Find The Computer That Fits Your Family’s Needs

Families contemplating a first-time computer purchase may find themselves facing a decade-old dilemma: Should we buy a Mac or a PC?

This issue has been debated ever since Apple first introduced the Macintosh and IBM debuted its PC.

“Both Apple’s Macintosh and the PC-compatible computers have compelling strengths and undeniable weaknesses,” writes Christine Olson in her book, “The Multimedia Home Companion for Parents and Kids” (Warner Books, $19.95). “As with most issues surrounding technology, this debate has shifted as the two families of computers have evolved.”

According to Olson’s book, written with a team of multimedia experts, here are some factors to consider in the Mac vs. PC decision:

User-friendliness: “Macs are still the easiest home computers to set up and use,” writes Olson.

Macintosh computers have always been “plug and play,” meaning you can take the computer out of the box, plug it in and turn it on. Additionally, Macintosh made popular the use of icons (tiny pictures on the screen that represent programs or commands) and menus (collections of plain-English commands, neatly organized and always available at the top of the screen).

“This hassle-free, intuitive operation has made Macs instantly popular with schools and first-time computer users,” Olson writes.

Windows 95 operating system has made the PC look and feel like a Mac with the “plug and play” capability, icons and menus, but since Windows 95 is still new, it may not, as yet, provide your computer with a completely “bug-free” environment.

Software: Most major software titles are available for both types of computers, but since Macintosh represents only 10 percent of the computer market, there may be a title you want which is not available for the Mac.

Also, expect a given title to be produced first for the PC; Macintosh versions are often released later.

Price: Macs tend to be higher priced. However, the recent release of Windows 95 requires additional memory, disk space and processor speed to run efficiently, which has narrowed the price between the two systems.

Competition between PC manufacturers tends to keep PC costs down; however, Apple has recently allowed manufacturers to “clone” the Macintosh which may affect price and market share.

Popularity: PCs tend to be used in businesses, Macs are more popular in schools. If your home computer will primarily be for your children, and their schools are equipped with Macs, that may decide your dilemma. Still, you may prefer that your home computer be compatible with your PC at work.

“The Multimedia Home Companion for Parents and Kids” covers all aspects of home computing, including shopping for a computer, taking your family online and choosing worthwhile software titles for each family member, written in a simple format with colorful illustrations.

It’s available at Auntie’s Bookstore and B. Dalton Bookseller in Spokane, and The Bookseller in Coeur d’Alene.

, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.