Every computer needs an operating system to function. For many years, the market was almost monopolized by the Windows operating system. It was groundbreaking because it put the interface and user first. But eventually, the market entered new competing operating systems: Linux and macOS, created by Apple. What’s the difference between Mac and Windows? Can you run macOS on Windows?
Windows has made a dizzying career. It was possible due to a lack of competition because all market leaders focused on business clients. Finally, Linux began to develop dynamically thanks to open code and the ability to use it for free. In 2001, Apple released the first macOS version: Hera.
Difference between Windows and macOS
The secret of Apple Mac is optimization. In Windows, the biggest problem was that it had grown over the years. When it was the only personal OS, it had to meet all the market needs and work with any processor. Apple took a distinct approach.
Mac OS is exclusive to Mac computers: iMac and MacBook. They use a limited number of processors. From 2006 to 2020, Intel processors, and from 2020 ARM architecture processors, Apple Silicon M1, and M2. MacOS Catalina was the last macOS version with the Intel version of the chipset.
Windows must work with several dozen types of processors from the most popular manufacturers, such as Intel and AMD. This flexibility, while advantageous for compatibility, also introduces complexities that can lead to various Windows 11 disadvantages, such as the need for higher system requirements and potential inconsistencies in performance. That difference leads to the principal macOS advantage: its great consistency.
Apple allows the installation of only certified applications available in the Apple Store. They must undergo a rigorous evaluation process, and the developers must create them according to Apple’s guidelines. Mac users get software with a unified interface.
If you would like to develop programs for Apple, read this article. You will learn what Swift is and how to create software for Apple computers and macOS.
Microsoft isn’t that rigorous. There is almost complete freedom in terms of the interface, which can be troublesome for inexperienced users. On the other hand, they have access to much more software than Mac OS users.
It is worth noting that the Apple ecosystem was designed for all devices, such as the iPhone or iPad. They can exchange information with Mac computers in real-time. You can answer calls from your Apple smartphone on your iMac and view your calendar, photos, and notes. Microsoft is very limited in this regard, and similar applications appeared only in Windows 11.
It gives users quite a nut to crack. On the one hand, they have Windows PC, which allows more freedom in terms of hardware and software, and on the other, there is the macOS with its convenient ecosystem and consistency.
What is macOS best for?
Equipment with the macOS system may be better for office work or studies. It works much faster than Windows, is more pleasing to the eye, and using its interface should not cause anyone any trouble, which is due to the consistency described above. You can even use Microsoft Office on Mac computers.
If you’re looking for gaming equipment, then macOS may not be enough because of low video memory. You can play some games, but it is not a computer system designed for multimedia.
Windows is a better option if you want a more economical computer. I am not referring to the hardware price only but to additional software, too. A vast offer, lower entry barrier for programmers, and more freedom make Windows apps cheaper. In many cases, the situation forces the user to choose Windows.
What if you could have Windows and macOS at the same time?
The two systems are so distinct. They complement each other rather than compete. Therefore, the best option would be to have both. Is it possible at all?
Installing Windows on a Mac Book or iMac is possible. It is easiest to do on older hardware with Intel x86 architecture and macOS Catalina. Boot Camp allows you to install and use Windows without problems. Boot Camp Assistant helps you create a partition for Windows and lets you start installing Windows. Once you install Windows and Boot’s Camp drivers, you can run Windows or macOS on your Mac Computer.
Running Windows on MacOS Big Sur, Monterey, or Venture, which appear later in the sequence of Apple operating systems in order, is more complicated and less efficient because they use M1 or M2 processors. You can use virtual machines like Parallels Desktop and install Windows that supports the ARM architecture. The disadvantage of Parallels Desktop is that it is not a clean OS installation but a Windows emulation, so the Mac Book’s resources will be split between macOS and Windows running in parallel on virtual machines.
You can use Windows Apps thanks to Parallels Desktop but with fewer resources available than in comparison with older Intel Macs that allow you to install Windows as a standalone OS.
Can I run macOS on Windows?
Technically nothing prevents you from installing macOS on a non-Apple computer with a processor working in the x86 architecture. Unfortunately, only theoretically. Apple tries hard to prevent you from installing macOS on third-party computers. They clearly and explicitly state that the macOS operating system installation on a computer that is not an Apple product is prohibited.
There are unofficial tutorials on how to download macOS, create macOS virtual machine, and install macOS on Windows. Unfortunately, in most cases, compatibility problems are unavoidable. There are missing drivers, many laptops have incompatible network cards, chipsets, and graphics systems that do not want to function.
