MacOS vs Windows. Mac vs PC. If you’re in the market for a new computer, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is which operating system (OS) do you prefer? Overall, there are many options to choose from, but two operating systems are generally favored, Windows and Mac.
Operating Systems For Mac And Pc Computer
DOS: Disk Operating System. DOS was the computer operating system used in the early days of. Linux, FreeBSD, and More. RELATED: What Is a Linux Distro, and How Are They Different from One.
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- The family of Macintosh operating systems developed by Apple Inc. Includes the graphical user interface -based operating systems it has designed for use with its Macintosh series of personal computers since 1984, as well as the related system software it once created for compatible third-party systems.
- Microsoft corporation release windows 10 designed with enterprise customers in.
The Windows OS was created in 1983, and its most current version is Windows 10. The Mac OS was created in 1984, and its most current version is named macOS High Sierra. Since their inception, both operating systems have outcompeted their rivals because they are extremely user-friendly and technologically advanced.
Although it’s easy to favor Windows and Mac over other operating systems, putting them head-to-head is a bit more difficult. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so choosing between them can be very difficult.
Only you can decide for yourself which operating system is best for your needs. Your friends, family and the internet might try to persuade you one way or the other, but you should not let these opinions influence you too much. Both operating systems are top-notch, but one will likely cater to your needs better than the other.
Below, you’ll find information on both operating systems. After you finish this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about what operating system is right for you.
User Interface
One of the main differentiators between Windows and Mac operating systems is the user interface. The user interface is comprised of systems that allow a user to communicate with an operating system. For example, a computer’s keyboard and mouse are two components of its user interface.
Windows 10 users generally interact with the system through File Explorer. With this tool, you can quickly browse and open every file you have stored on your computer. Another commonly used feature is called Quick Access, which automatically populates your frequently accessed folders and files, so they are easier to find. Another largely used system is the Windows Control Panel. This tool allows users to change settings and customize their systems.
Instead of using File Explorer, Mac users communicate with their system through Finder. This tool helps users find and organize their files. Overall, there is one main difference between the Windows 10 and Mac search tools—Quick Access. If you want your Mac to show you your frequently accessed folders and recent files, you’ll need to add them to your favorites bar. Mac’s system doesn’t auto-populate in the same way the Windows system offers.
Although reading about the two user interfaces is helpful, the best way to decide between the two is to try them out. If you live near a Best Buy, you can simply visit the store to demo the operating systems. For individuals that do not live by a Best Buy, the best plan of action is to call local stores and see which ones will let you demo the systems.
Virtual Assistance
If you have a relatively new smartphone, you’re probably familiar with a voice-activated assistant. Apple’s Siri, the voice-activated assistant, is also present on their computer operating system. On the other hand, Windows comes with Cortana, its own voice-activated assistant.
Cortana’s main purpose is to help with productivity. The assistant can read your emails, search your contact list and help you stay on top of your calendar. Additionally, the more you use Cortana, the more the system learns about you. The assistant stores information about you in Notebook and learns about the things you care about—among other preferences.
If you need Cortana to answer more general questions, it can do that, too. The system simply pulls information from Bing to answer your inquiries and understand your follow-up requests. Overall, Siri is better at answering questions and follow-ups than Cortana. However, only Cortana can understand typed questions and requests. Siri requires that its users speak out loud.
Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, can help you with a variety of tasks, from calling people to providing weather forecasts. In some ways, Siri has a personality, as she tells jokes and many users feel that they grow to know Siri as they user her assistance more for everyday tasks.
Again, the best way to determine what virtual assistant is right for you is to test them both out. If you do not have access to these systems, you can learn more about Cortana here and Siri here.
Total Cost of Ownership
As you consider Windows and Mac operating systems, you’ll find that they are often associated with specific devices. For example, PC computers generally have a Windows OS, and Apple computers generally have a Mac OS.
Operating Systems For Mac And Pc Games
Historically, PCs have been less expensive than Macs, which leads select users to favor them overall. The important thing to understand, though, is that although upfront cost is very important, selecting a computer on this criterion alone can be a big mistake.
Instead, computer shoppers should compare the total cost of ownership associated with both devices. On a basic level, both types of computers will need power and internet, so the costs are more or less the same. On a more technical level, users should consider the applications they want the computer to possess. For example, if you want to use Microsoft Office, you’ll need to buy and install it on all Apple computers; It will come standard on PC computers.
Another cost you’ll need to consider is technical assistance. Investing in fraud prevention services, data back and online support is extremely important, especially when you buy a new device. Depending on how familiar you are with an operating system and how much technical computer knowledge you have may influence the price you need to pay to keep your computer up and running.
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to the actual cost of computers. To help make things a little less complicated, according to IBM , they save between $273 – $543 per year using Mac computers compared to PCs. Overall, for the average user, the total cost of ownership for a Mac is often less than a PC.
One Unique Advantage
If you are one of the 85.5 million iPhone users in the United States, Mac’s OS will offer you an additional benefit. Since Apple is responsible for both Macs and iPhones, the two devices are designed to work in perfect harmony. For example, you can use a Mac computer to take calls from your phone and send text messages.
The phone integration benefit is so sought after that Windows 10 is starting to roll out a similar offering. Today, you can actually use Windows 10 to send text messages through an iPhone. However, the device is not currently able to take calls from the iPhone.
Another unique benefit of the Mac OS is that it allows you to connect with your iPhone through Universal Clipboard. With this feature, you can copy text on one device and then paste it in the other.
Your Ideal OS
When buying a new computer, your main comparison will be between the Windows and Mac operating systems. A similar question that you’ll need to answer is what type of computer you’d like—a PC or a Mac. These questions are often discussed at length, and you’ll find many sources and opinions that will lead you to believe that one choice truly is better than the other.
