Bill Gates Biography

The book “Bill Gates: Billionaire Computer Genius” is a detailed overview of the life of Bill Gates, the company he has started, and how he has become successful. William H. Gates III was your typical high school nerd. He was destined to be successful. After high school he moved off and started college at Harvard. Gates even made a perfect score on the math portion of the national college aptitude test. Although he was smart and never struggled in schooling, he left Harvard. Gates felt that he wasn’t getting the most out of his Harvard experience and it was just time to make something of himself. Gates had started in the computer industry in high school. It is that that inspired him to leave Harvard and move further into the computer industry. Gates had no idea that that decision would lead him to start a multi billion-dollar company and become one of the richest men in the world. Gates stared out as a computer programmer. But with a little help with his friend and now partner, Paul Allen, Gates became the Chairman and CEO of the Microsoft Corporation (Dickinson, 24).

It’s easy for most to find ways to criticize Bill Gates. One could argue that although he is very successful, he is not a good role model for children. Parents try to encourage kids to go to college. In fact, most of today’s youth is told that college is the only road to success. Bill Gates proved this wrong. Gates showed with motivation, inspiration, and believing in yourself and your abilities that a person can do whatever they want when they put their mind to it.

Bill Gates is also not just a critical name in the household, but also in the business world. Many businessmen and women respect him; however, there is a large number who do not. Gates has been accused of starting a monopoly and making too much money. Many critics argue that Gates drove away many other young, innovated thinkers like himself out of the market place because he was so successful. In fact, his success made the computer industry a very non-competitive industry for a while. “I’d hate to be in business competition with Bill Gates, but as a consumer, it’s hard not to like him.” (Sullivan, 5). However, once that is all said and done, people shouldn’t forget that without Bill Gate’s innovation and drive, that things could be a lot different for the every day person.

Dickinson, Joan D. . Bill Gates: Billionaire Computer Genius. Berkeley Heights,
NJ: Enslow Publishers, Inc ., 1997. Print.

The Inevitable Question: Mac or PC?

I chose my topic Mac Vs PC because when this project was assigned my family had just switched the house computer from a PC to a Mac, and I had just recently gotten an Ipod as a gift to replace my Zune. Once playing with both devices I realized how big of a difference there was and how much I really like one more than another. This made me want to do more research on which one was actually better.

While writing my blog I learned many things about the two products and two brands. I learned and experienced, that Apple’s product seems to run a little better and a little faster than PC products. Apple has a different way of designing software and hardware, making everything just run a little smoother. I also learned, and yet again experienced, that Apple’s products are a little more expensive. But in my opinion, you do get what you pay for. Apple pretty much guarantees that the consumer will not get viruses on their computers and the battery life is far better than anything else I have used or researched. One thing most people do not like about Apple is that it appeals to a more youthful crowd and tries to hard to be cool. After I looked into it, this normally tends to just be a stereotype. Nerds use Macs too, but Apple’s marketing campaign has seemed to work for them.

While doing this project I also got to read a biography about Bill Gates, and learned how he started the Microsoft Company and made it, and most technology how it is today. I also got to sit in on one of Apple’s Mac training sessions for customers who are making the switch from a PC to a Mac. I thought this was a great service Apple offered and I felt like I and other customers got a lot out of it.

Overall, I learned a lot about technology in general doing this project. I never knew how much both companies had to offer, and how completely different two computer companies could actually be. In the end, after all of my research and hands on personal experience I’m going to have to say that I side with Apple on their products. I think they are just easier to use, they have many more useful gadgets that I can take advantage of and enjoy. And I just like not being stressed out every time I get on the computer. If I had to do it differently I probably would not have procrastinated as much. Besides that I feel like I did a pretty good job, and I got a lot out of it, and I got to use my new computer.

Durability Test

One last big issue consumers and reviewers have while discussing the Mac and PC argument is that of durability. Which company provides a more durable product? Considering most consumers use their computer, MP3, or phone for school and work both companies must make a durable product to stay on top. But who’s is more durable.

On the software side, Apple is way on top when it comes to durability and safety. They have created computer and phone software that rarely crashes and for the most part is virus free. PC on the other hand isn’t so safe. Most PC users have dealt on many occasions with computer crashes, losing files and a virus or two. “They don’t get viruses like PC computers do so you don’t need to waste your money on anti-virus programs” (Greg Hurtato). In fact, virus protection is a must for a PC. When it comes to hardware, it is a pretty close call. Between the two styles, they both make a pretty durable desktop. But since most people don’t lug around their desktop, that’s normally not a big issue. Laptops are also a pretty close case. Apple uses a more durable shell on the outside of their laptop, but since it is slimmer it can also be more fragile. Most PCs are larger than Macs, making them heavier. They also normally come made in a cheaper plastic, so if it were dropped bad things could happen. Most consumers would argue that Apple makes the more durable laptop. Where Apple does not win is in the Iphone and Itouch category, competing with Microsoft’s Zune. Apple’s handle-held devices are made with real glass. I’ve shattered mine, and I know how hard it is to replace. Zunes are normally more durable giving Microsoft the upper hand.


