| What is it?: | Short form for “Macintosh” and refers to any computer produced by Apple, Inc. | Refers to any computer runningIBM-Based (Windows, Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD) operating systems. stands for "Personal Computer" |
| OS family: | Unix-like (BSD>Darwin>Mac) | Windows, Linux, Solaris,FreeBSD, etc. |
| Manufacturer: | Apple Inc | Several companies: HP, Toshiba, Dell, Lenovo, Samsung, Acer, Gateway etc. |
| Cost: | Computers start at $599 for the Mac Mini, and $999 for the Macbook Air. Other models are more expensive. For desktop or home use Macs are more expensive than a PC. | Compared to a Mac, Windows and Windows-associated hardware is cheaper, and you can build your own for even cheaper. Computers running Windows can be found usually 40-75% cheaper than a Mac. PCs running Linux may be even cheaper |
| Popular Applications: | iLife, iWork, Xcode, iTunes, Time Machine, Safari, Mac App Store, FaceTime, Game Center, Photo Booth | MS Office, Internet Explorer, Media Player, Media Center, Windows Defender, SkyDrive, VLC media player, Chrome browser |
| Development and Distribution: | Macs is developed and distributed by Apple, Inc. | PCs are manufactured and distributed by hundreds of manufacturers. |
| Latest stable release: | OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion | Windows 8, Ubuntu 12.04 |
| Compatibility: | Can open almost all PC files and can coexist on local networks with PCs. Can open .doc, .exe (as a compressed bundle), .xls, and others. Software exists for other file types. Can also run Windows on a Mac for 100% compatibility. | Mac-based files (.DMG) cannot be opened on PCs natively, but you can install software that can read, and possibly write Mac-based files on a PC. |
| Gaming: | Not as many games are made native for the Mac, although in recent years, many more Applications are released for them. The Mac App Store is a hub for users to download games from. | The library of games available for the PC is exhaustive, and hardware specifically tweaked for gaming performance is much more readily available for Windows. The array of graphics cards and upgradability also favor Windows-based computers. |
| Supported architectures: | Intel Microprocessors | x86 & x86-64 Intel and AMD processors |
| Company / developer: | Apple, Inc. | Microsoft (Windows), Ubuntu (Linix), Sun (Solaris), etc. |
| Market Reach: | Attracts graphic designers, video and music producers, tech journalists, app developers etc. | Wide reach to all stratas. Business users tend to use Windows hardware due to compatibility. |
| Available language(s): | Multilingual | Must Get a different OS Version, but has multiple languages available. |
| User: | Home users and Business (mainly in the creative department) | Home users and Business |
| Virus Attacks: | Since Macs are not as popular as PCs, there are fewer malware written to target Macs, although the threat of malicious software is growing, like from Java. | Being the popular desktop choice, most virus writers target Windows systems. But Linux and others have less. |
| System Software: | Macintosh Operating System; also allows Windows. | Various versions of Windows operating system. Using Linux and associated partitioning software, you can install many Linux, Solaris, FreeBSDdistributions alongside your current Windows installation. |
| Performance: | Since Apple have controlled the hardware & software bundles and model updates, so every Mac operates smoothly without worry on lagging, incompatibles. And have stable and expectedperformance | Different OEMs and even custom build PCs might not have the suitable drivers released for every components in each OS version, incompatibles, lagging may occur. Maybe cannot reach expected performance |
| Repairs: | Any knowledgeable person can perform repairs and upgrades. Local computer-help stores can also be contacted for repairs. AppleCare can extend the warranty | Any knowledgeable person can perform repairs and upgrades. Local computer-help stores can also be contacted for repairs. OEMs and component shops provides limited warranty |
| Programs and apps: | Same as gaming, limited choice due to user range and less developer powers | Same as gaming, excess choice due to user range and large developer powers |
| Piracy Prevention: | Since each mac have a unique serial, no activation required and OS X allowed for Mac hardware only, so Apple does not put much force on genuine checking | Windows have a unique activation key for each package distribution, and lots of custom and OEM PC appears, so genuine checking become important. Linux, Solaris,FreeBSD is free and no need for this |
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