Believe it or not, Microsoft and Macintosh are actually very similar. Both essentially perform the same functions. In fact, the two companies even share several patents for the technology they use. They simply use different interfaces to interact with users.
When it comes to print publishing, Mac seems to be the operating system of choice. Its typography, which is the way text is presented, is more accurate than Windows’. Thus, what you see on the screen is more likely to be what you get on paper. This also applies to color schemes. The colors you see on your monitor will be very close to what comes out of the printer. Macs also work better with .pdf formatting, which can come in handy if you need to work with such files. Finally, Macs tend to be more secure and immune to attacks from computer viruses.
Macs might also be the answer for small businesses. They tend to be easier to create small networks with. However, you may have a problem if the programs you need for your business are not available for Mac. The same applies to college students. Some campuses provide software for student use that may only work with Windows. So, be sure to check out what programs you will need before making a decision.
Similar to the problems businesses face, those who love to play games may not want to choose a Mac. A lot of programs cannot run on a Mac computer. However, if you are computer-savvy, there are ways around this. You can even install the Windows operating system on your Mac and switch to this interface for games. If this doesn’t suit you, just keep waiting. More and more companies are formatting their programs for Mac. In fact, you can even buy Microsoft Office for your Mac computer.
For 3-d graphic and video creation, Microsoft Windows seems to be the winner. Windows has better graphic capabilities and video playback. Microsoft PCs also have faster processors than Macs. Furthermore, Windows is the smarter choice for web design. It is easier to use .NET and ASP on a Windows platform. Additionally, since most people still use Windows, formatting a site on this platform ensures you see what 90% of your users will see. Finally, Windows is considered more user-friendly because most people are familiar with its interface. Switching to Mac requires some relearning and adjustment.
Ultimately, the operating system you choose will be the one that best suits your needs. Both are functional and user-friendly. Neither one will preclude you from participating in any one computer-related activity. So, do some research, know the facts, and choose the computing system that works for you.
Author: Justin Mongiardo
