Nowadays, almost everyone has a laptop or computer. For that computer to run, it needs an operating system. Two of the popular operating systems are Apple's macOS and Microsoft's Windows. In the battle of Mac vs. Windows, who comes out on top?
What is an operating system?
An operating system is first loaded into the computer by a boot program. It then manages all the other application programs. The applications on your computer use the operating system to make requests for things to happen.
You may also be able to directly interact with the operating system through a user interface like a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical UI (GUI). Two examples of interfaces are Cortana and Siri.
All about macOS
There are several pros and cons to consider when it comes to Macs.
Pros of Macs
When it comes to Macs, they are the no-brainer choice if you already have Apple products. All Apple products work seamlessly with each other, so if you have an iPhone or iPad, you will likely be better off with a Mac than a Windows PC.
Also, if you are already familiar with how the Apple OS works, you will find the Mac to be more intuitive. In general, Macs are known for their user-friendliness and approachability. They are considered to be more intuitive than Windows. While the way your iPad/iPhone and MacBook work may differ slightly, they are very similar, so it would be easy to adjust to the computer.
Macs are also known for their built-in retina displays that draw in people like graphic designers, artists, and anyone else looking for fantastic visual elements. The designs of Macs are also considered to look more artful than a Windows PC.
Cons of Macs
There are several cons to buying a Mac.
- Mac computers tend to be much higher in price than Windows PCs.
- It isn't uncommon for an application to be available on Windows but not on Mac because Windows is the more commonly used operating system.
All about Windows
There are pros and cons to buying a Windows PC, as well.
Pros of a Windows PC
Many brands of computers run Windows, which means you can find a Windows PC at almost any price point.
Touch screens are another place where Windows thrives over Apple. Windows 8 and Windows 10 were developed with touch screens in mind. This means your devices can act like different devices fairly easily. For example, laptops can become tablets, and you can use tablets like computers.
As mentioned above, Windows PCs have much more software available to them. Along with that, Windows PCs are extremely customizable, so you can buy your own parts to create a device you want.
Windows PCs are also known for their backwards compatibility, which means you can run older programs on a newer device. This is especially helpful for people who like to play games on their computer. Games may not be updated to the newer computer specs, but they will still play on the newer computer just fine.
Cons of a Windows PC
Here are some of the cons of buying a Windows PC.
- More susceptible to virus attacks
- Most major software (Photoshop, Office Suite, etc.) has to be bought separately and can be expensive.
- The system can slow to the point of needing to reboot
- Resource Intensive
- Technical support is flaky
Conclusion
If you are looking for a device to do something that benefits from high visual resolution, a Mac is likely the way to go. It is also a good choice for people who already have Apple products. However, if you want a device you can customize a lot and want to have more access to applications, a Windows PC is the better bet.