Mac vs PC ads compete on the airwaves and most viewers can relate to the battle between the “Mac” guy played by Justin Long and the “PC guy” played by John Hodgman. 

Consumers have compared PCs and Macs since the early 1990’s. The questions of power, value, quality and flexibility have been the interest of computer buyers for over two decades.
Brian Howard, a professor in the communication department, said that they use Macs because of their software. Adobe Suite, a program generally used by communication majors, was originally designed for Macs and Final Cut Pro is only available on Macs.

“I like my MacBook Pro, but it’s a matter of choice,” Howard said
He said the systems are not as isolated from each other as they once were and “Windows 7 looks a lot more like a Mac [than previous Microsoft operating systems.] Either one [works for communications]. I like a Mac for the software. I’ve used both systems for a long time. Mac is a little more stable.” 
A Mac’s stability comes from Apple’s supervised production of their software for specific hardware.
Windows is designed to fit on nearly any computer configuration, Apple’s OSX is designed specifically for Intel chips and select Nvidia and ATI graphics cards. Any other options are not available on a Mac.
Macs can be more appealing to artists.
“It goes back to the history of PCs and Macs,” said Brian Atkinson, a professor in the art department. “Adobe wasn’t originally available for Windows — it was a Mac product. . . . Mac catered to the artist community. Because Mac embraced the artist, the artists stuck with it. Today it’s just personal preference.”
 These professors said it is a matter of preference. Apple chooses to supervise which hardware their operating system is available for so they can tailor the software for a specific hardware. In turn they can make the hardware more aesthetic and the overall product has a high stability.
“Macs have a more aesthetic appeal,” Atkinson said. “They make them look appealing. PCs are very functional; when I see a PC I get the feeling that they don’t give a lot of attention to how they are going to look on your desk. Macs are sexier.”
Microsoft has tailored their software to fit an open market of hardware products. Because of this, Windows is less stable but is available for any hardware configuration — even Apple products.
As a result, companies can tailor a PC to fit their needs; they are not forced to purchase a large Nvidia card when they purchase a large processor. Many options — processor brands, the newest graphics cards, excessive amounts of RAM and hard drive storage space, as well as a selection of motherboards and cooling options — are available to PC consumers.
The real answer to PC vs Mac is the same as business vs art; freedom vs control; and flexibility vs stability.
Each consumer runs a different set of programs and has a different vision for what his or her computer should be.
 It is really a matter of preference.