Microsoft and Macintosh: The Hatfields and McCoys of digital land

~ Remember the old days when Macintosh and Microsoft users treated each other like it was a political party? The constant nagging and bragging over which was better for media and which for everyday home use ... I remember those days, but it seems Macintosh does not.

Recently they extended the virtual olive branch, creating a program called "Boot Camp" which lets you run Windows Operating System on a non-Microsoft computer (such as a Mac). This means a number of things, one of which being that no longer will such a deep hate exist between different operating system users. Perhaps Mac saw that, and that was their true reason for bringing everyone together. Whatever the reason, I think this May will be a fine one for nerds, one where we can bury the hatchet and move on to arguing about grander things, like which of our new featured Web sites to check out first.

On the subject of Boot Camp, though, it appears that Mac is doing all the work. You can use Windows programs, firewalls, Internet Explorer ... everything, even Microsoft hardware. On the opposite end of the equation lies Microsoft, though ... and with nothing to offer the body of people who use Windows and want to try Mac. Perhaps in the future they'll make themselves useful and program something, but it seems Mac users are the chosen ones right now on the subject of change and growth.

Speaking of change and growth, this past week I caught up to a few kids around campus and asked them what they would do if their operating system of choice was suddenly replaced by the opposite system. I have to admit I was shocked -- not one person was willing to let this silly war end between Windows and Apple, Microsoft and Macintosh.

One guy told me passionately that putting BootCamp on his Mac laptop would be the same as his girlfriend cheating on him! Come on, guys, surely it's not that bad.

I refuse to believe that we as gamers can't come together and bring down this foolish wall that separates us. We nerds are a peaceful people, and we should all look to Macintosh with respect for at least trying to carry this out. How much longer must we bicker and spread rumors and falsities about the system we don't like?

Which brings me to my next point - we need to do a good old fashioned break down of what exactly your options are in operating systems today. Whether you're browsing for the best system for you or are just interested in knowing what your choices are, I present you with fair and unbiased opinions.

Microsoft - What can I say about Microsoft that doesn't already say itself? Microsoft is the biggest, richest computer idea there is. They hold a monopoly on things you're probably used to (Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, Solitaire) and try their hardest to make sure most computers made today are shipped with their popular system, Windows XP, on it. Don't start hating it though - it's big for a reason. People love Microsoft and its easy-to-use format and user-friendly controls. Their great failing seems to be security, though, meaning it's not the most stable and safe way to get on the Internet. If you choose Microsoft, be sure to check for spyware and viruses often, as well as get all the security updates.

Macintosh - Original carriers of the hip virus, as we like to say here at Off. Macintosh is big on customization, and because of that often lends itself to be the choice of college kids. They've got a mean rep for being amazing at all things digital media, meaning it's hard to beat how they handle music, pictures, videos, and everything else artsy. Though notably smaller, their fan base is a tight-knit clan that sticks up for each other, making the overall security of the system much more trustworthy than Microsoft's. The big Mac downfall?

At the end of the day, it's still a Microsoft world. Most downloads, games and programs favor Microsoft, and will force Mac users to go on wild goose chases to smooth out compatibility issues.

There it is, ladies and gentleman - Truth, the great equalizer. When we lay it all out like this, they seem pretty equal. That's because they are pretty equal. They're just computers, not pirate treasure or holy land. Let's calm it down a notch and feel the love, eh? Greet the animosity with a grain of salt and an open mind, and make your system proud!