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So you’re trying to choose between a Windows PC or an Apple Mac. Or maybe you’re just curious to see what a Mac can do better than a Windows PC.
Oct 15, 2018 - If you're running Windows 8.1, Windows 10 v1511 and v1607, or Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan), you can continue to run and install previous. Following these instructions will install Windows 10 on your Mac in a dual-boot configuration, meaning you'll have the option to choose which operating system (Windows 10 or Mac OS) to use each.
Indeed, there are lots of things that a Mac computer from Apple can do better than a Windows PC. Oh, for sure, there are lots of good things about Windows PCs, when you put them up against a Mac. Right now, though, we’re talking about reasons to buy a Mac over a PC. Come back soon, though, for an argument the other way.
Check out 10 reasons why you should by a Mac instead of a Windows PC:
10 reasons to get an Apple Mac instead of a Windows PC slides
10 reasons to get an Apple Mac instead of a Windows PC slides
1. Macs are easier to buy.
There are fewer models and configurations of Mac computers to choose from than there are Windows PCs — if only because only Apple makes Macs and anyone can make a Windows PC.Certain PC brands can have dozens of computers for sale, under the same (or similar) product names and model numbers. Unless you really know what to look for, picking a Windows PC can be daunting, especially if you’re browsing on sites like Amazon.But if you just want a good computer and don’t want to do a ton of research, Apple makes it easier for you to pick. Just pick one that matches your budget and it’ll do great for you.Apple2. Mac computers are easier to get repaired.
There are lots of places to bring a Windows PC to get repairs, but you mostly need to figure that out on your own: Different places have different prices, and you’ll need to find one with a good reputation too.Meanwhile, nothing beats simply bringing a computer to the Apple Store, where the „Genius Bar“ will take care of you. I’m speaking from my own experience, where I’ve had to bring both Windows PCs and Macs to get repaired, and it’s always been easier to get my Macs repaired.Business Insider3. Apple macOS can be simpler to use, but that depends on personal preference.
Windows 10 is a fantastic operating system with tons of features and functionality, but it can be a little cluttered. Apple macOS, the operating system formerly known as Apple OS X, offers a comparatively clean and simple experience.Florence Fu/Tech Insider4. The Apple ecosystem.
The Apple ecosystem is hard to beat. Combined with a Mac, devices like the iPhone, AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, HomePods, and Apple TV, offer some kind of useful integration that makes certain things seamless and easy. So far, no other company or ecosystem has come close to the easy and smooth integration between Apple’s home-built devices.Apple6. You might not want these free apps, but they're nowhere near as offensive as the 'bloatware' that comes with most Windows PCs.
Windows PCs are often preloaded with a ton of so-called bloatware. These can be third-party apps you don’t want or need, and clutter up your system.Even if you buy a fresh copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft, it’ll come with apps and games like Candy Crush Saga, which devalues the look and feel of Windows — in my opinion, anyway. You can always remove that bloatware, but the fact that it’s there in the first place leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.The preloaded software on Macs might not be everyone’s choice, either, but at least it’s less offensive.Business Insider7. New versions of macOS are always free.
Whenever Apple releases a new version of its operating system, it’s freely available to download and install on any Mac that supports it.Windows 10 gets free updates, too, on a twice-a-year schedule.But if you’re using an older version of Windows, including the still popular Windows 7, or the more recent Windows 8 or 8.1, you’re going to have to pay $120 or so to get current on Windows 10.While Microsoft did offer that upgrade for free for the first year or so after Windows 10 came out, that time is long over.Business Insider8. Most Mac laptops have beautiful displays.
Macs have beautiful „Retina“ displays that are sharp and vibrant. Windows laptops can also come with great displays, some of which are even sharper or better overall, but you have to really hunt through the great many models available to find one with a sharp screen.That said, if a nice display is on your checklist, avoid the cheaper, lighter MacBook Air laptop. It uses Apple’s older displays that are nowhere near as nice as the more recent Retina models.Hollis Johnson/Business Insider9. Mac laptops have the best trackpads.
Few, if any, Windows laptops have mouse trackpads that are even close to the trackpads on Apple’s laptops. Any MacBook has a responsive mouse trackpad that just feels right. Windows trackpads can be unreliable and occasionally uncomfortable to the touch.Apple10. You can run Windows on Macs if you want.
If you want all the benefits of a Mac but need Windows for certain situations, you can install Microsoft’s operating system on your Mac. Meanwhile, you can’t run macOS on anything other than a Mac computer from Apple.You could always build your own „Hackintosh“ out of available PC parts, but I wouldn’t really advise it. You’re limited in what parts you can use, and installing/updating macOS on a Hackintosh is a pain.YouTube/Parallels
Is your Mac up to date with the latest version of the Mac operating system (macOS or OS X)? Is it using the version required by some product or feature? Which versions are earlier (older) or later (newer, more recent) than the version currently installed? To find out, learn which version is installed now.
If your macOS isn't up to date, you may be able to update to a later version.
Which macOS version is installed?
From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You'll see the macOS name, such as macOS Mojave, followed by its version number. If some product or feature requires you to know the build number as well, click the version number to see it.
This example shows macOS Catalina version 10.15 build 19A583.
Which macOS version is the latest?
These are all Mac operating systems, starting with the most recent. When a major new macOS is released, it gets a new name, such as macOS Catalina. And as updates that change the macOS version number become available, this article is updated to show the latest version of that macOS.
If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar, and Photos.
macOS | Latest version |
---|---|
macOS Catalina | 10.15.2 |
macOS Mojave | 10.14.6 |
macOS High Sierra | 10.13.6 |
macOS Sierra | 10.12.6 |
OS X El Capitan | 10.11.6 |
OS X Yosemite | 10.10.5 |
OS X Mavericks | 10.9.5 |
OS X Mountain Lion | 10.8.5 |
OS X Lion | 10.7.5 |
Mac OS X Snow Leopard | 10.6.8 |
Mac OS X Leopard | 10.5.8 |
Mac OS X Tiger | 10.4.11 |
Mac OS X Panther | 10.3.9 |
Mac OS X Jaguar | 10.2.8 |
Mac OS X Puma | 10.1.5 |
Mac OS X Cheetah | 10.0.4 |
Learn more
- Always use the macOS that came with your Mac, or a compatible newer version.
- Learn how to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery.