Posted on 04/16/2009 10:19:04 AM PDT by Swordmaker
Ever since they started in the '80s, Apple's Mac operating system and Microsoft's Windows have followed different paths to attaining different goals. Windows went after market share; Mac focused on a seamless user experience. Beneath the superficial surface features, what are the real core differences between the two operating systems?
Ask a Mac OS X fan or a Windows fan what the difference is between the two operating systems, and the short answer might be something like, "The difference is, the one I use doesn't stink." That response may underscore the emotional pull an operating system has with a particular sort of computer user, but it is not very helpful for getting at the heart of the matter. The long answer involves understanding the soul of each OS.
A growing number computer users are finding favor with Mac OS X. What is it that makes up the real difference between OS X and Windows? The long answer goes well beyond the Dock, the Start Button, or other obvious surface features and appearance details that any user can easily see at first glance.
"Apple is second to none in user experience," Bill Gribbons told MacNewsWorld. Gribbons is director of the Master of Science in Human Factors in Information Design at Bentley University and senior consultant to the Bentley University Design and Usability Center. "They turned it into an art form. Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) 
approach to product design is what distinguishes them from Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) . Microsoft is not always focused on technology. It is not always a good experience for users and is not always easy to learn. It does not always fit the users' needs."
Certainly, both Microsoft's and Apple's operating systems have changed dramatically over the years.
The two systems share a common lineage, of sorts. Windows was released in 1985 and was at least inspired (if not copied) from the earliest Mac OS, which Microsoft had access to as a Mac software developer. Apple actually sued Microsoft in the 1980s for "borrowing" their ideas, according to Edward Shepard, marketing manager of Apple sales professional for Small Dog Electronics.
"Forward 25 years, and it can be argued that Microsoft borrowed many ideas for Vista's look and feel from Mac OS X. Likewise, Apple has also borrowed ideas from Windows over the years. The two OSes are like two competitive, wealthy cousins from different sides of a single family tree," Shepard told MacNewsWorld.
From these entwined origins, the two systems embarked on different paths and gathered families of followers either born into the fold or converted to it. For instance, Apple has emphasized the seamless integration of software and hardware, as well as a core focus on graphical feedback. Windows was designed as a licensed product to run on thousands of different computer models produced by dozens of companies around the world, according to Shepard.
Apple's approach made it easier for developers to assure compatibly and reliability. However, it has also limited the size of Apple's user base, which stood at about 30 million users in early 2008, Shepard noted.
Meanwhile, Microsoft emphasized getting as large a user base as possible for Windows. Now, somewhere around 90 percent of computer users run Windows. On a global scale, having a dominant OS probably helped facilitate mass adoption of personal computers. On the other hand, it also made Windows an attractive and easy target for viruses, Trojans, worms, and other computer attacks, he added.
These two paths followed distinctively different design passions, and it's in the design that the essence of their souls emerge.
Mac OS X has a restrained, coolly calculating soul that effectively handles its business, though perhaps doesn't always tell you about everything on its mind. As a human, Mac OS X would be an efficient, dedicated concierge that smoothly does his job, albeit with an air of quiet superiority. Windows has an aggressive, do-it-all soul, but often huffs and puffs to remind you it's working hard (even if it's for your benefit). As a human, Windows would be a sweaty middle manager stomping around the office, reliable enough and "surprisingly good at karaoke," quipped Shepard.
Peeling back the trappings of each OS unveils a closer glimpse at the architectural differences that separate Mac and Windows systems. At the root of the architecture lies the core programming.
"Windows was built around networking. Its foundation is on highly modifiable DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries) to support many applications and a registry file for multiple configurations. On the Mac side, the OS is based on Unix, Mach and the Apple OS structure," Gene Spafford, professor in the department of computer sciences at Purdue University, told MacNewsWorld.
Mach is an operating system microkernel Carnegie Mellon University developed to support operating system research. The basis of the Mac OS X is still the core built by Carnegie Mellon.
Windows' design set led to the growth of an OS that was full of tweeks. The Windows of today evolved from the NT/Windows 2000 structure. It facilitated drag-and-drop convenience and easy-to-install applications, Spafford explained. In contrast, the Mac OS seldom put in a shared library to install applications.
