ROAR: Mac or Windows – how cool is your business?
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By Omar Budeiri, ROAR,
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ALMOST every device used by businesses and individuals operates using either Mac iOS or Microsoft Windows but does one really have advantages over the other? To answer the question, we first need to cut through the perceptions of each brand. Dubbed as one of the ‘coolest’ brands in existence and endorsed by famous names such as actress Zooey Deschanel and rock group U2, Apple has ensured that even its operating system lives up to the impeccable appearance which is carried through from iPhone to MacBook. Windows has less flattering connotations and is often seen as extremely corporate and boring when compared to its iOS counterpart. So other than brand connotation, what else affects our decision to purchase one system over the other? A study conducted by market researcher Net Applications last year revealed that Windows runs on just over 91% of computers worldwide; put simply it’s the system that the majority of the population is using. Without doubt, Windows also provides a higher degree of flexibility and customisation than Mac iOS, with better support for third-party hardware. The programmes compatible with Windows are also much more varied and this is a definite advantage when it comes to business use, especially when it comes to looking for specific applications such as Sage. However, Mac’s iOS also offers many positives other than its ‘cool brand’ stereotype. For starters iOS requires much less manual maintenance, which offers a more straightforward approach. Generally speaking, it also suffers from fewer security issues and is more resilient, making it possible to just use your computer rather than having to worry about viruses. Also, if you have an iPhone or an iPad (as a large proportion of the population does) the iOS will sync with less hassle through Apple compatibility. iOS applications also tend to have a more enjoyable user interface, with the user having more control and more feedback from the computer. An additional argument in the iOS’s favour is that it is better for designers and it’s historically easier for beginners to learn using Mac than Windows. However, this is changing: good applications and better file compatibility mean that designers can now work comfortably on both platforms, and both machines now have a similar learning curve. This is due to the main functions of both systems being the same; essentially it is only how the information and options are presented that is different. Unfortunately, unless you have a very deep wallet, a lot of people will argue that these many positives mean nothing, as iOS products such as Macs remain expensive. They are also almost impossible to manually upgrade unless you want to spend more than £2,000 on a high-end machine but Apple has never claimed to be in the budget computer business. However, it’s important to consider that products such as Macs tend to offer cheaper software and come fully loaded with programmes such as Office Professional, so even though you may think you’re saving money with a Windows product, it may actually cost more in the long run. So which is the ‘better’ operating system of the two? Well bar a few small details, the functionality is basically the same on both. Windows users will always be able to do more with their machines thanks to better third-party support while iOS users will be safer from cyber problems. At the end of the day though, it’s still all about perception. It’s all down to personal preference or, put another way, how cool you are and how much you care about being cool. More articles in
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