APPLE VS MICROSOFT

Operating Systems

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  The operating system is the main difference separating Apple and Microsoft computers. Apple in 2009 introduced its operating system called Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. In 2009, Microsoft offered the operating system called Microsoft Windows Vista. However, Microsoft had announced plans for release of the Windows 7 operating system.

  Microsoft releases its operating systems in different levels. For example, you could buy Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate. Each different version of Vista has more features. Also, Microsoft sells upgraded operating system software which allows will allow you to upgrade your current Windows operating system for a somewhat lower price.

  Apple releases their operating systems in one basic level. For example, the operating system Snow Leopard is only available in one version. This version gives Mac users all the software Apple offers in terms of an operating system.

  Microsoft and Apple operating systems are distinctly different. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Hardware

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  The second major difference between Apple computers and Microsoft computers is the hardware.

  Microsoft is really not a computer at all. It is a software corporation and distributor. Microsoft sells its operating system, Microsoft Windows, to computer manufacturers around the world. Some common computers that would be considered "Microsoft computers" are Dell, Gateway, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Sony, and Hewlett-Packard. These companies distribute their hardware (the computer itself) with Microsoft's Windows operating system.

  Apple has a different approach to hardware. Rather then being a software only company, Apple chooses to manufacture its own hardware as well. The big thing about this is that Apple does not allow anyone to use its operating system unless it is on a Mac computer, which they distribute. If a Mac operating system, such as Snow Leopard, is run on any other computer besides an Apple, chances are that it is illegal pirated software.

Software

• Another major difference between Apple computers and computers using Microsoft Windows is software. Software for Apple is completely different from Microsoft software. For the most part, software is not backward compatible with both operating systems. Things such as file types, file extensions and deep code within software are all different.

  Currently, Microsoft does have an advantage when it comes to software compatibility. You will often times see software that is available for Microsoft computers but not Mac. However, you will rarely see major software that is compatible with Mac but not PCs. However, more companies have been releasing Mac versions of their software.

Components, Accessories, and Devices

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  One thing that Apple does allow, is for outside companies to manufacture compatible accessories, components and devices. So, if you were looking at buying an Apple computer, know that there are a ton of accessories that you can buy for your computer. For example, mice and keyboards from just about any company will work with Mac computers.

  Microsoft computers have always had numerous options for outside components, accessories and devices.