The Mac vs. PC debate is one of the most controversial topics when it comes to computers. This page gives an overall comparison between computers running Apple's macOS and those running Microsoft Windows. We are looking to help users who are interested in buying a new computer, not dictating which brand is the 'best.'
Security
Mac - Traditionally, Macs have had fewer security vulnerabilities. Also, in overall numbers, Macs receive fewer viruses than PCs running Windows. However, these numbers can be misleading as Apple's computers only account for less than 10% of the market share. Consequently, PCs show that they have more vulnerabilities, but if one were looking to infect or illegally access the most computers, PCs are the best target.
PC - More people today are using computers running some version of Microsoft Windows, which makes it a smarter target for attackers. That being said, Windows computers have had more security vulnerabilities than Apple computers in the past.
Bottom line: Mac wins in this category. While newer versions of Windows have made significant improvements in security, most malware is created for PCs. Therefore, you're less likely to run into security issues with a Mac.
Price
Mac - Although many people may argue that 'you get what you pay for,' compared to a PC, a Mac computer, along with its peripherals, is far more expensive from a dollar to performance perspective. That being said, Mac computers are well built with high-quality components, whereas some PCs are not.
Battery life is something to consider if you are looking to buy a Mac laptop for programming. Programmers complain that Xcode eats a lot of battery, so expect to be using the charger. Mac vs PC Comparison – Whether to Buy Mac Or PC. Once upon a time there was a clear and well defined divide or distinction between PC and Mac users. Those who needed a computer bought a Windows PC and those who had money bought a MacBook – It was that simple! However, currently the imaginary line between Windows PC and Mac is fading, mostly.
PC - Many PCs, including their peripherals, are far less expensive than a Mac. They are especially cheaper when it comes to customization of the computer's components.
Bottom line: PC wins this category when comparing all computers and hardware. If you compare only high-end hardware, a PC can be nearly as expensive in some cases.
Operating system
Comparing the operating system is like comparing apples and oranges. Both macOS and Windows 10 are clean, fast, highly capable operating systems. In this category, it comes down to personal preference and the user's specific needs.
Bottom line: Tie, as it depends on the user's preferences.
NoteWindows is put onto PCs by multiple manufacturers, most of which add some form of bloatware. But, it is removable and doesn't mean Windows 10 is an inferior operating system. However, an Apple user has never had to deal with bloatware.
TipMac users can utilize Boot Camp to run Windows on their Mac. PC users can also install Linux on their computer and use it in conjunction with Windows or as an alternative to Windows.
Software
The number of software titles for Mac has grown over the years. However, Windows dominates the computer software market, especially when it comes to gaming. Developers are more likely to create software for PCs because of its much larger user base. Furthermore, there are hundreds of free programs available for PC that are not available for Mac.
Bottom line: PC wins this category in the overall availability of software and free programs. However, keep in mind that most of the bigger, popular applications, like Microsoft Office products and Adobe products (e.g., Photoshop), are available for both PC and Mac.
Ecosystem
Mac - Apple has created a strong ecosystem with Apple products, like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Purchasing an Apple computer helps you interact with other Apple products more easily using macOS.
![Mac Or Pc For Programming Mac Or Pc For Programming](/uploads/1/1/8/3/118353671/751117244.jpg)
PC - Microsoft has a strong ecosystem with Microsoft Office and the Xbox. However, they no longer have any mobile solutions and must rely on Android devices. Also, because there are so many different manufacturers, their ecosystem is not as cohesive as Apple's.
Bottom line: Mac wins this category for anyone who already has Apple products.
Build quality
Mac - Macintosh computers are known for their exceptional quality across their entire line, including both laptops and desktops. Macs offer a very compact profile regardless of form factor and are aesthetically pleasing.
NoteBest Programming Language For Mac
Although Apple is known for its quality, there are plenty of examples where Apple has made mistakes. For example, recent Apple MacBooks have had a lot of issues with their keyboards.
PC - PCs have always been highly customizable, from cases to internal components. As such, there are many different levels of build quality. Therefore, while you can get very high-quality components for a PC, you can also get those that are of poor quality.
Bottom line: Mac wins this category - but situationally. While the quality of PC components can be as high as an Apple, we're comparing the overall quality of all PCs.
Customization and upgrades
Mac - Apple computers may be customized with several options. All their computers come pre-built and are only manufactured by Apple.
PC - PCs have more pre-built options due to a higher number of manufacturers. Furthermore, for those who want to build a computer, the options for customization are exponentially higher.
Bottom line: PC wins this category.
Boot time
Bottom line: Traditionally, Macs were faster to boot up than PCs. However, with the release of Windows 10, PC boot times have decreased dramatically. In some cases, Windows 10 performs faster than macOS. That being said, these differences are negligible when comparing computers with similar hardware. The single biggest component in reducing boot time is the type of hard drive a computer uses. Both Macs and PCs have SSDs available to them, but those who build PCs have much faster options.
