Difference between Apple and Microsoft
People use computers to do almost everything they need quickly like reports, computations, projects and research. Through the years, the computer has evolved to a more advanced machine and therefore, it needs something more advanced to keep it going as well. The computer’s core consists of its operating system. This serves as the brain of the computer and currently there are two leading manufacturers of these systems – Apple and Microsoft. These two companies have been in competition for almost 20 years and up to the present. They continue proving themselves to be the leading providers for computing solutions.
History
Apple Inc. is a multinational corporation based in the U.S. which manufactures and designs personal computers, consumer electronics, and computer software. Presently, they have 284 stores open all over the world and they also have a store online where you can buy their products. As of today, Apple is also one of the biggest technological corporations by means of revenue generated all over the world. The Microsoft Corporation, on the other hand, is also a multinational corporation which manufactures, licenses, develops and supports an extensive range of computer software products. They are located in Redmond, Washington. As of 2009 (third quarter), they were ranked as one of the largest companies in the world, being third largest after PetroChina and ExxonMobil. Microsoft is also one of the biggest technological corporations in the world.
Operating Systems
Apple is widely popular for its operating system that runs Macintosh computers – the Mac OS X. The latest version of the MAC OS X is the Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard. Aside from their operating system, they also develop other software for their operating system, which is already bundled with their Macintosh computers like the iDVD, iPhoto, iMovie, iTunes, iWeb and GarageBand. Windows has a long history when it comes to its operating system development. They first introduced the MS-DOS operating system, followed by Windows ’95. Bundled with Windows ’95 is the first browser of Microsoft, the Internet Explorer. After a few years, they released Windows ’98 and which was followed by their phenomenal operating system the Windows XP. Presently, they offer Windows Vista (2007) which became controversial and currently promote Windows 7.
Other Products
Among the wide range of software that Apple develops, they also have a wide selection of gadgets for a great multimedia experience. They have the Apple TV (iTV), which can be connected to the Internet, by Wi-Fi and synchronize all media to an HD TV. They also have the iPod which plays mp3s and videos. For telecommunications, they also have the iPhone, which is a full touch screen smart phone with more than 100,000 applications. Microsoft on the other hand has the Microsoft Office Suite which has a 2007 version. Microsoft is planning to release the Microsoft Office 2010 version this year.
Summary
- Apple produces Macintosh computers and the Mac OS X operating system and associated software.
- Microsoft produces the Windows operating system and associated software programs.
- Apple manufactures items such as the iPad, iPhone, Apple TV and iPod.
