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.

• Clear your Desktop- If you often save random files and downloads to your desktop so you can see them but then forget to move them, delete them or back them up. Then now is a good time to get on top of it. Delete unwanted files and downloads then make some new folders and archive the rest of the files into the appropriate ones. Be sure to then move those folders off your desktop to a suitable location.
  
• Delete Emails- If you currently have 100’s (dare we say 1000’s) of emails sitting in your Inbox then now is definitely a good time to get rid of some or at least organise them into relevant folders. Check out this handy guide to attain the elusive Inbox Zero! Once you’ve got a bit of a handle on things try to stay on top of your inbox by addressing them as they come in and either responding or deleting as appropriate.
• Delete/Uninstall Unused Apps- Remove any apps you downloaded that you no longer use or need but take care when removing software that you don’t recognise as it may be important for the running of your operating system. When in doubt ask a professional for advice first!
• Check for Viruses- Make sure you have up to date antivirus software installed and switched on! And check regularly for viruses. Try to run a weekly or bi-weekly virus scan as part of your maintenance routine.
  
• Clean Your Hardware- Dusty air vents can cause real damage to your components so keep them dust free. Take care when dealing with laptop air vents and consider asking a professional for help and advice if you are at all unsure. Wipe over monitors or laptop screens with a lint free cloth and lens cleaning solution.
• Backup your Data- Undoubtedly one of the most important tasks to do regularly. It’s worth remembering that while your hardware is relatively easy to replace, your valuable data is not. For most of us storing essential data to the cloud would be more than sufficient but if you run a small business we’d highly recommend storing your data to an external hard drive as well as the cloud.

 
If you follow these simple tips, you’ll soon have your computer running as efficiently as possible and it will hopefully continue to run smoothly.
 
As always, if you have any concerns about your tech or need some professional advice please get in touch.

File Genie will tell you that Tech is my Achilles heel and lock down has done it’s best to compound the issues I have already, slow and intermittent fault on my internet supply, slowing my laptop performance – File Genie to the rescue; new Apps I don’t understand, File Genie to the rescue and venturing into Apple from Android and Windows, again Ben from File Genie to the rescue.

What have I learnt other than File Genie is a knight in shining armour:

• Well, I need to do more of what I preach to stay calm, relaxed and in the positive, intellectual part of my brain. When I work from this part of my brain, I can achieve and do achieve lots more. I also learnt that every cloud has a silver lining even if a Genie needs to get involved.
  
• Getting tense and stressed definitely has triggered old whiplash related restrictions and migraine like headaches but much can be done to rectify and to prevent it.
• A mix of physical and mental health remedies self prescribed. Drink plenty, don’t try to do too much, eat properly, structure my day with different activities, ice, the power of just being, catching up with friends, exercise and gardening.
• Mind and body are undisputedly linked, look after one and the other will follow and for your tech headaches, consult File Genie.
• The other thing that I have become very good at is reframing (seeing the silver lining). Lockdown therefore equals Liberation.

 
Bridget Bath, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Forward Focus Hypnotherapy