Xref: utzoo comp.sys.mac.misc:11928 comp.windows.ms:12568 Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!samsung!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!bronze!lester From: lester@bronze.ucs.indiana.edu (Jim Lester) Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc,comp.windows.ms Subject: Re: Mac Vs. Windows? (sorry) Message-ID: <1991May11.015631.6252@bronze.ucs.indiana.edu> Date: 11 May 91 01:56:31 GMT References: <1991May10.135518.5538@world.std.com> <1991May10.183738.15661@zardoz.eng.ohio-state.edu> <1991May10.203309.22163@leland.Stanford.EDU> Distribution: usa Organization: Indiana University Lines: 77 aaron@jessica.stanford.edu (Aaron Wallace) writes: >In article <1991May10.183738.15661@zardoz.eng.ohio-state.edu> gaynor@agvax2.ag.ohio-state.edu writes: >>I agree that Windows doesn't quite fit. After having used it on a >>day-to-day basis for the past 6 months, I'm convinced that it's a >>shell, not an OS. Now, granted, it's one hell of a shell, adding >>numerous new capabilities to the operating system, especially in the >>area of graphics. But it is still layered on top of DOS, and all its >>limitations. (memory, device handling, file names, ad nauseum) >The only thing DOS is used for (and thus imposes limits on) is the file system. >Windows takes over memory management and device handling. Okay, this is >a bit of a simplification, but the exceptions are few... I'll buy that, however the file system is a BIG part of any computer >>>2. Adding applications and peripherals is easier (for a novice) on the Mac. >> >>Adding an application still requires an often-lengthy "install" >>process (although more Mac applications need to be "installed" these >>days), and files such as CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, WINDOWS.INI, and >>the like often need to be modifies and tweaked by hand. Then you >>still have to install the icon in a Windows group. >Funny. Most programs I install do it automatically. I have just finished installing both W4W and Word, PageMaker for Windows and PageMaker on the Mac etc... and Mac is easier hands down... >As for ease of use installing peripherals, is it easier to get a favorite non-Apple printer> working on a Mac or with Windows, in general? I have done a number of non-apple printers which are plug and play... My mother can do it (and has) >>>3. It seems to take more Intel machine to get the same response as a Mac. >> >>I've got an IBM PS/2 model 30 on my desk (10 Mhz 286, 16 color VGA, 2 >>MB RAM, 20 MB HD), and it runs Windows programs significantly slower than >>a Mac Plus (8 Mhz 68000, 9" b/w screen, 1 MB RAM, 20 MB HD) runs >>comparable programs. (Windows Write - MacWrite II, Terminal - Red >>Ryder, Windows Paint - Canvas). And here I thought that the '286 >>machines were supposed to be similar in response to '020s. (Gross >>oversimplification). >Note that you have VGA (4 bits/pixel) and the Mac is monochrome (1 bit/ >pixel). Thus, in terms of raw graphics speed, you'd expect the PS/2 to be >1/4th the speed in screen-intensive stuff. Better comparison: a 10 MHz >286 with a Herc and a Classic. I think you'll find it to be much closer-- >My 12 MHz machine is easily as fast as a classic (and probably faster, >subjectively). Even then, the Herc shuffles around 50% more pixels than the >tiny Classic screen. Comparing Apples and non-Apples is never easy :-) Sure compare same IBM PS/2 to Mac II and the Mac II will come out favorably >>In the end, IMHO, Windows doesn't compare to System 6.0x. System 7.0 >>will make the comparison even worse. However, Windows 3.0 is the best >>thing going for MS-DOS machines at the time being. >The one problem I have with this kind of thread and the OS/2 vs. Windows >one is that people tend to buy and use applications, not operating systems. >OS/2 is much better than Windows, but Windows apps are in general better (or >at least more plentiful) than OS/2 apps. There are some good Mac apps, but >for what I do the Windows apps are better. For me, that is the final line... I will agree that it is more a matter of personal preference >That and price, that is! as an amusing aside I was Window Shopping yesterday :-) Microsoft Office PcConnection Price $629 (ie windows version) MacConnection Price $525 (ie Mac version) >Aaron Wallace Jim Lester Guy who does neat MAC stuff who is now living in a Windows World Finicial Management Support Indiana University Disclaimer: IU didn't put this foot in my mouth (It barely puts food in my mouth :-) )