Windows OS vs Mac OS: Which Is Better For Your Business
As a business owner, you’re working your hardest to make sure every choice is the best one for your business. As you’ve just searched for Windows OS vs Mac OS, I’m guessing that this is your next big choice.
Well, to make the best choice for your business, you need to take a second and think about what you need from your operating system. Do you need it to be fast? Do you need it to be compatible with unique software?
By writing down what you need, you can use this blog as a checklist to uncover what is better for you: Windows OS or Mac OS.
What Is Windows Operating System
The Windows operating system is the piece of fundamental software used between the computer hardware and user applications of a Windows computer. A Windows OS is there to manage and control the computer’s resources and allow users to run software easily.
The Windows Operating System (also known as Windows OS), was created and developed by Microsoft in 1985 and has only grown since then.
Throughout the years since its development, Windows has updated its systems from Windows 95, XP, 7, 8, 10 and now to Windows 11. With every update, the Windows operating system improves user experience and improves productivity.
Whereas:
What Is The Latest Mac Operating System
The current version that the Mac Operating System runs on is the MacOS Ventura, which was introduced in 2022.
The Mac operating system is the fundamental software used between the computer hardware and user applications of an Apple computer. MacOS is there to manage and control the computer’s resources and allow users to run software efficiently.
The Mac operating system was first introduced in 2001 with the ‘classic’ Mac OS 10.0, however, since then, there has been around 1 new version per year. Some of the most widely known updates for Mac were the Tiger (OS X 10.4, 2005), Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6, 2009), Lion (OS X 10.7, 2011), and Yosemite (OS X 10.10, 2014).
With every update, the latest Mac operating system increases its ease of use, features and intuitive interface.
However, if both Mac OS and Windows OS are there to help you, what is the debate around them?
The Debate of Windows OS vs. Mac Os
As you’re reading this right now, I’m going to guess that you’ve heard of the debate between the MacOS Operating System and the Windows Operating system.
They do the same thing – they both help you manage and control your computer’s resources, and allow you to run software. But, they both do it slightly differently, and it can totally change the way you work.
Pretty much everybody has picked a side in the Apple vs Android debate, and this swings into the debate about what software system to use.
Do you have a preference between Apple or Android for your phone? I know I do (but I’ll not tell you here just in case I start a fight).
But, that doesn’t mean your preference is the best for your work.
Example
For example, if you work in IT, there might be a lot of software that is not compatible with MacOS (we know, we’ve tested this ourselves), and so the Windows Operating System is better for you. However, if you work in the creative sector, the MacOS may be better for you.
So, the debate and your preference for Windows OS vs Mac OS doesn’t really matter much. The thing that matters is what work you’re doing, and what works best for that work.
Now – how do you do that?
Well, remember how I got you to jot down your needs from software at the start of this blog? This is where it comes in handy. I want you to make a pros and cons list with the following features, advantages, and disadvantages of both MacOS and Windows OS.
Features of Windows Operating System
There are many features of using a Windows Operating System for business that your business can use to your advantage.
The features of the Windows Operating System are:
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- A user-friendly interface.
- Compatibility.
- Accessible on lower-end devices.
- Cybersecurity.
- Support for peripheral devices.
- Fast and responsive.
Continue reading for a deep dive into all of these.
A User-friendly Interface
The Windows Operating System is considered user-friendly as it is visually appealing and easy to navigate due to the Search bar and Task view, and it can be customised to the users’ preferences.
Compatibility
The Windows operating system is compatible with a wide range of hardware and software that is needed for a wide range of business services.
For example, FarmBrite (an important piece of software in the agriculture sector) is compatible with the Windows Operating system to keep agriculture businesses optimised.
Accessible On Lower-End Devices
In comparison to Mac, which is only available on Apple devices, Windows can run on a variety of different hardware – including lower-end devices.
Mac devices are typically quite pricey and are not known as being ‘lower-end’, so MacOS does not support lower-end devices. With Windows Operating Systems though, there is a wide variety of lower-end devices available, and Windows offers support on a lot of these.
