Disk Operating System (DOS) which is well known for its black

INTRODUCTION screen and command line. After the release of Windows 95, Windows
The operating system is a software which works as an interface
started dominating the market. This was because Windows 95 was the
between a user of a computer and the computer hardware system and
first one to have Graphical User Interface (GUI) in its front and DOS
also manages and coordinates the use of hardware among various
in back. This was indeed a revolution for a non-computer person.
applications and users. It is a collection of software that helps in
managing hardware resources and provides common services for
Mac operating system was developed by the apple in 1984 by the
computer programs. It is one of the most essential parts of the
Apple Inc. Macintosh computers used the Motorola PowerPC Chip
computer. The five major activities of an operating system are Process
which is set with an advanced architecture enhanced for graphics and
creation, Processing state, Process synchronization, Process
multimedia interface and usability. Macintosh OSs was strictly GUI
communication and Deadlock prevention. Applications require an
environments, with no command-line option. Since 2005 the Apple
operating system (OS) to perform and the computer itself needs
Mac line of computers are Intel-based, but the Mac OS is only licensed
Operating System to maintain the security of the system and for
to run on an Apple Mac which is the first multitasking operating
creating a GUI/CLI base for the user to access and perform tasks on
system. Mac OS X, with its UNIX origins, gives us the option of a
the computer. There are many software functions that depend on OS
character-based interface Apple Computers is the only manufacturer
such as cost allocation of processor time, mass storage, printing, while
of Macintosh computers. Transferring files and applications from old
hardware functions such as input and output of memory allocation
Mac to a new one is a more efficient process when the computer is to
system calls need the OS as well. In this paper we look at Windows
migrating from one windows PC to another. Apples Mac operating
and Macintosh operating system. We compare them based on several
system has some powerful productivity and multimedia apps that are
features like booting process, user interface information, handling
preinstalled.
system resources, file management, device management, security,
versatility, efficiency, architecture, reliability, cost and choice. COMPARISON OF WINDOW AND MACKINTOSH OPERATING SYSTEM

Windows is an operating system which was developed by Microsoft Windows Mac OS

and its first version came up on November 20,1985. It is based on the

 a Power On Self-Test (POST). MBR (Master Boot Record) is looked
It is the oldest compared to windows was released in
Released in 1985 and was supposed to be a Graphical for in the bootable device. Now boot sector and BOOTMGR is located
1984. From the beginning, it was a Graphical User
User Interface (GUI) on top of MS-DOS. Later with the through the MBR. BOOTMGR searches for active partition and reads
Interface (GUI). Later in 2005, its design and
release of Windows 95 version all features were the BCD file from the boot directory on the active partition. Drivers
architecture were changed to Intel x86 based
integrated. This was kind of a revolution in the market. are loaded by winloader and are set to start at boot and then control is
architecture.
transferred to windows kernel.

