I've worked on both sides of the computer industry. That's right, I didn't start out on the Apple side. I have my Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Certified Novel Administrator (CNA), A+ and others..
Growing up, my Dad and all my Uncles were Apple fanatics, my Dad still has his 1986 Mac Plus. I set up my first Mac when I was six, coincidentally when my Dad got his Mac Plus, but we still used to battle it out over which was better - PC or Mac.
It wasn't until I bought my first MacBook Pro, learned everything there was to it, and became an Apple fanatic (I hope my Dad and Uncles are proud of me now). We have too many iDevices in our home to count on all of our hands. We're even making a trek to Manitoba this July to setup my wife's BFF's (from grade 2) Apple home network. I just LOVE sharing the ease and power Apple products offer with my family, friends, and our clients - new and existing.
Then, just last week our 7 year old son asked my wife and I if we could buy him a Windows computer - THE SHAME!!!!
Anyways, family, friends and clients of ours ask us about Mac and comparing Mac to PC. Here are a few of our frequently asked questions:
Can I use Mac if all or most other employees are using Windows PCs?
Yes. The Mac is compatible with most USB devices and printers, and can join Windows wired and Wi-Fi networks. As Apple Consultants, Pure iTek can move data from a PC to your Mac, work with existing files, set up Microsoft Office for Mac or Office 365. We can even set you up to access corporate email supported for Microsoft Exchange Server.
Can I use my Microsoft Office applications on a Mac?
Microsoft Office is available for Mac, which means you can run Word, Excel, and PowerPoint just as you always have. If you are like us then you already love and use iWorks for Mac - a suite of productivity applications from Apple - includes Pages for documents, Numbers for spreadsheets, and Keynote for presentations. With iWorks you can even open, edit and save as Microsoft Office Files = seamless.
Doesn't the Mac cost more than a Windows PC?
Did you know that Mac typically has a great resale or trade-in value? You can check the current trade-in value by visiting Apple Store Reuse and Recycling, but note this is only available in the states to date as Apple just introduced Reuse and Recycle iPhone in Canada . For more information and to avoid making a costly mistake assuming PCs are more affordable than Macs check out this article "Learn How Resale Value Can Make a Mac Less Expensive Than a PC".
How does the Mac protect my information?
The Mac has a multilayered system of defences that works to protect data, applications and services against malware. Built-in technologies provide data-at-rest protection by encrypting the entire drive on your Mac. Gatekeeper protects users from downloading and installing malicious software. Advanced security features such as sandboxing, library randomization, and tagged downloads offer runtime protection.
What about protecting data in transit?
The Mac offers an easy-to-use application-based firewall and VPN clients - at no extra charge.