A common question from business owners is the “Should I be using Mac or PC in my company?”. If looking to answer this age-old question, you have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each operating system and your business needs.
Nowadays, for many companies, computers are the main thing they need to operate. As most of the work is done at a desk on a computer or a laptop, businesses should ensure they have the right ones. Macs were traditionally associated with creative industries such as graphic design and marketing, but more companies have started to adopt Apple technology over time.
In the last decade, Macs have seen an improved adoption rate for both laptop and desktop products. They have several unique selling points and advantages that make macOS a relatively better option than Microsoft Windows or Linux-based derivatives such as Chrome OS from Google and Ubuntu from Canonical Ltd. However, they also come with drawbacks and disadvantages that businesses need to take into account.
Let’s take a look at the biggest pros and cons of Macs.
The Pros
Starting with the visible part, having Apple Macs in a business can boost the brand’s image. As they have a sleek and stylish appearance, these devices are seen by many as luxury products. Macs are designed as a whole unit, using superior hardware and software parts, making them long-lasting.
As nearly all of the software is developed in-house, Macs encounter much fewer driver issues than Windows PCs, while the software-hardware integration results in optimized performance. Third-party hardware components are selected by established criteria, and third-party apps are tested and verified for compatibility and security.
Mac operating systems are also considered reliable and stable. Even for general daily tasks, macOS devices tend to be very fast and easy to use, offering a consistent user experience. They are also bundled with several free productivity applications.
The architecture of Apple devices is also an advantage: there is a seamless integration not only between the OS and the hardware but between Mac computers, Apple tablets, and iOS mobile devices too. Thus the user’s portability of information is at a maximum.
Macs are also known as being more secure than Windows, showing better immunity against cyberattacks. They come with built-in security features such as FileVault for encryption and Time Machine for backup; however, these don’t ensure complete immunity against threats.
Especially in a work environment where large volumes of sensitive data will be stored and shared across a network, it is crucial to have cyber-protection. Macs do not have designated tools to fight viruses, malware, or human error, thus installing antivirus, antimalware, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions is necessary to ensure the security of these devices.
While antivirus and antimalware help businesses to protect themselves against outsider attacks, DLP solutions such as Endpoint Protector help to mitigate insider threats and reduce the risks of data loss, leakage, and theft.
The Cons
One of the most commonly mentioned disadvantages of macOS devices is that they are quite expensive compared to equivalent Windows-based laptops. They also come with lesser choices both in terms of design and specifications, as well as limited options for hardware upgrades.
For example, the CPU or RAM of a MacBook laptop or iMac desktop cannot be replaced easily because these components are deeply integrated with the entire hardware system. There’s a broader range of PCs available, providing a better customization level and upgrades, giving you more options to choose something that suits your needs.
Additionally, numerous brands offer Windows-powered computers, each of them having a variety of products. The price will also differ depending on the brand from which you choose to purchase.
Another drawback of Macs is that there are a limited number of apps available. Many software makers tend to design for the larger Windows market first, this meaning you’ll have to wait for the macOS version. The situation when vital software for your business doesn’t run on a Mac system might also be a case. You may also find that the majority of the workforce is used to a PC’s layout, as way more desktop computers are Windows.
Macs can also be harder to fix because there aren’t so many of them; these devices also use some vastly different hardware and OS. Thus, fixing issues can come with challenges and may waste valuable time.
In Conclusion
Knowing the needs of your employees and your business is vital when it comes to deciding whether it’s worth taking the plunge into Macbooks and iMacs or not. Overall, macOS devices can be great if you want to improve your brand’s image and use high-performing technology.
However, they might not be suitable if you have a limited budget. You should also weigh the cost against other important factors and check if your investment is justified. More and more businesses purchase a mix of devices, depending on the department.
Regardless of the operating system, it’s imperative not to overlook the security of your devices. Macs are less vulnerable to cyber threats, but they are not entirely immune. Ensuring protection is crucial for any business, regardless of the operating system they use.