Instead, the Mac uses permissions like Unix. No large-scale system management is needed. The result: When something installs on an Apple computer, the user knows it. The installation cannot happen silently.
Another difference is that most configuration settings on the Mac are in plain text. There is no arcane registry setting like in Windows, and the kernel stays minimal.
"This is the overall Mac philosophy of how things get added in. Microsoft extended the design to add to the kernel," Spafford said.
Both the Mac and Windows operating systems are inherently different today than their earlier generations. Apple had a shift in technology that brought an end to the single-threaded OS that was similar to DOS (Disk Operating System), according to Spafford. Windows designers began peeling away the DOS core upon which the Windows GUI (graphical user interface) was applied with the migration to Windows XP.
Similarly, Mac OS 9 was creaking under the load. Steve Jobs, who at this point had returned to head up Apple once again, changed the operating system to make the OS X into a new design, explained Spafford.
"What was novel was its ability to seamlessly emulate OS 9 running under OS X, much like VMware (NYSE: VMW) functions today. This enabled users to switch over without losing their software. The new version strengthened Unix as the underlying kernel," he said.
One of the main aspects of the Mac soul is the connection its designers have with Mac users. Gribbons, who specializes in studying how people interact with systems, describes Mac developers as having a deep, intimate understanding of what people want and value.
"Apple maps the system design to whatever product they do to that model. Apple always feels like a user's best friend," said Gribbons.
With Apple, users enjoy a carefully orchestrated experience that is not accidental. From the way it is marketed, sold, packaged and supported, it is designed to be seamless.
"You don't see that from Microsoft," he said.
However, this approach almost brought doom to Apple, noted Gribbons. At one point, the company almost went out of business because of it, he said.
"The systems didn't seem serious. They were expensive. There were delays in getting to the market. They wanted to get it perfect, but the market didn't demand this. On the other hand, Microsoft got its products to the market more quickly, and they were good enough. This is how Microsoft captured the market share," Gribbons said.
Addressing this conundrum was part of the soul searching that Mac developers did to salvage the Mac OS from itself. For much of the 1990s and up until about the last five years, the product was almost too good, he explained. Consumers were really buying too much product, and the price point was way above that of Windows-based products.
Differences abound in the two systems, but both can do essentially the same things, according to Fernando Machado, who has a decade of experience running a computer maintenance and service business and is a computer expert on JustAnswer.com.
"Windows is better for gaming due to the large amount of games that are available for it. Mac, however, has better overall security and is less prone to attackers," he told MacNewsWorld.
The differences in OS design reflect a clear distinction in what attracts the user base. For instance, the Mac is designed more for graphical and multimedia functions and tends to run better than Windows doing so. Windows, however, is much better with statistical applications as well as office applications. It also seems that Windows is easier for the user to customize, Machado explained.
Windows is designed to be a do-it-all-at-any cost OS, which has its benefits and complications, Shepard added. For example, there are six versions of Windows Vista, and there will be six versions of Windows 7, all listed at different prices. In contrast, Apple simply sells one fully loaded version of OS X for one price (US$129). This version even includes Boot Camp for installing Windows on a Mac if desired.
"The biggest difference between the two goes back to their origins. Windows tries to be everything to everyone, is phenomenally successful, but has a history of security vulnerabilities, peripheral incompatibilities (ironically enough), and upgrade confusion. Apple still has a more restrained consumer focus, still controls the design and engineering of its hardware and software, competes hard in some demographics but is content letting others go. Thus, it has a smaller user base," Shepard summarized.
All things considered, the two OSes are starting to become quite similar, according to Mike Palumbo, an IT specialist for the Center for Instructional Technology at Eastern Connecticut State University.
Most OS preference these days is driven by the same brand loyalty that divides Ford and Chevy owners and Coke and Pepsi drinkers, he said -- and the arguments that ensue are often the equivalent of "Tastes Great! vs. Less Filling!"
In recent years, both companies have learned from each other and incorporated each other's ideas. Windows has become more user friendly and more slick in its design, while Apple has included functional features and control options that were previously unavailable, according to Palumbo.
