Using the Internet, we can have our computers talk with other computers on the far side of the planet. One of the most amazing things that I've seen computers do, however, is fuel a good old-fashioned debate between a Macintosh fan and a user of Microsoft Windows. In any case, wherever the current market share, stock price, and system features take us, those of us in the design profession are continually faced with the predicament of which computer to buy for our homes and for our offices, trying to weigh the costs, risks and advantages of each. Especially in the world of computers where little is understood about technology and the direction it may be taking. Although there isn't any such thing as right or wrong in this argument, just the fear of being wrong drives many to make the choice perceived as less risky.
Emotion clouds the debate process.
Another frequently overlooked rule is that you should have made attempts to experience both points of view. My feeling is that you can't expect to engage reasonably in this debate unless you have been a user of both Macs and Windows PCs at some point in your life. I realize that this rules out about 90 percent of the population, but many people have formulated strong opinions on the issue without first-hand experience of the other side. I don't know the exact number, but there are millions of people who use Macs at work, school and home. A common assumption which evolved over the first decade of personal computing is that if you're not the dominant player in the market, you're doomed.