Apple vs. Windows. The argument that has divided the computing community for years. Apple may be good for media, your friend might say, but that's all it's good at, says another. Many a time have I found myself defending my firm belief in Windows, with no concern from the accuser about my opinion. This is going to fix that. The following will (hopefully) be an unbiased opinion to as who should use what, and why. Of course, this was never going to be a definitive guide as to which beats the other, but that's just how it is.
Apple
The industrial giant. A household name. Nobody can not know who they are (unless they've been living under a suspiciously Windows-shaped rock for 20 years). At the time of typing, the most valuable company ever. Even a user of Windows like myself will find themselves time to time appreciating one of their endless products, guaranteed to start with a lower-case i. But where they excel in mobile devices, they fall back with Windows in the fight of the 'better' OS. How does it compete, then, compared to the computing giant, PC? Dell, HP, Packard-Bell, Sony, Acer and others versus one desktop, one laptop. The outcome is pretty obvious, right?
Wrong.
The Macintosh (or iMac, as I'll lazily refer to it in the future) is commonly favored for its smooth media capabilities, having pioneered the huge music platform iTunes, its retina display and its endless compatibility with its smaller counterparts, the iPhone, iTouch and iPad. Though arguably, the iMac leeches off the success of aforementioned smaller counterparts, as Apple is much more renowned for those than their computing (hell, the iOS gadgets were a huge success in the early 21st century). Ignoring that, the iMac features a slick, impressive interface (note: called 'user-friendly' by iMac users and 'idiot-proof' by PC users), as opposed the more work-orientated interface of the PC. However, that interface is much more suited for the casual internet-surfer than the likes of computer-coders and gamers. The iMac is famous for being unable to harbor many games, usually having a game's release date half a year behind that of Windows. And in terms of coding, Windows is much preferred to iMac, universally.
The look of the desktop computer, however, is also popular, matching the interface: slick, stylish and smooth, as opposed to the somewhat blocky nature of the PC. The image of the iMac is similar to that of the iOS gadgets, catchy and futuristic. Apple has been viewed as much more than just a corporate company, but a way of life, in a way that Windows doesn't entirely capture. The feel of Apple is vibrant, colorful, and, most importantly, revolutionary.
Windows
The computing giant. Used by many positions worldwide, Windows is the word that pops to mind when one thinks of 'computer'. Reliable and efficient, it is used for business and for home use alike. While casual users turn to Apple, experienced users turn to Windows for its (generally) high processing power and huge range of applicable purpose for different purposes. Windows hold many trump cards here; high business application (*cough* Microsoft Office *cough*), high gaming capability (unfortunately, my iMac friends believe that gaming is nonexistent on the PC platform besides low-grade flash games), and a mammoth range of programs available at the tip of a finger (for example, anything but Internet Explorer is a good starter). Windows wasn't made for trendy gadgetry or innovative ideas, it was made to provide a solid operating system, which it (almost) always delivers (*cough* Vista *cough).
Only thing is, that's the problem. Windows sticks to the regular routine, delivering a progressively better OS than before. And not much else. This is why the iMac gets so much attention; the fact that it sticks to one thing only isn't such a good thing in a day and age when people expect something amazing to pop its head around the corner. While Apple develops a new iPhone which they can sync with their computers, Windows just improves. While this is a good thing for previous users, it hardly appeals to people wishing to get a brand new computer off the block. Add that to Apple's easy-to-navigate interface and notability, and there's usually only one way they'll go (Hint: it's not Windows). It feels weird to say it, but Windows is underrated. At least, compared to the massive product line Apple offers. Besides, in a generation where everything is handed to you on a plate, Windows might become the 'work' computer while iMac becomes the 'fun' computer. Odd a prospect as it is, it's worrying.
Steering away from the negative vibes of the above paragraph, Windows is a solid OS, favored by many around the world. There's a reason it's a big contender to iMac.
Summary
If you haven't been reading the above two articles about Windows and Apple, then I know what type of person you are; you skim the important stuff and go to the summary. Having said that, if you did read an hour's worth of brain-racking and thinking, and are still judging on which side you're on, then read on.
Basically, if you're a casual user who likes to check their emails and surf the web, and like to be in touch with your trendy (and money-spending) side, the iMac is for you. However, if you go beyond that and wish to get a computer made by computer-making people for the person who likes to use a computer for more than the Web, then stick to Windows. Remember though; This is a opinionated blog, not a guide. Otherwise, good luck.
