Macs vs Windows

[Ivo]

What is the appeal of Macs? Yes, they are stronger against Viruses. But that aside, all they are good at is music this and film that! What use is that when the primary use of a computer [to me] is to do things like writing and tables?

So why do so many people buy them? If you want to damage your ears and/or eyes by doing nothing but listen to music and watch films, what's wrong with a DVD Player?

This is a serious thread; I'm not having a go.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Macs aren't just for music and film. They can do anything a Windows can do, but just better. They're founded on better technology and built on MS' mistakes. They can do what you want (writing and tables) just as well, if not better.

 

[Zoe]

Note that you can run Windows on a Mac these days. I think the question was referring to MAC OS.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Note that you can run Windows on a Mac these days. I think the question was referring to MAC OS.

And you can run OSX on Windows. I don't really see your point?

 

[Zoe]

And you can run OSX on Windows. I don't really see your point?

My point was that the person said Mac vs Windows. One is a hardware the other is software.

 

[Ivo]

My mistake. I was referring to the whole package; i.e. both hardware and software. Although you can run both Windows and OSX on both platforms, they are only "native" to one. So why would OSX/Mac be better than Windows/MS? In the (limited) experience I had had with Macs, I have always found them hard to use, whereas MS programs are easy to use.

 

[Mojo]

I don't get into this argument because it's surely up to the individual as to what piece of software and hardware they want to buy and use. As I'm not a salesman for Apple it's not my job, nor do I have any interest in wanting to waste my time persuading others to buy them; it's consumer choice.

I bought one because of the many features it offers for the type of computer I want and the price I want to pay, the design and the fact I consider it to be more user friendly and intuitive, particularly the trackpad.

 

[Zoe]

My mistake. I was referring to the whole package; i.e. both hardware and software. Although you can run both Windows and OSX on both platforms, they are only "native" to one. So why would OSX/Mac be better than Windows/MS?

MS do not make PCs. If you build a PC it won't have Windows on it by default.

 

[90019]

MS do not make PCs. If you build a PC it won't have Windows on it by default.

Are you going to add anything constructive to the thread or are you just here to nitpick?


Personally, I prefer PCs.
I'm not a fan of Macs, but I don't have a problem with them, and if they're what you want or they're better for what you're going to use them for, then fair enough.
I do have a problem with some of the people who use them though - mostly the ones for whom they're merely a fashion accessory to show off (and the fanboys, but they're just annoying in general, regardless of product).

 

[HST Power]

I tried to use a Mac a few days ago.

And the result? Windows 7 will do fine for me.

 

[Zoe]

Are you going to add anything constructive to the thread or are you just here to nitpick?

You quite simply can't directly compare Mac hardware to the Windows operating system. They are very different.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

You quite simply can't directly compare Mac hardware to the Windows operating system. They are very different.

It's quite clear what was meant by the thread. You really are just nitpicking. People are comparing Mac OS to Windows, and Apple built computers to PCs. It's not rocket science.

 

[SS4]

@Ivo: Kudos for putting Windows in the title instead of PC

And you can run OSX on Windows. I don't really see your point?

Not legally though

MS do not make PCs. If you build a PC it won't have Windows on it by default.

Only if you build one though. There were netbooks with Linux preinstalled on sale before but then they suddenly disappeared (I suspect MS and the manufacturers did a deal). The only other non-MS installed machines are from specialist online retailers (OCUK spring to mind) and companies who'll preinstall any OS you like manually before delivery.
To all intents and purposes PCs do have Windows on by default.



As for the topic at hand I see no reason to choose a mac over windows but it's not like I dislike anyone who does. Macs are generally more secure not just through obscurity but because it's Unix based so it's multi user out of the box yet if you take sensible precautions and get a good antivirus you can use windows with peace of mind.

For me it comes down to cost and software freedoms and there can be no question that Windows wins both hands down (Linux blows both out of the water in both cases) Apple's walled garden is despicable and if they were bigger I believe the EU would have punished them for it.

However, I myself prefer the smug satisfaction that comes with being a Linux user - http://xkcd.com/272 springs to mind
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I tried to use a Mac a few days ago.

I tried to use one in the bullring once, I kept looking for the right click button although I managed to do a little file browsing using GNU Coreutils

Macs aren't for me though

 

[Dai.]

It depends what you use them for, as every PC/Mac user needs them for differing reasons it's pointless to try and compare both systems as they are both built for different reasons. For example:

Windows - Was built for everyday use, it has in mind everything, you can use it for work or games, or just browsing the internet.

Macintosh - Built after windows to focus on the more computer savvy person, if you are a designer or a web developer then a Macintosh is what you want as for the creative side of things it is perfect.

