Ten Reasons to Buy Mac OS X instead of Windows Vista
Michael Desmond has a piece in PC World, titled, Ten Reasons to Buy Windows Vista. Frankly, after reading his article, it seemed to me like, “Ten Features that Windows Vista borrowed from Mac OS X Tiger”. And even on the PC platform, there are free (as in beer or as in freedom) third-party utilities that give you everything. If you’re running Windows XP, the only reason to upgrade seems to be a shiny new Aqua-inspired UI called Aero, and that too, if your graphics card can handle it.
Here’s what I mean:
- Security, security, security: Mac OS is based on OpenBSD, has only had one virus worthy of mention so far (which, BTW, spreads by relying on the user clicking it and then wilfully giving it the administrator password. Vista is only now getting User Account Protection (and it’s a Microsoft version-one feature, we all know what that means). On Mac OS X, it’s been like that ever since the switch to OpenBSD, so administrator privileges are not required for regular use (like running programs, you know.)
- Internet Explorer 7, a Firefox-inspired makeover: (Those are Desmond’s words, not mine.) Mac OS has Safari, that is better than either Firefox or IE. It’s the only browser to pass the ACID-2 test; even Firefox cannot boast of that much standards compliance. I’m still not sure why buying a new operating system to get a browser makes more sense than downloading the better browser for free on your current OS.
- Righteous eye candy: Windows plays catch-up to Mac OS. Yet again. Yawwwnn.
- Desktop search: Spotlight has been here for how long now? And on Windows, trust it to the guys who know search: Google. Google Desktop is a free download for Windows 2000/XP. (Disclaimer: I worked on Google Desktop.)
- Better updates: Good thing they corrected yet another mistake. And yet another feature that has been the right way on Mac OS. Why was checking for operating system updates ever a feature accessed by a web browser?
- More media: Desmond boasts Windows’ new media player, dvd creation software and photo manager. Hmm, that sounds like iTunes, iDVD and iPhoto to me. And now, iWeb, since 2006. Available free with every Mac.
- Parental controls: Seen that, but never had to use it. So I don’t know how good it is on Mac OS X, but it exists.
- Better backups: Copy and Paste. Because your data isn’t stored in C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\Company\Program\somewhere. Pick up your home directory, and put it where you want to back it up. Your documents and settings go with it. For more power, get the free Apple Backup.
- Peer-to-peer collaboration: Bon jour, mes amis.
- Quick setup: This is one where I can’t compare Windows and Mac OS. Mac OS came preinstalled on my PowerBook (obviously), and I haven’t ever had to reinstall it. Windows, on the other hand, has stolen precious days out of my life, because the only way to make my system faster was to reinstall it. Of course, the 15-minute installation time is only for the OS itself … (but even that is a huge help to those have to live with it).
I must add that (most of) these features have existed on Mac OS for quite a long time, so they have been better tested and exercised. I’ve never been able to rely on first-generation Microsoft products, so I have my reservations there. The only reason to stay with Windows is if you have Windows-only applications. Then again, they work fine on your machine today, so why upgrade?
I switched from being a heavy Windows user (and developer; check out the Projects section on my website) to a Mac user last year. The transition has been smooth and painless, and I’m still discovering features and applications that make me go wow. If you’re in the market for a new computer, do seriously consider a Mac. You’ll thank yourself for it for years to come.
Update: This comic sums it up nicely.
We have a good time debating Mac vs Windows at work. Lately, it seems like the Mac guys are winning due to all of the cool stuff Macs have been coming out with, and let’s face it, they’re just cooler.
Ed Kohler — March 6, 2006 @ 10:38 am
It’s interesting to see someone so passionate about which system is better, especially once they have made a switch from something like windows to Mac. I was a mac user for a long time, starting with an Apple IIe, but gave them up soon after the first series of power macs came on the scene. My last mac was a power mac 120. Since about 1999 i’ve been using PCs fairly exclusively because it’s so much cheaper to get the hardware, and to continue to upgrade on a fairly regular basis. I’ve noticed myself building a resistance to Mac products, mostly because of the mass market approach apple takes. Anyway, maybe it’s about time i rethink that resistance…
Although, as I understand things, Google and Microsoft are pretty head-to-head at the moment about the future of desktop applications – Windows is pushing for client installed apps like Office, while google is pushing projects like Writely and Google Desktop to try and shift perceptions toward online data sharing and file storage.
