Even that has pitfalls, because a person who is computer-proficient is not always savvy at helping you define what you need. Working effectively with beginners is a real art. So the more you know, the better. PC and Mac are your two main choices in computers. Many manufacturers make PCs, while only Apple makes Macs.
All software is labeled accordingly, and is usually in different parts of the store.
Either type of computer is good. It's a term that's supposed to evoke warm, fuzzy feelings for what most likely will be a collection of junk. Windows 95 is a program. Any game you play, such as Quake, Doom, or Myst, is a program. The programs you use will determine how happy you are with your computer.