With this, if your business is looking to keep costs down by using lower-end devices, Windows will likely be able to support you.
Cybersecurity
The Windows Operating System comes with a wide range of cybersecurity features your business can use to stay safe whilst your employees work away.
Windows OS offers antivirus capabilities, smart screen filtering, and compatibility with numerous third-party cybersecurity solutions to keep your business safe from malware and other cybersecurity threats.
Support For Peripheral Devices
How many other devices do you need your computer connected to? Do you need to use a lot of printers, scanners, cameras and microphones in your office?
Or do you have any niche devices?
Typically, other devices will be made to support Windows more than Apple, so you might find that if you use a wide range of devices, the Windows Operating System may be better for you.
Fast And Responsive
Windows 11 is designed for speed and responsiveness to improve the performance of users (and to improve the performance of gaming).
If you’re looking to improve the speed and responsiveness of your computer, Windows may be the better option for you.
So, here you can see all of the good that comes with using a Windows operating system – but what are the negatives of using one as well?
What Are The Disadvantages of Windows Operating System
So, what are the disadvantages of the Windows Operating system? Well, depending on your work, your industry and your client base, the disadvantages can be different. But a few of the common disadvantages of Windows Operating System are:
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- Security concerns.
- Paid software.
- Expensive
- Poor technical support.
- High performance system requirements.
Continue reading for a deep dive into all of these.
Security Concerns
So, this first one is already confusing as I’ve mentioned cybersecurity in the advantages.
Well, the gist is – yes, Microsoft has put a lot of effort into cybersecurity, but it is also the most targeted by cybercriminals.
Paid Software
A lot of software applications on the Windows Operating System are not free, with users having to pay for them (such as Microsoft Word, Excel etc.).
Expensive
Although the Windows operating system can be placed on lower-end devices, it is still expensive to run – especially for those who need to upgrade to the latest versions.
Poor Technical Support
In comparison to Apple and the Apple Store, Windows technical support is not always reliable and users may have to wait a long time to get issues resolved.
This can be frustrating to any users who need immediate support with an issue on their device.
High-Performance System Requirements
The Windows Operating System goes through system updates all the time, but this can be a problem with older hardware and software that your business uses.
Older hardware and software may need to be replaced sooner as the system requires greater and newer hardware/ software.
Overall
So have you thought about how all of these advantages and disadvantages of Windows Operating System affect your business yet? Is this a straight YES/ NO?
Well, if you’re a straight YES/ NO after this, read the rest of the blog. You never know what could change your mind!
Here are the advantages of using Mac OS
Advantages of MacOS
Have you made your mind up yet about what you think about Windows Operating System? Well, if you have – or haven’t stick along for the advantages of MacOS.
These are:
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- Simple and aesthetic interface.
- Advanced technologies.
- Applications.
- Security.
- Accessibility options.
- Compatibility.
- Built-in utilities and apps.
- Retina displays.
For a deep dive into all of the advantages of MacOS, keep reading.
Simple and Aesthetic Interface
I don’t think I’m going to cause a fight about this as everybody will likely agree on this – but the Apple MacOS interface is a lot simpler and cleaner. It’s easy for people young and old to navigate it as everything is easily accessible and navigated.
Advanced Technologies
The MacOS Operating System has advanced technology that makes it fast and efficient in what it is doing.
The MacOS operating system is also optimised for specific hardware, making it quicker and more responsive to certain types of hardware (which could come in handy if your business uses this hardware).
Applications
MacOS comes with a wide range of applications that are made specifically for Apple products and are installed for free. An example of this would be iMovie, GarageBand, Podcasts etc.
All of these products are only available on the MacOS Operating system and are readily available for free.
Security
MacOS has been historically known for being particularly tough against viruses, although the gap between Mac and Microsft has closed within more recent years.
However, MacOS uses built-in features that can protect users from malware – such as their built-in firewall.
Accessibility
MacOS has lots of settings and systems that you can set up to make it easier for users with disabilities. This includes features such as VoiceOver, Zoom, and Siri. These features make using the computer more accessible for those with disabilities.
