Speed and Performance

Manufacturers advertise the different specs on computers as one of the main selling points, but does this really matter? Yes, to an extent.

PC’s feature better hardware parts many times over Mac’s. While Mac’s use only what is required to effectively get the job done. You do not necessarily need 16 GB of RAM in a PC if all you are doing is browsing the Internet, and uploading photos. For that reason most Mac’s come standard with 4GB of RAM, and an i5 processor, which is a mediocre processor. These computers will be outstanding for listening to music, while typing up a document on Microsoft Word, with email on the side, but don’t clutter your apps up too much, because the 4GB threshold can be surpassed if you’re unaware of how many processes are actually running. There the PC surpasses Mac.

If you are using very intensive applications such as Computer Games, Data Processing, and Networking with other computers a PC is easily expandable and the multi-threading capability is what you want.

The Winner is:

WINDOWS because of the hardcore data processing and easily expandable features[frame align=”right”]

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User Interface and Functionality

How frustrating is it when you are trying to accomplish a simple task, but you cannot figure out how to get there? That is the reason why people are so afraid of upgrading, and why they will not change from Mac to PC, Android to iOS, and vice-versa. Now the computer industry is making a huge transition from the traditional mouse and keyboard, to the touchscreen.

For many years Windows has kept the same basic functions that are used with a Keyboard and Mouse. This allows users to become very familiar where everything is and how to accomplish their goals quickly. On the other hand, Mac’s utilize gestures with multiple fingers, swipes every way you can imagine, double, triple, and even four-finger clicks. This may be very difficult for the traditional computer user to use. However, with Windows 8 on the verge of being released, Microsoft is about to introduce an entirely different gesture features that are very difficult to learn. While Windows is easy to use and understand now, Mac may take the lead with their traditional, right and left click, and desktop Operating System, Mac OSX.

The Winner is:

MAC because of the finger gestures and increasing popularity. [frame align=”right”]

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Media

Music, Videos, and Pictures have all transitioned over to the digital world. This allows users to edit their media much easier than ever before with easy to use Apps and programs. Both PC and Mac are able to edit pictures and video any way possible. Business users can edit their logos, and create very intriguing videos through applications such as iMovie and programs such as Adobe Premiere Elements with just about the same ease. However, Mac takes the lead because of its well-designed organization of your media. It is easy to find where all of your media is at, and can be quickly accessed with the Finder.

The Winner is:

MAC because Music, Videos, and Pictures are all easily accessible

Design

What are your options when buying a computer? How many different variations are there? And what is the price difference?

Apple’s hardware and design is very attractive to many computer users. The computers have a very similar look and have a very simple design. Options are very limited and much more expensive than the numerous Windows manufacturers.

Windows manufactures offer many different designs, from extremely simplistic, thin, or cluttered with gadgets and goodies that many tech savy people are attracted too. In many cases the parts that are put into the computer cost much less than the comparing PC.

This brings up another situation, what if it breaks? Apple has been known to be a very proprietary company, which makes it very difficult for Computer repair companies and IT Service companies to find parts for; and because of supply and demand Apple parts are much more expensive to replace. This often causes the computer user to throw away the broken Mac and buy a new one, while PC users can find replacement parts for very inexpensive and have their machine up and running again after a short visit to the computer repair shop or IT service company.

The Winner is:

WINDOWS because you can afford to repair the PC if an accident occurs.

Software and Games

Apple comes standard with many software suites such as iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, and Safari for web browsing. All of these applications allow Mac users to perform the basic functions of a computer very well. For different applications and uses of the computer the App Store is always available which offers a very large range of applications ranging from Utilities to reminders to stay more productive.  These applications may become out of date or unable to use with later models though because Mac updates their operating system so frequently and can affect how everything functions.

Windows often comes with bloat-ware from manufacturers, which can slow computers down in many cases. However these can easily be removed and Windows offers a much larger variety of Free Software that is beneficial for everyday use on the computer.  Windows only makes major changes in their operating system every couple of years. Programs can easily function across different operating systems allowing users to use classic programs with a newer OS.

Gamers face a different challenge when it comes to Mac because there are not many options, and the engineering in Windows design allows for much more graphic intensive programs.

The Winner is:

WINDOWS because of the Free programs available and wide range of PC games.

Business and Networking

For decades businesses have depended on Microsoft to provide them with their IT needs. This remains the case today. There numerous amounts of programs that are unable to be used with Mac and cause offices and professionals to choose Windows because of this. With complete Enterprise networks made up of entirely from Windows software business is in no hurry to transition over to the expensive Apple products.

The Winner is:

WINDOWS business programs and networks depend so heavily on that it already.

Conclusion

It can be a very difficult decision on what to choose for such a large investment. Both Windows and Mac have their advantages and should be taken into consideration before buying. If it is being used for business, Windows would be the way to go because of price point and compatibility with others. For personal use Mac’s design magnificent computers, and they are very easy to use, just don’t break it.

We provide professional IT services for both Mac and PCs for business and home users. Contact us online or call us at 619-400-7581