what is the difference?

Lets start with the Macs. Now don't get me wrong I'm not a hater against Macs. Macs are overpriced all the time. You have to find software(things like games and other programs)that work with the Mac Operating System so compatibility will be an issue some times. It's all around different than a PC.

Now, PC's. Almost always fairly priced. Just about all software made is for a Windows Operating System. Basically the best. Only thing that could be bad is that if you have an unreliable Anti Virus you will get some viruses because there are more viruses for windows than for mac.

Are you looking to buy a computer? How much are you willing to spend? I'll help you out.

1) Macs are JUST as prone to viruses as Windows PCs are. (A Mac *IS* a PC [personal computer]). Windows PCs get Windows viruses, Macs get Mac viruses. Windows PCs aren't oprone to Mac viruses like Macs are.

2) You don't have to defrag, because the FreeBSD file system (Mac runs FreeBSD - as in you don't pay anything for it - but they charge you for it) doesn't fragment. It has problems that Windows doesn't have, though. And you have to use a terminal (basically, you're on your own unless you buy a good MAC OSX book) to do anything more than run programs. (Can't connect to the internet? Oops. Run this program, see what that data is. Based on that, run this or that program doing this thing or the other. Etc. Windows? Click on diagnose and let Windows fix the problem.)

3) Word Processor in Windows? Open Office, Word Perfect. Word if you want.

4) Your printer will work. (Printers come with drivers for Windows.) You won't need to get a new one unless you want a new one.

4) Games? ALL games are written for Windows. *Some* of them are written for Mac. Almost ALL of them not written for Mac will not run in any Windows emulator, you'll have to run Windows on your Mac. So why run a Mac? It's not better hardware. It's not cheaper hardware. It's not anything you want, it just has something Steve Jobs wants - a way for him to get your money.

Oh, you won't be able to pay more than the computer is worth, either, with a Windows PC. You will be able to get a cheaper, faster, better, more usable ... whatever you need - computer if you stay away from Apple. Apple gives you only 2 things:

1) You pay more. More to buy it, more to fix it, more to add to it.

2) You get less choice. If the hardware exists, it exists for Windows. There *might* be a Mac version, there might not. If there isn't, you can't use that device with your Mac. Period.

I've only been doing this for 37 years, but I still can't see why anyone would want an Apple product.

Yes you can still go to social networking sites, browser, gaming, etc.

Mac's however are not prone to viruses like a PC is. You don't have to defrag to increase productivity, etc. You will be able to do reports with the iWork software program however if you still want to type in Word, Excel, etc you can get Microsoft Office for Mac's as well. Your printer should work provided it is Mac and PC compatible. If not you may need to get a new one.