Windows 10 vs. Mac OS X 10.11: OS Showdown
Microsoft and Apple are both planning OS releases for later this year. Which one is the better pick, Windows 10 or Mac OS X 10.11?
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It has been almost six months since Microsoft formally announced Windows 10 at a January press event. The new Windows OS has been a hot topic ever since, as gradual Insider Preview builds have let users try it out and provide feedback.
Given the progress it has showed so far, many are saying that Microsoft is "getting it right" with Windows 10, which marks a major change for Redmond. In addition to a design overhaul, the system will pack a range of updated apps, security features, and the Windows-as-a-Service structure.
After months of continuous news and Insider Previews for Windows 10, Microsoft is sharing its spotlight with Apple, which recently unveiled its own OS upgrade.
At its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) held last week, Apple officials unveiled a number of feature and performance upgrades to iOS, Mac, and Apple Watch. Among the many announcements was the new Mac OS X 10.11 operating system, nicknamed El Capitan after the iconic rock wall in Yosemite National Park.
[WWDC: What Apple Didn't Tell Us]
Many of the updates announced at WWDC echo various products and services that we've already seen from Apple competitors. A new Proactive Assistant is markedly similar to Google's "Now on Tap" function. Apple News carries the same premise as the Flipboard app.
The latest version of OS X is no different.
El Capitan, while an upgrade to the performance and security features in OS X Yosemite, has plenty of features that show Apple is still playing catch-up and drawing inspiration from other tech giants in terms of its operating system's features and functionality.
One of those giants is Microsoft.
Apple might dominate the mobile space, but Microsoft has long controlled the desktop OS market. In an effort to address the shortcomings and errors of Windows 8, Microsoft is packing Windows 10 with a range of updates and fixes that might just give Apple a run for its money.
Now that two of the biggest players in the tech space are planning to release updated operating systems later this year, we take a look at the features and performance upgrades promised in each one. Which do you think holds greater promise? Share your thoughts in the comments.
After the backlash surrounding Windows 8, it's understandable that Microsoft would go in a different direction for the Windows 10 design. The new OS will swap out the Windows 8 interface for a more traditional desktop that's more reminiscent of Windows 7. The Start menu is making a comeback, albeit with a larger, tiled, and more customizable design.
Mac OS X 10.11 is getting a comparatively minor makeover in the design department and will have a slightly toned-down look. Compared with the many new features in Yosemite, it's not quite as exciting, but it seems that Apple is going more for subtle refinement than visual overhaul in Mac OS X. One small but useful update is an enlarged cursor that you see when you turn on your computer, so you don't have to frantically scrabble over your trackpad to find it.
One of the more notable features in the El Capitan demo was "split view," which that lets you work in two apps, side-by-side, in full-screen mode on the desktop. An updated Mission Control improves the process of switching among apps. It can be accessed with an upwards four-finger swipe on the trackpad.
Apple also delivered a few updates to existing apps, like Mail and Notes. New natural language capabilities simplify the process of searching for emails by saying things like, "Messages I ignored from Pete." It will also have swipe gestures and tabbed email windows. Notes will be more media-friendly. Users can use a browser to add files or the drag-and-drop feature to bring links, photos, or other attachments into a note.
Apple's "split view" is certainly welcome, but a few years behind the Snap feature in Windows. An upgraded Snap Assist in Windows 10 has been enhanced to improve productivity. When you "snap" an app to take up half the screen, you'll see a few windows on the other side for suggested apps to take up the other half. You can snap up to four apps, and view all open tasks at one time.
When it comes to app upgrades for Windows 10, much of the conversation is around the Universal Apps that will run across desktops, tablets, and phones. The apps have the same code base and will work similarly across all devices. A new Windows Store will serve as a one-stop shop for apps that will run on every Windows 10 device.
Microsoft is also updating native apps such as mail and calendar for Windows 10. Mail will include a version of the ribbon UI and customizable swipe actions for flagging and deleting email. Calendar has been redesigned to give users a more comprehensive view of their schedule as they add and edit appointments.
Note: The above image depicts Split View in iOS 9. This feature will appear in the same full-screen form in El Capitan.
Mac computers are targets of malware less frequently, because they make up a much smaller portion of the PC market than Windows devices. Mac OS X is built on Unix, so it's inherently sandboxed. Viruses that do squeeze their way in can't do much damage.
According to earlier reports, Apple is also developing a security system called Rootless. The new platform is promised to both block malware and safeguard user data by preventing access to certain files, even for administrators, writes Macworld.
The security updates for Windows 10 will include Device Guard, which aims to block zero-day attacks attempting to infiltrate Windows 10 machines and their surrounding networks. Microsoft has also announced that it's working to eliminate traditional passwords. A biometric authentication system entitled Windows Hello will instantly ID users and unlock a device by scanning their face, iris, or fingerprint. A new feature called Passport will provide one-time authentication via PIN or Windows Hello to let users access a broad range of websites and services.
Microsoft is working with various hardware partners to launch devices that are designed for Windows 10 and compatible with the biometric authentication system. It's also adopting a new patch and upgrade strategy for delivering and managing updates.
Apple announced at WWDC that it's bringing pinned sites to Safari. This is a more visually appealing way of saving websites in the form of a small icon on the tab bar. Safari will also have a handy sound-killing feature that will let you see which of your many tabs is making noise. You can find and mute the sound without bouncing from tab to tab, or mute all sounds at once without pressing the volume button.
Microsoft has been letting Windows Insiders test its new Edge browser, formerly known as Project Spartan. It's designed to replace Internet Explorer for the bulk of Windows 10 users. Edge promises greater security and speed with a minimalist design. Highlights include the ability to take notes onscreen and save Web pages for offline reading.
Microsoft's digital personal assistant, Cortana, will be landing on desktops when Windows 10 launches on July 29. Cortana will work across desktop, tablets, laptops, and smartphones so that users can carry a similar OS experience across all of their devices. For example, you'll be able to set a reminder on your smartphone and receive a corresponding desktop alert later in the day. Cortana's job is to record and learn the user's habits and preferences in order to improve accuracy and helpfulness over time.
After learning that Cortana would be integrated into the desktop version of Windows 10, many expected Apple to bring Siri to Mac OS X 10.11. Sadly, this isn't the case. Siri got some major improvements for iOS 9, but Apple still has not announced desktop availability.
However, El Capitan will include an updated Spotlight search feature that can pull data such as sports scores, weather predictions, and stocks, and find various files and apps. Like the new Mail app, it incorporates natural language search capabilities. If you need to search for documents from a specific month, for example, you can type "documents from April 2015," and the app will pull them.
Both Windows 10 and El Capitan will be available free of charge for download on compatible devices. It should be noted that Microsoft will charge $119 for the Home edition of Windows 10 and $199 for the Pro to users who miss the free upgrade opportunity.
Windows 10 has been available in preview for a few months, with a set launch date for July 29. El Capitan will be available in preview form in July with a full launch expected later this fall.
Both Windows 10 and El Capitan will be available free of charge for download on compatible devices. It should be noted that Microsoft will charge $119 for the Home edition of Windows 10 and $199 for the Pro to users who miss the free upgrade opportunity.
Windows 10 has been available in preview for a few months, with a set launch date for July 29. El Capitan will be available in preview form in July with a full launch expected later this fall.
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