Beitman, Hayley. "The Mac vs. PC Controversy." The Odyssey at Michigan State. Michigan
State, 16 Feb. 2010. Web. 5 May 2010. .

Apple Interaction

Two weeks ago, I sat in on one of the many instructional sessions Apple offers for people switching from a PC to a Mac. The purpose of these sessions is to make the switch for new customers easier so the new Mac user can spend more time enjoying their new computer, and less struggling to learn the basics. There are many ways you can take this class. It is offered online, and in the store. We first went over the basics, learning how to start up the computer and how much easier it is. We learned quick commands, because Apple has a Command key on their keyboard that PCs do not offer. We also learned how to navigate on the mouse pad, which is constructed much differently than the PC mouse pad. Since it was only the first session it was pretty basic. Apple does offer more advanced sessions that can also be accessed on the internet that goes over more advanced application, and how to use Microsoft products such as Word and Powerpoint on a Mac.

Doing this session was nice. Although it was basic and I knew most of what was taught I still found it cool that Apple provided this class for new users. Macs are easier to use, but since most people start off using PCs the switch can be difficult at first. Apple understands this and that is why I think most people that are considering making the switch should try out a session or two. The overall purpose of the class is to “show you how a Mac is designed to give you the best computer experience possible” and I believe it worked.

For All You Gamers Out There...

So after all this, you’re probably wondering what does Microsoft do better? Well one thing Microsoft has that Apple has not yet been able to provide is the power to game. Microsoft has always been one of the leaders in the video gaming industry. Not only our Microsoft’s computers more suited for gaming, but they also have produced their own video game console, the Xbox and the Xbox 360. Microsoft makes and designs their own video games and owns the rights to several other games as well. Apple has not yet been successful in this field.

In 1995, Apple released a video game console called the Pippin in Japan. However, it was very unsuccessful. The only cool thing about it was it was the first gaming device that was able to access the internet via the consumers TV. “There are some features on the Pippin I think are good, like the fact it actually does enable consumer Web access via a television”(The Mac Geek). But that kind of technology at the time was way to young, also proving Apple unsuccessful in the gaming world. There are rumors floating around that Apple is trying again at creating a game system. Since Apple’s technology is currently argued as the greatest in the computer world, rumors say that it will finally be able to do just as good in the gaming world, but only time will tell.

The Mac Geek, . "The World According to The Mac Geek." Mac Geek. Pearl City Networks, 07Dec. 2002. Web. 28 April 2010. .

Apple iPhone OS 4 Event

On April 8, 2010 Apple CEO Steve Jobs gave a sneak peek into the future of the Apple world, and how their technology still continues to get better. Mr. Jobs started out the speech by thanking the consumer for allowing the company to make it as far as it has. As he continued, he took note on the prestigious and innovated awards the company has won 3 years in a row from JD Power. One reviewer went on to say in the video, “Apple is rewriting the rulebook for mainstream computing” (Ed Baig, USA Today).
Now how does this get into the Mac Vs. PC debate? Well the purpose of this video was to give Steve Jobs the opportunity to announce the newest changes in the Apple world. Apple has just released and redefined their best selling laptop, the Macbook Pro, making it one of the fastest laptops in the world, and giving it an outstanding battery life of over 10 hours. Jobs also introduced the first touch screen, keyboardless computer on the market, the IPad. Also, starting this summer the newest IPhone and IPod Touch software will be released. This software will include multi-tasking, faster processing and other things that cannot be find the in PC world. Basically, it’s a big year for Apple. After watching this interview, in my opinion, it seems that Apple is currently way on top and its going to take a lot for PC manufacturing companies and Microsoft to catch up.

"Apple IPhone OS 4 Event." Apple.com. Web. 15 Apr. 2010.
.

Ipod vs. Zune

The battle between Mac and PC is not just fought on the Computer side of things. Both brands (Apple and Microsoft) battle in the world of MP3s as well. Apple has the Ipod and the Ipod Touch, the Mac of MP3 players; and Microsoft has the Zune and the Zune HD, the PC version of the MP3 world. With both pieces of technology they both offer downloading sites that directly integrate with their MP3 products. But which is better?

