PC Windows and Mac Comparison chart
PC Windows or Mac Which is Better
| Mac | PC Windows | |
| What is it?: | Short form for “Macintosh” and refers to any computer produced by Apple, Inc. | Refers to any computer running IBM-Based(Windows, Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD) Operating Systems. |
| Manufacturer: | Apple Inc., is the only manufacturer of Macintosh computers. | Microsoft creates the OS, while companies like HP, Toshiba, Dell, Lenovo, etc. install the Windows OS onto the computer, and assemble the PC. |
| OS family: | Unix-like (BSD>Darwin>Mac) | Windows, Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD, etc. |
| Cost: | Computers start at $599 for the Mac Mini, and $999 for the Macbook Air. Other models are more expensive. For desktop or home use Macs are more expensive than a PC. | Compared to a Mac, Windows and Windows-associated hardware is almost always cheaper. Computers running Windows can be found usually 40-75% cheaper than a Mac. |
| Supported architectures: | Intel Microprocessors | x86 & x86-64 Intel and AMD processors |
| Popular Applications: | iLife, iWork, Xcode, iTunes, Time Machine, Safari, Mac App Store, FaceTime, Game Center, Photo Booth | MS Office, Internet Explorer, Media Player, Media Center, Windows Defender, SkyDrive |
| Market Reach: | Attracts graphic designers, video and music producers, tech journalists, app developers etc. | Wide reach to all stratas. Business users tend to use Windows hardware due to compatibility. |
| Gaming: | There is a very limited number of games available natively for Macs, however Macs can run .exe files using WINE or CodeWeavers. Some of the more popular titles are released much later, if at all, for the Mac. There is no native DirectX support in Mac | The library of games available for the PC is exhaustive, and hardware specifically tweaked for gaming performance is much more readily available for Windows. The array of graphics cards and upgradability also favor Windows-based computers. |
| Website: | www.apple.com | www.microsoft.com |
| Development and Distribution: | Macs is developed and distributed by Apple, Inc. | PCs are manufactured and distributed by hundreds of manufacturers. |
| Compatibility: | Can open some PC files and can coexist on local networks with PCs. Can open .doc, .exe (as a compressed bundle), .xls, and others. Software exists for other file types. | Mac-based files (.DMG) cannot be opened on Windows natively, but you can install software that can read, and possibly write Mac-based files on a PC. |
| System Software: | Macintosh Operating System; also allows Windows. | Various versions of Windows operating system. Using Linux and associated partitioning software, you can install many Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD distributions alongside your current Windows installation. |
| Latest stable release: | OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion | Windows 8 |
| Supported Versions (Mainstream) | Mac OS X 10.6, OS X 10.7, 10.8 (Apple dropped the ‘Mac’ prefix with the release of Mountain Lion and lion also changed later) | Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7, Windows 8 |
| Performance: | Since Apple have controlled the hardware & software bundles and model updates, so every Mac operates smoothly without worry on lagging, incompatibles. And have stable and expected performance | Different OEMs and even custom build PCs might not have the suitable drivers released for every components in each OS version, incompatibles, lagging may occur. Maybe cannot reach expected performance |
| Virus Attacks: | Since Macs are not as popular as PCs, there are fewer malware written to target Macs, although the threat of malicious software is growing, like from Java. | Being the popular desktop choice, most virus writers target Windows systems. But Linux and others have less. |
| Repairs: | Any knowledgeable person can perform repairs and upgrades. Local computer-help stores can also be contacted for repairs. AppleCare can extend the warranty | Any knowledgeable person can perform repairs and upgrades. Local computer-help stores can also be contacted for repairs. OEMs and component shops provides limited warranty |
| User: | Home users and Business (mainly in the creative department) | Home users and Business |
| Programs and apps: | Same as gaming, limited choice due to user range and less developer powers | Same as gaming, excess choice due to user range and large developer powers |
| Piracy Prevention: | Since each mac have a unique serial, no activation required and OS X allowed for Mac hardware only, so Apple does not put much force on genuine checking | Windows have a unique activation key for each package distribution, and lots of custom and OEM PC appears, so genuine checking become important. Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD is free and no need for this |
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Summary :
Mac – Suitable for Home Use, Non-Gamer, Apple Programmer, Soho Business, Video/Audio Production Houses, Printing Houses
PC – Suitable for Home Use, Gamer, Windows Programmer, Enterprise/SME Business