windows versus iOS operating systems

Hi Everyone,
This may be an odd discussion to start since it is a PC forum, but I wonder what you all think about the pro s and cons of Windows versus iOS operating systems?

Which system to you feel is superior and why?

I ask because we're in the market for a new desktop computer this year, and a friend is pushing apple products.

All in all I am happy w Windows (and w my android phone) but so many online tech magazines tout the wonders of Macs. I am trying to be open minded.

Also, while I am on the subject, just how difficult is it to adapt to iOS from Windows?

Thanks for your opinions!

Sue

 

I think you meant OS X. iOS is used on iPads and iPhones. Before I go further, can you verify you meant OS X?

 

Well, there you go! Proof of how little I know about operating systems. My bad. Yes, I mean OS X.

 

I'll try to be as non-biased as possible.

For developer usage, OS X is superior. This is because on a Mac you can run literally any OS to target any programming language or development environment (including Windows).

For consumer usage, Windows is superior when it comes to application ecosystem. There are more applications available for Windows, especially freeware. That said, Windows 8/8.1 has turned a lot of people off. That alone may make you want to look at OS X. It is best to try both in this case and see which you like more.

Getting used to OS X can be a little daunting if you are coming from Windows. Not because it is more difficult, but because it is different. Unlike Windows, applications share a unified menu bar system at the top of the screen. Your active application will determine which menu bar is present. On top of that, closing applications with the "x" in the top right as we often do with Windows, does not exist in OS X. First, all those buttons are located on the left, and the "x" merely closes the window of the application and (usually) does not quit it. So it is very easy to rack up a whole ton of open applications even though you think they are shut down. OS X does have good memory management to handle this though (Windows does a well). Ctrl keyboard shortcuts in Windows typically work in OS X by using the command key instead. There is no delete key in OS X, despite the keyboards calling it as such. Hitting the delete key works as backspace in OS X. It takes a bit to get used to. OS X is typically more keyboard shortcut oriented than Windows, and they can be customized. Renaming things is not as straightforward as Windows, where you simply right click and rename. In OS X, you click the name of the file or folder and rename it that way. Windows uses Explorer to move around the file system, where as OS X uses Finder. They are comparable to each other, so if you know one, you will be able to adapt to the other. Networking is superior in OS X. Net crawl has always been an issue for Windows.

Also keep in mind that you will be spending more money for (if they exist) replacing all your Windows apps for OS X. There really isn't any "wonders" persay, it is just a fun OS to use and it is very...pretty. As an entire package, it is not more capable than Windows (aside from the developer aspects). Sure, it gets less (not none!) malware and viruses than Windows, but this has been changing as it gains more popularity. Safe computing practices in Windows will keep you virus and malware free too. Also, keep in mind that the legit way of using OS X (the only way I will discuss) is by using an Apple computer (which are very limited on upgradability). Uninstalling applications for OS X can be done three ways: By dragging the application to the trash (bad idea), using the launchpad to uninstall (limited support), or using an uninstaller. So really, Windows beats uninstalling applications in my opinion. People think SO X uninstalls cleanly, but it usually leaves as much, if not more crud behind than Windows. OS upgrades are limited by machine age in OS X, but they are typically less expensive than Windows (19.99 or free).

If you are a fan of buying apps online and/or downloading them vs. physical media, the iTunes store is superior to Windows counterparts:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7oJ5gpEt-Y8/UuVf4HPPQ7I/AAAAAAAABxk/PV0C7weaXXE/w830-h467-no/Screenshot+2014-01-26+12.19.27.png


Let me know if you have any specific questions, as I use OS X and can answer any you have.

I can honestly say that while I enjoy using OS X more, it has also caused me more aggravations than Windows.

 

Thank you Adrynalyne for your detailed reply!

My husband is a little spooked because he accidentally downloaded an ask toolbar when he could not read a pdf file. (A pop up suggested a pdf reader download) It was my fault; I’d uninstalled adobe and didn’t tell him about the Sumatra software I’d added. Ask also redirected his homepage. We had an incident over the holidays with a malware redirect virus on my laptop on the ShowTime website of all places (which your forum was instrumental in helping me expunge!) His main reason for considering OS X is that he (and his friend) think a mac would be safer. He is borderline incompetent and proud of it. I don’t love sharing my pc with him, but that’s another issue!

We are not developers, we are consumers. And as a consumer, I have always held disdain for I tunes. I don’t find it user friendly. The app store is nice, though...
I love my android phone and fool around w apps there, but try to keep the pc for work and web browsing, email, etc.
I am not much for keyboard short cuts, am addicted to my right click of the mouse. I work on and rename word docs daily. I highlight text quite often, move and delete. Etc. My system for finding all these documents is somewhat scattered, but it is a system! I enjoy my delete key. I like WORD 2013. I am OK with Windows 8.1, have adapted to finding the C drive and program files and such. I’m sure I could adapt to a mac but I’m not sure if the lure and beauty of it is worth it.

I have a few more qs:
I read that one can connect a windows mouse and use it. I assume I could also connect a different keyboard than that apple keyboard?
Is the OS X office system comparable to WORD?
What is net crawl?

Thank you again for your time!

Sue

 

Hi Sue,

1. For the most part yes, you can interchange mice and keyboards. You will want to check with the manufacturer. One thing you wouldn't want is a windows keyboard on a Mac.

2. Yes, if you get Office 2011 (latest as of this post). If you go with iWork suite it starts to deviate quite a bit.

3. Its when Windows polls the network looking for other machines and network as shares.

Sounds like a tough decision on which OS to choose. OSX will solve your husband's malware issues but as you said, it might not be worth the change.

 

Thank you again!
Sue