Running a Firm
Buy a PC? Or a Macintosh? E-mail
Written by Chad Brubaker   
Wednesday, 23 June 2010 00:00

Deli.cio.us    Digg    reddit    Facebook    StumbleUpon    Newsvine
As you read this article, odds are you are looking at it on a PC. That is because traditionally most accounting and tax software has been built specifically for PCs. Why? PCs take up approximately 90 percent of the market share for computers, so it really doesn’t make sense for software companies to put money into developing products for the Mac operating system. However, emerging technologies have now made it possible to use a Windows operating system on a Mac, or have both on the same machine! In fact, companies like VMware and Parallels allow you to run both systems at the same time without even rebooting. Because of this, the question of Mac versus PC for accountants once again becomes relevant.

Generally, Macs are viewed as more luxurious computers. Regardless of the features, the price surely reflects that. Mac laptops generally start around $1,000 for a good model, whereas PCs cost more in the range of $750 for a good laptop. If cost is an issue for you, take that into consideration.

If you care about how your computer looks, Mac clearly spends more money on the aesthetics of the design (which is a factor in the higher cost). However, many PCs also look very sleek, so that aspect is really just a matter of personal preference.

As for actual functionality, Macs are generally laid out more simply, are easier to use, and are less prone to viruses. Yet, the reason they are safer and get fewer viruses isn’t necessarily because their operating system is more secure. Similar to software companies, people that build viruses focus on where they will get the most benefit. Because Macs only comprise 10 percent of all computers, hackers don’t waste their time with them.

In terms of programming or customizing your computer, you have more freedom to do that with a PC, while Macs are more rigid. Most accountants, however, don’t have time to develop software code for fun.

Basically you need to figure out what your basic specifications are for a new computer. If you want to be economical, buy a PC. If you can afford a Mac, and you have tried one and like how they function, spring for one. Just remember to put a Windows or dual-boot operating system on it so you can use QuickBooks, your tax software, and everything else you need for your practice. You can read more about Mac’s compatibility with other operating systems.

Chad Brubaker
About the author:

Chad Brubaker is the President and CEO of  E.Mochila, a leading website provider for accountants. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration and Computer Science at University of California, Berkeley. He resides in San Francisco, where he and his colleagues are constantly exposed to the most cutting-edge internet and website issues.

Read More >>


< Prev   Next >
 

Add your comment

Your name:
Your email:
Subject:
Comment:
  The word for verification. Lowercase letters only with no spaces.
Word verification:
Comments (2)
xTuple, PostBooks (life beyond Quickbooks)
2 Wednesday, 14 July 2010 18:13
Wallyton
Good point Barry that there are other solutions besides Quickbooks on a PC. With Apple's impressive success in the consumer marketplace with the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, we see see the Mac getting pulled into businesses more and more every day. The company I work for (xTuple, www.xtuple.com) offers powerful accounting and ERP software solutions that work on Mac, PC, or mixed environment. The products start with a free/open source version (PostBooks), and commercial Enterprise solutions as well.
Reply
PC vs Mac
1 Thursday, 24 June 2010 15:54
Barry Horowitz, CPA
While you are correct that a virtual PC for Windows is necessary on a Mac for some accounting functions, there are two key issues which can be handled quite well on the Mac operating system. Microsoft makes a version of its Remote Desktop software for the Mac allowing Mac laptop users to access their PC systems remotely. As far as accounting software for the Mac, AccountEdge (formerly MYOB) has been supporting the Mac OS operating system for twenty years and functions quite well handling write up and other client applications.
Reply
yvComment v.1.22.0