Macaphobia, there is a cure

This week I thought that I would take the time to address a serious problem. That problem is known as “Macaphobia”. Quinceys’ lexicology defines Macaphobia as the deep seeded fear of learning how to productively utilize Mac and Mac accessories. I realize that many of you may find this humorous, but Macaphobia is a real problem that affects about 6 out of 10 computer users. Ok, I am not a lexicologist and I do not think that Macaphobia is an actual word, but I do believe that many computer users, in this Windows based computing world, do not give Macs a real chance.

Well have no fear; I am here to bridge the informational divide for the Macintosh dilettantes. Modern Macs usually take on three prominent desktop forms. The eMac is an integrated or “all in one” system. The monitor, processor, and removable disc drives are contained within one unit. Then there is the iMac. The iMac also has a variation of the “all in one” unit. It has a base that contains the processor, removable media drives, and the usb port and other ports much like the eMac. The design distinction of the iMac comes from the manner in which the monitor is connected. The flat screen monitor is connected to the base by way of a jointed rod extending from the base. The last, but far from least on the Mac roster is the Power Mac. The Power Mac lacks the “all in one” aspect that its’ brethren possess. The Power Mac has a design that is similar to IBM compatible towers but differs from IBM cases in that it has handles designed into case at all for corners.

Let us look at some of the pros and cons of these systems. eMacs and iMacs are comparable in price with IBM compatible systems. I think that their selling points are their obviously unique designs and the G4 processor. I believe that the Power Macs marketability lies in many things but most of all in its’ dual processors. The G4 processor is the power in the Macs because it can process something like 18 billion floating point operations per second. The more efficient that a processor is at handling floating point operations the more efficient it will be at handling high end graphics. That ability is the important advantage that it has over comparable Pentium processors.

The cons are few but significant. In regards to the eMacs and iMacs, they lack the ability to be upgraded by the average Joe Blow. The Power Mac is an amazing machine but it is more expensive than Pentium based systems and in some instances, the monitor can be more expensive than the computer itself. Macs have an operating system called OS and it may take those accustomed to Windows a little time to reach the same level of proficiency. Now that you are aware of some of the pros and cons of Macs, help put an end to Macaphobia.