What is a Mac?
But what exactly is a Mac? Although the name ‘Mac’ is still used as a collective name for Apple computers, it is no longer the official name. It is more of a title to indicate that it is not a PC with Windows.
In 1984, Apple introduced the Macintosh, one of the first computers with a so-called ‘graphical interface’. In other words, where PC users still had to work with MS-DOS (without a mouse, without windows, typing everything using code language), Mac users could click what they saw on the screen. It was the beginning of the world of the graphical interface, the basis of the way of working as we know it today.
Different computer, different operating system
So the Mac(intosh) was a very different kind of computer than the PC, if not only the software that made the two computers so different and still does. The main difference between the PC and the Mac is the fact that PCs are made by thousands of different manufacturers with Microsoft’s Windows software on them, while there is only one manufacturer that builds Macs and that is Apple.
An Apple computer does not run on the Windows operating system by default, but on macOS (mac Operating System). This operating system was also developed by Apple. So Apple is the only one that builds complete Apple computers.
Other method and software
The price of Apple computers is usually higher than that of the PC and in addition, they do not come with Windows, but with the operating system macOS. That is not only a different name, but also a different operating system that entails a different way of working than Windows. We will teach you more about this in follow-up articles.
Also, programs that you use in Windows usually don’t work in macOS. There are then other programs available that allow you to do the same. Some software manufacturers sometimes make both a Windows version and macOS version. For example, the Office package is also available as a macOS version.
Apple computer; the six models
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
The laptop variant of the Mac computers is called MacBook. There are two variants, namely the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Air is an ultra-thin laptop. Not designed for the toughest work, but great for sending email, organizing photos, browsing the web, watching videos, and more.
Apple’s heavier laptop is the MacBook Pro. It can also handle heavy tasks such as extensive video editing and advanced games.
iMac (Pro)
Apple’s turnkey solution is the iMac: monitor and computer in one, renowned for its beautiful design. Available as an entry-level model and as a very powerful version on which, for example, heavy video editing is also possible.
An iMac Pro was also introduced in 2017. It offers even more capacity for work that requires a powerful computer.
mac mini
In terms of performance comparable to the MacBook Air, but then a desktop (ie with a separate monitor). A big plus is the size: it is a small elegant box on the desk.
Mac Pro
Apple’s most powerful computer that most closely resembles the desktop (a large cabinet). This version comes with a separate monitor. The Mac Pro is, as ‘Pro’ says, for professional use and you can actually cross out this option when making your choice.
And what about the iPad?
Since March 2010, Apple has another product category: the iPad. The iPad is a tablet and falls somewhere between the smartphone (like the iPhone) and the desktop (like the iMac). It’s not a phone, but it’s not a computer either. You can still make video calls with it, and you can also work and play games on it. The iPad has its own operating system, called iPadOS, and a touchscreen. This makes a mouse unnecessary. It makes operation simple and user-friendly. You can read more about the iPad in the article ‘Getting started with the iPad‘.
Why Apple?
In summary, Apple computers are generally more expensive than Windows PCs, have a different operating system, and the programs you use in Windows probably won’t work in macOS. Switching to an Apple sounds anything but attractive that way. So how is it possible that Apple computers are becoming more and more popular? The answer is that Apple computers have advantages over PCs. You can read more about this in the article ‘Mac and Windows PC, a comparison’.