MacOS Or Windows, Which One Is Really Better?

Generally speaking, each of these operating systems has its pros and cons, which should become quite obvious. After all, MacOS and Windows were both created by the masterminds but since those masterminds are human, errors are pretty much guaranteed. Although Windows is the most used operating system on the planet, today the tables are turning. Let’s take a closer look at the dilemma I’m hinting at, why they are happening, more pros and cons plus a few stats.

To begin, here is a historic breakdown of both operating systems. Each has updates and new versions are released on a regular basis.

New Versions and Updates

While MacOs has remained loyal to its design, graphical interface and usability – with smooth and hardly noticeable changes – Windows has been much different. A fine example of this was when Windows 7,8 was succeeded by Windows 10 where everything pretty much changed. Was the change for better or worse, you may ask. Well, according to users of the operating systems, not really. Windows 7 continues to be considered the most stable and user-friendly operating system, and unfortunately, it’s no longer to be supported by Microsoft.

With macOS, on the other hand, every new version and every new update has only resulted in positive reactions from users.

1:0 MacOS

User Friendliness

As user-friendly as Windows 7 was, it was a really great, updated version of Windows XP. But if you think about it, Windows 10 is still confusing users with the volume of functions and extra things the OS is stuffed full of. With OSX – or macOS as it is known – it has always been user-friendly in absolutely every aspect of the operating system. Every utility is accumulated in one place, all apps are in one place, etc. To make it even easier to get to those places, MacOS also makes you try to learn some of the shortcuts which increase the user-friendly quotient.

2:0 macOS

Entertainment

If we are going to talk about entertainment, we have to talk about the games part of it. Regardless of how much you may want to argue with me on this one, I am going to come out and say that Windows has always been better with games. Even now with macOS starting to support more games, it still doesn’t compare close to Windows at all. But when you look at other entertainment aspects, the two are pretty much tied. But as we all know, everyone plays games and that’s everyone from children to adults and to the elderly.

2:1 Windows

Work, Business, Development

macOS wins this one hands down. People buy Macs mainly for work purposes, not entertainment. Video production – Mac wins. Audio production – Mac wins. Design – Mac wins. Ask just about any web or graphic designer what kind of operating system they are using and 85% will tell you they use Mac. Even when it comes down to hacking, it is not Windows or macOS preferred…it is Linux. With most any software available in today’s market, whatever it is that is available for Windows the odds are in your favor that there is going to be a Mac version. At least 90% in your favor.

3:1 MacOs

Data Recovery

As far as data recovery is concerned, Windows wins 100% of the time. All data recovery professionals are using Windows as the OS of choice. HFS and APFS, when you are looking at accidents like formats or file deletions, they often become unrecoverable due to the specific way the file systems work when erasing and portioning hard drives. Usually, the only way to recover anything from such an accident is with RAW signatures. Regarding data safety, accident-proof Windows is the most reliable.

3:2 Windows

Touch Compatibility

Windows walks away with this one as well. There are numerous hybrid laptops/tablets using Windows but iPads are still running Mobile OS. The Windows tablets happen to have a full-blown version of Windows installed. However, when it comes down to the smoothness of operating with touch functionality, I still prefer iPads. Windows can get a bit glitch and buggy on a tablet but overall Windows wins this round.

3:3 Windows

Security and Virus Proof

Although macOS is starting to pick up a few virus-like Ransomware, it is not nearly as virus prone as Windows is. Even with the assistance of antivirus programs and firewalls hackers still find ways into Windows systems. It is years of development and prime interest that has led to this. I could be wrong but even with all the favors in Apple, people still lean towards using Windows. It’s almost as if Windows is a comfort zone and the learning and exploring that MacOS presents isn’t an option.

4:3 MacOS Wins!

The Final Tally

Here is the overall score. For games and entertainment, Windows should be your pick. Anything work-related, I would say stick with Mac. It has been like this virtually forever and I doubt there will be a change unless either of them makes major changes in their development.

While it may seem like a subjective statement, I tried to be as objective as possible without overdoing the details. At the end of the day, this is just my personal opinion and I would appreciate your input. Please feel free to fill out the comments section below.

About the author: Yevgeniy Kapishon is a hardcore techno enthusiast, a senior data recovery engineer and a blogger at Aesonlabs® Data Recovery Systems, living in Toronto, Canada. In his free time, he likes to wander and explore the back alleys of his neighborhood or carve into his favorite sci-fi flicks.