Table 1: Comparison of Window and Mackintosh OS

USER INTERFACE

BOOTING PROCESS
A user interface is that part of an operating system that allows users to
enter and modify information. In other words, it acts as a medium of
It is the first step that takes place when we switch on a computer or it
communication between the users and operating system
is a process to start a computer. It can be done by both hardware (by
pressing start button) and software (by command) means.
WINDOWS: The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is an integral
component of Windows, so it is not replaceable. There is also
MAC OS: Here, when the power is switched on, the OF or EFI code
command shell program (cmd) that can directly run. The name itself
is executed. Then all information about hardware is collected and it is
suggests that programs are run in separate windows. Each program is
initialized. Now control passes to the boot loader. The kernel is loaded
run in a particular window, that’s why we can have several programs
by BOOTX and also OS badges are drawn if any. Now the execution
running at the same time. This is the most popular operating system
of the routine kernel takes place. The root device of the booting system
for home computers. The latest version of Windows is Windows 10.
is identified and at this point Firmware is not accessible any more.
Now the initialization of the I/O kit takes place after which the kernel
MAC OS: The graphical user interface and visual theme of Apples
starts.
Mac OS is AQUA. Its original theme was water with droplet-like
components and the concepts of reflection and translucency were
WINDOWS: Booting process begins when the computer is turned on,
which is called a cold boot. On switching on the computer, it performs
used. Its aim is to inculcate colour, depth and complex textures into a File management is one of the most basic but important features found
visually appealing interface in macOS applications. in operating system. It manages different types of files with various
extensions. It can create, update and delete files
HANDLING SYSTEM RESOURCES
WINDOWS: The job of file management is done by Windows
Monitoring system resources like memory, mass storage, network Explorer in Windows. It shows a list of files, folders and storage drives
access, processor part is a necessary part of troubleshooting. on our computer. For example, when a file has to be copied, we open
the desired folder which has the file to be copied or moved and then
WINDOWS: In Windows, a program makes a request to the operating
drag and drop the file to target folder or drive. Windows explorer can
system whenever it needs any hardware resources. Windows then
be opened by the following steps: -
responds to the request by providing the required software. The easiest
way to monitor resources in Windows is to open the Task Manager 1. Start-> all programs-> accessories-> Windows explorer.
window on the Performance Tab as seen in figure 6 below. The
shortcut to open this window is Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Here we get to see MAC OS: We use the FINDER to organize and manage our files.
CPU and memory usage. Finder, in association with apps like Automator can help users locate
documents, search files, manage folders and organize them. The
MAC OS: In Mac OS, we have Activity Monitor which shows the shortcut to opening Finder is simultaneously pressing the Command
processes running on our system. By this we can manage resources and N keys. MacOs has APFS (Apple File System) as its proprietary
and see how we can evaluate Macs activity and performance. We can file system. The Apple File System is primarily focused on encryption
either find it through Spotlight or open from the Utilities folder of along with optimized flash and solid-state drive storage. It uses 64-bit
Application. Activity Monitor shows processes like user apps, system inode numbers. The APFS uses commands like TRIM for better space
apps used by Mac OS or background processes which are invisible. management and performance. TO ensure Data Integrity for metadata,
Apple File System uses checksums.
FILE MANAGEMENT
 WINDOWS: Device management is a Control Panel applet in
File System Windows MAC OS
Windows OS which allows users to view and control the hardware
attached to the computer. It provides a way to uniformly notify all apps
FAT, exFAT Supported Supported
and system features that may affect their operation or access to
resources. It also allows us to update and reinstall drivers for

UDF Supported individual devices.

Supported

MAC OS: Apple devices are not only able to safely access network
ISO 9660 Supported Supported
services due to its multi-layered secured foundation but also protect
important data. iOS and macOS, through the mobile device
HFS+, HFS Supported via 3rd-party drivers management (MDM) solution follow a policy of passcode and
Supported
password thereby guaranteeing security. By chance an Apple device
falls into the wrong hands, with the help of a user or an administrator
ext2, ext3, ext4 Supported via 3rd-party drivers Supported via 3rd-party apps
a remote command can be used to erase all private information. A
secure computing platform for Apple devices can be achieved through
NTFS Supported Supported Read Only
the following:

Table 2: Files supported by Windows and Mackintosh Operating

1. Methods are adopted to that prevent the unauthorized use of devices
System

2. Protection of data at rest, when the device is stolen or even lost.

DEVICE MANAGEMENT

3. Following networking protocols and encrypting data during

It is the act of coordinating between devices of a computer by device
transmission
drivers and device controllers. It is used in managing hardware,
storage and input and output devices. It keeps track of status of all
devices connected to a computer.
3. Apps run securely without having to compromise its platform 2. Click on NEXT to go to next customize settings screen.
integrity.
3. On the second Customize Settings screen leave Use SmartScreen
These capabilities work together to provide a secure computing online service to help protect against malicious content and
platform. downloads in sites loaded by Windows browsers and Store apps
activated as it will enhance security. For the remaining options
SECURITY click on to change them to off.

