Jeff Widmer on Macs vs. PC: “I don’t think there is much to debate about any more.”
Biznik’s 1000th member, Jeff Widmer, is a no-nonsense computer consultant. And, he’s Mac user. Which means he’s someone I’d at least consider hiring. I would run, screaming, in the opposite direction of any computer consultant who used anything else as a primary machine. It’s something I love about Biznik – even at total random, the 1000th member is someone I instinctively like. Which got me thinking, man, it’s going to suck when Macs become the dominant platform. Because I dig the slightly subversive thrill of knowing that the issues plaguing most computer users simply aren’t part of my reality. Like the feeling I get everyday during my morning commute (from the bedroom to the coffee table in the living room with my MacBook), thinking about all those poor bastards jammed up on the 520, or I-5, or just about any other piece of pavement within a 20 mile radius of Seattle at that moment, where I live and work in Fremont.
Q: How’d you hear about Biznik?
Andrew Baker of BiZi Bee Floral.
Q: Why’d you join?
He told me that it didn’t suck.
Q: He’s right! Is NW Mobile Tech your company? How long has it been around and what’s so special about it?
Yes, it is my company. It’s been around for two years. It’s special because because we have the resources to deal with just about any computing platform, but I love Macs more than anything.
Q: What’s the most common reason you get called by clients?
Virus and spyware problems seem to be the most common.
Q: They must not be Mac users, then. What is it about Macs that make them so impervious to viruses, and why do PCs continue to be so vulnerable?
Two things. Macs have a very secure and stable UNIX foundation. Most PCs are running Windows, which has a terrible reputation in security. There other thing is the market share. Macs have less of the market, which makes them a less desirable target for malicious software. To this date, I don’t think there has been any major security issues with the Mac. Antivirus software does exist, but I don’t even recommend it for my Mac clients. I think the Mac antivirus software is likely to do more harm than good at the moment.
Q: What’s your take on the Mac vs. PC debate these days? If I were about to buy a new laptop, what would you recommend?
I don’t think there is much to debate about any more. Macs can run Windows natively, or while booted in Mac OS X as well. If you buy a Mac laptop you are getting an extremely well-engineered machine that can run Windows. You do pay a premium for this privilege. But for me it is a small price to pay.
And almost certainly for you, too. Learn more about Jeff’s services on his company website, www.nwmobiletechs.com
October 15th, 2006 at 4:30 am
I’m a big fan and user of the Mac as well. So it’s obvious whose side I’m on. However, these days Apple is getting more and more gadget conscious. Let’s hope they don’t bury the Mac platform yet again.