If you're deciding on which computer to use for a science lab, a Mac or a PC, a Macintosh computer would probably be the better way to go. The operating system for older models of Macintosh computers is available for free. Few versions of Windows or DOS exist for free. You can obtain System 7.5.5 at no cost from Apple's web site. In most cases, Mac computers have the advantage of being easily booted from a CD for system fixes, you don't even have to clean the drive or reinstall the full operating system just to repair things. Moreover, no flipping and carrying the whole big PC operation up and down just because you need to fix it.
If the network card is compatible, you don't need to make a fuss in setting up jumpers or downloading drivers. Mac is just plug and play and almost as easy as turning the television on. In setting up a standard installation, with Mac, you can use a SCSI Zip or an external SCSI CD-ROM. You don't have to utilize floppies as you would be doing for an old, no network 286 or 386 piece of equipment.
With Mac, you can set connections through a floppy boot CD-ROM and download from the network. If your science subject requires it, you can even utilize AppleTalk, although this might be slower.
Besides, it is less complicated to make a diagnosis since port conflicts rarely occur in Macs. And this also makes it easy to hook up lab equipment too. Also, they're less complicated to fix and upgrade. No IRQ settings. No jumpers for several parts. It's faster. It makes use of USB peripherals. The 10Base-T Ethernet is integral.
For an equipment-strewn science lab, having a small device that will take up the least bit of space is above all important. You probably don't wish to give up your whole counter or all your leg room for that CPU and monitor. Countertops are sometimes as narrow as the monitor. And leg room? This is often jammed with your bag and science books.
It's really cool that when you present a report, you are facing the class and pinpointing the projector to show the gist of your report. You can do that with Mac because it can drive an external projector.
Favor Mac because the software integrated is of a better quality. You can gather data, duplicate it on the clipboard, and paste it in a word processor with hardly any formatting troubles. There are other good reasons to single out Mac if you are setting up your lab without help from your IT division or the computer professor. Not least of all, you can do repairs, maintain, and network Mac without the help of an assistant.
Click here to visit HowToDoThings.com