Why should I buy an Apple Mac

This question arises on forums every week so I thought I'd put my answer here so I don't need to type it more than once!

1. A Mac with Intel processor can run MacOSX, Windows and Linux quite easily.

2. The extent of malware for OSX is so miniscule that I have never been a victim (and I know nobody who has). The result is that there's currently no need to run (in fact no point) any anti-malware software, whose only function will be to slow down your Mac. This means that you don't need to think before you click. (Not necessarily a good attitude but it works for my grey-haired old Mum!)

3. A Mac comes with comprehensive software for handling web browsing, email, photos, video, typing etc. which is generally reckoned to be slightly more user-friendly (and certainly more integrated) than anything currently supplied with Windows. In short, you'll be able to use a Mac "out of the box" for normal usage. A built-in spell checker works in every standard application. A "Save as PDF" option works in every application (via the Print menu).

4. There are OSX games available but the list is short compared with those for Windows. (If that's a problem, boot into Windows.)

5. There are tens of thousands of software applications available for OSX. Many are Freeware and many are very low cost shareware. Unlike much free software for Windows, the majority of these applications are trouble-free and (at present) don't carry "trojans".*

*With the exception of a couple posing as pirated installers - but if you download those, more fool you.

The more expensive industry standards are available, too: MS Office (not Access), Adobe PhotoShop, QuarkXpress etc.

6. Mac Hardware choice is very limited indeed and mostly has limited upgrade capability, so buy what you need. Examples:-

Laptops: MacBook and MacBook Pro. The latest MacBook has no firewire port. MacBook Air has only wireless connectivity.

Desktops: the iMac comes with a built-in monitor. In fact it IS the monitor. It looks nice but you pay for it.

Desktops: the Mac Mini comes in two main forms - A faster processor with capability of CD/DVD burning. A slower processor with capability of CD burning only. Price is reasonable for what you get but upgrading is limited.

Towers: MacPro. Fast but very expensive. So expensive that I can't justify buying one for myself.

Older Macs: Although second-hand Macs hold their value, there are some bargains to be had in the way of "Quicksilver" towers with fairly fast G4 processors. Additional Hard drives, PCI cards and memory can be added to these so upgrading is a good possibility. Note that a G4 can't run Windows!

Mouse: All Macs can use a wired USB or wireless Bluetooth 2 (or 4) button mouse with (or without) scroll wheel. Buttons are configurable.

Keyboard: All Macs can use a wired USB or wireless Bluetooth keyboard. Some keys are configurable. Non-Mac keyboards can be used.

Connectivity: Apart from the MacBook "Air", I believe that all Macs have an Ethernet port, one or more USB2 ports and (with some recent exceptions) a Firewire port. Most have a standard monitor connector (DVI ?) Some have a wireless "Airport" card. Some have Bluetooth built in. Drivers for most common printers, camcorders and cameras are built in.

All Macs with a wireless "Airport" card can connect to a normal ADSL router. Mostly they detect the signal, pop up a dialog box asking if you want to connect, then ask for the network password. Connecting is usually as easy as that (with the exception of some hotels).

All current Macs connect to iPods and iPhones easily and synchronising is usually (!) painless.

Discs: All current Macs can read and write to CDs, and read DVDs. Those with a "Superdrive" can also write to DVDs. Some can write Double-Layer DVDs. No current Macs have a "floppy" drive.

No doubt I've missed lots of information but I hope this helps for starters. If you are looking to buy a Mac you need to look for "Superdrive" if you wish to burn DVDs, "Airport" if you want wireless 802.xx connectivity, "Bluetooth" if you need it and "Firewire" if you need it (recommended for fast external HDD access).