Operating systems are the foundation of your technology livelihood. It sounds daunting, but it is true. Making the right decision for what you want out of an operating system is key to your success. This age-old debate on Windows versus Macs has been a raging debate for decades now. It’s all about what operating system fits the lifestyle you lead. Whether its price, user-friendliness, safety, lifespan, or compatibility with smartphones, at Integracon, we break it all down for you.
Price
If a price is an essential factor for you, listen up! Price is a huge difference between Windows and Mac. PCs have many options and a variety of forms so they can range from being very cheap to very expensive, depending on what you want on your computer. Macs, on the other hand, are going to cost more due to upfront prices as well as higher costs to maintain and repair. Overall, Windows are cheaper, but Macs may prove to be worth the price for ease of use, which we will look into next.
User-friendliness
Ease of use is a significant component of looking for an operating system for everyday use and not just for a specialized area. How quickly a user can figure out how to use the operating system and how easy it is to accomplish a task is a big deal. In general, Mac OS is more comfortable to learn. Apple Stores offer classes to learn the OS, which is huge for users who are not tech-savvy. Since Microsoft Stores have a lot of manufacturers to worry about, classes aren’t as easy to hold for their customers.
Safety
Windows PCs have more firewall programs and safety measures, so Windows can provide better security against potential hackers compared to Macs, who have fewer built-in protections. Neither a Mac nor Windows computer is 100% safe. Look in anti-virus programs, safe routers, and make sure you safely navigate the internet to ensure safety for your operating system.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a laptop is five to six years. Macs appear to last longer, but Apple doesn’t upgrade its computers every year, while PC manufacturers do. Consumers feel the need to upgrade their technology often, but it is just a marketing tactic because usually, there are no vast differences. That is why Apple appears to last longer because they do not release new computers as frequently as PCs, so consumers hold out longer before purchasing new equipment. In reality, both systems last an average of five or six years; it depends on how well you take care of your computer.
Compatibility with Smartphones
PCs favor Androids, and Macs support iPhones. If you have an iPhone, you can answer texts and calls from your mac, and you can open web pages from one device on the other. PCs are the same, but with Androids, and they have difficulty with iPhones. The smartphone you have may play a significant role in what operating system you choose. If you are an iPhone user, look into a Mac, and if you are an Android user, a PC might be for you.
Choosing the right operating system is huge if you need a computer for your everyday life. Here at Integracon, we encourage our customers to choose the technology that fits them as we assist your IT needs. We can work with Windows or Mac, so you can’t go wrong either way in our book! Contact us today with any questions you may have about our IT solutions.
