Mac is a PC!
You read that right a Mac is literally a PC, in the strictest definition a Mac is a personal computer and therefore a PC. Of course, that’s not how it’s been marketed and now we are led to believe there are two choices- Mac or PC. But for all intents and purposes they are both personal computers, one using a Windows based operating system and the other using the Mac operating system. Mac and PC are so similar that these days you can easily install Windows on a Mac alongside the Mac OS.
 
Mac or PC- It’s Personal Preference
The real question when you’re choosing between the two would be what would you prefer and what can you afford? The differences between Mac and PC’s come down to design, functionality and cost. All PC’s used to look the same - boring, grey boxes but Mac changed all that when they started producing innovative, funky computers - who remembers the first iMac?! There are lots of choices for PC’s these days and there’s bound to be something that ticks all the boxes from one of the many manufacturer.

• Cost - It’s a common misconception that Macs are more expensive than PC’s, but this is not necessarily the case, and it all comes down to the spec of the machine you are buying (alongside any extras such as fancy monitors etc). Indeed, a high spec PC can cost just as much as a high spec Mac. The problem is it’s almost impossible to compare the two as you are unlikely to find a like for like PC/Mac.

 

• Choice - Apple has much less variety to choose from when it comes to buying a new computer- this is just their marketing strategy, but it does mean you are limited to what you can buy. PCs on the other hand have plenty to offer- with lots of different manufacturers each offering all manner of configurations.

 

• Brand Power - Probably the biggest factor when choosing a Mac or Pc is brand loyalty. Meet a lifelong Apple user and they’ll no doubt tell you Macs are easier to use, secure and look great. PC users will tell you PCs are better value for money, more choice and software availability.

 

• Compatibility with Other Devices - Apple products are designed to work together and the same goes for Windows products. This doesn’t mean they can’t be mixed but if you’re not tech savvy you might find it a bit of a pain to get the different devices to communicate with each other. You can always call on your tech guru for help setting up devices.

 

• Security - Because there are more Windows PC users than there are Mac users, there are more viruses and malware attacks on PC’s than there are Macs. This isn’t to say that Mac’s aren't targeted– if you have a Mac, you should install and activate Antivirus software, but there is definitely a reduced chance of a Mac being successfully attacked by malware.  

 
Conclusion
It really does come down to personal choice and budget. Mac’s are user friendly and look great and Apple has great customer service as seen in a report published back in 2020.
PCs are customisable, easily upgraded and there are absolutely loads of machines to choose from.
 
If you need more help choosing the right computer for your budget and needs, then get in touch and we can chat about the many options you can look at.

So, what can you do if you are trying to keep overheads down, but you need someone you can rely on for all your tech troubles? Get yourself a reliable IT guru! Finding a local IT expert is pretty simple, ask your trusted friends for recommendations and check them out. A freelance tech support is going to be much more cost effective than paying a huge IT company.

Repairs and Refurbs
IT support will be able to help when your tech fails, be that pc’s malfunctioning, smartphone suddenly not working, cracked screens or viruses. Being self-employed means having reliable hardware is essential, so if it breaks or stops working you need to get it sorted as soon as possible.

Get Help Setting up Networks
Having IT support means you can be confident you’ll have a reliable network set up. They will help make sure you have the right equipment for the job and that it is running at its best. They can also offer advice on your internet and WIFI setup, help you check your broadband speed and make sure you’re getting the fastest connection available.

Antivirus Setup
Having antivirus is a must and not just for small businesses. Everyone should have up to date antivirus installed on all devices (including smartphones). Hacking, phishing and viruses are constantly evolving so a comprehensive antivirus is one of the most important things to keep on top of.

Help with Onsite and Offsite backup
Backing up your data is crucial and your trusty IT support will be able to help you set up an external backup and cloud storage to keep your precious information safe and secure.
 
PC and Device Health Check
Finally, having a tech person you can trust and rely on means you can call on them to carry out a regular health check on your PC and other devices. Not just for when things go wrong, they will also be able to help you manage and clean up your files, check for any software updates you might need and give you peace of mind everything is working as it should.
 
Contact us if you need any help with your PC or devices or want to talk about how File Genie can help with your small business IT.

Most of us are guilty of storing unused apps, thousands of images, emails, and texts and all this ‘junk’ results in a slower running glitchy device. A few simple housekeeping tasks can really give your smartphone a new lease of life, so we’ve put together a handy guide to help you clean up your act!

Delete Unused Apps
It's easy to forget the many apps you download to your smartphone, they just sit there in your phone, unloved and taking up valuable space. A good rule of thumb would be to delete apps you haven’t used in over a month.
It’s a great idea to organise your remaining apps into folders, making them easy to access. Put you most used apps on your homepage so they’re always right on hand. 

Have a Clearout of your Contacts
Just like when you go through your social media contacts and get rid of people you no longer connect with you should do the same with your contacts on your smartphone. Often people change phone numbers and you end up with duplicate details which makes contacting people very confusing. Go through your list carefully and delete unneeded (or unwanted) contacts.

Store and Delete Photos
All those videos and photos you take on your phone are precious memories but how often do you look at tem? Take some time to go through your photos and videos and delete anything you don’t want before storing everything else on your computer, storage device or the cloud.

Tidy up your Texts
Texts (especially ones that contain memes, pictures and videos) take up a lot of memory so it makes good sense to have a good clear out of read messages. Once you’re on top of it try to get into the habit of deleting read messages more often if you can. This includes WhatsApp, archive or delete old groups.

Location Tracking = Battery Draining
Apps that track your location will drain your phone’s battery so ensure only  necessary apps have location tracking authorised. You can check this in your settings.

Clear the Cache
The amount of time we spend on the internet on our smartphones is ever increasing which means the cache is increasing as well. This can cause your phone to run slower so it’s good practice to periodically empty the cache. Check your specific device for information on how to clear the cache and get your phone up to full speed again.

Check for Updates
Make sure your phone is running the latest version of software to ensure you have the latest security and any new features available. Keeping your phone updated will ensure it’s running at its best and give it a new lease of life!
 
Final tip- make sure you regularly clean your phone (especially the screen). A lint free cloth and lens cleaning solution will have your phone looking pristine in no time!
 
If your smartphone is in need of more technical help or you are you would like further help and advice contact us here.