Although these commercials are obviously a bit biased, I thought they would be a nice way for us to start our class today.
Last week we talked about mice and keyboards--basic components of nearly every modern day computer. This week we are going to talk about the computer itself.
We could go into the whole history of how personal computers came to be...but that is a pretty long history, and a mostly irrelevant to our needs today. So instead, we're going to go through a brief history of PCs, Macs, and different operating systems.
Let's start with PC
PC
PCs started out as the black screened green texted (otherwise known as command-line interface) word processors you see to your left (some of you may be familiar with this), but have evolved greatly over the past three decades into the computers we know and love today.
PC is not a brand. It is a type. Therefore there are a variety of PC brands that you can choose from such as; Dell, Toshiba, Acer, and Gateway--just to name a few.
PCs typically run on a Windows OS or Operating System. An Operating System is a program that makes it easier to run hardware resources and software. Every OS is different. We'll talk a bit more about Operating Systems later. However, when talking about PCs, Windows is almost always implied since it is the major OS sold on Personal Computers.PCs are mostly popular with older computer users, coders, programmers, businesses, accountants, and really anyone in a profession that requires the use of programs such as Excel, Powerpoint, and Word. They also appeal to Xbox users, but this is mostly for gaming purposes.
Does everyone follow? Are their any questions before we continue?
So what makes PCs great....and not so great?
PCs/Windows OS Pros
- PCs are great for people who are already familiar with how to use a computer. All the codes and tricks you may have learned on a word processor still apply on PCs.
- PCs are great for business; even though Microsoft office can run on Mac computers, most businesses (unless they are for design based) typically choose PC over Mac.
- With new advances to Windows--such as Windows Live and "the Cloud"--the business benefits of having a PC are even better. Personal benefits are great too.
- Despite Mac's criticism of PC, Windows newest OS--Windows 7--has a lot of design tools that are both easy to use and create great products.
- Since there is such a wide variety of PCs and brands you can choose from you can find a PC at a much better price than a Mac.
- The variety of PCs also allows for you to find a computer that works with you best.
- Repairing your PC is also a lot easier than when you have a Mac, you can go to nearly any computer store or repair shop for assistance.
- PCs are also the top choice for coders and programmers.
Questions? Comments? Additions?
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| "Blue Screen of Death" |
- PCs are susceptible to virus and spyware
- There are many known glitches in the newest Windows Operating Systems--though these are being worked out.
- PCs are not intuitive, so for new computer users they can seem very difficult to navigate.
- PCs really do require some knowledge in programming and how computers work. Otherwise, when something goes wrong--unless you know someone who knows computers--it's very difficult for a novice to correct the problem.
- Even though PCs have new programs for movie making and designing, they are still not the top choice for creative/artistic endeavors.
- PCs sometimes have difficulty recognizing new hardware.
- (In my opinion) troubleshooting an issue on a PC is very rarely successful. You'd have an easier time looking up your issue on Google.
- PCs have a tendency to crash and blue screens mean certain death for your computer (PCs seem to be very frail things)
Questions? Comments? Additions?
Now let's take a look at Macs
Mac
Macs are actually a type of Personal Computer, but they are never referred to as PCs because they are branded. Macs are MACS--the enemy of PCs. Mac or Macintosh computers and Operating Systems are products of Apple, Inc. Macs were actually the first Personal Computers to move away from the command-line interface (the black background and green text) and use a graphical interface and a mouse. So, from the very start Macs have been very visual/design-based.
Though the first of its kind, Macs had a hard time outshining Windows computers. It may be surprising for you to know that these, now designer computers, ran really cheap in the 90's just so they would get business.
However, when the 1998 iMac all-in-one arrived--it's sleek design and colours won over many consumers and Apple Inc. has only been moving up since then.
Macs run on their own Operating System, however, newer Macs are capable of running both the Windows Operating System and the Mac Operating System.
Macs are popular among young people, new computer users, graphic designers, musicians, artists, filmmakers, and...let's face it--trend followers.
How's it going? Any questions? Lose anybody?
So what makes a Mac better....or worse?
Mac Pros
- Macs are typically a lot sleeker and prettier than other PCs
- Apple offers amazing customer service that is most often free
- Macs are way more intuitive and easy to use, which is really great for new computer users.
- Macs do not get viruses or spyware
- Installing new hardware and software on Macs is quick and easy
- With Macs you don't have to choose your favorite OS, you can have both
- iLife includes a lot of great programs that make designing and creating music, movies, and images easy and accessible to everyone
- Forgot where you saved a file? If you know the name Mac's search bar pulls it up instantly unlike Windows which has to do a long and extensive search.- The lifespan of Mac computers is much longer than PCs because it is so much more difficult to break them down.
