Features Comparison Between Mac Os and Windows 7 Os (Essay Sample)

Mac OS vs Windows 7
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Introduction
Windows and Mac OS are the two most popular operating systems that are available. There has been a continuous rivalry between these two operating systems that began when Apple released Macintosh in 1984, and Microsoft released Windows the year that followed. This is when the door to technology opened and people entered into a new era of computer generation. Since then, numerous information have been provided from different sources comparing one operating system to another. Mac OS has its own set of pros and cons, but it shares many of the core features necessary for defining a computer operating system with windows 7. Mac OS was the first operating system produced by MS built on the Windows NT architecture (Pogue, 2007). This paper explores Mac OS in terms of current industry trend, pros and cons, then compares and contrasts it to Windows 7.
General Overview
Mac computers overall last longer than Windows PCs. However, one of the most basic cons for Mac OS compared to windows is that it is expensive. For example the MacBook Pro of 13 inches cost $1000 while 17 inches Sony VAIO used in windows costs $500. Notwithstanding, quality of materials in the MacBook are durable and outstanding. They are made of aluminum which makes them thinner, lighter and more durable unlike the plastic cases from the most Windows computers (Hunsicker, 2002). Mac OS and Windows 7 differs in the software that run on them in terms of their functionality. One of example is Microsoft office for Windows which contains more features and functionalities compared to Office for Mac version (Murray, 2012).
User Interface
Design of the UI is a big differentiator between Mac and Windows operating systems as each of them has its own attraction. OSX has a dock, where documents and open programs as well as a quick launch type interface is located. The UI for mac OS X is driven by a bar at the top of the display and common commands are shared between applications. Mac OS also has a simple and easy-to-use interface which is impeccable for Technophobic, Geeks and kids alike. It's powerful enough for a programmer and easy enough for the home user. In addition, Mac offers better graphics, which makes many designers to appreciate it. Last but not the least, one usually gets a free update whenever a newer version is launched (Pogue, 2007).
On the other hand, Windows 7 has as a Start Menu, where its applications and common settings are located. It also has a taskbar where the user can open programs from or pin programs. The taskbar is where programs stack when more than one application or program is open. Windows 7 like Mac OS presents a significantly redesigned and much user friendly graphical user interface. One can also manage their photos using faces organize feature and organize them using places add keywords (Murray, 2012).
Security
Mac OS X offers a multilayered system of defenses against viruses and malware or other malicious applications. For example, a technique called "sandboxing prevents hackers from harming your programs. Mac has its own perks which involves the collection of multi-touch gestures. It offers a hard disk encryption feature which is very useful for securing personal information (Hunsicker, 2002).
Windows 7 security incorporates features such as user account control system which is more intrusive in discerning what constitutes a true computer threat. The operating system also entails software restriction features such as AppLocker to control or limit software that can run on a machine. Windows 7 uses networking security to combat viruses and provide network stability. Features such as BitLocker To Go extends full-disk encryption of BitLocker on external hard drives and handling of firewalls (Murray, 2012).
Performance
Mac OS is fairly quicker than in terms of boot time compared to Windows 7. Mac OS has a simpler means of accessing between workstations than Windows. With Windows 7 however, the methods of setting up other network devices is easier because it provides the functionality of setting up a network via the network wizard that has been installed in the program. This a very useful tool for inexperienced users (Microsoft, 2012).
One disadvantage of Mac OS is that it is incompatible with all Windows applications. It is also not compatible with all the new good stuff like games, periphery and others. Mac OS X is tailored to certain hardware configurations, so it does not support most of the hardware on a computer other than those of a Mac and it also does not boot on them. One of the good things with Windows is that it contains a lot of software as opposed to Macintosh. Mac OS has a feature called "Finder" where the user can search from all of their files which works really good contrary to Windows. For Windows, there are tons of games where one can buy in the stores which is different for Mac OS which is harder to find games (Hunsicker, 2002).
Programming Capabilities
Mac OS and Windows 7 both support several ways of computer programming. The first way is use of the scripting language that utilizes shell scripts. The second way is by use of a high-level programming language in the development of applications. Whichever method selected, the capability to program translates into a better experience is determined by the user use th...