by Paul Jay, CBC News Online

It doesn't take much to fuel the Mac versus PC debate among computer users. But just in case the inclusion of Intel chips in Macs has softened the rivalry, Charlie Brooker at the Guardian has thrown an oil tanker into the fire with a column entitled ever-so-subtly, I Hate Macs. Says Brooker:

I have always hated Macs. I hate people who use Macs. I even hate people who don't use Macs but sometimes wish they did. Macs are glorified Fisher-Price activity centres for adults; computers for scaredy cats too nervous to learn how proper computers work; computers for people who earnestly believe in feng shui.

It's a hilarious column, even if you totally disagree - and I imagine many will. Naturally, the Guardian's website was inundated with letters praising or vilifying Brooker. The paper soon followed it up with a response column by Tim Dowling entitled Why PCs are un-PC, which trashed the alternative more than it came to Apple's defence.

The newspaper's back-and-forth begs a question about brand loyalty: Namely, why do computer users identify so strongly with one platform over another? It has to be more than marketing at work, otherwise Pepsi pushers would be spamming Coca-Cola message boards and editorialists in Canada would be weighing in on the Mr. Submarine versus Subway battle. Perhaps because of the level of interaction with the product, computer users feel an extra connection. In that sense, Dowling is in the minority.

As he says: " I am a PC owner, not a PC lover, much in the way that I am a dog-owner rather than a dog-lover - happy to complain, not quite willing to admit my mistake."

Windows, PC The Minivan

Microsoft is the operating system giant which produces and sells Windows operating system that uses 90% of personal computers worldwide (his latest release is Windows 7). Its price is included in the price of your own computer

Windows is the standard that covers the vast majority of the average user needs. Whether for writing documents, surf the Web, listen to music, watch movies, retouch digital photos or enjoy the latest games, Windows is easy to use and configure, without the need of advanced computer knowledge. Furthermore, practically all programs which are traded have a version for Windows. However, Windows is reputed to be unstable, crashes and crashes are frequent. Security also leaves much to be desired, because there are many viruses that leverage system failures to infect your computer, such as, for example, the Sasser virus or the most damaging Chernobyl.

Mac OS, The Sport Car

Mac OS is considered by many experts the operating system easier to use, most innovative and most asthetically pleasing. Like a sports car, combines elegance with high performances. It is a user-friendly system and has always boasted that until a child can use it without difficulties (their mice have a single button instead of two, to avoid confusing the user).

Mac OS X has won in stability, security and absence of viruses. The number of programs available for this platform (especially games) is still not as high as Microsoft, although meets the needs of any multimedia home or professional user. It is in the retouching, production and editing of music, photos and videos where this system has its strong point.