Last week's netbook vs tablet column drew quite a few comments. The debate continued on Twitter and on Facebook. I loved it! No one was right, no one was wrong. It was all a matter of perception.

In the spirit of healthy discussion, I thought we could explore a still-unsettled three-decade debate ... which is better, PC or Mac?

The term PC means personal computer. So strictly speaking, Macs are PCs. But for the purpose of this discussion, we use PC as slang for computers running on Windows operating systems. Macs are computers built by Apple.

Apple took the early lead; they hit the scene in January 1984 and a comparable Windows model (graphical user interface/GUI) computer didn't touch the market until the following year. Today, PCs are far more accessible than the Mac. Scores of manufacturers make different models of the PC for all sorts of uses. Toshiba, Dell, Acer, HP, Sony - really just the tip of the iceberg of branded PC with even more model options from which to choose. Walk into any computer store, electronics store, office supply store to get a PC. You can even get one at MegaMart!

But that's not all. PCs are available, in thousands of configurations and can be customised almost endlessly.

By contrast, Apple limits the number of Mac models available, the locations they can be purchased, the specifications available and how they can be customised. The real-world result is that Macs have less compatibility issues, have few bugs, need fewer updates and need less repairs than their PC counterparts.

It is true, PCs tend to have more memory and more hard drive space than a comparable Mac, but again, Mac takes the edge because they need fewer resources - like memory and space - to execute the same tasks.

We've got to give PC credit though; Windows 7 is highly regarded as the most stable Windows ever. But Windows machines are still not considered to be more stable than Mac. What does that mean to you? Macs crash less and need not be rebooted as often.

Without a doubt, there are far more applications for PC than Mac. The range is just staggering, and let's not even get into gaming! Mac does have its own high-quality version of some key PC programmes (like Safari for Internet Explorer, iPhoto for Photo Gallery and Time Machine for Back Up and Restore), but PC has Mac beat on sheer quantity.

PC beats Mac on the quantity of viruses as well. PCs are constantly under security attack for malware, adware and spyware. Yet, understandably so, PCs are far more popular!

Part of the PC popularity is fuelled by the price. You can pick up a PC for anywhere between US$100 and $500 less than a similar Mac. You'll miss out on Macs remarkable design, ease of use, high quality construction and durability, but will have a perfectly functional computer for a lot less money.

If you are not in a creative profession (like architecture, music or moving editing and graphic design), if all you are doing is hammering out documents, spreadsheets and the occasional Christmas card design, you won't be unhappy with a PC. For my money, I am not happy with anything less than a Mac. The debate continues!

Tech Glitch: Janet asks, "Did Facebook change its Timeline feature yet again?"

Tech Fix: Yup. It seems that due to the overwhelming negative response to the previous change, which uses an algorithm to push 'stories' it thinks you like, Facebook added an optional chronological feature. Sort of like they had before they changed it without asking.

Special note: Links about a Nicki Manaj sex tape on Facebook lead to a virus. Avoid at all costs.

Got a tech glitch, get your tech fix at: techiteasy@carlettedeleon.com. Listen to Tech Time on FAME 95 FM each Tuesday morning at 8 am and watch Tech Live on RETV each Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m.