Which is better, Ford or Chevy? How about Lockheed or Boeing? What about Sea Doo or Waverunner?...

The fact of the matter is, that everybody's got their strengths and weaknesses. No one item is better in all categories than another. There are, however, overall winners by having more good traits than anyone else.

The following is a list of pros & cons for each:

 

Windows Based (WinTel) Macintosh
As A Terminal: PROS:
  • Usually less money.
  • Can run many more programs
  • You might already have one

CONS:

  • Difficult to install
  • Networking is a "crap-shoot" at best, unless you know what you're doing. Even then, it's not as reliable.
  • There is no inherent consistency and little conformity in the hardware.
  • Help, and you will need it, is not cheap.
  • You are a prime target for consultants.
  • Peripheral ports are not always clearly marked.
  • O/S is developed by someone different
PROS:
  • Easy to install, and even easier to network.
  • Comes ready-to-use, out of the box.
  • Comes with built-in networking.
  • Screen is higher resolution, and better on the eyes.
  • The Operating System is made by the same people who make the hardware (a big plus!)
  • Attaching peripherals is much easier.
  • System does not randomly corrupt itself.
  • Easier to upgrade and maintain.
  • No need for "Consultants"...
  • Accepts all known POS devices, even Windows specific.

CONS:

  • Usually more expensive
  • Less POS software available
  • Used by "Mac" people.
As A Server: PROS:
  • Certain machines are actually built as a Server.
  • Better back-up software available.
  • Ability to have both Macintosh and Windows terminals tie in.
  • Can usually be used as a file server, while acting as the "Server" part of Client/Server.

CONS:

  • Usually more expensive .
  • Much easier to mess-up.
  • Relies heavily on exact O/S settings to work reliably.
  • Network setup is more involved.
  • Recovering lost data or a bad harddrive takes an act of God...
  • You are much more likely to require installation from a factory trained technician.
PROS:
  • Usually works "as-is", out of the box.
  • Little, if no, network setup required.
  • Usually less expensive.
  • The Operating System is made by the same people who make the hardware (a big plus!).
  • Much easier to maintain.
  • Does not require a trained technician to install and configure.
  • You can be up and running in no time.
  •  

CONS:

  • Difficulty in obtaining good back-up software.
  • Windows based terminals can connect, but not as well.
  • "Mac" people like to play games on the Server while it's Serving...
  • Macintosh consultants are starving.

This day and age, it is best to use Apple Macintosh computers (like the iMac) as Terminals, and something along the lines of a Compaq Proliant as a Server. The Mac terminals are truly plug-and-play, while the Compaq is fast, reliably (once professionally installed), and has good back-up software (ARCserve w/open file agent) available. With the advent of the new Macintosh "G3" towers, Macintosh might be a better Server as well. Better except for the fact that good back-up software is still not available. We'll keep you posted...

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