Windows vs Apple: Which Computer is Best for the Blind?

Last updated on May 20, 2019

Windows versus Apple (or iOS) is one of unsettled debates of our time and if you’re a visually impaired person, this is an important question to ask before you purchase a computer.

However, the more important question is, which computer is best for your visual impairment?

Apple and Windows each have their advantages when it comes to the assistive technologies available for their computers. Deciding which one will fit your needs depends on what you want in a computer, what you’re going to use your computer for, your budget, and several other factors.

In this article, we offer an unbiased review of the capabilities Apple and Windows offers blind and visually impaired users, so they can choose a computer that will fit their needs and wants.

Why is a Apple Computer Best for the Blind?

It’s no secret that Apple is at the top of their game in the computer market.

Their computers and mobile devices are known for speed, capacity, and graphics as well as elite applications, designs, and software.

All of Apple’s laptops and desktops come equipped with some of the most advanced assistive technology for people with visual disabilities such as a built-in voice synthesizer and screen magnifier. We are particularly impressed with Apple’s VoiceOver screen reading program which offers the following abilities:

• Voice commands: you can edit videos, draft documents, and locate files with just your voice.
• Text-to-speech: the voiceover describes graphics, images, reads to you, and gives an in-depth description of your screen.
• Multiple ways to operate: you can use a regular keyboard, a refreshable braille display, or gestures on Apple’s TrackPad.
• Applications and updates: Apple’s continuous improvements and updates to software and applications are instantly compatible with Apple’s built-in assistive technologies.
• The web: Apple is constantly making changes to VoiceOver in an effort to make navigating documents and the web easier.
• Entertainment: VoiceOver offers “detailed audio descriptions of every scene on your Mac,” states Apple, allowing you to listen to popular movies and shows.
• Screen magnifier: you can magnify your screen up to 20x its original size.

Apple’s abilities do not stop there

Apple’s refreshable braille display support is impressive because it can instantly sync with many compatible devices.

Moreover, you can sync more than one device to your Apple computer at a time allowing you to share your screen with several other people who are using braille displays.

If your computer is for personal use or if the majority of the people you communicate and work with use Apple computers, then we encourage you to invest in one. You may also want a Apple if you use the computer often or want it for entertainment purposes.

A computer for the blind can easily surpass $5,000 once you purchase the computer and all the assistive technology to go with it. An Apple computer may cost anywhere from a little over $1,500 to over $2,000, but its price tag includes top-of-the-line assistive technology already built-in, saving you hundreds of dollars.

What you do need to consider before buying an Apple is that most people use Windows

If you’re going to be exchanging documents with other people such as those drafted in Microsoft Office, you’ll want to buy a Windows computer. Apple computers only operate using Apple’s software programs like iWork (Apple’s office suite) and are not compatible with other operating systems like Microsoft.

Why is a Windows Computer Best for the Blind?

One of the things Windows has going for it is that numerous computer brands such as Toshiba, Dell, and HP operate on Windows.

Voice synthesizer and screen magnifier

Windows comes equipped with a voice synthesizer and screen magnifier and is compatible with many assistive technology software programs. This means you have a variety of computers to choose from at a wide range of prices and you can choose a screen reader program, a screen magnifier, and many other assistive technologies that best suit your needs.

Text-to-speech

Windows’ text-to-speech program called Narrator, will announce your appointments, computer notifications, and read web pages, documents, and applications.

Screen reader programs

If these features aren’t enough for you, some of the best screen reader programs such as JAWS, Serotek System Access, and NVDA are made for Windows. The built-in screen magnifier on a Windows computer is possibly one of the best because it can be operated through shortcuts, touchscreen, and zoomed to over 300%.

Consider your budget

A Windows computer might be your best choice if you work with or communicate with people who use Windows computers. You may also want a Windows computer if you’re on a smaller budget; a Windows computer may cost anywhere from $300 to over $1,000, making them considerably cheaper than a Apple.

Final thoughts

Apple and Windows offer several outstanding features that make using a computer easy and fun for those with visual disabilities.

One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but one will meet your specific needs better than the other, so take the time to explore your options.

We even suggest you trying out an Apple and Windows before purchasing one. In some cases, people purchase both!

MacOS Or Windows, Which One Is Really Better?

