Computers are perhaps the most important piece of office equipment for most companies, and thus should be treated with the utmost care. This means updating them regularly and eventually replacing them, if they are influencing employee productivity. A few weeks ago, we wrote up a quick guide on when to update versus when to replace your company’s computers. If your office computers are nearing the end of their lifespans, and replacement is in the near future, the next question is this — what kind of computer should you go with?
Traditionally, aside from businesses in the creative industry, companies typically went the PC route when choosing computers; however, with the growing popularity of Macs, many businesses are making the switch. Here’s what you need to know when thinking about which one is right for you.
The Case for PCs
Even if their home computer is now a Mac, most professionals have used a PC at some point in their lives. They are familiar with how it works and how to navigate the operating system, meaning there is generally no learning curve associated with PCs. For a person that has never used a Mac before, however, it may take days or even weeks to get acquainted with the platform. Plus, there are several types of software applications used for businesses that are supported on a PC but not a Mac — so take the programs your company uses into consideration when thinking about which platform to use, and definitely before making any switches.
Another great thing about the Windows OS is that it can be used on a variety of different hardware. While the Mac OS is only available on Mac computers, Windows operating systems can be used on a host of computers including Dell, Toshiba, HP, Sony, and more. This gives more options to choose from when re-stocking your office with computers. Additionally, it’s no secret that PCs are much cheaper than their Mac counterparts. If budget is a significant issue, PCs may be the more appropriate choice.
The Case for Macs
With all that being said, there are definitely some benefits to choosing Mac computers for your business. While the learning curve for Mac computers may be steep, at least for a few days and for employees that have never used them before, many soon realize that Mac’s user experience is actually simpler to use. So, aside from a few days of adjustment, Macs might prove to be easier for employees to use.
Here’s another important factor — security. With the recent WannaCry and NotPetya ransomware attacks, computer security should be on everyone’s minds. The systems that got attacked were running older Windows operating systems. Windows systems are also far more vulnerable to malware and other viruses — hackers target them because there are more PCs out there than Macs. If you want to keep your sensitive data as secure as possible, and you’re willing and able to pay the price, Macs may be the way to go.
Speaking of price, although Macs are more expensive initially, they generally enjoy longer lifespans than PCs and require a little less maintenance, so the price may come close to evening out in the long run.
Which Option is Best?
It all comes down to your particular preferences, software, and budget. Whether you choose new PCs or new Macs, you are still upgrading your office technology, giving your employees a faster machine with more features and updates.
If it’s time to upgrade to a new set of computers, could it be time to update your cloud and data center solutions as well? Contact us and get recommendations for ways to better protect your assets.