Linux - If you're a technical nerd or real computer geek and want more control over how your computer works this one is perfect.

Considering these options I refer you to the ability to have Netbooks as well, you might want to consider this if you use your laptop online more than anything else by getting:

Jolicloud - A new solution to having bulky windows start up on your computer, this system is a lightweight new type of cloud system that is worth a try.

 

[SS4]

It depends what you use them for, as every PC/Mac user needs them for differing reasons it's pointless to try and compare both systems as they are both built for different reasons. For example:

Of course you're right but where's the fun in that? Also I know many people who dual boot rendering the question moot

Linux - If you're a technical nerd or real computer geek and want more control over how your computer works this one is perfect.

True

Jolicloud - A new solution to having bulky windows start up on your computer, this system is a lightweight new type of cloud system that is worth a try.

Didn't Mac precede Windows? I'm pretty sure some apple os did but might not be Mac.
I don't trust the cloud as far as I could throw it though.

 

[Dai.]

Didn't Mac precede Windows? I'm pretty sure some apple os did but might not be Mac.
I don't trust the cloud as far as I could throw it though.

A version of an Apple Computer came out but it was a flop, Microsoft then funded Apple to make a Macintosh computer.

 

[33056]

The only reason I use a PC is because that is what I have always used - too deeply into things now to change round. The owners of two other computers I use on occasion also have PCs, so it makes sense to keep things the same.

 

[Minilad]

I have a Mac, mainly because I like it !
But it really is just personal choice.
I like what my Mac does and how it does it and a daresay a windows user feels the same.
The whole which is best argument is just pointless IMHO

One thing that does bug me a little though is Windows users who go on about Mac fanboys and then go on a 10 minute rant about why windows is better. So you are just a windows fanboy then !!

 

[starrymarkb]

Horses for Courses...

I use both!

Though some Apple Software is absolutely horrific behind the scenes. Eg Mail storing each individual email as a separate file (so Spotlight can index it) I reclaimed 4GB of disk space by switching to Thunderbird. Safari's memory usage is extremely high and WTF was going on with iPhoto's filesystem* Then again flash is a dog on any platform, I have to use IE8 at work (though I'm being moved to a section still using IE6!) and I can't say I'm keen on that. Games for Windows is a dog aswell when compared to Steam (which is cross platform for supported games)

Disclaimer. Newest version of iPhoto I've used is 06 - my elderly G4 ibook is now no-longer supported for new software.

 

[Crossover]

Slightly contentious point, this one! Its an often discussed topic at my uni too.

I personally use a PC running Windows 7 and am not a huge fan of Macs, but thats largely because I have no use for a Mac.

I do fully support that for a number of applications, Macs are a far better proposition than PC's, especially when it comes to things like film editing - as is a fairly big thing where I am.

I was talking to one of my friends only this evening about this funnily enough, as he has a Macbook Pro - design wise they are good and particular things I quite like about it are the magnetic power connector (the number of times I have seen "traditional" power connectors get knackered because they have got forced into weird angles) and the multitouch trackpad is great - after a few minutes of using it a few months back I found it really intuitive and easier to scroll on than the little bit at the far side of a laptop trackpad.

What I really don't like about Macs (well, Apple in general really) is some of the things they make insanely difficult. The fact the things are sealed units meaning you can't (officially) remove batteries etc and have to have them sorted professionally is annoying (I am a techie so am capable of, and have, sorted stuff in a PC/laptop). I have an iPod Touch, mainly used less as an MP3 player and more as a PDA and have had things go wrong with that which I had to get an Apple "Genius Bar" to sort (by replacement as they can't do anything with the thing either!) whereas with most things I could have sorted it myself.

Just a little light hearted thing to end too - hope you all appreciate it
Clicky!

 

[HST Power]

I like the Iphone and the Ipad, but I for me, Windows will do fine as far as computers are concerned.

 

[me123]

I actually like macs. Anytime I've used one, it's always worked well. Sleek, fast and cool.

My biggest problem is the price. I can get a good laptop for a few hundred pounds, but a similar mac product is going to be over a thousand pounds. As much as I like them, I don't think they're that much better than PCs. The other issue is that a lot of programs don't run on macs (not as bad nowadays, though) and that tech support often doesn't include macs.

 

[50041]

What is the appeal of Macs? Yes, they are stronger against Viruses. But that aside, all they are good at is music this and film that! What use is that when the primary use of a computer [to me] is to do things like writing and tables?

So why do so many people buy them? If you want to damage your ears and/or eyes by doing nothing but listen to music and watch films, what's wrong with a DVD Player?

This is a serious thread; I'm not having a go.

