Mac vs. PC: Which Is Easier to Learn?

The battle of Mac vs PC is as old as personal computers themselves. Each product has its devoted users that would rather draw blood then admit the other product might be better than theirs in some way. So where does that leave the consumer? Weeding through articles and discussions, both sides are bent on proving their product is better. It's almost impossible to find an impartial opinion on the matter. It's true that both operating systems have their benefits and shortcomings, and we could have a month-long debate on the differences. We ourselves opened the debate a couple of years back with an infographic called Mac vs. PC Who's really winning? In general, the data from 2011 is still true today. All the points made about price, security, popularity, software, reliability and compatibility are close to the same today as back then. So the debate still continues.

To a person just starting to learn a computer system for the first time, discussing hardware, software, customization, and design can all go right over your head. Sure, all those things are important. But just how important? If you're just learning to use computers for the first time all the tech talk can be exhausting. Sure, that's stuff you need to learn eventually no matter what system you decide on. But for now you need to think about what suits you best, and what's easiest for you to learn.

When people ask me for advice as to which type of computer to buy a Mac or a PC. I typically ask What are you using it for? Many people at the start of their computer adventure just want to accomplish a few simple tasks: surf the web, check email and Facebook, play games, and maybe do some word processing. Today we try to answer one simple question: Which personal computer system is easiest to learn and use? Even this question can lead to a lot of debate, but it's a good one to think about.

Both Apple and Windows' systems use a graphical interface. This is a system of windows, icons, and tools that allow you operate programs and files through a visual representation. Both systems are very different in the way they operate.

Macs use non-technical language, making them easier to understand. The Mac's dock, seen at the bottom of the screen in the photo above, uses large, colorful icons and makes frequently used programs easy to access. In my opinion, if you've never used a computer, the Mac's one-button mouse system makes navigating the interface easy. Installing and deleting programs on a PC requires an installer or uninstaller wizard, and sometimes these don't necessarily remove all traces of programs the way they should. Installing and removing programs on a Mac is simple and straightforward.

The window management system on a Mac allows you to see every open window on your computer, create as many desktops as you want, and organize your work so that everything you need is accessible. Mac applications have no useless OK and Apply buttons; changes are applied immediately and on the fly. The system seems to be more responsive and requires less input from the users. Apple makes its own hardware, software, and accessories, and delivers the product whole to the consumer. This can be looked at as both a good and bad point to and advanced user. For a new user, it's good because you don't need to make decisions about what software and components to use and then deal with the challenge of installing software. Mac users simply power up the computer and use them right from the box. If an Apple user has a problem with a part like a keyboard or hard drive, there a single point of contact: Apple customer service. PCs have hardware and software made by multiple outside vendors. Apple also has its customer support center based in the United States, unlike many other manufacturers who outsource customer support to other countries.

Both systems take time to learn, and different people will always prefer either system for various reasons. If you have ever used either system in the past, using the other will be awkward. For that reason alone, if you have any previous experience with either system, you should consider sticking to the system you know. If you have a tablet or smartphone running windows, then just buy a PC. If you have an iPad or iPhone, then buy a Mac. Sticking with what you know will help you feel more comfortable, and will also help eliminate connectivity issues between your devices. I've had the pleasure to work and learn on both systems since I was a kid. If you have never used either system before, it's my opinion that the Mac operating system is easier for a first time user to understand and hit the ground running. In future posts, we'll do a more in-depth comparison of both systems' strengths.

Do you have a preference between Mac and PC? Which was easier for you to learn? Leave a comment below and let us know.