It’s been 30 years since Mac has been battling it out with PC and we still don’t have a clear winner. Both have their specific advantages and disadvantages, and the one to choose depends entirely on what your needs and goals are.
With so many updates and developments coming out as of late, is there any way to determine which one is better? Here is the ultimate battle between the two – we’re taking into consideration important categories, like basic setup, the integrated apps, the potential for customization, and security.
Setup & Installation
Gone are the days when installing and setting up your operating system was a clunky, hours-long process.
Nowadays, it’s as easy as clicking “Next” or “Continue” a few times and you’re done. The process is quick, clear, and streamlined. You don’t need to be a tech wiz to do it. That’s a major advantage for both Mac and Windows, so there’s no real way to differentiate between them.
Download, installation, and setup time will vary for both, depending on the capabilities of your computer, your internet speed, what kind of hard drive you’ve got, etc.
Both operating systems can be used without needing to sign in. However, it’s recommended that you use the associated Microsoft or Apple account. That gives you access to some extra features that may come in handy, like voice assistant, synching, etc.
Which one should you pick? It’s a tie, as there is no clear winner for this category.
Integrated apps
In terms of apps and integrated features and programs, both Apple and Microsoft do a good job of offering some good options.
Basic apps such as calculators, voice recorders, calendars, web browsers, cameras, photo viewers, mail platforms, news, contacts, screenshotting tools, etc. are available from both.
But it’s the extras that make the difference, in this case. Microsoft offers a Translator, Skype, and some Xbox-related apps. However, Mac puts a really good video editor at your disposal. That’s in addition to the music streaming feature and the music composition one.
Which one should you pick = Mac
Customization
The customization level is decent for both, particularly at the visual and interface level. That includes things like screen savers, icon size, background choices, etc. There is a multi-monitor option with both of them, but Windows allows you to be a bit more hands-on.
For example, with Windows, you can control where the programs go – you can have windows on multiple screens. macOS is a bit more limiting, only allowing you to have one program window on a display, and not multiple.
Which one should you pick = PC
Security
When it comes to security, there is, unfortunately, no contest. Mac is known to be locked down way better than Windows.
But there is a reason for that. Because PCs dominate the market by far, cybercriminals are more likely to target them. The majority of malware, spyware, adware, etc. is created for Windows, because it has more users.
While this is only a downside of its popularity and market monopoly, it still stands as a relevant point. Windows is more likely to get hacked than Mac, so if security is a big concern for you, then you may want to opt for an Apple product over a Microsoft one.
Which one should you pick?
The one you should be picking depends entirely on what kind of work you are planning to do. That will dictate your specific needs, and you can better assess the strengths and weaknesses of each.
- If you do technical work
More labor-intensive work will require a higher processing power. Thus, Windows installed on a PC is your best bet, because it allows for a much higher range of activities.
If you also have a predilection for gaming, you’ll also benefit more from Windows, as it runs games much more smoothly, compared to MacOS.
- If you do creative work
Apple products and MacOS have been the standard choice for people who do creative work for years, now. Mac offers the creative liberty a lot of professionals require and actively look for in their software.
If you’re a graphic designer, video editor, WordPress blogger, you may already have a Mac. Software like Final Cut Pro is high quality and can really help with editing work, so it may sway one towards this option, over Windows.
Plus, if one is already an Apple customer, they are more likely to continue to use products from the same range because of brand loyalty or just familiarity with the products and software.
However, the truth is that it does not really outperform Windows in terms of technical capabilities. So, there is really no point in choosing Mac over Windows if what you’re looking for is performance, because Windows is probably better.
- If you do admin work
If all you’re doing is admin, honestly there is no major difference between the two options. You don’t need a lot of processing power, as the activity is light enough.
However, you may find that you prefer one type of interface or another, or that your loyalties already lie with one company or another.
In that case, it’s really up to you and your preferences when it comes to the finer details, rather than a comparison in terms of software and technical ability.
Conclusion
There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to comparing Mac to PC. Both have their merits and their fair share of drawbacks. The one that is best suited for you will depend entirely on what your needs and preferences are.
They are of quite equal performance in a lot of categories, and they also surpass one another in other categories. The right choice for you will be the one that enables you to do your work as efficiently as possible and provide you with a full range of activity. If that matters less, then brand loyalty can also come into play.