"Apple makes a lot of assumptions about what you want control over and makes a lot of decisions for you, and that's great for the majority of the users. Windows gives the user more control and more options, and by virtue of that, more opportunity to mess it up," Palumbo told MacNewsWorld.
Windows designers are catering to an audience that likes to look under the hood and shift manually. The average user can still drive it, but the enthusiast can really tweak it if they desire, he explained. Windows designers have made it possible for IT pros to completely control every aspect of how the computer is used by the employee.
"Apple designs its interface and even the outward hardware to appeal for people who appreciate design. It's slick, shiny and expensive, not unlike buying a sports car," said Palumbo.
If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.
Windows has had its share of miscarriages but I’ve never used a better operating system than (fully patched) Windows XP.
Of course I did have alot of fun with DOS growing up ... ah good old warcraft.exe
Let’s just say a lot more thought and effort went into coding OS X than with Windows. While neither is perfect, I give nods to OS X and this is from a person using XP. Though, I have heard good things about Windows 7 (what Vista should have been).
Easy the Mac OS works well all the time ( that’s my home system). My office computer (Windows yuk) comes and goes, randomly decides to wander around on its on. Makes ridiculous decisions about whether I can install stuff. It is junk and I hate it. Unfortunately, when the “cost” is calculated NO ONE at the home office EVER includes the cost of my time to screw around with this machine to keep it working.
As an IT manager and a user, I’ve always liked and supported the IBM architecture although the 512k 8086 machines left a lot to be desired.
The enterprise I supports uses Windows and Linux servers.
I’d like to get my hand on a decent MAC; one of the developers I worked with at my last job had a MAC book that booted XP and Windows 2003 faster than the native machines.
The thing I dislike about the MAC is I don’t need a lifestyle, I need a computer.
I did love the commercial from many years ago where a guy is giving a presentation to a packed audience and his machine crashed. From the audience you hear things like, “Edit your config.sys or autoexec.bat”. The last comment was, “Get a MAC”.
Did Unix learn to shoot from a rap video???
What’s with the Mac obesession? Seriously, seek help.
Mac users are like the betamax users of old, they just know it will make a comeback and take over the world.
Out biggest hope is that the Applebores will all commit suicide the day Steve Jobs dies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BnLbv6QYcA
Please note newscaster’s final comment.
“..and the kernel stays minimal”
LOL! It’s amamzing what passes ass “minimal” these days..
PC’s suck
They have juvenile ambitions. A computer is a tool, nothing more. I think this mental midget is related to Mac sales somehow and this is nothing but advertising. Imagine if a mechanic on FR kept posting advertisements about Mac tools or Snap-On all the time? Maybe that’s what I should do. For every Mac computer thread I should hijack it and post about Mac tools.
Windows7 will put OSX in a hammer lock it will never get out of. Between this and the new clone maker from Germany Steve Jobs will have a full plate the day he returns
New Mac Clone Maker Appears in Germany
New Mac Clone Maker Appears in Germany. Wednesday February 4, 2009. A German company has started selling a new Macintosh clone called the PearC.
Over 350 of your fellow Freepers have asked me to keep them posted on issues relating to Macs.I do it. What is your compulsion to enter Mac threads you are not interested in and start throwing mud?
After 8 years on a PC, then 10 years on a Mac, I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment.
“What’s with the Mac obesession? Seriously, seek help.”
Use a Mac, and you will understand.
Jeez, that sounds creepy.
Windows 7 is just a new coat of lipstick on the old pig "NT"
Resistance is fruitile. You will be assimacillated.
If you Windows trolls don't like threads on Macs, ignore them. Don't feel obligated to enter these threads and vent your poisonous bile against 350 of your fellow Freepers and others who are interested, just because we have made an informed decision to use a computer that you don't like. After all "it's just a tool."
“Jeez, that sounds creepy.”
LOL. I should have said - play Warcraft on a Mac, and you will understand.
:)
Good grief. Just use whatever works best for whatever you're doing at the time. I use both ...depending on the task.
I own zero Apple computers but I often see Freepers posting how their life is now easier with a Mac
A lot easier than with Windows machines
I'll bet that much of their reason for going Mac is what they read on Free Republic
I know I've learnt a tremendous amount here about computers
See my post #26 if you please
It will run 0SX off the road
My advice is unload AAPL now while the market is up
Personally, I have always believed that Mac betrayed the computer revolution by going proprietary instead of sticking with the principle of open architecture.
