Isn't a new Mac with an Intel processor and Windows basically a PC?

Question

They're selling them now with Virtual PC which is the Windows operating system for Mac. Just thought it was a bit bizarre.

Answer 1

Close, it still uses a MAC operating system. They need to do it to compete. Since 90% of the computers out there use Windows, most of the programs are made for Windows. This was the biggest reason to NOT buy a Mac. Now they have got around it.

Is it the same machine? Well yes and no. Intel doesn't make the chips; they assemble the processor out of Motorola chips. They use the some of the same chips to make both kinds of processors, as does apple. Therefore the processors are very similar. That’s why MAC likes to release a new machine when they can get a faster chip than is currently standard in the PC. However the other hardware is different. You can’t put a PC card into a Mac; you can’t use any PC hardware, except for hard drives in a Mac. Hard drives are universal and don’t care which machine they are in because every machine uses the hard drive the same way. A PC graphics card not only won’t fit into a Mac, it can’t talk with one so it can’t work in a Mac, not even if you use a hammer.

Then there is the problem of the operating system (OS). All Windows PCs operate on DOS (Disk Operating System). This is an archaic protocol that has been used since the 1960s to make computers work. DOS only has a few ways to perform a command, and it won’t accept even a single typo. It has a poor help function, and is hard to understand for the average computer user. Windows sits on top of DOS. It makes pretty pictures that let you see what is going on. A Graphic User Interface (GUI) is easier to use because you can see it clearer, and it is less abstract. To move a file from one folder to another folder; you simply select it, cut it, and paste it in the new folder. What is actually happening is more complex: You need to tell the computer where the folder is--C:cd\windows\temp, then you need to move the file—C:move:filename.ext c:newfolder. As you can see the DOS commands are more complex. The Windows interface makes it easier, but it is doing the same DOS commands, you just don’t see it. So on a Mac a Windows OS has to sit on a top of DOS and then on top of the Mac OS. You need more memory to do this, and it makes it easier to have a computer crash. On a PC Windows sits on top of DOS and that makes the machine unstable. In fact Windows 95 & 98 fit the definition of a virus. The longer you run a Windows 95 & 98 system the more chance it has of corrupting data and forcing the machine to lock up.

When running Windows an error is not a case of “may happen”, it is a case of “will happen,” and soon. Ask any Widows user how many computer crashes they have had.

The processors are similar, the machine structure is similar, but the OS, or the WAY the machines work are different, and PCs have never been as stable as Macs, so Windows on Mac may, or may not be a good thing.

Answer 2

It's just another in a recent series of attempts by Apple to keep from going under. As far as how close it is to being an IBM-compatible PC depends on what you're looking at, I suppose. Since there is different hardware, that will operate differently. If the user interface is the same, and you are simply a user, then it probably won't really be different for you. I have no idea if the API's are the same or not, but I imagine they would have to be in order to be run Windows PC software. However, there may only be some slight differences... such as those between 98 and XP.

And, to clear the air on this, only Windows 1.x to 3.x, 9x, and ME run on top of DOS. Windows NT, 2000, and XP never have... they simply emulate DOS in case you run applications that require it.

Answer 3

not really. The OS is still miles apart in ease of use and stability. Use both and you'll be able to tell. It's always been about software, not hardware. If the Mac runs Windows, then I'd say yes.

PS - Virtual PC has been around for a long time, I used it over 10 years ago (the Connectix version).

Answer 4

Yes. The only real difference now is a built-in dongle that allows OS X to be installed without cracks.

Answer 5

It's a P.C. world with many benefit to run WINDOW product. It just took MAC sometime to realize it.

Answer 6

No, you may no longer deploy OSX in pc till you're keen to hack. In my determination, it is no longer worth it. the best distinction between OSX and pc is that with the aid of pc, it potential microsoft window working equipment. OSX is Unix based working equipment, it is closer to Linux, Unix, and FreeBSD, i'm useful you got my component. we are able to apply various Linux/Unix instructions in OSX terminal console (like dos prompt or command prompt in window).as an occasion, to be sure all documents in window command prompt, you may desire to form in "dir" yet in OSX and Linxu/Unix, it is "ls". between the best distinction is document equipment, OSX makes use of between the variation of Linux/Unix document equipment. Mac document equipment isn't comparable with Linux yet similiar. Window makes use of Fat32/NTFS document equipment. they are particularly distinctive. to circulate on extra beneficial, it is going to likely be previous the scope of this question and answer. So the nice and snug button is --- it is attainable to place in OSX in sixty 4-bit intel processor as Mac makes use of the comparable computing gadget ingredient as time-honored pc yet OSX will seek for spectific custom hardware placing for it and you will could desire to hack plenty to get it carried out. sturdy success.

Answer 7

I think It will still be using Mac OS.

Answer 8

Yep, its certainly a personal computer

Answer 9

yes it is, but so different according to people.

Answer 10

ok what do u want from them