Bottom line: Tie when comparing a Mac and PC with the latest operating systems and similar hardware. However, a PC can be built with faster or slower hardware that increases or decreases the boot time.
Drivers
Mac - Mac has an advantage because Apple is the sole manufacturer of these computers and most of the hardware. Consequently, Apple can control and maintain most of their drivers.
PC - PCs are built by many different manufacturers with interchangeable components, which requires numerous drivers. Although plug and play has made it easier to install hardware, all hardware still requires drivers and for the hardware manufacturer to maintain those drivers. Also, because there are so many different hardware manufacturers, it can be difficult to make sure all drivers remain up-to-date.
Bottom line: Mac wins this category.
Gaming
Over the years, computer game companies have shown increased support for Macs. However, Windows owns 90% of the market share, and as such, developers are far more likely to create games for that operating system. Additionally, because custom-built desktop PCs have more upgrade options (e.g., latest graphics card), they can meet and exceed the demands of new games without needing to replace the computer.
Bottom line: PC wins this category.
Support
Mac - When needing technical support or help with your Mac, Apple can offer a lot of assistance that is not available for PCs. Because Apple designs and builds their computers, you only need to deal with Apple when you have problems. Also, Apple has many stores around the world that offer in-person support and help with using Apple products.
PC - If you purchase an OEM PC (e.g., Dell or HP), support can be hit or miss, depending on the OEM and the type of problem you're having. Also, while there are plenty of repair shops that fix computer problems, they are not specialized for one brand of computer, and they offer no training. Finally, if you build your own computer, you'll be dealing with many different manufacturers for support.
Bottom line: Mac wins this category
Repair costs
Mac - Apple strives to make its Mac product line as sleek and compact as possible. To do so, they continue to further integrate their components. Thus, when their computers need to be repaired, it's more expensive. Apple also makes it very difficult for anyone but them to repair their products. Although this helps make sure the repairs are done correctly, it can also increase the costs and make it harder to get your computer fixed.
PC - Desktop PCs repairs and can be done by any local computer repair shop. However, some PC laptop repairs can be as expensive and difficult as an Apple laptop.
Bottom line: PC wins this category.
Touch capability
When it comes to desktop and laptop computers (not mobile devices), Mac offers no touch screen capability, only the Touch Bar on some MacBooks.
Bottom line: PC wins this category.
Additional disclaimers
Not all PC's are the same
There are many PC manufacturers, and thousands of models of computers, which means not everything mentioned above applies to every PC.
My Apple can run Windows
Microsoft Windows can run on Apple computers using Boot Camp, which means not everything above may apply to your Mac. In the case of gaming, you may be able to run the latest games on your Mac using Boot Camp. However, Boot Camp is not perfect, and it does not mean every game can run on your computer since PC games are not developed with Apple hardware in mind. Thus, it's also very possible to encounter problems and have performance issues.
Windows XP is not Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10
Windows XP is over 18 years old. Comparing a Windows XP computer to a new iMac with macOS is like comparing a Ford Pinto to a Ferrari. When deciding between any computer, make sure you compare the latest models with similar hardwarecomponents.
Some people don't like Windows or macOS
For a lot of people, it may only boil down to the computer's operating system. Some users don't like Apple macOS or Microsoft Windows. If you're more familiar with one of these operating systems, that could be the most important factor. If you don't like using macOS, get a PC. If you don't like using Microsoft Windows, get a Mac.
![Mac Mac](https://www.adafruit.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/IMG_6459.jpg)
I still cannot decide on what type of computer to get
Finally, if you're still having difficulties deciding what type of computer to buy, use the following link to guide you in your buying decision.
Additional information
When you tap into programming the operating system is an essential aspect you should not overlook. Even though an OS should not restrict you from using your preferred language it’s useful to read the options before you make your move.
Over the years people are so confused with all sides of this argument, saying that, “
<platform name>
is the best or that or this.” So this is an effort to clear the cloud abovve your what is best for your development purpose, this article poses the differences in each platform in relation to general web development.The competing operating systems are these three: iOS, Linux, & Windows.
But first break down programming in following sections.
(i) Coding Language (C, C++, Python, Java and so on)
There are many languages to choose when you start coding, it can be any language and since there are a plethora of IDE platforms for Linux based distribution, Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s Mac OS. It doesn’t matter because people who used Windows for over 5 and more year are coding on Linux and don’t yearn Mac. When your focus is on programming and code writing, you probably won’t like the plethora of background services and multitasking makes it hard to focus on coding. When you use Linux the current app takes the whole place and somehow it manages to put all the focus on a single work; which is coding in your case. When you want a true, monolithic experience in programming, go for Linux. But why stick with Linux when you know coding is not dependent on operating system. You like Windows, use it. If you love Linux, chose any distribution. Do you have a Mac on your desk, nothing wrong to use it?
(ii) Operating System Level
For this category, you have to select dedicated Operating System.
