Mac is Apple’s computer platform; macOS is the operating system that runs on it. Windows is an operating system used on PCs made by different manufacturers. So “Mac vs. Windows” can mean either a comparison of operating systems or a comparison of whole computer platforms—and those are not exactly the same comparison.
Is a Mac the same as macOS?
No. A Mac is an Apple computer, while macOS is the software operating system that powers it. Apple says macOS is designed specifically for the hardware it runs on and describes integration with Apple services and devices. Apple’s macOS overview
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Is Windows a computer or an operating system?
Windows is an operating system, not a computer. A PC is the device; PCs from different manufacturers can run Windows. Microsoft identifies Windows 11 as a client operating system. Microsoft’s Windows 11 overview
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhat does “Mac vs. Windows” compare?
The phrase is often used as shorthand for Apple’s integrated computer-and-operating-system platform versus the broader range of PCs that run Windows. For a precise comparison, specify whether you mean macOS versus Windows as software, or Mac computers versus Windows PCs as complete devices. Comparing operating systems alone does not account for differences between computer models, and comparing platforms includes hardware as well as software.
#1 Best Overall
What Windows 11 requires
Windows 11 has version-specific minimum hardware requirements. Microsoft lists a compatible 64-bit processor with at least two cores and a speed of 1 GHz or higher; 4 GB of RAM; 64 GB of storage; DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver; UEFI firmware capable of Secure Boot; TPM 2.0; and a qualifying display. Some features need hardware beyond these minimums. Microsoft’s Windows 11 requirements
For Windows 11 Home, Microsoft says an internet connection and Microsoft Account are required to complete setup on first use. Microsoft’s Windows 11 system requirements These specifications apply to Windows 11, not every Windows release, and are not a general description of Mac hardware.
Rank #2
- Microsoft Surface Book 2 Features a 7th generation Intel Dual Core i5 Processor, 256 GB of storage, 8 GB RAM, and up to 17 hours of video playback
- Includes an Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated GPU
- The fastest Surface Book yet, with 2x more power
- Vibrant PixelSense Display: now available with an improved 13.5in touchscreen
How to make a useful comparison
There is no universal winner based on the definitions and requirements alone. A meaningful choice depends on the devices, software, and needs being considered. Compare:
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Most powerful Surface laptop yet, with quad-core powered, 10th Gen Intel Core processors. More than 50% faster than Surface Book 2 13.5”.
- Fastest graphics on Surface, powered by NVIDIA GTX GeForce GPU. 40% more graphics performance than Surface Book 2 13.5".
- Power when you need it. Up to 15.5 hours battery life[1] — plus improved standby that extends battery life when you’re away.
- Robust laptop, powerful tablet, and portable studio in one.
- The connections you need, including USB-A, USB-C, and full-size SD card slot.
- Required applications and files: Check that the specific programs and file formats you depend on work with the devices and operating-system versions under consideration.
- Hardware and budget: Compare actual computer models and configurations, rather than treating all Windows PCs as one device.
- Other devices and services: Consider how well a computer fits the phones, peripherals, accounts, and services you already use.
- Accessibility and familiarity: Account for the features you need and the system you are comfortable using.
- Games, upgrades, and support: Verify the requirements of particular games or other software, and check the support and upgrade needs for the exact models and versions.
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