Generally speaking, each of these operating systems has its pros and cons, which should become quite obvious. After all, MacOS and Windows were both created by the masterminds but since those masterminds are human, errors are pretty much guaranteed. Although Windows is the most used operating system on the planet, today the tables are turning. Let’s take a closer look at the dilemma I’m hinting at, why they are happening, more pros and cons plus a few stats.

To begin, here is a historic breakdown of both operating systems. Each has updates and new versions are released on a regular basis.

New Versions and Updates

While MacOs has remained loyal to its design, graphical interface and usability – with smooth and hardly noticeable changes – Windows has been much different. A fine example of this was when Windows 7,8 was succeeded by Windows 10 where everything pretty much changed. Was the change for better or worse, you may ask. Well, according to users of the operating systems, not really. Windows 7 continues to be considered the most stable and user-friendly operating system, and unfortunately, it’s no longer to be supported by Microsoft.

With macOS, on the other hand, every new version and every new update has only resulted in positive reactions from users.

1:0 MacOS

User Friendliness

As user-friendly as Windows 7 was, it was a really great, updated version of Windows XP. But if you think about it, Windows 10 is still confusing users with the volume of functions and extra things the OS is stuffed full of. With OSX – or macOS as it is known – it has always been user-friendly in absolutely every aspect of the operating system. Every utility is accumulated in one place, all apps are in one place, etc. To make it even easier to get to those places, MacOS also makes you try to learn some of the shortcuts which increase the user-friendly quotient.

2:0 macOS

Entertainment

If we are going to talk about entertainment, we have to talk about the games part of it. Regardless of how much you may want to argue with me on this one, I am going to come out and say that Windows has always been better with games. Even now with macOS starting to support more games, it still doesn’t compare close to Windows at all. But when you look at other entertainment aspects, the two are pretty much tied. But as we all know, everyone plays games and that’s everyone from children to adults and to the elderly.

2:1 Windows

Work, Business, Development

macOS wins this one hands down. People buy Macs mainly for work purposes, not entertainment. Video production – Mac wins. Audio production – Mac wins. Design – Mac wins. Ask just about any web or graphic designer what kind of operating system they are using and 85% will tell you they use Mac. Even when it comes down to hacking, it is not Windows or macOS preferred…it is Linux. With most any software available in today’s market, whatever it is that is available for Windows the odds are in your favor that there is going to be a Mac version. At least 90% in your favor.

3:1 MacOs

Data Recovery

As far as data recovery is concerned, Windows wins 100% of the time. All data recovery professionals are using Windows as the OS of choice. HFS and APFS, when you are looking at accidents like formats or file deletions, they often become unrecoverable due to the specific way the file systems work when erasing and portioning hard drives. Usually, the only way to recover anything from such an accident is with RAW signatures. Regarding data safety, accident-proof Windows is the most reliable.

3:2 Windows

Touch Compatibility

Windows walks away with this one as well. There are numerous hybrid laptops/tablets using Windows but iPads are still running Mobile OS. The Windows tablets happen to have a full-blown version of Windows installed. However, when it comes down to the smoothness of operating with touch functionality, I still prefer iPads. Windows can get a bit glitch and buggy on a tablet but overall Windows wins this round.

3:3 Windows

Security and Virus Proof

Although macOS is starting to pick up a few virus-like Ransomware, it is not nearly as virus prone as Windows is. Even with the assistance of antivirus programs and firewalls hackers still find ways into Windows systems. It is years of development and prime interest that has led to this. I could be wrong but even with all the favors in Apple, people still lean towards using Windows. It’s almost as if Windows is a comfort zone and the learning and exploring that MacOS presents isn’t an option.

4:3 MacOS Wins!

The Final Tally

Here is the overall score. For games and entertainment, Windows should be your pick. Anything work-related, I would say stick with Mac. It has been like this virtually forever and I doubt there will be a change unless either of them makes major changes in their development.

While it may seem like a subjective statement, I tried to be as objective as possible without overdoing the details. At the end of the day, this is just my personal opinion and I would appreciate your input. Please feel free to fill out the comments section below.

About the author: Yevgeniy Kapishon is a hardcore techno enthusiast, a senior data recovery engineer and a blogger at Aesonlabs® Data Recovery Systems, living in Toronto, Canada. In his free time, he likes to wander and explore the back alleys of his neighborhood or carve into his favorite sci-fi flicks.