(December 10, 2009) -- Microsoft enthusiasts were greeted by the new Windows 7 while the Mac fans celebrated the arrival of the Snow Leopard. Both Windows 7 and Snow Leopard operate at 64-bit (with the exception of Windows 7 on the Home Basic version), promising to increase the speed and performance of the computer. One of the new features of Windows 7 is the “remote media streaming,” which allows the user to gain access to his or her songs, videos and pictures from another computer. However, there is a catch to it: both computers have to be running Windows 7.

At first glance Snow Leopard looks exactly the same as its predecessor. However, there are differences in the performance of the operating system. For example, all the built-in applications are now 64-bit, which saves the user tremendous amounts of time. There is a new Quick Time Player called the Quick Time X, which works 2.4 times faster than the older version. The Time Machine is 80 percent faster on the Snow Leopard. Upon upgrading to Snow Leopard, the user automatically regains seven gigabytes of hard drive space, which according to Apple’s website, is “enough for about 1,750 more songs or a few thousand more photos.”

Both operating systems have compatibility issues with some applications or software. For example, Adobe Photoshop CS4 has yet to become compatible with Snow Leopard. On the other hand, Windows Vista also had issues with some software, according to photography teacher Kelly Brinker. “Windows Vista was horrible—it was a nightmare,” Brinker said “I am skeptical about Windows 7.” Brinker, who is experienced with both Windows and Mac, still uses Windows 2000 because of the “bugs” on the newer versions of Windows.

Gamers prefer using Windows because most of the games are not programmed for Macintosh making the high graphics quality almost useless for gaming purposes. Junior Julian Lometillo prefers Windows because “all the games are on Windows and I grew up with Windows.” Brinker says that programming is easier and cheaper on Windows. However, Mac users have the advantage of running Windows in parallel to their Mac operating system with a built-in application called Boot Camp if they want to take advantage of its high graphics for gaming purposes. On the other hand, Windows users have the freedom of replacing and upgrading their graphic cards to meet their desired standards.

When it comes to surfing the web safely, Mac tops Windows. Most Macintosh users do not feel the need to buy anti-virus software since Mac is not nearly as susceptible to viruses as Windows is. According to Brinker, Safari—the Macintosh browser—is safer than Internet Explorer. For example, a user of Safari will rarely encounter pop-up windows. “Macs don’t generally get viruses,” Brinker said.

Generally, Mac software is more expensive. Furthermore, there are more programs available for Windows. “There are more executable programs on Windows because there is a wider variety of programs to use compared to Mac,” sophomore Veudy Cen said. However, there are some unique programs that Windows does not offer such as Final Cut—for film editing—and Garage Band—the built in music-editing program. According to Lometillo, there are other programs that can be used on Windows for the same purposes and possibly for cheaper prices. There are some Windows programs—such as Microsoft Office—that work equally well on Mac. Brinker prefers Microsoft Office to iWork. “Generally, people are trained on Windows, so it’s easier to stick to what you know,” Brinker said.

Cen and Brinker said Windows is “more user-friendly.” For example, Window’s users are used to the right-click button on the mouse. When it comes to working on Mac, they find it hard to execute certain functions such as copying and pasting since there is no right clicking. However, the “secondary button” can be adjusted and set to work just like Windows via system preferences in the Mac operating system. Still, Lometillo prefers Windows. “Although the Mac commercial says that the Mac is for everyday people and everyone, the PC is still more versatile,” Lometillo said.

When it comes to price and affordability, Windows wins first place. “You can find more Windows software and hardware cheaper,” Cen said. Brinker thinks that PCs are much more affordable as well. For example, the cheapest MacBook is $999, whereas one can find another brand laptop possibly as low as $300. There is also the Mac Mini with a price range of $599-$999. The disadvantage of the Mac Mini is that it comes without a display.

Some people may argue that the higher price means better quality. However, according to Brinker, if a student were looking for a computer only for schoolwork, a PC would suffice. She believes that Mac would be a better option if a student were pursuing a field in graphic design, filmmaking or photography.