When you’re developing a Windows program (.exe) you must go with Windows as you can test it and more importantly you’ll know how it will work.
Want to Develop Linux then go with Linux Distributions and there is also Many Distributions and their factors are different but target a distribution and learn all things and then Linux will be easy to use.
For developing Mac Apps, using Mac OS is advisable.
Choice That you have.
- Windows use IDEs like Net Beans, Visual Basic, Code Blocks, Dev C++ (and plenty of more to choose from)
- Linux (Ubuntu 18.04) use Code Blocks and Net Beans.
- Android Development is very easy with Android Studio both in Windows and Linux (Ubuntu) no problem there, both are flexible.
Operating System doesn’t matter for programming!
For example, you would be able to run all program including — whether it be C++, Python, Java, Pascal or anything else on every operating system. When you solely want to focus on programming you may want a simple lightweight Operating System and a compiler(or an interpreter) to run your program!
Cross-Platform Features
- Most languages can be developed on any platform
- Most IDE’s and other developer tools are cross-platform (within reason)
- All Platforms (that I know of) can use Git
- Most platforms have the ability to run another platform along-side or within themselves, in some way. (Usually via a 3rd party application)
iOS Features
- Almost everything is visually well polished
- Things are not free, you’ve got to pay
- You can use Photoshop
- Is POSIX
- Ability to install programs via GUI by default
- Useful apps are pre-installed
- Upgrades to major version every year
- Not large portion of Web servers use this platform, but it is closely related to the most commonly used platform.
Linux Features
- Most things are open source (aka free-for-developers)
- Has a “sink or swim” learning curve (aka not typical-user friendly)
- Has a dozen Photoshop alternatives, but no Photoshop
- Is POSIX
- Typically installs programs via CLI by default (fast)
- Some useful applications pre-installed with minimal bloatware, if any.
- Typically upgrades major version every 1 or 2 years, occasionally less. (easily installed)
- Most servers use some variation of this platform
Windows Features
- Most products/services are designed for this platform
- Has many security issues
- Can use Photoshop
- Is not POSIX
- Installs programs via GUI by default (slow)
- Few useful applications pre-installed. Unless you install the OS, it always has a lot of bloatware.
- Upgrades major version two or three times in a decade, occasionally more/less. (pain in the *** almost every time)
- Some servers use this platform
Features source.
Choose Linux to focus
If you choose Linux as your programming operating system then some best Linux distribution is as follows. It’s easy to setup C++ development environment to compile and run using Eclipse IDE. If you’re interested check the following guide.
You’ve seen it’s easy to setup Eclipse (pre-configured for Java) to work with C++ projects. Linux allows a wide range of IDE you can choose from, it all depends on your demands.
For that, you’ll need a Linux Distro that can download from Ubuntu Software store, so the working Distro is Ubuntu, Pop OS, elementary OS, Kubuntu, Lubuntu and so on. Moreover, you can always sideload your favorite IDE on most of the Linux distributions.
Pop! OS is developer focused
Pop OS is developer focused Linux based operating system. The interface is elegant and it’s easy to get used to it compared to Ubuntu or other distributions. It comes preloaded with so many tools for programming and coding that you’ll find yourself tinkering with. One solid pro is that the operating system is around developers, but in fact, anyone who can use Ubuntu would be happy to use this distribution as well.
Arch Linux is the all-you-do type.
The Arch Linux has a wide fan base, it comes with latest Linux Kernel and package manager. It’s easy to install apps using terminal from the app store. With arch Linux, you’ll have to gather things and choose components. You can customize it to make an operating system for programming and development purposes. The Arch community is consist of people having experience in programming, you get the company and help them so no worries.
the operating system is a one-time installation with always up to date bleeding edge distro repository. On every month (first week) you get system update, and you can choose to install them automatically letting you work more on the development and worry less about system stability and security.
Penetration can also be done by converting Arch Linux into BlackArch installation with help of some instructions.
You should use Arch Linux because of its flexibility to adapt to your preference. Especially when you have used a Linux before, don’t you think it’ll be awesome to build a personal system?
Windows 10.. Errrr..
Mac Or Pc For Computer Programming
Windows is widely used, accepted and pirated operating system and you can use it for development and programming purpose. People who choose Linux over Windows always complain about the background process that it runs makes less resource available for programming apps. When you have to work with Visual Studio (Microsoft Azure) windows might be a better and suitable choice. A lot of developers first build Mac apps then make a version for Windows platform, so there is not a big learning curve when you shift from MAC to Windows, as Windows is widely available and you can install it on cheap machines, unlike MAC.
Mac Programming Software
An operating system should not limit you in your coding and compiling tasks. Rather, now you have a better understanding that Linux may offer you a better platform for sharp coding and programming skills. If you’re a company or a team then you acknowledge building a cross-platform is essential for survival, in that case, divide your team to work on different operating system app versions.
Contents
Mac Or Pc For Programmers
- Choose Linux to focus