Mac and Windows PC, a comparison

There are fewer programs for Mac than for Windows. However, the programs for Mac are more stable. Within Windows, programs can get in each other’s way. This is because PCs for Windows are made by thousands of different manufacturers. They all use different components that Windows must be able to handle. Only one part needs to be faulty and the computer will not work properly. Apple doesn’t have that problem, because Apple is both the company that builds the Mac computers and the company that develops the macOS operating system. The hardware is therefore perfectly matched to the operating system. Apple computers crash less often because of this. Mac computers can also have problems. It is, after all, a technical system that can go wrong.

Apple has its own store with apps, especially for Mac computers: the App Store. Apple closely monitors the apps offered in this store. So you can rest assured that apps you download here will work properly and will not harm your computer. There are all kinds of programs for Windows that you can download online. This is not monitored, so it is possible that you download a program that is unstable or harmful.

Since the introduction of Windows 8, Microsoft has also had its own store in which apps are offered: the Windows Store. This store is also monitored. With both Mac and Windows it is possible to download programs outside the store. Even then, the programs may be unstable or malicious.

For a long time, many popular programs for Windows were not available for Mac. Today, many popular programs are available for both Windows and Mac. This facilitates collaboration between Windows and Mac. Are you a Windows user and very attached to certain programs? If so, check whether you can also use these programs on a Mac computer when you switch.

For a long time it was said that Mac computers never suffer from viruses. There are two explanations for this. The first explanation is that Mac users mainly download apps from the App Store (with Windows, you also download many free programs from the Internet). Apple closely monitors the apps offered here. So you can rest assured that apps you download from the App Store are safe. With the arrival of Windows 8, Microsoft also has its own store in which apps are offered, the Windows Store. This store is also monitored. However, not all programs that are suitable for Windows are offered in this store. Caution should be exercised when downloading programs outside of the Windows Store.

The second explanation is that hackers want to reach as many people as possible with their viruses. Since Apple’s market share was very low compared to Microsoft for a long time, it was much more attractive for hackers to create a virus for Windows than it was for macOS. Today, however, Mac computers are a lot more popular, making it more attractive for hackers to target macOS as well. Most viruses still target Windows, but the difference is getting smaller. However, a Mac computer itself is better protected against viruses than a Windows computer. It is therefore not absolutely necessary to install an antivirus program on your Mac computer, although it is desirable. Not only for yourself but also for others. It is possible that your Mac computer carries a Windows virus, which can then be passed on to a Windows computer.

You can buy accessories for your computer or laptop, so-called peripherals. Apple sells peripherals specifically for Mac computers. In general, these devices are more expensive than similar products from other manufacturers. But if you buy peripherals from Apple, you can rest assured that they will work well with a Mac computer. However, it is not necessary to buy peripherals from Apple itself if you have a Mac computer. In addition, many products work with both Windows computers and Mac computers. Think of an external hard drive. In that case, check the specifications of the device to see if it can be connected to your computer.

Mac computers often have fewer peripheral connections than Windows computers. For example, if you want to connect a screen to a laptop with macOS, you generally first have to buy an adapter (coupling piece) for your laptop. Many Apple peripherals work via bluetooth, which is wireless.

In this article we have listed the most important objective differences between a Mac and Windows computer. Ultimately, choosing an operating system depends on what you want to do with the computer and how much you want to spend for it. For example, if you are used to Windows, one or more programs you use may not work on a Mac computer. It is true that the programs on a Mac computer are more stable because they are tuned to the operating system. Mac computers do cost more than Windows computers because Apple only uses high-quality parts. If you don’t have high standards for your computer, a Windows computer might be a better choice. However, with a Windows computer, there is a chance that the operating system is too heavy for the computer, causing it to not run smoothly. This is especially true for computers that are very cheap. Mac computers are often said to never get a virus. While this is not entirely true, a Mac computer is less likely to be infected with a virus than a Windows computer. However, with some common sense and a good antivirus program, both operating systems are safe to use.

If you are considering buying a new computer, but you are still unsure about the operating system, try the systems first or see someone else. You can also try out Apple products in particular in the store.