Macs and Windows: Compatibility Issues - Essay Example

Audience analysis The following essay can be read and will be useful to readers, who are currently using any computers and importantly for prospective buyers. As this essay, discusses the two popular varieties of computer, it can be read by any computer users to get useful information. However, on the other hand, as the essay supports one variety of computer, it will be more helpful to the readers, who are using Mac Computer or in the process of buying a Mac Computer. That is, the information and comparison given in favor of Macs will aid Mac buyers to go for it.

ThesisWhile it is true that Windows has been ‘virally’ popular, the time has come for certain misconceptions about the Mac to be cleared up and how it will be a very good choice.Outline – I. IntroductionA. Two traditional feasible choices for personal and business computingII. Add It Up: Price and total cost of ownership (TCO)A. Costs less than or about the same as its Windows counterpartB. Mac comes bundled with softwareIII. Stability, Security and Reliability ConcernsA. OS X is most advanced, stable and secure OS, with good multimedia optionsB.

Windows OSs are bulky and mark for viruses and spyware in contrast to Macs.IV. Macs and Windows: Compatibility IssuesA. Apple Macs and MS Windows are compatibleV. ConclusionA. Apple Mac’s position as a high-end PC is unassailable. B. Mac certainly seems to have the edge.Which Is Better: The Windows PC or the Mac Computer?Can you compare apples with oranges? Both fruit would have supporters lauding the differences in inherent nutritive value, taste, and texture of each. When we compare an Apple Mac to a MS Windows PC, two traditional feasible choices for personal and business computing, though, the subjective should be thrown out of the window and the facts wisely considered.

While it is true that Windows has been ‘virally’ (pun intended!) popular, the time has come for certain misconceptions about the Mac to be cleared up and how it will be a very good choice.Add It Up: Price and total cost of ownership (TCO)The inevitable argument against the Mac is that it is more expensive than a Windows PC. While at times true, the fact is it often costs less than or about the same as its Windows counterpart. A Windows PC’s cost does not include multimedia software and hardware that you will need or want.

By buying the extras, you pay more than the cost of a Mac which comes bundled with software like iLife. Consider long-term savings: Macs have been proved to be less expensive to run than Windows. The reputable CIO magazine quoted an Enterprise Desktop Alliance survey as finding the total cost of ownership (TCO) with a Mac to be much lower than a Windows PC. “Macs were cheaper in six of seven computer management categories: troubleshooting, help desk calls, system configuration, user training and supporting infrastructure.

” (Kaneshige). Almost half the respondents reported licensing fees were about the same on both these platforms.Stability, Security and Reliability ConcernsIn 2002, Apple, introduced the OS X, an operating system (OS) based on UNIX. Specialists consider it one of the most advanced, stable and secure OSs available commercially. It is a multimedia sensation thanks to its architecture and graphics. Users find the OS X smart, agile and a delight to use. In comparison Windows OSs have been compared to bulky, lumbering giants plagued by crashes requiring restarts that cost time and money.

In Windows if you erroneously shift a folder or a file such as a program file or a driver, the system will inevitably crash. In contrast the OS X separates programs from one another, so if a program stops working, the others keep going. Windows has been a continuous mark for viruses and spyware in contrast to Macs.Macs and Windows: Compatibility IssuesTraditionally, Apple Macs and MS Windows have not been compatible, but this is not an issue any longer. You can now save MS Word documents in Pages, Apples word processor.

Mac also can run Linux-based OSs. The Apple Mac OS X is network compatible, sharing files and printers with MS Windows PCs. Contrary to popular perception, many software applications and devices are compatible with Apple Macs. ConclusionApple Inc’s demographics and market share have been touted as indicators of success, but these can be misleading. The truth is the Apple Mac’s position as a high-end PC for discerning users is unassailable. In the final analysis it is up to the potential buyer to make the final decision – thorough research into the rival products’ features and his or her own needs, as well as possibly comparing user experience with both before making the choice would be advisable, though the Mac certainly seems to have the edge.

Works CitedKaneshige, Tom. Are Macs Really Cheaper To Manage Than PCs? 8 March 2010. 25 October 2010http://www.cio.com/article/569163/Are_Macs_Really_Cheaper_To_Manage_Than_PCs_