You've obviously never used one if this is what you believe. I have found ten to be far more stable than any Windows machine. I take it you've also not heard of a program called Microsoft Office which in fact was first written for the Mac.

It is now interchangeable with the PC version. All my work at home, reports in Word, presentations in Powerpoint and statistical modelling in Excel is done on a Mac and works fine in the office where we use PCs.

 

[Pumbaa]

Though some Apple Software is absolutely horrific behind the scenes. Eg Mail storing each individual email as a separate file (so Spotlight can index it) I reclaimed 4GB of disk space by switching to Thunderbird. Safari's memory usage is extremely high and WTF was going on with iPhoto's filesystem* Then again flash is a dog on any platform, I have to use IE8 at work (though I'm being moved to a section still using IE6!) and I can't say I'm keen on that. Games for Windows is a dog aswell when compared to Steam (which is cross platform for supported games)

Quite. I don't use Mail still, and iPhoto is still a mess.

I use OSX and Ubuntu; OSX both work and home, Ubuntu at home. As a rough guide, I would chose OSX over Windows any time. It's more intuitive, user friendly and makes everyday tasks including making tables and writing letters so much easier. I encounter very few things that you cannot use on a Mac now, and their mostly games/things I can live without.

My favourite aspect of OSX/Apple products is how they work together; I have an iPhone, together with my partner I have an iPad and we both have MacBooks. MobileMe/remote and various other software make sharing work etc very easy and it works seamlessly.

 

[TGV]

Macs have the advantage that they are selling a complete packaged system. MS makes Windows and it could be installed on a laptop made by Toshiba, Dell, Sony, etc... Or a desktop made by Alienware or some bloke in Basingstoke from parts he salvaged from other computers. Or even a touch screen system that books tickets at an airport, rail station or books patients into a doctors surgery. My point here is that the fact windows works at all is a credit to MS. And the old line "Mac is more stable because its unix based" doesn't wash any more. Years ago yes when Win98 was patched up to the eyeballs but now, no. I have used Windows in a professional capacity since 3.1 and now run 7 at home and XP at work. I've used Macs since the days of the all-in-one Apple Macintosh computer with the handle in the top, and I've used UNIX solaris machines for years as CAD workstations. Let me say that in all honesty and in my experience Windows 7 is as stable as MacOs or UNIX.

Macs are great because they're pre-packaged they work fairly well with common tasks for people they're aimed at: photograpy, video editing, web editing etc... Yes I would say they are better than a standard Win PC at this. But if you're running 3D CAD workstations networked in a large company, with complex file systems, Macs are next to useless. For a start upgrading them is a lot harder and general maintenance likewise.
I can bet that no TOC in the UK uses macs for day to day work or in depots for maintenance schedules, work cards etc... And every F1 car on the grid was designed on Windows or UNIX. NASA use windows... So while Macs are brilliant at many things (but are overpriced in my opinion), they're not "the best". Because I don't think any of them are the best. Horses for courses.

 

[Aictos]

I've used both OS X and Windows and while I encountered times when the Windows system would "crash" I never had this with the OS X system so from my point of view although I'm equally comfortable using either, I believe the Apple system is far more stable.

Besides while there are millions of virus's aimed at disrupting systems operating Windows, there are very few if at all virus's aimed at disrupting systems operated by Apple.

http://blog.itsecurityexpert.co.uk/2010/04/does-apple-mac-need-anti-virus_19.html

 

[SS4]

Quite. I don't use Mail still, and iPhoto is still a mess.

I use OSX and Ubuntu; OSX both work and home, Ubuntu at home. As a rough guide, I would chose OSX over Windows any time. It's more intuitive, user friendly and makes everyday tasks including making tables and writing letters so much easier. I encounter very few things that you cannot use on a Mac now, and their mostly games/things I can live without.

My favourite aspect of OSX/Apple products is how they work together; I have an iPhone, together with my partner I have an iPad and we both have MacBooks. MobileMe/remote and various other software make sharing work etc very easy and it works seamlessly.

I can't stand the way that Apple, with carefully rationed forethought, make every effort to ensure that their hardware cannot be used interchangeably. I am referring specifically to iPods, iPhones etc which Apple have decided should only work with iTunes which is a POS itself let alone quicktime as a dependency

 

[aspierail]

I have used them both however i prefer using windows as i tend to use it more often then mac.

 

[HST Power]

I have used them both however i prefer using windows as i tend to use it more often then mac.

I suppose it's all a matter of taste. For me, Windows does the job without any problems. I tried using a Mac once and failed miserably!

 

[Lampshade]

They're both good, I prefer Windows 7 for its common sense approach to file management. I'm not too keen on OSX, it's more like "my first operating system", I do like the keyboards though.