Choosing between Mac or Windows devices for your business can be challenging. Concerns about cyber-attacks, system failures, and support means every business wants to feel secure in their decision. At Air IT, we want to help you make the best decision for your business. Whether you choose Mac or Windows devices to power your business, we'll be your strategic IT partner.
Do Windows or Mac devices perform better across industries?
Macs have an excellent reputation for creative tasks like video editing and graphic design, making them popular amongst creative industries due to their impressive processing power. Individuals working in Professional services with creative roles, like graphic designers or video creators, should consider Mac-exclusive programs. For example, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. Mac devices also use Apple silicon, a processor that appeals to creative industries for its ability to enhance performance. However, Windows devices can be used effectively in creative sectors and can use industry-leading creative software packages like Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and AutoCAD.
Both Windows and Macs can use popular productivity suites like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 and a lot of other business programs, making collaboration between users extremely flexible.
Are Macs more secure than Windows devices?
When it comes to security, both Mac and Windows devices are dependable, but Mac devices have a slight edge over Windows.
Built into macOS is the Apple T2 security chip. It protects against basic cyber-attacks concerning unauthorised access and data security. According to Dimensional Research and Kandji, 84% of IT Stakeholders agree that Macs are more secure than other devices. However, it’s important to remember that no device is completely immune to cyber-attacks.
MacBooks and iMacs tend to experience fewer cyber-attacks than Windows PCs. For example, Mac devices are less commonly targeted with ransomware attacks. However, as Global market shares for macOS have risen from 8% to 15.3% in January 2023, cyber criminals may begin targeting Mac more than before. Although Windows PCs and desktops for business face more cyber-attacks, they are still secure for business use when managed effectively. Either way, both Windows and Mac devices need enhanced cyber security to safeguard your business.
Air IT has 30+ years of Mac Support experience and offers managed Cyber Security services for businesses using Mac or Windows devices. Mac devices still need this support for cyber-attacks that go beyond the reach of built-in security.
Are Mac or Windows devices more cost-effective for business?
Mac devices are expensive upfront, but they depreciate slower than Windows devices. They also have a higher resale value than Windows devices, so remain valuable when you want to upgrade or replace them.
Mac devices can also need less maintenance as Apple designs their operating system and hardware to work seamlessly. Windows devices on the other hand may need more frequent support, lowering their cost-effectiveness long-term.
Depending on the needs of a user, switching to, or using Mac devices may be unnecessary due to the upfront cost of the device. For example, you may only wish to buy top of the range Macs for those who need the additional processing power of a Mac for their job role e.g., Graphic Design, Marketing, Engineers. A Windows PC would be more than adequate for most roles, saving unnecessary expense.
Despite their upfront expense, Mac devices are not always pricier than Windows devices. For example, a Dell laptop with equal processing power costs twice as much as a MacBook. Consider this when looking at what specs you will need for your technology, and factor this into your price range.
Can Managed Service providers support Mac as well as Windows devices?
One of the downsides to using Mac for your business is that few Managed Service Providers offer specialist Mac IT Support. IT providers typically focus on Windows devices, given their popularity. This is further reinforced by the fact that PCs are managed in an entirely different way to Mac, which require a different approach, as well as tools and skillsets. This means most Managed Service Providers not only lack experience but the ability to support Macs effectively.
As well as this, there are some pains that come with supporting Macs in general, such as hardware repairs:
- Windows users can easily have parts replaced on Windows laptops and desktops, but Mac users cannot.
- Mac users must send devices to an Apple technician for any hardware repairs, whereas technicians can perform hardware repairs for Windows devices onsite.
Air IT can provide excellent IT Support for any type of IT setup, including Windows, Mac, or a combination of both. With 30+ years of experience with Mac, Air IT has a wealth of experience and knowledgeable Mac engineers and use specialist Mac support tools such as Addigy and Jamf. No matter your IT ecosystem, you do not have to compromise on the quality of your managed IT support experience. Take a look at how Air IT helped FireFish transform its IT support from reactive to proactive.
Should you use Mac or Windows devices for your business?
Pros:
Macs:
- Suitable for creative and non-creative industries.
- They have a user-friendly interface.
- Mac devices can share files with Windows devices.
- Apple T2 built-in cyber security for extra protection.
- Targeted less for cyber-attacks.
- Quick and easy set up with remote management through the Cloud.
- Depreciate slower than Windows devices and have a higher resale value.
- Cheaper than Windows devices that offer the same processing power.
Windows:
- Traditional and popular choice for most businesses.
- Excellent business application compatibility.
- Suitable for creative and non-creative industries.
- The right tailored support keeps Windows devices well protected.
- Easy access to experienced Managed Service Providers.
- Windows offer a variety of products and price range.
- You can easily customize and fix it onsite.
Cons:
Macs:
- Mac devices still need extra security because the built-in security will not cover all cyber security requirements.
- Few Managed Service Providers offer experienced IT support for Mac devices.
- You need to send hardware repairs to Apple Care, which may cause potential delays.
- Mac devices can be an expensive investment upfront.
Windows:
- Cyber criminals target Windows devices more frequently.
- Windows devices depreciate quicker, which can lead to more regular upgrades and replacements. This lowers their cost-effectiveness in the long-term.
Our Chief Technology Officer, Peter Pendlebury, says:
Most MSPs cannot be flexible with the support they offer, but with Air IT you can use either Windows or Mac, or a mixed ecosystem, and be fully supported. The IT used within a business is crucial to its success. Both Mac and Windows devices offer strong solutions for businesses to succeed, with user-friendly interfaces, device integration, and security measures. Here at Air IT, we want to be your strategic IT partner and provide tailored support for your business
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We understand that your business is unique, and you deserve top-notch IT support for both Windows and Mac devices. You shouldn’t have to compromise on quality. We want to help empower you through technology and help you use it to its fullest potential – follow us on LinkedIn to get our Thursday Tech Tips.
If you need help choosing the right technology for your business, then please get in touch or request a Free Consultation today.
