At Lifewire, we use both for work and play so we feel uniquely qualified to compare the two.
So, how does a Mac differ from a Windows-based PC?
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Mac vs. PC or Mac and PC?
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As Apple framed it, you could buy a PC, or you could buy a Mac.
How much in common?
Well, while this wasn’t always the case, you caninstall the Windows operating system on a Mac.
Remember, the Mac is just a PC with Mac OS installed on it.
In addition, you could hook up the mouse you use on your Windows PC to a Mac.
One of the biggest stumbling blocks for people transitioning from the Windows world to a Mac is keyboard shortcuts.
On the Mac, Command+C does.
As simple as that difference sounds, it can take some getting used to before it feels natural.
The differences include:
What About the Hackintosh?
Despite the obvious connotation, the termhackintoshdoesn’t refer to a Mac that’s been hacked.
Remember that a Macbook or iMac can run Windows because the hardware is virtually the same?
The reverse is also true.
A PC meant for Windows may also be able to initiate the macOS, but the process is tricky.
All the hardware in a PC meant for macOS must be recognized by macOS.
FAQ
TheMac miniis Apple’s smallest and most affordable desktop computer.
As of 2021, the mini runs Apple’s M1 chip on a 16-core Neural Engine.
You supply the monitor, keyboard and mouse.
