If Macs are better why do the vast majority of universities use PCs ?

Question

Many times I have heard that in the medium and long term macs are better and cheaper. Then, why do most universities (and most academic institutions) use PCs? It should be obvious that such institutions only want the best.

I am not talking about computers used in "labs" for simulation. Most of them run Linux on "generic" hardware.

Answer 1

PCs are better for office productivity. Since universities primarily consist of students writing papers and doing other "productivity" type things, PCs are the way to go. Also, PCs are a lot more cost effective.



Also, your initial assumption that "Macs are better and cheaper" is subjective and largely incorrect.

Answer 2

Lets put everything in it's own prospective here. Mac's are no different from any other Intel computer, they all have the same Intel processors, GPU (Graphic Processor Unit) be it a ATI or Nvidia and motherboards



When it comes to operating systems Mac OS/x is Mac's own proprietary operating system, which only allows user to do what mac want them to do. That is to be under the full control of Apple Mac, Users do as they say, not do what the users want to do, Mac controls the widget, the widget controls the widget users, that is why most universities don't use mac's they don't have control of Mac hardware,

Plus Mac OS/x (BSD) is not a standard operating system

You have touched on a subject that the other answers never give an answer on which was "Linux" They never mentioned anything about Linux the reason for that is they don't know anything about the operating system, I will explain why universities are now using Linux,

(1) it is free Open Source software

(2) they can do what ever they want with the operating system

(3) it saves Student money they don't have to buy expensive window OS and application software

(4) most of all it save the universities $1.000's a year in MS license fess for every workstation they have

(5) Linux is faster, more secure and stable, it is always up to date with the latest and greatest technology,

(6) Linux is supported and developed by the biggest IT companies in the world



I could give more reasons but I will leave it there

Answer 3

Viruses don't cost money. Macs are just as prone to Mac viruses as Windows is to Windows viruses. The virus situation is - like most things having to do with Macs - mostly Apple hype, not fact.



The only way a Mac is cheaper than a Windows PC is if you're comparing, say, a Mac Air and an Alienware notebook. That's like saying a matchbox car is cheaper than a Rolls. Sure the Mac Air is cheaper - is not even a real peripheral for an Alienware.



Universities want the best and they buy the best - and the best doesn't come from Apple. That's just more Apple hype. If you want a computer that runs, is easier to maintain and gives you more choices - better, faster, smaller, more bang for the buck, cheaper, etc., etc., it's a Windows PC (or the same hardware running Linux or - as Apple does - freeBSD). It's just not something made by Apple. That's more expensive and not as good.

Answer 4

Saying macs are better than pcs is not true, its actually almost entirely based on your own preference. Universities use pcs because the vast majority of applications that people need only run on windows. Also the fact that almost everyone grows up learning how to use a pc, so its easier for them to sit down and ultimately know how to work the computer. Also on a side note macs are not cheaper than pcs. Go out and price an imac vs a pc and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Answer 5

I have never heard of a Mac that is cheaper than a PC. In fact, I was under the assumption that the reason there's so many PC's is that they're cheaper than Macs. Also, the fact that Mac isn't as widely used means that not as many people will be familiar with it, which is more than likely one reason that universities and the like don't use them. In addition, Macs aren't found nearly as much in offices and businesses as PC's.

Answer 6

The general public, and therefore most students, are still more comfortable using PCs over Macs. Many people have never tried Macs, and that includes universities, so they are not familiar with them and go the way of comfort and security with a PC over the possible better performance of the Mac.

Answer 7

I truthfully have a %iMac, a pair of older %Macs, some living house windows desktops and a Linux field (and a bootable partition). human beings could purchase an working device this is optimal for how they paintings besides as for the courses they desire to apply. If which potential you may purchase a Mac, then a Mac is extra valuable for you. in case you already think of a Mac is extra valuable, then that's. regardless of you write, you may steer away from the myths which you hear from Mac-followers or laptop-followers. Macs are no longer carriers to viruses yet they're truthfully liable to protection exploits. No device is proof against them. Like Linux structures, Macs are in the minority so as that they do no longer seem to be a great aim. To paraphrase the article link, protection by using obsurity is not any protection. once you write your article, I advise you comprise some cons. listed here are mine: Macs are greater priced. that may no longer a plus. My journey has shown that extra human beings could very own Macs in the event that they have been priced decrease. Apple keeps to tie the working device to the hardware (or vice versa). they'd sell distinctive working structures in the event that they unbundled the h/w and s/w. (different than analyzing distinctive assertion, I have no evidence of this and Apple keeps to be resolute.)

Answer 8

Because most businesses use PC's, and it's the university's job to prepare you for the workplace. I'll be the first to shout from the mountaintops that Mac's are better--but only for home use. Windows is a necessity in the workplace. Despite how much I like my Mac at home, I will never allow one on the network where I'm the admin. That would be Pandora's Box.

Answer 9

The only good computers universities have are the ones in the Lab (supercomputers) running Linux.



Other than that the schools just order their computers in bulk. The majority of them use the Dell OptiPlex.



When it comes to computers, schools don't get the best, they get what they can afford.

Answer 10

Well, Macs certainly are not cheaper - and that's a big factor.