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For example, for Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, released in mid-2011, Apple notes that an 'Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor' is required, but not which models; 2GB of RAM is. Control Center for Mac. Instantly access the controls you use most — like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — and new controls to play music and enable Dark Mode for your display. Designed just for Mac, the new Control Center lets you add controls and drag favorites to the menu bar to customize it just for you. Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support. Not if you're running more than one OS on your Mac (I know quite a few people who run both windows 7 and Lion) 2. Windows Malware still spreads from Macs to windows computers.
Much like the smartphone market is divided between iOS and Android, so too are personal computers with Apple vs Microsoft. Each brand has garnered a loyal following over the past few decades, with many buyers citing the differences between systems with ferocious passion. The question remains: Windows or Mac? The battle of the brands will likely persist, but what drives such dedication?
If you're in the middle of deciding which one to purchase, a rational look at a Mac vs PC comparison would be a prudent exercise.
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The Main Difference Between Mac and PC
The fundamental difference between Mac and PC extends to both hardware and operating system software. The hardware, or the physical components of the system, has become closer to parity over the past few years, taking advantage of all the advances in technology. However, Apple assembles and sells its own hardware to customers, whereas Microsoft licenses its Windows operating system to other vendors, such as Dell, who make their own hardware.
The real-life implication here is that Apple has a higher degree of control over how its systems look physically, ensuring its legendary design standards are upheld. The company also controls its system's operational environment. On the downside, all this attention to detail comes at a price, which answers the question: Why are Macs so expensive?
Alternatively, Windows users have access to a wider variety of hardware configurations, including all the top performers, which makes it the best OS for gaming. However, once you log into the operating system, both Windows or Mac become much more particular.
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To make a long story short, the most noticeable difference between Windows vs Mac operating systems is their interface. Generally speaking, macOS is perceived to be a more simple, streamlined, and beautiful while Windows is more complex and feature-rich, with more customization options. Both PC vs Mac competitors have made strides to be accessible and approachable to all, however it's worth noting some of the more granular differences:
The design style for Mac or PC differs a lot. Where macOS uses soft edges and a consistent application across all apps, Windows is more choppy, with UI that can often change between programs.
All Apple operating systems favor the Dock to access common shortcuts and apps, which is a persistent bar at the bottom of the screen, whereas Windows uses Start Menu and Taskbar
Navigating the hard drive for files in Windows is done in File Explorer, a much more complicated and potentially feature-rich version of macOS Finder
Mac operating systems have a simple integration with iOS devices using the Sidecar software as well as good old iMessage and AirDrop
Windows has a voice-activated assistant, Cortana, while Apple operating systems have Siri. Cortana is about a year older, with a few more features, however Apple iPhone users will appreciate the same assistant across all their macOS and iOS devices.
While Windows is generally known to be the best OS for gaming, this is due to the hardware and developer support rather than the operating system itself, with Mac slowly starting to catch up
The high-level difference between Mac vs PC often comes down to a matter of personal taste, however it could be argued that macOS is a more accessible experience overall, especially for casual users.
Mac vs PC comparison of security features
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Over the years, Windows has seen a much larger frequency of malware, ransomware, and virus attacks than macOS. Most of it is due to the system's innate vulnerabilities, but also to the sheer number of users that makes it a more attractive platform to attack. Best free app to clean my mac.
Both Mac or PC operating systems have measures in place to combat such attacks, which are continually updated to keep users secure. However, professionals still recommend using third-party antivirus software on top of built-in functions to ensure overall security. Free online penny slots with bonus rounds.
How else does Mac vs PC compare from a security and stability standpoints:
Generally, macOS is seen to be safer because Apple has full control of both hardware and software, and thus could easily implement new security features
Similarly, Apple has a simple and thorough AppleCare program in place to help their users with any hardware problems
Newer Apple devices feature default Touch ID support for accessing the system, which further safeguards devices from fraudulent logins (big problem in the MacBook vs PC battle).
Despite the disparities between PC vs Mac, it's important to remember that neither system is going to be 100% safe from all malicious attacks — that said, Apple users are protected somewhat by a lower frequency of attacks in general.