For example, if you have somebody with a vision impairment, features like VoiceOver and Siri can enable users to use the computer with little problems.
Compatibility
The MacOS Operating system is compatible with a wide range of hardware and software, which you can use to do various tasks needed throughout your day.
You can use Microsoft Word, and connect to most printers and devices.
Built In Utilities and Apps
Along with the numerous applications that are built-in to MacOS, MacOS has a great 5range of built-in utilities and apps. Such as Mail, Calendars, Calculators, and Screenshot, so that you don’t need to download any more software.
Retina Displays
MacBooks are widely known for their exquisite retina displays (due to large pixel density, sharpness, and colour accuracy), and MacOS is the tool for this.
The retina display of the MacOS draws creative industries in with this.
Overall, you can see that there are many different advantages of MacOS, but what are their downfalls? Find out the disadvantages of the MacOS Operating System below.
The Disadvantages of MacOS Operating System
There are a lot of positives about using the MacOS (especially if you are in the creative industry), but what are the disadvantages of using the MacOS operating system?
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- Limited number of applications.
- Expensive.
- Limited hardware options.
- Less gaming support.
- Compatibility issues.
- Less customisation options.
For a deep dive into all of the disadvantages of MacOS, keep reading.
Limited Number of Applications
One of MacOS’s biggest disadvantages is that in comparison to Windows OS, there is a limited number of applications available.
If your business has unique software that it uses, it may not be available on the MacOS operating system – but it may be available on the Windows Operating System.
If you use unique software, ensure you check if MacOS is compatible before you purchase a MacOS computer.
Expensive
We’ve already brought up a bit about how expensive Apple Mac products are in comparison to Windows’s lower-end devices.
Due to this and the fact that MacOS is only available on Apple Mac products, MacOS is typically a more expensive option than a Windows machine.
Limited Hardware Options
As I’ve just mentioned, the MacOS operating system only comes with an Apple Mac computer, which can also mean that there are limited hardware options.
Mac computers have limited hardware options due to the closed-system philosophy of Apple, which restricts hardware upgrades and limits storage options. If you need different hardware products, you may be better with a Windows machine.
Less Gaming Support
Are you a business that gives your employees a bit of free time to game? Or do you allow them to take their laptops home and use them as a gaming device?
Well, if you do, you should know there is less gaming support on MacOS as Mac products are not designed for gaming – so your employees would be better with a Microsoft operating system product.
Compatibility Issues
Along with a limited number of applications that are on offer with MacOS, you could find that a lot of software has compatibility issues with the MacOS operating system.
Some unique software that your business uses may not be compatible with the MacOS system, so be sure to check that out before you buy.
Less Customisation Options
The MacOS operating system has fewer customisation options than a typical Windows operating system.
If you like to customise your computer and your desktop to your personal preferences, you may be better with a Windows computer rather than a Mac.
Overall, these disadvantages can be annoying for users who require specific software applications, want to upgrade or customize their hardware, or are on a tight budget. To know what operating system you need, you need to think about all of the advantages and disadvantages both Windows OS vs Mac OS give your business.
Windows OS vs Mac OS Checklist
Compare your Windows OS vs Mac OS needs with Jera’s easy-to-follow infographic.
Windows OS vs Mac OS
Overall, if you’re a business that connects to a lot of outsourced software and hardware, such as printers, microphones etc., then MacOS may not be the right system for you. If you use a lot of uncommon hardware, you may be better with Windows OS as Windows OS is typically the default system hardware designers use.
Your business may be better suited to MacOS if you are in a creative industry and all your hardware and software are compatible with MacOS.
Businesses that are not in a creative industry would be better off with a Windows Operating System as the hardware and software that you use will likely be designed for a Windows machine.
However, if the MacOS sounds like it’s got everything you want from an operating system, just check that all your hardware and software are compatible, and feel good knowing your work is in the correct hands!
As long as you sit down and figure out exactly what you need from an operating system, you’ll be able to escape the scenario at the start of the blog.
To learn more about Windows or Mac operating systems, contact us here at Jera today.
Or alternatively, get one of our free cybersecurity training packages for your team by contacting us here.