OK, so it’s not really a tax in the sense that governments levy upon us. But many solution providers, companies and individuals are raising the revolutionary flag against the compulsory fees and maintenance costs associated with their respective computing platform.

Microsoft recently began pumping a public relations campaign that users considering Macs with OS X will face a steep “Apple Tax.” Their argument is simple: The hardware costs more and there’s less available software, which means you have to pay more.

Companies and individuals have long complained about the “Microsoft Tax.” Many personal computers come preloaded with some version of Windows, and the cost is hidden in the total cost of the machine. Complicated licensing agreements, mandatory maintenance fees and required add-on software escalate the Windows cost.

So, is this taxation without representation? And, if so, which company—Apple or Microsoft—levies the higher tax on users?

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