It is the process of implementing mechanisms to protect an OS 4. Then we have to continue with Windows installation.
externally as well as internally. This is mainly done by ensuring
integrity, confidentiality and availability in the operating system. MAC OS: MAC operating system is very unique compared to the rest
as they are specifically designed for Apple devices. There is no third-
WINDOWS: Microsoft Windows is the world’s most popular party developer. As a result, MAC has a strong shield around it that
consumer operating system and this is why it is so popular. It is used protects the OS from malwares and viruses. Along with this, MAC
as a standard in many office environments. But at the same time, this also supports the user acknowledgement while executing any files.
popularity makes it a target for malware. Windows is a closed source Apple regularly releases update for Mac OS to enhance the security.
operating system where the users or security community doesn’t have
access to the source code. So, while installing Windows, we can select VERSATILITY
privacy protecting options: -
An operating system that is versatile allows the user to run multiple
While installing Windows, we have to accept Express settings or we programs, and completely different types of work at the same time. It
can simply click on Customize settings. allows the user to change and modify the system to their liking.

1. Then on the first Customize settings, we have to turn on all the WINDOWS: Windows has developed a lot since 1985, when it was
settings. installed. It supports a wide range of activities. The latest version of
Windows 10 has been redesigned to protect data from security threats.
Windows Hello, an access control feature, is a password-free sign-in WINDOWS: As new versions of windows came up, users started
service that gives users hassle-free access to their devices. Several new liking them. People liked Windows 7 because of its easy installation,
security features have been installed like fingerprint, face- unlock etc. cash-free nature, fabulous graphics support for HQ games, better UI
It also includes Device Guard to safeguard intellectual property. and also best security. Recently, after Windows 10 came up, people
Recently, new features like Windows Ink, Windows Edge and Cortana liked it more because of its fast nature, reliability, takes responsibility
have been installed in Windows 10. The various versions of Windows of our every move. It’s worth every penny because of its design,
10 are: - Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 home, Windows 10 features, speed, accuracy, privacy and security. It contains so many
Enterprise, Windows education, Window 10 S, Window 10 Mobile, new features. So as a whole every version of Windows OS has been
Window 10 Mobile Enterprise. fully efficient and has satisfied the users.

MAC OS: Many Mac users believe that MacOS is easier to install and MAC OS: OS X Mavericks introduces powerful new technologies for
update, offers faster updates with less hassle, and allows applications energy efficiency Hardware are so designed to be capable of energy-
to be installed and managed with greater ease. MacOS also comes with saving with optimizations at every level of the operating system, right
a deep range of applications for free, including the music composition from the kernel and application frameworks to the built-in applications
tool GarageBand, video editing application iMovie, and a complete you use every day. Mac OS X is based on Darwin, it which uses a
productivity package consisting of Pages (word processing and kernel called XNU which has a hybrid characteristic and was created
layout), Numbers (spreadsheet), and Keynote (presentations). The by a combination of a 4.3BSD kernel and the Mach kernel. On the
MacOS Preview app provides a wide range of features, including other hand, Windows has its own Windows NT Kernel. A general
editing PDFs. overview can say that Mac OS X uses a sturdier kernel compared to
Windows. Moreover, Mac experience is about using it right away.
EFFICIENCY
ARCHITECTURE
An efficient Operating system allows the computer system resources
to be used efficiently which increases the processing speed of the
computer.
The interface between a computer’s hardware and its software is its memory, preemptive multitasking, automatic memory
architecture. The architecture is described by what the computers management, advanced virtual memory, power management.
instructions do, and how they are specified. etc. It also provides the I/O services for Mac OS X and
supports hot-swapping and plug-and-play.
WINDOWS: The several blocks of Windows OS are: – i) Process
refers to a running program in execution. ii) Executable binary: It 2. Next layer is the graphics system which contains Quartz,
comprises the initial code and data to execute code within process. OpenGL and QuickTime.
iii)Private virtual address space: Used as allocating memory for code
within process on requirement basis. iv) Primary token: This object • Quartz is responsible for the 2-D graphics in

stores multiple details regarding default security context of process the graphics subsystem. It provides interface

and used as reference by threads within the process. v) Private handle graphics, fonts, renders images etc.

