Features

30 Apple doesn't like meddling

Mac users like to boast about how, rather than a traditional BIOS, they have something known as EFI (extensible firmware interface). All very well, but if you actually try to get into the EFI setup to tweak your hardware, you'll find it's damn near-impossible. Not so with a PC: just reboot, hit the delete key when prompted, and you'll have low-level access to

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your hardware. Tweak it for maximum speed or maximum stability, the choice is yours.

31 PCs are greener

Apple is currently bottom of the pile in Greenpeace's Green Electronics Guide rankings. Greenpeace claims the company "scores badly on almost all criteria", including the use of hazardous chemicals, product take back and recycling.

32 Best for beginners

For years, Apple has been peddling the myth that Macs are better suited to computing novices, without any independent evidence to back up its claims. In our experience, it doesn't matter whether you sit a computing beginner in front of a PC or a Mac, they'll be equally at home or perplexed. And when they do need help, there are ten times more Windows users than Macolytes to lend them a helping hand. Windows even includes a Remote Assistance tool, so you can take control of their computer, without having to trek across to their house when they accidentally delete their printer driver.