The age-old debate of Steve Jobs vs. Bill Gates started when the personal computer invented and continues to plague the minds of computer consumers today.

What can be more convenient than not having to trek to the library every time a computer is needed?

A computer, of course. But where to purchase this expensive, complicated piece of technology? And better yet, what brand should students purchase?

The answer to this question begins with discovering what students need.

One great place for students to go for a computer is the Tech Center at the University Book Store. Tech specialists are available to answer any questions that arise and can help pick out the best computer for each consumer.

Henry Jenkins, a Tech Center employee, specializes in selling and answering questions about Apple computers.

Jenkins' fondness for the Mac began when he bought his first computer from Apple.

"With both Mac and PC, when fans talk about what they like and dislike, what they are really talking about is the computer's operating system," he said. "Windows is more step-by-step, whereas Apple is made to feel more user-friendly."

Jenkins references the Apple vs. PC commercials that ran on television for a period of time as a visual example of how Macs and PCs differ. The PC, dressed in a suit and ready for business, is what most PCs are like, Jenkins said. The Apple, more casually dressed and easier to navigate, is what Jenkins said Apples are like.

But just because Macs may be easier to navigate, doesn't mean they are right for everyone.

Susan Glover, a PC specialist at the Tech Center, finds PCs more easily customizable, a feature that many a computer tech can appreciate.

"With Macs, everything comes put together, but with a PC, you can pick your different internal parts," Glover said. "This allows for more flexibility with what you want to do with the computer."

PC computers, such as the Hewlett Packard (HP) brand, make it easy to customize your computer with the click of a mouse or a convenient phone call to the customer service and ordering center.

If the computer is going to be used mostly for video-creating, or only for Word documents and the Internet, the staff will know how to set up and customize the computer. Glover said this is a positive thing.

"When it's done this way, the computer can be focused into what exactly you want to do with it," she said. "This way, you can install the Intel processor or the high-tech video card without having to buy a whole new computer."

Jenkins likens PC users to 1950s hot rod guys.

"Men who used to customize hot rods in the '50s would search for the best or most obscure parts for the cars, and then put them together from scratch, much like a PC user customizes their computer," he said.

Jenkins said, PCs don't follow a blueprint for their computers, where as Mac does. Mac is an all-in-one integrated computer, which makes it easier to learn.

"Apple appeals to the exploratory side of humans. They design their systems so your grandmother, your little brother and even your mom can get on the computer and pump something out faster than if they were on a PC," he said.

Glover said Apple has many resources for those who need help with their computers.

"Apple offers classes for those who need help learning their new computer, for just $99 for 52 one-hour sessions. Campus representatives are also available for any questions, as well as the tech support line," she said.

Glover did express dismay though that PC computers weren't as easy to get help with.

"That's where a lot of the frustration with PCs comes from. The fact that they are so flexible with parts makes it very hard to get tech support when something does go wrong."

PCs are good, though, for those that are more analytical in nature, making customization an explorative process.

Ultimately, what it comes down to is finding the computer that works the best for your specific needs. For most students, these are basic Word documents and the internet.

"We try to find out what each student is comfortable with, and then we go from there," Glover said.

[Reach reporter Stephanie Small at features@thedaily.washington.edu.]