So I got lots of interesting comments on my last post. Someone posted disagreeing with a few things on the comments section, and I figured that for the sake of easier reading I'd throw this in as a main blog entry as well as a comment. I don't want 50 comments in a single post.

"Of course you can run multiple operating systems on a PC. But I would disagree with your claim that you can run OS X. It's possible to run a specific (outdated) version or two, but it's not extremely easy or reliable, and you can't stay up to date. Also, it's illegal (against Apple's licensing agreement), if you care about that sort of thing. The fact of the matter is that Macs are the only platform on which you can reliably and legally run Windows, OS X, and Linux."

So you're telling me that you can't run OSX on a PC because Apple is afraid that without their precious OS being exclusive they'd be completely and utterly lost?

Nobody has asked whether you could run the newest shiniest version of OSX on a PC, or whether it was "legal". Tell me, how many people is Apple going to "bust" for installing OSX on a PC? Also, can you run Windows Vista on a Mac?

You can reliably run anything you want on a PC. It's not like your computer is going to explode if you try to run linux on it, or OSX for that matter. It's just software, Mac's move to Intel processors means that OSX can run on a PC just was well as windows can run on a Mac.

Also, there is no "irrational" dislike for Macs coming from me. My dislike is aimed squarely at the people who own Macs claiming that PCs are the AIDS infested hookers of the computing world, and that Apple is heaven and Windows is hell. I dislike ignorance, and more so, I dislike people who preach ignorance as the ultimate truth. Also, viruses and trojans and all the nasty things out there aren't just for destructive purposes. That's the minority of them. The majority of stuff out there are Trojans, and what a trojan does is infect as many computers as it can in order to be as effective as possible. It's not aimed at anyone in particular. If Macs were more widespread, they'd target Macs, simple as that. Ever hear of a DOS attack?

As far as Claim #3 is concerned, it was a jab at the dolts who claim that PCs are holding them back due to all their problems. Every system has problems, there is no such thing as perfection. How many iterations of windows and OSX are there? Lots, no? The point is that if Macs were this wondercure to all of our computing woes, they'd be what PC is today. In fact, the very first computer I used was a Macintosh Tandy. Would you believe that? So it's not because PCs have been around for longer. There must have been some basic need the Macs didn't meet in order to become 2nd or 3rd best. Money talks.

If I "irrationally" disliked Macs I wouldn't have suggested to my friend that she buy one if it suited her needs. I dislike Macs because they do not fit my needs, yet they claim to be better than PCs. I have not found a need my PC does not meet, and I have many. From gaming, to programming, it can handle all of them.

As far as Mac software is concerned, I've heard there are af ew good programs, but nothing I am personally interested in (hence me not owning a Mac or OSX). However, this complaint of yours about "shovelware" and "having too many options to choose from" is simply ridiculous. There are more developers for PC because PC is more popular and versatile. Therefore there are more programs because there are more programmers because there is more money for them out there. I'll bet you 5 dollars I can find you a copy of "Barbie's Island Pony Adventure VI" on the Mac section, does that mean it's quality, or does it mean the developer simply made a Mac version?

All this "you don't have to worry about what you run on your Mac because it's invincible and godlike and can do no wrong" is simply ridiculous and so full of holes that it isn't worth looking at. Software is software, it's made by the same people. Whether it was made for one OS or the other doesn't matter, all it changes is the coding environment. Programming for OSX doesn't somehow erase your abilty to do evil or make crappy programs, so don't give me this senseless bull. It makes no sense and it insults people's intelligence.

Parts? I upgraded my old 2001 PC to a 2007-Vista-capable-game/software-scorching PC for 300 dollars this christmas. It takes some shopping around and not clicking on the "buy a brand new computer for 5 dollars" button on E-bay, but then again, if you're not smart enough to inform yourself about what you're buying before you spend your money,  no amount of magic Macintoshes are going to save you the hole in your pocket. Not to mention that if you don't know what to look for you shouldn't be building your own system in the first place. For the life of me I cannot understand how you can try to make variety and options seem like a bad thing. You'd rather pay 500 dollars for a part that you can find an equivalent for in a PC for 200, and your excuse is that "I didn't have to look too hard" for it? Well congratulations, being lazy and ignorant cost you 300 bucks, pay up chump!