
Accelerate With a Self-Managing Mainframe. Apply Artificial Intelligence to IT (AIOps). See user interface, Mac computer, Windows and how to select a computer. Each platform has worthwhile design elements that the other does not. If the best features of Windows and Mac could be merged into one, we would have a much better computer experience. Unless savvy users remember keyboard shortcuts, this menu structure results in very excessive mouse movement. Today, multiple apps are open on monitors 24 to 43 inches wide, yet the menu is upper left no matter where the active app is on screen. In 1984, the Mac displayed one application at a time on a 7" screen. It took Apple 20 years to add a second mouse button, and it has been more than 30 that every application menu remains stuck in the upper left corner of the screen. Over the years, installations, operation and troubleshooting have been easier than Windows primarily because Apple controls both the hardware and operating system. There are no Mac touchscreens, although the 2016 Mac laptops introduced a novel touch toolbar (see MacBook).Īlthough there are changes from time to time, the Mac OS is rather consistent from version to version. Starting with Windows 8, Microsoft has featured touchscreens, which support on-screen drawing and more usability options. On the other hand, interface features are more customizable for the user, especially for seniors, who favor larger buttons and menu text. When the Windows interface and file hierarchy change in a new version, the differences have to be relearned each time. In Windows, there are times when the only way to change a setting is to manually edit the Registry, which can be downright frightening for the average user.
The Mac file manager is much more straightforward. Worse yet, it may change with the next Windows version. To Mac users, the Windows file hierarchy appears downright obtuse (C: drive, This PC, Libraries, Favorites, etc.). As a result, it takes longer to instantly recognize which window or tab is active on a Mac screen. Windows uses colors to make windows and dialogs stand out, whereas everything is shades of gray on the Mac. MacThe debate never ends as to which major desktop platform is the easiest and best.