table: Table used for managing executive objects such as events,

• OpenGL supports the 3-D graphics in the
semaphores and files. vi) Thread(s) for process execution. Processes
system such as transparency, texture mapping,
are identified by unique process id. This ID remains constant till
special effects antialiasing, atmospheric
respective kernel process object exists. Now it’s important to note that
effects, etc. As a fact, even Unix and Windows
every running instance of same binary will get separate process and
System uses the same.
process id. vii)Virtual memory: The OS provides separate private
linear virtual address space to every process which is used by
• QuickTime is used in the different digital
processes to allocate memory to executables, threads, DLLs etc. MAC
media such as video streaming, digital video,
operating system developed by Apple Inc. Mac OS X launched in
audio etc. It also supports creative applications
2001 is the tenth version of Mac OS. The multiple layers of Mac OS
such as iMovie, iTunes etc.
X are given below:

3. Then is the application layer which comprises of four

1. The base layer of the system is the Unix core called the
components, namely Classic, Carbon, Cocoa and Java.
Darwini. The Darwin core supports features such as protected
 • The classic environment makes sure that WINDOWS: According to statistical data, Windows has become
applications run smoothly when written for the much more reliable than it used to be. But still Windows suffers from
previous versions of the operating system. BSOD crashes and Linux can still be crashed by simply plugging a
peripheral that it does not recognize so they are not perfectly reliable,
• The carbon environment is used to transfer the despite years of improvement. Both are less reliable to Mac OS.
existing applications to carbon application
program interfaces. This is called carbonizing MAC OS: Mac Computers are designed from scratch by Apple.
the application.
[Link] production line is taken care of from the beginning to the
• The cocoa environment provides the Mac OS ending.
X structure with an object-oriented application
development environment. 2. Apple devices are made incredibly stable as every component of the
device is tested and assembled to work properly.
• The Java applications applets are run using the
Java environment. 3. Many of the software’s are not compatible with MAC OS which
makes it much Reliable and Smooth because it has no Virus.
4. The topmost layer called Aqua, is the user interface. It
provides visual features as well as the tools to customize COST

the user interface as per the requirements of the user.

The cost of an operating system is how much it might cost the average

RELIABILITY consumer to buy and use that operating system.

Reliability of a computer is a measure of how consistently it performs WINDOWS: Windows is not cheaper than Linux. This is because

according to its specifications. It is one of the main attributes that must Linux is not a full operating system. It’s only the kernel, the central

be considered when making, buying, or using a computer product or part of the operating system, without which computer can’t run

component. programs or use devices such as hard disks. Microsoft Windows, on

the other hand, is a proprietary closed source software package that WINDOWS: Although windows is a very user-friendly OS, it doesn’t
has its own kernel and software to present a user interface. Creating not allow for users to customize the OS as freely. The only choice
and supporting an Operating System for every modern CPU or piece users have been the day to day settings of the Computer as well as the
of computer hardware takes considerable effort and Microsoft choice of applications they choose to interact with. The Windows OS
therefore charges for this: it’s a business with employees and source code is not open source therefore it is not easily customizable
shareholders after all. Free and Open Source Software relies on the by everyone.
efforts of individuals doing this work for the challenge, fame or glory.
It is expensive and its cost starts from $100. MAC OS: Mac OS has a very easy to use interface that allows the
users to navigate with ease. Like Linux, mac is also open source now
MAC OS: Apple computers are way too expensive than some PCs, allowing users to customize their OS. It allows users to create their
but are worth the amount when considering the value, we receive for own apps with ease and lets them customize their desktop to their
our money. Macs get software updates on a regular basis which makes liking.
them more valuable and capable over time. Even vintage Macs are
kept safe through bug fixes and patches available on the older versions CONCLUSIONS

of MacOS. Lastly, it’s very hard to argue against its aesthetic value.
Thus operating system acts as an interface between users and
Usually users love the way something looks than how it works. It’s
computer hardware. In this paper, we have compared operating
the most expensive compared to Windows and Linux as the user has
systems Windows and Mac OS on the basis of certain features. Result
to buy a whole Mac system built by Apple.
of our comparison is that none of them are bad. Each one has their

CHOICE own advantages and disadvantages. Our target is to give an overview

to users, which can help them choose an operating system that fits their
Choice in an operating system allows the user to customize and change needs.
the OS to their liking.