2003-08-16
Why Windows or Linux when there is Mac?
Robert Cringely asks:
Why aren't Apple Macintosh computers more popular in large mainstream organizations? Whatever the gigahertz numbers say, Macintoshes are comparable in performance to Windows or Linux machines. Whatever the conventional wisdom or the Microsoft marketing message, Macs aren't dramatically more expensive to buy and on a Total Cost of Ownership basis they are probably cheaper. Nobody would argue that Macs are harder to use. Clearly, they are easier to use, especially on a network. So what's the problem? Why do Macs seem to exist only in media outfits?
I'll just say upfront that I work at a small non-profit with 11 staff each with their own computer all networked via Windows NT. I have no idea what an IT department does at the corporate level. My limited experience doing tech work for the above non-profit as well as various individuals and small businesses has taught me a few things about how people use computers.
Most of the people I've worked with are afraid of their computer and they do not know how to use it. They know the basics: opening and printing documents, email, and web. Maybe they've bothered to use a PIM (Personal Information Manager: calendar/address book) but just as likely they have not. They usually know how to play music via a cd or internet. That's about it.
Regular users to not apply patches. Even if they are prompted to apply a patch they often fail to do so.
If most computer users are operating at this fairly fundamental level they are likely going to need help every now and then. Who do they turn to? How often do they need help? How long does it take an average user to troubleshoot a similar or the same problem the next time? Will they even try to troubleshoot?
I'm a geek but I'm still fairly ignorant in most areas of troubleshooting the Windows platform, client and server. In 4 years I've managed to figure things out and our small network functions fairly well. I've been able to trouble shoot most of our problems. But I'll tell you, when we needed to replace three of our Windows machines in early 2003 we replaced them with the soon to be unavailable G3 iMacs running OSX. The switchover was smooth and the benefits many. Most importantly, staff have had little to no problem switching. Microsoft Office X works fine and networking with the remaining Windows machines has been perfect. If I have it my way this trend will continue. Why? Two reasons. Hardware reliability and ease of use. Though some would argue otherwise, I'm convinced that OSX is, out of the box, more secure. Yeah, some of this is due to the fact that virus makers go after the os with the largest market share but my hunch is that it's more than that.
Check out Cringely's article, May the Source Be With You