A hot topic of debate at the moment amongst businesses is whether Windows or Mac is more effective. There are clear arguments for and against both and the jury is still out from many company’s perspectives. If you’re looking to invest in new business equipment or software and you’re still on the fence as to which rival platform is the highest performer, there are a number of different factors you need to consider. You should think about cost, security, business functions, image and compatibility so that you can be sure you are making the right choice for your business and employees.
Security
Spyware and viruses are probably every company’s worst nightmare; you never know when they are going to hit and cause chaos to your working day. As a business owner, security is probably high on your priority list, especially when you are storing client information, contact numbers, secret prototypes and financial details. So, which hardware is going to protect your precious data?
As a general rule, viruses are more likely to attack Windows PCS, simply because they are more common than others. Although Macs are less prone to viruses, if they keep growing in popularity they will become more targeted. Overall, the best choice in terms of security would be the Mac simply because this operating system isn’t affected by nearly as many as Windows. Mac’s immunity at the moment is stellar, but as hackers become more and more sophisticated you never know what could change as time goes on.
Compatibility
Operating system compatibility is fundamental for entrepreneurs who want to use the latest software and accessories so that their business can thrive. Arguably, Windows has been the clear winner of this competition for several years now because you can always rely on it to run whatever you need due its legacy software. Although Mac does have the ability some third party products, it’s still not quite on par with Windows as most manufacturers cater their products to work with them over Mac.
The truth is, that Mac and Windows have had a completely different place in the IT market when it comes to compatibility for a long time, but now there are more and more overlaps between the two. Nowadays you can always find Mac equivalents to Windows software, which makes them much more flexible. However, Windows is coming out on top in terms of compatibility as they have a longer running and wider range of software for businesses to choose from. There are also many packages there are only available on Windows PCs, which gives businesses a more options than a Mac.
Ease of Use
You want your employees to be able to use your computers confidently and effectively, so which one comes out on top?
Both Mac and Windows offer very different operating systems, so it’s very difficult to put them head to head. Apple has always been known for its slick and smooth software that most people can get a hang of using pretty quickly. However, there is something familiar and simple about using a Windows PC that many of us inherently have built into us.
In this case it depends entirely on the demographic of your workforce whether they prefer to use Windows or Mac for work purposes. You might find that one requires more training time than the other, so the cost effective solution would be to choose the model that poses less difficulties to your current employees.
Cost
It has to be said that Macs are much more expensive than Windows PCs. If your business is working on a tight budget, you’re going to want to steer clear of the hefty price tags that Apple put on their desktops, laptops and iPads. Although they would be most people’s first choice when it comes to leisure, it might not always be the most cost effective choice when you’re trying to make money as a business owner.
For many, cost can be the deciding factor as to which hardware they choose to implement into the day to day running of their business. A MacBook Pro would set you back up to £2000, whereas a PC with similar, if not more enhanced features would only be around £900 altogether. It would be virtually impossible to find a Mac at such as reasonable price, which is why many business owners are deterred by this option. Keeping on top of maintenance for Macs also comes at a price and you will usually pay more for the support of a Mac specialist that a PC expert.
On the other hand, a lot of people protest that you get what you pay for; the reason why Macs are so pricey is because they are built to a high standard and they are incredibly reliable. You also don’t need to upgrade Macs quite as often, which could make for a better long term investment.
Pros and Cons of Windows and Mac
Here is a brief summary of the advantages and disadvantages of using Windows or Mac:
Mac Pros
-They are very easy to use and adjust to as a new piece of hardware.
-The design is excellent and they are very well built.
-They are easier to protect from viruses and online threats.
-They are slick and sophisticated, which is good if your company needs to portray a specific vibe.
Mac Cons
-All in all, Macs are more expensive to buy outright and the official accessories such as chargers, ports and holders are pricey too.
Windows Pros
-Windows computers are relatively inexpensive for businesses to invest in.
-Employees are likely to be more familiar with the programmes and day to day usage.
Windows Cons
-They are potentially more prone to malware and viruses.
Mac and Windows Similarities
When it comes to Windows and Mac there are a few similarities which might be useful if you’re trying to decide between the two of them. The range of software tends to be quite similar for both, the email software and internet browsing is also much the same. It is also relatively to share files between systems using the cloud, which many businesses are choosing to use more and more regularly.
Conclusion
Arguably, the choice might sometimes come down to the image that the business wants to portray. As shallow as it sounds, many companies opt for a Mac due to its sleek and sophisticated vibe, rather than choosing windows. If that is what your business is all about, then it would be a no brainer as to which one you choose in the end. All in all, every business has different preferences and requirements that will help them to get their job done effectively. Finding the solution that makes your life easier should always be the end goal, no matter what the computer looks like.
It seems the jury is still out when it comes to choosing between Mac and Windows, simply because they both carry out functions that are advantageous to different companies. Now that cloud based solutions are becoming more and more popular, it is becoming less important as to which you choose. When you rely on cloud storage it doesn’t necessarily matter whether you’re using Mac or Windows as your hardware, because both will be able to store and recognise your saved work. As long as you have an internet connection and a web browser, you will be able to login and get your work done using the tools you need.
Overall, in terms of security and data protection, Mac might be the way to go. Whereas Windows offers more prolific legacy programs and products that might just contribute to success in your business.