Mac OS vs Windows: Which is Right for Your Business?
August 16, 2022
By Welmar Benedicto
Apple and Microsoft are two of the biggest names in the tech world. Both companies have been around for decades, and both have tried to position themselves as the go-to solution for businesses looking for a computer operating system. Mac Os vs Windows is a common debate, but when it comes to choosing the right system software, there are a lot of factors that come into play. Some people may choose one operating system over another because they have experience with that particular OS, but this can be a mistake if it doesn’t fit in with your company’s needs.
The question: Which should I use for my business? Here’s how they compare:
Application Compatibility
A huge factor in choosing the best operating system for business is running applications that are compatible with the platform. It requires application compatibility to run your specific tools or apps. If a piece of hardware isn’t compatible with the software, then it won’t be able to function properly or at all. Businesses that rely on customized plugins for their Microsoft Office software should check if their programs will work on both Mac and PC platforms. Both PC and Mac can integrate custom plugins, but some plugins only work on one operating system or the other. If a business needs to connect Excel to Bloomberg or FactSet, for example, they will need to choose Windows because the plugin for those apps only works on Windows.
For users who prefer Mac computers, you can run Windows-only applications with the help of virtualization tools and may be costly, but it offers a degree of flexibility. So, if you need to use an app that only runs on Windows and has no Mac-compatible version, then you will have to use Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. These programs allow you to run your computer in a virtual environment so that it appears as though you are working with a Windows operating system. This allows you to run any Windows applications right on your Mac.
If the application has a web version, however, then there’s no need for such complex solutions. You can simply access any website from your browser which has been designed as a substitute for desktop software by using one of many cloud-computing services such as Microsoft Office 365, Google Docs or Zoho Office Suite. Web versions may not have the same features as desktop versions, so businesses must assess before deciding to use one.
Apple computers are more likely to run certain applications better, such as Adobe programs. Adobe has optimized many of its applications for Apple’s silicon including Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator and InDesign. This makes it easier for creative industries to benefit from it and consider choosing Mac OS for their business.
Security Threats
Since Windows are more widely used than Macs, they are most likely to be susceptible from security threats. Now, Windows 10 and 11 come with a built-in anti-virus tool called Windows Defender. It runs in the background and constantly scans the system for malware infections and other security risks. You can also activate Windows Security, which is a real-time protection feature that scans the device for viruses, malware, and security threats. Some businesses rely on cyber security providers to improve security defenses and protect them against cyberthreat.
On the other hand, Mac OS updates are less frequent than Windows updates, which may indicate that their protection is less proactive. The rising popularity of Apple’s Mac OS in recent years has made them a prime target for cybercriminals where several viruses, malware, and other web threats have been created specifically for it. To protect from malware, Mac OS comes with built-in anti-virus security that prevents malware from running on the system. It detects malware by means of signature-based detection.
Maintenance and System Updates
Apple computers require less maintenance than most Microsoft-based products. However, this may be offset by the fact that maintenance of a Mac can be more complicated for some users. For example, Mac Os has AppleCare+ that provides support after purchasing your device. If you decide to continue coverage through AppleCare+, you will be required to pay extra. Without AppleCare+, you’ll likely need to track down a third-party specialist like AppleCare for Enterprise which provides technical support for enterprise-level Apple products.
On the other hand, Windows is quicker and more proactive in seeking out and releasing security patches. This is because Windows has seen more than its fair share of attacks, and it’s constantly on guard to deflect them.
Best For Business
For businesses, PCs running Microsoft Windows have long been the dominant force in the workplace. Microsoft Office is available on Windows, and it can be downloaded from the official Microsoft store. Many software applications are released on Windows, giving you access to a wide variety of solutions that might not be available for other operating systems.
Windows also introduced Microsoft Cloud, a platform for building, deploying, and managing applications. Microsoft Cloud supports multiple programming languages and operating systems, as well as devices, databases, frameworks, and tools. This means you can run your business apps efficiently.
Macs are an increasingly popular choice for personal use, which also offers efficient and high-quality systems that can improve productivity. However, there is a limited number of applications available to run on Mac systems. They have their own iCloud, a program built primarily for Apple devices, but limiting its functionality when used with Windows.
There are more factors to consider when looking at which operating system suits your business. The most important thing is to make sure that the operating system you choose will support all the programs your business needs and allow you to have access to those programs when you need them.