When Apple brought Jobs back in 1997, he and Apple designer Jonathan Ive launched Apple's arguably most significant success in the iMac, introduced in 1998. Apple's already-small market share was already in decline, and many wrote the company off as finished. Jobs left the company in 1985 and Macintosh computers began to look like the Windows machines on the shelves.

Like many of the computers in Apple's current line, its CPU and monitor were housed in a single unit, reducing the number of cables necessary for operation and creating a sleeker profile. This unconventional focus on design began with the very first Macintosh, introduced in 1984. The unique designs that resulted from this obsession have given Mac products the 'hip' image that they enjoy today. For the better part of three decades, the former Apple CEO, the late Steve Jobs, focused on the outward appearance of his company's products with an enthusiasm unmatched by his competitors. But design has become a big differentiator between Macs and PCs. If you grew up in the 1980s, you remember that all computers, regardless of manufacturer, were uninspiring, more or less rectangular putty-colored boxes. While the term PC stands for personal computer and could apply to Macs, Windows machines and computers running other operating systems alike, we're using it in the common vernacular as shorthand for a Windows machine.

In this article, we're comparing Apple computers running Mac OS X - no hackintoshes to be found here - and computers running the Windows operating system. These days the two are similar enough that it often comes down to the kind of computer you prefer - or can afford.īefore we get started, we need to establish some definitions.

Although the hottest days in the flame wars between the two platforms seem to have passed, both platforms have dyed-in-the-wool supporters. The conflict between Apple supporters and Windows fans raged on college campuses, social networks and internet message boards. It used to be that if you were to wade into the middle of any large technology conference and shout out 'Macs are whack' or 'Apple rules, Microsoft stinks,' you could start a riot. Are you team Mac or team PC? Future Publishing/Getty Images

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