TAHLEQUAH — Several years ago, before former U.S. Vice President Al Gore supposedly invented the Internet, computer technology was still in its infancy. And the baby was hefty: The machines were so large, they often took up an entire room.

But now, with a multitude of technological advancements at consumers’ fingertips, the biggest problem Generation X faces is not having enough memory on computers to store downloaded music and movies. (Meanwhile, a few of the older, more traditional computers users AreStillTryingToFixTheirSpacebarKey.) And the whistles and bells are becoming increasingly more sophisticated.

Barbara Williams feels she doesn’t need the all-in-one computer – telephone, fax machine and camera.

“I don’t really see a need for a loaded computer,” said Williams. “Why would I want a camera watching me? ‘Big Brother?’”

Williams admits she is computer illiterate, and new programs scare her and are difficult to use. But a recent move from one office to another has her a bit surprised.

“I ... still don’t have a computer, so my life has been upside-down,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I depended on it until I didn’t have it. Even accessing someone else’s computer didn’t help much, because my address book doesn’t follow me.”

E-mail is Williams’ friend - she can contact so many people in such a little time.

“I just knew when I wanted to type an e-mail, I just put the first letter of the person’s name and it would magically appear,” said Williams. “No thinking required.”

For many years, a personal computer was the popular buy at the local electronics store, but as companies spent more and more money on research, Apple computers were built to offer everything PCs could, and supposedly were easier to operate.

“A common belief used to be that Macs were more expensive, but that’s not the case,” said Bennie McElhaney, manager of PROMac Computers in Oklahoma City.

According to Apple’s official Web site, desktop computer prices begin at about $600, and often include the works: mouse, keyboard, built-in webcam, microphone and speakers, remote control for video and audio, CD and DVD ROMs - even Intel Core Duo 2 processors, a feature once available only to the PC owner.

“With a PC, you have to buy the software, but an iMac comes loaded with the software,” said McElhaney.

Macs operate on the Mac Operating System. Users are especially appreciative of a “dashboard” feature: With one click of a button, a calculator, area six-day forecast, local clock and monthly calendar zoom onto the screen. Even better, according to Mac users, is the computer core of an iMac is embedded in a screen that’s barely 2 inches deep.

Apple recently began producing new commercials to inform consumers they, too, can offer what PCs can offer - and more.

“Hello, I’m a Mac,” says the actor potraying Apple’s computer.

“And I’m a PC,” says the other actor, sitting in a wheel chair, both arms and one leg wrapped in casts.

“I’m afraid to ask,” says the Mac.

Of course, the PC has a story too many can relate to.

“Well, I was sitting on my desk, and someone walked by, and carelessly tripped over my power cord; yanked me straight down to the ground - BAM!,” says the PC.

The Mac explains to the PC one of the new features of some Apple products include a magnetic power cord, which just “pops right off” when pulled.

McElhaney believes Mac computers are on a popularity rise because they are so simple to use.

“With a PC, Windows gets in your way,” said McElhaney. “Before using the computer, users have to learn Windows. But with a Mac, the computer doesn’t get in your way. You can just start working, and anyone can do it.”

But according to Clifford Short, CEO of Computer Central, PCs still take up approximately 80-85 percent of the market.

“Most people just want basic Internet service, and to be able to do school work,” said Clifford.

Gamers can also build a system to fit their every style and need, according to Clifford, who said a great majority of his business is building those systems.

“Gamers can buy a low-end system for about $1,500, or can spend up to $10,000,” said Clifford.

Most importantly, Clifford spends his days updating and servicing PC virus software.

“Every couple of days, people should service virus software,” said Clifford, noting some only run scans every week or every-other week.

Willy Edwards finds PCs are best for his every hobby, whether it’s writing, designing Web pages or kicking back for a nice game.

“PCs have these neat little ports that allow us to hook up game controllers or joysticks, steering wheels, brake pedals - they’re just built to be a gamer’s best buddy,” said Edwards. “Now, PCs are being sold with wireless mice and keyboards, media centers where we can plug in any digital camera’s card and see the results immediately, and it takes nothing to load a DVD movie and watch it from your monitor.”

Edwards is also a fan of the Windows operating system, and feels PCs and Windows go hand-in-hand.

“What can’t you do with Windows? Type a resumé, create graphics, send a fax, make an easy-to-use budget,” he said. “The world of computers lives at the hands of what a PC can offer.”

As time progresses, McElhaney envisions computers becoming a central hub for homeowners.

“I think we’re all anticipating a convergence of technologies - TV, video, personal data assistances, telephones,” he said. “Everything is changing. I the future, Apple plans to offer iTV, where we can actually stream video from the computer to a TV. You’d be able to watch video downloads, or surf the Internet, on your big-screen TV.”

Until then, McElhaney expects to see a completely wireless market researched and expanded. Currently, wireless Internet is a booming business, according to the Mac professional. “We could see wireless everything - mice, keyboards,” he said. “Eventually, we will not have cords to trip over.”