My MacBookpro I’m using has but OSX and XP on it. I can run both at once if I want to. I’m curious about your “lifestyle” commnet? What exactly do you mean? My lifestyle is no different than anyone elses?
Ah, this may be the thread that will save me. I want to upgrade my Power Mac G4 Cube to Mac OS Tiger, but Im afraid it will wipe my hard drive. Do yo know if it will? What should I do?
Keep predicting, you may be right eventually.
I’ve wondered tht myself? Some of us that use macs like to read about what is going on and don’t tend to read too much techincal news.Should we all start crashing all of the virus warning posts and snicker?
Thank you. You’ve been officially removed from the Troll roll.
I posted #26 without ever seeing your “troll list” post so it was not an attempt to ingratiate, but my honest assessment of Mac threads here and computer threads here
Your Mac threads have gotten some Freepers to switch to Apple so you are educating people
I agree. What I learned from FR threads caused me to switch OSs, several years ago.
Why do people capitalize “Mac” to “MAC?” MAC is an abbreviation for Media Access Control, a unique identifying number for networking equipment. Mac is short for MacIntosh, which is the name of Apple’s computer line.
The “lifestyle” thing refers to a belief that Apple sells computers, iPods, iPhones, and Apple TVs because they’re promoting some sort of “Apple lifestyle.” It’s a ridiculous belief, akin to saying Dell is trying to sell a “Dell lifestyle” because they sell branded PCs, displays, phones, music players, etc. The comment also has a partial basis in the (false) belief that Apple users are overwhelmingly liberal, homosexual, or both.
Sounds painful!
Re: your G4 Cube
You won’t have to wipe your hard drive, but how much space do you have left on your HD? Are you upgrading from OS 9?
Yes, OS9. I don’t know how much is left on the HD, but I have screenplays I’m terrified will get wiped with the upgrade.
Yes, OS9. I don’t know how much is left on the HD, but I have screenplays I’m terrified will get wiped with the upgrade.
__________________________
You absolutely must put a duplicate copy of this material on an external USB hard drive before doing anything. Maybe an 8gb USB flash drive will even hold it all
Can that thing write CDs? Back it up on CD if you can
Thanks, Sweetie, I was gonna burn copies of everything if I had too. Guess I have to. Thanks again.
No problem :)
Everything you want to backup will probably fit on one CD
If you spent 100 or more hours writing this materiel then you cannot gamble on not losing it when you upgrade the OS
I am only saying to you what I have done myself
Your upgrade may go 100% smoothly but I would still backup just in case
I don’t know the various Apple OS but I know the Windows OS since Windows95
***And be sure to verify the CD you make***
After burning it put it into computer and see if everything you want (screenplays etc) can be read
The Tiger install disk won’t wipe out your existing data on your G4 Cube, unless you select the install option to do so! As mentioned on a few reply threads, it’s always a real good time to backup any data you have before a major upgrade. Burning a few DVD’s or copying your data to some external storage is cheap insurance.
I think the Tiger install will even examine the disk to see if there is sufficient free space before it commences the install. If you want to save some space, when you start the install, you can select the ‘customize’ button and leave out some items from the default installation. For example, by default, the installation will include a bunch of foreign language translations. Unless you like to run your system in German, French, etc, you can leave them out.
Also, numerous printer drivers are installed for all kinds of possible printers. If you know you are going to stick with one brand of printer, like HP, you can limit installed printer drivers to HP. (You can always go back and add in any extra language options or printer drivers at a later date if you find you need them).
That G4 Cube, by the way, is becoming a bit of a collector’s item. It was a beautiful minimalist design at the time.
Great, why don’t you post the whole OSI model. This is what I mean by lifestyle. If I had written pc, no one would say no it’s P.C or whatever the correct acronym is anyway. In short, we don’t care.
One thing a pc user can do that a mac user can’t:
http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=macs_cant
Caution, language.
If you don’t care, why are you posting in the first place?
Meanwhile, there is such a thing as correct terminology.
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