The best operating system for software
Both Windows vs Mac operating systems come out-of-the-box with their own software to help users make the most out of their devices. From word processing to spreadsheets and calculators, built-in software can manage most of the day-to-day tasks.
However, as we know, third-party apps unlock new levels of productivity and functionality. This is especially important when users are wondering: How long do Macs last? Both Mac vs Windows have countless options available to extend their usefulness and life — so many that it often makes discovery time-consuming and confusing.
If we're comparing PC vs Mac for software, Apple users definitely have the advantage of using Setapp — an all-in-one subscription service that grants access to over 150 Mac apps to help users enrich their digital lives. Among those apps are lots of gems that should be part of any new macOS installation.
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For example, CleanMyMac X is an essential optimization tool, which helps speed up your macOS and maintain its efficient use of resources. In just a few clicks, CleanMyMac X will run through a series of common and uncommon scripts to free up storage space, optimize settings, and have everything run smoothly. Users can also manage their privacy settings and caches for web browsers, and permanently delete any apps with all their associated files.
When it's time to work, Ulysses is one of the best word processors around. The clean and simple interface lends itself well to high-focus writing, with plenty of tools available to have documents look perfect.
Use Ulysses to file-sync automatically with other Apple devices and export documents in any format you need. The productivity overview panel also tracks word count and other helpful statistics in real-time to keep you motivated. The only thing Windows has against Ulysses is Microsoft Office, sold at a much higher price point.
Navigating around macOS is fairy easy from the get-go, but apps like Bartender extend that functionality by allowing you to fully customize the menu bar. Users can quickly consolidate or expand their menu icons as they see fit, depending on whether they prefer a clean look or a full view of their menu items.
Bartender's interface is unobtrusive and doesn't distract from Apple's overall look and feel. There's even a search function to find any menu bar item quickly and easily.
This idea is taken one step further with One Switch, a menu bar integration which grants access to all of the common toggles within macOS. In one click, users can use switches such as Dark Mode, Do Not Disturb, desktop cleanup, and headphone selection. One Switch saves time and friction experienced when trying to dig into Apple's system preferences to complete the task and makes users far more productive.
These are just a few of the numerous apps available on Mac operating systems through Setapp, which is what makes macOS much more appealing that Windows.
Best of all, the apps mentioned above are available for a free seven-day trial through Setapp. Simply sign up on the website to start. Now that the research to compare Mac vs Windows is complete, you should give each one a try. Warning: If you start with macOS you might not want to switch at all.
Is your Mac up to date with the latest version of the Mac operating system? Is it using the version required by a product you want to use with your Mac? Which versions are earlier (older) or later (newer, more recent)? To find out, learn which version is installed now.
If your macOS isn't up to date, you may be able to update to a later version.
Which macOS version is installed?
From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You should see the macOS name, such as macOS Big Sur, followed by its version number. If you need to know the build number as well, click the version number to see it.
What is the latest macOS version?
These are all Mac operating systems, starting with the most recent. When a major new macOS is released, it gets a new name, such as macOS Big Sur. As updates that change the macOS version number become available, this article will be updated to show the latest version of that macOS.
If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps that are installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar and Photos.
macOS | Latest version |
---|---|
macOS Big Sur | 11.2.3 |
macOS Catalina | 10.15.7 |
macOS Mojave | 10.14.6 |
macOS High Sierra | 10.13.6 |
macOS Sierra | 10.12.6 |
OS X El Capitan | 10.11.6 |
OS X Yosemite | 10.10.5 |
OS X Mavericks | 10.9.5 |
OS X Mountain Lion | 10.8.5 |
OS X Lion | 10.7.5 |
Mac OS X Snow Leopard | 10.6.8 |
Mac OS X Leopard | 10.5.8 |
Mac OS X Tiger | 10.4.11 |
Mac OS X Panther | 10.3.9 |
Mac OS X Jaguar | 10.2.8 |
Mac OS X Puma | 10.1.5 |
Mac OS X Cheetah | 10.0.4 |