Perhaps your current bias has something to do with your strong association with Google?
Steven De Costa — May 26, 2006 @ 10:03 pm
Well, I switched to Mac last year.Only thing that is missing is .NET development support.Mono I feel is still work-in-progress.
Shreyas — June 15, 2006 @ 4:40 pm
I have used pc’s in the days of DOS throught to windows 95 (as far as i can remember) up to vista. I bought a macbook and could handle the switch so i got a refund. I bought the sony vaio c series Model No C2Z/B. This Sony made me realise how good the macs are, for one its sexy, 2) its far more powerful 3) it come with excellent software and a cam! 4) runs windows via bootcamp, just a few to mention! The best things is if you call them on the free number provided you can just say your at university and they will give you roughly 14% discount (as stated in the Apple Store) now thats a good deal. PC world do student discounts but not on hardware or pc’s or laptops. Hm thats clever, students dont have much money so pc world decide to give us discount on worthless stuff!
‘Once you get a Mac you wont go back’
And this is a true saying because it obviously worked on me!
Chris — February 2, 2007 @ 9:27 pm
Hi,
Im thinking of shifting from vista on a dell to a mac. Thanks to the tips provided, Ill definately shift to Mac sooner now !!!
Aditya — October 9, 2007 @ 10:37 am
Hi, I just got a Mac 5 days ago, it’s a used Quicksilver machine with OS 10.5, a gig of RAM and a ton of software. I got it from a friend who is an Apple tech and who had been after me for years to move over to the Other Side. I gotta say I am in love with this machine! I’ve had PCs for 15 yrs or so and like other windows people have had my share of crashes, buggy software and other nonsense, never mind the ever present virus threats. I do believe I will remain a Mac lover, this machine is awesome! It’s a learning curve, for sure, but it’s been easy.
Elva — April 12, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
Where can i get Mac OS In South africa?
Thabo — June 30, 2009 @ 8:23 am
Mac hardware = One 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon, 3GB (three 1GB) memory, 640GB hard drive, 18x double-layer SuperDrive,NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 512MB
Whats a superdrive?
I could build this system for about £450 why the £1899 pricetag? as per 17/09/2009 thats a crazy price. No OS is worth £1449. I think thats put that one to bed.
Insulting that it does not even come with a 1TB drive or semi decent GFX card.
Alex Jenkins — September 17, 2009 @ 9:13 am
Apple rules. But whoever prices their systems smokes crack. OSX rules…. but they didn’t pay a dime for BSD Unix so I see no reason to pay such ridiculous prices for their stuff. Yes… the GUI is very nice. It isn’t that nice. So… when Apple decides to stop huffing gas fumes and ask reasonable prices for their stuff… I’ll buy it. Simple as that.
cletus — December 5, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
Although i prefer PCs running Windows 7 (Vista and XP suck) or Linux (mainly Ubuntu) to ones running OSX, it is nice to see someone arguing for Mac using logic and reason rather than the standard “Apple was the first to…” or “Macs look cooler” or “Will not get infected with PC viruses” or my favorite: “It just works.” I’m tired of people trying to convince me that Mac is better because it comes pre-installed with iTunes, Quicktime, and other features that you can download for free off the Apple website for any PC (Mac or otherwise), or because of Photoshop (which is also available on Windows). It is refreshing to see that at least one Mac user has enough neurons to make a factual argument as opposed to one based wholly on personal opinion and cosmetic details. Still, i’d rather build a custom PC and dual boot OSX and Win7 on it because no argument on earth will convince me that the Mac hardware doesn’t suck (i’m a gamer). Maybe i’ll become more interested when they build an iMac with a Core i7 Quad and a GTX 200 series with at least 4gb of RAM and a 1T HDD (and a better mouse and keyboard, of course), and an updated version of OSX designed to be more compatible with Windows games (or make a Mac OSXI).
P.S. Win7 fixes most of Vista’s problems and is the most stable OS i’ve ever used (not one crash or system error since installing the x86 retail version (home premium), x64 beta was a bit buggy).
Android — May 21, 2010 @ 7:40 am