When all’s said and done, the best way to decide between the two systems is to see which one is a better fit for you, though. Each offers unique advantages, so you should choose the option that performs well in the areas you’ll be using the most. For example, if you are interested in saving and editing photos on your computer, then an Apple computer with a Mac OS will be your best bet. Alternatively, if you’re interested in an option that’ll automatically learn about your preferences and optimize its offerings for your behavior, a PC with Windows 10 will be your best bet.
The choice between a Windows and Mac OS is hard to make. Frankly, for some, there is no best alternative. This is why many users don’t form an allegiance to either system. Instead, they simply go with the one that makes the most sense at the time.
At this point, you are at a fork in the road. You need to choose between the two systems, but remember, this choice doesn’t have to last a lifetime. Think about what your needs are now and use the information presented above to choose a system.
If you own Intel-based Macs, you can run OS X and Windows on one machine. In fact, it’s been possible to run Windows on a Mac for some time — with agonizing limitations. Near-extinct Mac models were loaded with Virtual PC emulation software could do Windows, too, but the program was painfully slow. Even if you find an old copy of the software, it won’t work with any current Macs.
Boot Camp software from Apple shook up the computing public upon its apocalyptic arrival in April 2006. Boot Camp graduated from beta, or near-finished, status with the arrival of Leopard. Boot Camp Assistant software is stored in the Utilities folder inside the Applications folder.
Boot Camp itself is free. You have to supply your own single-disc or downloadable full-install version of Windows; an upgrade disc won’t cut it.
It’s also important to note that you can use a 64-bit version of Windows, Windows 7 (Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate), Windows 8, or Windows 8.1. Consult Apple support to see which Mac models are compatible with which versions of Windows. In its current incarnation, Boot Camp isn’t compatible with 32-bit versions of Windows.
Other requirements follow:
An Intel Mac with OS X version 10.6 or later
At least 2GB of RAM and 20GB of available space on the Mac’s storage drive that you want to donate to Windows
A blank CD or USB storage device that you’ll use for Windows software drivers
If you don’t run into snags, the entire installation should take about an hour.
Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 are optimized for a touchscreen environment, though you can use it with a standard mouse and keyboard. For now, Macs don’t support touchscreen computing.
To install Windows 8 via Boot Camp, you still must have a legitimate Windows 8 license from Microsoft and a Win8 installation disc, assuming that you have an optical drive. If you don’t have an optical drive, you may be able to create a Windows installer from an ISO file downloaded from Microsoft on a USB flash drive that’s 8GB or larger.
Because snags are possible, back up all your important information on the Mac’s startup disk.
Basic training
Following are the basic steps to get through Boot Camp:
Run Boot Camp Assistant (in the Utilities folder inside the Applications folder) to make sure that you have the latest firmware on your computer and to install any support software from Apple that you might need.
You’ll find any updates at Apple support. If you’re using a portable computer, make sure to connect the power adapter. You will also be given the option to create a Windows 7 (or later version) install disk for which you’ll need a USB flash drive and an ISO image downloaded from Apple.
Follow the prompts in Boot Camp Assistant to create a partition for Windows.
You’re essentially carving out an area of your hard drive for the Windows operating system,. This partition must be at least 30GB and can swell to the total free disk space on hand minus 30GB. If you don’t plan on doing much in Windows, keep the partition small.
Drag the divider to set the partitions for both OS X and Windows, or click Divide Equally to make equal partitions. You can’t resize a Windows partition after creating it, though you can replace it with a larger Windows partition.
If you have a Mac Pro with more than one internal hard drive, you can select which drive to partition. If any of this makes you nervous, know that you can remove the Windows partition later and go back to a single-partition Mac.
Insert the Windows CD or a USB flash drive with the Windows ISO file and then click Start Installation.
If you exited Boot Camp Assistant before installing Windows, open it again, choose Start the Windows Installer, and click Continue.
When you’re asked to choose the Windows partition, select the partition that says BOOTCAMP.
You may have to scroll down to see it.
Don’t erase any partitions that you see or create a new partition here. Failure to heed this warning could wipe out your entire Mac OS X startup disk.
(Optional) If you see a listing for Drive Options, click it; otherwise, proceed to Step 6.
Reformat the partition by using the Windows installer: Click Format.
You’re using the reliable and secure NTFS file system, but you won’t be able to save files to Windows from Mac OS X, at least not without a techie workaround.
Follow the onscreen instructions to finish installing Windows.
Boot Camp 5.1 includes several Mac drivers so that Windows will recognize your trackpad, Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, the iSight (or FaceTime) camera, the Eject key on the Mac keyboard, networking, audio, graphics, and so on.
A Boot Camp Control Panel for Windows and an Apple Boot Camp system-tray item will be added.
As with any new Windows computer, Microsoft requires that you activate your Windows software within 30 days.
Switching operating systems
You can go back and forth between OS X and Windows on your Mac, but you can’t run both operating systems simultaneously under Boot Camp. Instead, you have to boot one operating system or the other — thus, the name Boot Camp.
Restart your Mac, and hold down the Option key until icons for each operating system appear onscreen. Highlight Windows or Macintosh HD, and click the arrow to launch the operating system of choice for this session.
If you want OS X or Windows to boot every time, choose app → System Preferences, click Startup Disk, and choose the OS you want to launch by default.
You can perform the same function in Windows by clicking the Boot Camp system-tray icon and selecting the Boot Camp Control Panel. Click either the Macintosh HD or Windows icon, depending on your startup preference.