Apple first introduced the Ipod in 2001 with its first generation, black and grey screen version of the device. Microsoft, 5 years later brought the Zune into the market. By 2006 the Apple Ipod was playing movies and could handle around 30-60gbs of memory. The Microsoft Zune did pretty much the same thing, but was a lot bulkier and didn’t have the convenience of the patented Ipod “wheel”, the easy way to navigate on the device. Skipping over to present day, things between the 2 devices have remained the same. The Apple Ipod has advanced much farther than the Zune. "More than 75,000 easily downloadable apps can transform Apple's player into a full-fledged mini-computer. The Zune Marketplace, on the other hand, only offers a handful of add-on programs" (Gideon). Although it finally has a web browser it still does not meet up with same standards Mac and Ipod users are used to. These products also tie in with the Mac vs PC argument in another way: integration. The Iphone/Ipod has the ability to integrate, update, sync and be controlled by an owner if they have a Mac computer through a program called MobileMe. The PC does not offer this with their Zune device.

I know this not only through research, but as a past and present user of both products. I started out using the 1^st generation Zune with PC and recently switched to the Ipod/Mac combo and have never been happier.

Gideon, Tim, and Sheehon Donnell. "Touch-Screen Smackdown: iPod touch vs. Zune HD." PCMAG.COM. ZIFF DAVIS MEDIA, 18 Sept 2009. Web. 08 Apr 2010. .

Mac VS PC Song

This video is a funny way of showing the advantages of Mac and PCs. They are presenting it in a fun and entertaining way, but the things they talk about are actually very accurate. Some of the advantages of a Mac are they are more user friendly, and they have a better display, therefore, making it just overall look better and giving the Mac the sterotype of a "pretty boy" as shown in the video. The main internet browser of Mac, Safari, is faster than Internet Explorer of the PC. And, not only does the internet browser run faster, the whole computer starts up faster. Some of the advantages of a PC are that it is compatible with other downloadable software more than a Mac is and it doesn't need any specific or special software downloads because most everything (except Apple products) com standards of work on a PC. The most significant advantages of a PC is that they are more business friendly and they are significantly cheaper than Macs.

I really liked this video. I think it informs you about Apple and Microsoft in an entertaining way, instead of being taught about it. Even though it doesn't tell you everything you need to know about Macs and PCs, it covers the gist of everything you need to know.

It's Like... Pepsi VS Coke!

When comparing Macs and PCs, Glenn Derene says the rivalry between Macs and PCs can be compared to the rivalry between Coke and Pepsi soft drinks. Like the Coke and Pepsi products, much of the competition is based on the personal opinions of the consumers. Both Macs and PCs have their stereotypes, and both have their differences; however, the both strive to reach the same goal. Due to that goal, it makes both products very similar, but appear different. They both come with their own web browser, Apple's being Safari, Window's being Internet Explorer. Both come with a specific way to upload and edit pictures, photos, movies, and word templates. And although they may approach these applications differently using different commands, buttons and whistles, in the end they all pretty much accomplish the same thing.

The choice between the two competitors normally just comes down to personal preference. Derene says, "These things are largely matters of preference and style, but you can still make a reasonable attempt to quantify them..."(1). Yes PC may advertise to a more business orientated customer, and Apple advertises at a more youthful approach, but these are just stereotypes. In actuality, with the Mac's simplicity it tends to be more appealing to the average business person. And with PC's experience it tends to attract more of the younger gamers. This actually disproves the common stereotype, leaving it up to the customer as an individual to decide which one they like better.

Derene, Glenn. "Mac vs. PC: The Ultimate Lab Test for New Desktops & Laptops." Popular Mechanics . Hearst Communications, May 2008. Web. 1 Apr 2010. .

You Get What You Pay For

John Dvorak's article in PC Magazine "What Price Cool? Mac vs PC" is a response to a former article written by Microsoft bashing Apple and its products. Microsoft's argument was Apple's products may look cool but they are expensive; therefore, don't buy them. Dvorak's problem with Microsoft's argument is it is strictly based on the appearance of the computers (Dvorak 24). Dvorak argues that Apple is not a software company like Microsoft, therefore Microsoft has room to talk, but Apple products are trustworthy and lead in customer satisfaction. He also argues that yes, Apple products may be expensive, but that doesn't stop them from being Microsoft's biggest competitor. With the competition, there also comes the certain group of people that will bash a particular company just because they are different. Dvorak mentions this by saying, "I don't understand this incessant need to belittle everything that is not Microsoft" (23).

I personally use both a Mac and a PC in my household, and from experience I have learned to like the Mac better, as well as Apple's other products. That is strictly just an opinion however. I do believe though, that yes Apple products are more expensive, but at that price not only are you getting a sleek cool computer, you are also getting the fastest computer I have yet to use, a computer that doesn't get viruses, and is extremely user friendly. That is why in this case, I side with the author of this article and not Microsoft. Because you are not just paying for the cool factor.

Dvorak, John. "What Price Cool? Mac vs. PC." PC Magazine13 Apr. 2009: 23-26. Print.