Which operating system do you use on your computer? If it is either of Windows or Macintosh, wouldn't you like to understand the difference between them? If you would, you must read on.
I am sure you know what Mac and Windows are! Yes, they are two competing operating systems (OS or O/S) in use today. Both of them have amassed popularity for different reasons. Both of these operating systems have a following of their own. Before understanding the differences between Windows and Mac, let us take a quick look at each of them.
Microsoft Windows
It is a software operating system and graphical user interface that was developed by Microsoft. Following its introduction in 1985, it became immensely popular among the personal computer users.
Its development had begun on two parallel routes. The development on one route was intended for personal use while the other was for professional use. The versions aimed at personal use featured greater multimedia support and lacked networking capabilities.
The professional versions of Windows offered greater networking and security features but lacked multimedia support. Windows XP was a huge success and the relatively recent Windows Vista is nonetheless popular.
Macintosh
Also known as Mac, Macintosh refers to a brand name that covers a series of personal computers developed by Apple Inc. Apple produces Mac hardware and has its own operating system that comes packaged with all the Macs. .
The Mac Operating System can be divided into two families of operating systems. One is the ‘Classic’ Mac OS, which was shipped with Macs until the creation of Mac OS 9. The second family is Mac OS X, which derives its features from Mac OS 9.
The operating system that is currently in use is known as Mac OS X, successor of Mac OS, which is a line of graphical user interface-based operating systems
Now that you have been introduced to the two operating systems, let us look at the differences between them.
Difference between Windows and Macintosh
The Windows operating system is based on the DOS programing language while Mac is based on Unix.
Windows is universally used while Macintosh is used only on Apple’s hardware. As Windows is used by a majority of computer users, it is more vulnerable to being hacked. Macintosh is considered as a more secure operating system.
Windows is criticized for having less number of features as compared to Mac. Moreover, it is less responsive to higher amounts of computing operations. On the contrary, Macintosh boasts of a rich feature set and ease of use.
While Windows focuses on office function, Macintosh is focused on graphics and multimedia functions. Mac is considered suitable for entertainment purposes, whereas Windows is best suited for business use. Mac is popularly used for photo editing and for playing videos and music.
Similar functions that are executable on both Macintosh and Windows differ in their terminology. For example, the function of the Control key in Windows corresponds to that of the Command key on Macs. The Command prompt on Windows is known as the Terminal on Mac.
The Windows control panel corresponds to System Preferences on Mac. Macintosh and Windows differ in file navigation and management, keyboard shortcuts and certain other computer operations. Also, window controls, menu bars and mouse buttons differ in their functionality in both the operating systems.
Thus, we see that Windows and Macintosh are fairly dissimilar operating systems. Each of them comes packaged with a set of advantages and disadvantages and each of them is meant for a distinct section of users. And that makes me want to ask you, to which section of users do you belong?