So are Boot Camp or Parallels Desktop the only solution? There is a rescue for users of computers other than those manufactured by Apple to access Mac-Only apps, though. And it doesn’t matter if you use Windows or Linux. What’s more, it is a solution that beats the functioning of Windows on Apple devices. It is Mac Hosting.
Mac Hosting – install macOS virtual machine
Several hosting providers offer an unusual solution: hosting that allows you to use macOS virtual machine. Most hosting services run on one of the Linux distributions. There are also Windows servers for people who need a server compatible with Microsoft solutions, such as the ASP.NET environment. However, macOS is rarely chosen as a server system by hosting companies.
If you want to know the different Linux distributions that are suitable for hosting, read our article on the best Linux distributions for server hosting.
The cost of running such a server is much higher than a server based on another operating system – such as Linux or Windows.
One of the best macOS hosting deals is offered by UltaHost. Here are the reasons why:
Diversity of the offer and scalability
It is the most diverse and scalable Mac Hosting offer available. Other providers only offer three to five configuration options. UltaHost, in turn, has prepared four Mac VPS Hosting plans and eight Mac Dedicated Server plans. So you can choose one from 12 plans! You can perfectly adjust the hosting plan to your needs. Such a variety of hosting plans enables scalability.
What’s more, UltaHost offers custom server configuration! You can develop any macOS virtual machine you want.
Top-notch security
UltaHost puts security first. Multi-layered security systems protect your server from a variety of online threats. The basis of the security system is the efficient and self-learning BitNinja system, which secures the server against malware, hacking attempts, and viruses. It is supported by firewalls, WAF, and antivirus programs.
In addition, the servers are protected against DDoS attacks. Security devices are installed in various sections of the data center.
State-of-the-art performance and hardware
To ensure the highest security, UltaHost relies on the latest generation of hardware. The components are selected carefully. UltaHosts uses only NVMe SSD hard disk type, powerful processors, high-quality motherboards and memory cards, the best cases, cooling systems, and power supplies – all in UltaHost’s data centers.
All this makes the performance of UltaHost services unbelievable. Fast and reliable servers allow you to run even the most demanding applications on your macOS virtual machine.
Mac Hosting is better than the Mac operating system
It turns out that sometimes using a remote macOS virtual machine can be a better solution than using a Mac Book or iMac.
First, you can choose equipment from another manufacturer with better parameters at the same price and install macOS virtual machine on your VPS or dedicated server. The fact that the system will operate on UltaHost servers in one of several data centers has a significant advantage.
It will not use the resources of your computer, only the resources of the hosting server. It’s the opposite of emulating Windows on a Mac when the computer resources were divided between two systems.
In this case, you can simultaneously use the resources of your physical computer and the remote macOS virtual machine. Separate hard disk, RAM, and processor open up various possibilities for you.
Cheap macOS
The first solution will allow you to use macOS at a low cost. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on an Apple device but you need some software that is only available on macOS, buy cheap Mac VPS Hosting. For $15.90/mo., you get a mac VPS with 2 CPU cores and 2 GB RAM.
If that doesn’t seem much, remember that these resources will be used to run only the program you need. You can run all other programs such as text editor, web browser, or spreadsheets on your Windows or Linux.
Annual mac VPS hosting costs 10% of the price of the cheapest Mac Book! So if you want to use macOS as cheaply as possible, choose Mac VPS hosting. It is the cheapest solution!
Super-powerful macOS
On the other hand, if you want to take advantage of the very powerful macOS, you can opt for higher mac dedicated hosting plans. The most powerful Mac Book with 96 GB of RAM costs over $10,000. It’s a very expensive piece of equipment, isn’t it? However, its power seems small when compared with Mac Dedicated servers from UltaHost.
You will get a 24-core server with 128 GB RAM for $289.90 per month ($3,130 per year). You can get much more powerful hardware for 30% of the value of the strongest Mac Book. And that’s just the average Mac dedicated server plan! For $10,000 per year ($933.90 per month) you can have a powerful Mac server with two 24-core CPUs (48 cores in total) and 512 GB of RAM! It’s a beast!
So if you need a powerful macOS, mac hosting is the solution for you!
If you want to run macOS without buying expensive Mac Computers, UltaHost preprared the solution for you! Buy Mac VPS Hosting and get 24/7 support from our support team! Our powered infrastructure focuses on auto-scaling and performance. You can also try cheap Windows VPS, if you need access to remote Windows systems!