- Opening programs is a lot faster and easier than on Windows because there are no drop down menus to go through--all your top programs are located at the bottom of the screen.
Questions? Comments? Additions?
Mac Cons
- Even though Macs can run the same programs as Windows, PCs are still preferred by businesses over Macs
- Macs tend to be much more expensive than PCs
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| "Marble/Windmill of Doom" |
- Although they don't get viruses, when overloaded Macs may sometimes get "the windmill/marble of doom"
- Macs are not compatible with all programs--some are strictly PC only.
- Macs do not have all of the same ports PCs do which make them very difficult to connect to TVs, projectors, and other devices.
- Macs have no right click button, by default.
- Macs have different shortcuts than PCs do, so a former PC user must reteach themselves when using a Mac
- Though Macs are considered more sleek in design their customization options are very limited.
- Macs can only use Mac accessories.
- When sending files from a Mac PC users may have a hard time seeing or opening them; a special program must be downloaded for compatibility.
Questions? Comments? Additions?
PCs/Windows and Macs are so popular and well known it often seems like they are the only options available for people looking for computers or Operating Systems. The truth is that there are less popular alternatives that you can choose from as well.
Let's take a look at some a couple alternatives. Just know that these are just some examples. There are more options to choose from and if you're interested, I would encourage you to research them more on your own.
Alternative PCAlienware Personal Computers and hardware are products of Dell. Alienware sells desktops, laptops, headphones, and other digital accessories. Alienware has a very unique sci fi look and are completely customizable.
Alienware computers are ideal for gaming, video editing, audio editing, and simulations. However, Alienware computers major function is for high performance gaming.
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| Tux the Linux mascot |
Next to Windows and Mac, Linux is the next leading OS. Linux is free to download and use and welcomes all users to modify and share their modified program with others.
Even though Linux is free to use, it is not nearly as user friendly as Windows and Mac. Use of Linux requires a lot of computer knowledge and is not recommended for new users who are not interested in learning about coding. (This is my personal opinion, Linux users may disagree)
Since users are allowed to modify Linux there are many different versions of the OS. Therefore, some versions of it may be easier to use than others.
Do you know of any other Operating Systems or special Personal Computers?
Now what if you're looking to buy a new computer? How do you choose when you have so many options and people are telling you so many different things?
Here are some tips to keep in mind that will hopefully help you if or when you decide to buy a computer.
Tips for Buying a Computer:
- Do your research! Commercials may be funny, entertaining, and convincing--but they might not tell you the whole truth! If you're interested in a certain type of computer look up customer reviews, look up any glitches the computer or system is known for, check out the computer's best features. Investing some time in doing your research can save you a lot of money and frustration in the long run.
- Try before you buy. Go to Best Buy or whatever store you're thinking of purchasing from and try out different computers; that's why they're on display! If it's not busy take your time to really get to know how the computer works. The Apple store can often be a busy place but if you can find time to get there during off hours it's a great place to test out all of Apples products (and the workers are very helpful). Even if you plan to buy online. Try and find a store to check out the computer you want first.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. If a sales person is telling you all the features a computer has and you have no idea what they're talking about ask them to explain. You'll learn more but you'll also make sure that you don't agree to something you're not really interested in. Also remember to come in with questions and some idea of the type of things you want your computer to do (i.e. edit videos, organize pictures, have an organizer, whatever).
- Cheaper is not always better. If you have your heart set on a particular computer but there is a cheaper deal available for another computer don't feel obligated to change your mind. Save up the extra money for the computer you want, don't settle for something you don't. Good computers are hard to come by and--chances are--if you're buying a cheap computer you're probably going to need to start looking for a new one in a year. Even with the rapid growth of technology, a good computer is an investment.
- Don't believe the hype. Just because something is popular doesn't mean it's the best option for you. Don't fall victim to witty advertising and pretty packaging.
- Ask around. Find out what computers the people you know lose and what their opinions on them are; what do they like about their computer? What do they dislike? Why did they chose their computer above all others?
- Lastly, don't be hasty. Believe it or not, buying a computer is a big commitment; it's like adding a new member to the family. You have to take care of it, you have to pay its hospital bills, you have to keep it in good shape, you have to get along and work well with it for however long it's in your home. Take your time picking out the right one!
Question Review
1. What does OS stand for?
A. Operating System
B. Operator System
C. Operating Signal
D. Operator Signal
2. Which of these is a type of PC?
A. Linux
B. Matrix
C. Alienware
D. Ubuntu
3. Which of these is a type of OS?
A. Alienware
B. Linux
C. Matrix
D. Dell
4. Which OS was the first to use a graphical interface?
A. Windows
B. Wintel
C. Macintosh
D. None of the Above
Resources and further reading:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_computer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alienware
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