First off, what is an operating system? An operating system is the most important software on your computer. It helps manage all of the computer’s memory, operations, software, and hardware. The purpose of an operating system is to basically organize as well as control all the hardware and software on the computer so that the computer itself behaves in a correct and functional way. Almost all computers or laptops come with an operating system pre-installed. For example, the Microsoft has Windows installed while Macintosh, or MAC computers have MAC OS X installed automatically. In this post, we will only be talking about Windows and MAC OS, though, smartphones and other electronic devices also have their own operating system.
Besides the obvious Windows and MAC OS X difference, MACs and PCs are wildly different. Whichever one is better though depends simply on one’s own opinion. To start out, the designs are different. PC designs tend to depend on the company making it while MAC designs usually stay similar to its iconic design with not too many changes. MACs are manufactured by Apple and have been since 1984. The CPU and the monitor have always been housed together to reduce cable clutter and create a clean look, even with modern MACs. PCs don’t have a single manufacturer so they all tend to look a bit different and have countless designs available.
This also leads to variation between part specifications. MACs and PCs all have similar basic internal parts like RAMs, CPUs, hard drives, and graphic cards but the speed and capacity varies between the two. MACs may be able to outperform PCs with better hardware optimization but PCs have much more room for customization of parts and support for various hardware for someone’s intended purpose.
Software wise MAC tends to lack software for its OS in the sense that way more standardized applications for Windows PCs are not available for MACs. Though MACs have their own programs and many major business ones are on them, it doesn’t have nearly as many opportunities as PCs do.
Lastly, the user interface differentiates. User interface is simply the means in which the computer system and its user interact through the use of both software and input devices PC user interface highlights include familiar desktop and touch friendly interfaces while MAC user interface includes launchpad which can allow the user to customize their apps and desktops for easy access. Overall though, this is all depending on user preference and the users intended purpose for the operating system.
Sources: 1 and 2
Emily Ramirez 