Reply #78: Well....

[PatGund]

"you could buy a mac for 2x the hardware cost plus an update every year even though it's funny how the macsters never seem to think a mac OS update is not the same as a windows update, or do the linux thing as long as you have compatible software and a degree in computer technology."

1) Apple hardware is at or below the same price as name brand PC hardware with simular specs. Obviously you'll get lower prices if you get a no-name clone at Bubba's Bait, Tackle, and PCs, but if you're comparing a Del or an HP, they're gonna be in the same ballpark. Plus, since Apples are Intel-based, you have the option of setting them to dual-boot between OS X and Windows, or run Windows in a virtualization enviroment using 3rd party software.

2) The difference is that you don't HAVE a "Home OS X", a "Business OS X", a "Professional OS X", etc. You have exactly two versions of OS X:

a) OS X Server (Available in 10 user and Unlimited licenses)
b) OS X "Client"

That's it.

As for Linux, Ubuntu is pretty painless for newbies. (My MacBook Pro uses Parallels virtualization to handle Windows XP and Ubuntu for when I need those operating systems)