming industry calls for the latest in the hardware and software of the time. A perfect example is the new Core i7s. These processors came out for the PC YEARS before the Mac even implemented the processors into their computers. This is a gaming must, and the PC gaming industry boomed accordingly.

Mac:

• Aesthetics

It is hard to argue with the beauty of a Mac laptop or Macbook Air. It is known as one of the nicest looking machines, and are therefore increasingly socialably accepted, and even considered trendy. Take that, nerdy computer stereotype!

• Safety

Macs are known to be safer machines than their PC counterparts. This can be for a number of reasons, one of which is talked about less and less: Because there are less Macs than PCs, there are less people willing to create destructive viruses and spyware for Macs; they simply will be targeting less people! This is a point that is not talked about very often, but I believe it is a very valid reason as to why there are less viruses for a Mac than there is for a PC.

• Support

Mac’s come in only a few different hardware and software configurations. It is therefore much easier for a tech support agent to try to troubleshoot and repair your Mac, should a problem come up. Because it takes them much less time, and can even be done at the Mac store’s own Genuis Bar, there is a lot of appeal to the warranty and support programs that Mac’s seem to offer.

• Graphics

Mac OS is better at emulating via the video cards and processors the CMYK color mode that professional printers require to operate on. On a PC, using graphic programs such as Adobe Photoshop, the graphics will appear brighter and or more contrasted than they will actually print. This is not a major difference, but it is enough for a professional designer to prefer a Mac over a PC.

As a gamer and web developer, I prefer the PC vs the Mac, but depending on your needs you may disagree with me!