10 Ways Windows 7 Will Beat Back the Mac OS X Challenge

Since the beginning of this year, Apple and its many offerings have dominated the news. Speculation ran rampant over what it had planned for its tablet, now known as the iPad. Some folks were wondering if the company would finally bring its iPhone to Verizon Wireless and update the device to include multitasking. In recent weeks, some of that attention has shifted to Mac OS X and its chances of stealing more market share away from Windows.

As exciting as Apple's success might be, perhaps it's time to focus on Microsoft. The software giant has slowly but surely revamped its OS image, thanks to a solid PR campaign and a vastly improved operating system that consumers, the enterprise, and vendors can get behind.  

Mac OS X might be a fine operating system in its own right. It might even be more capable than Windows 7 in some areas. But as 2010 progresses and market share figures change throughout the world, it will be Windows 7, not Mac OS X that will be gaining market share.

Windows 7 will stifle any chances for Mac OS X to capture market share. Let's take a look at why.

1. Windows Vista is in the past

Although some who prefer Apple products like to point to Windows Vista as the reason not buy a Microsoft operating system, the troubles Microsoft faced with that OS are in the past. Windows Vista was a failure that lived up to no one's expectations. But Windows 7 has mended fences with the Windows community. And as time goes on, it makes even more people forget about Vista. The market has moved on.

2. Windows 7 is a fine OS

Windows 7 provides an outstanding experience that easily matches Mac OS X. The OS sports a revamped design and improved taskbar making it much easier to use. And thanks to few (if any) compatibility problems and improved security, it improves upon Windows Vista's troubles. Most importantly, Windows 7 improves upon Mac OS X.

3. Mac OS X is lacking

Speaking of Mac OS X, Apple's operating system is missing several key features that make it a less than ideal choice for many consumers. As nice as the OS might be, there's no telling if it's really as secure as Apple lovers claim. Worst of all, Apple has largely ignored the possibility of a major security outbreak in its OS, making it even more likely that something disastrous happens. On the features side, Mac OS X's native apps, including Mail and Finder are in desperate need of an overhaul. They're not awful software packages, but they leave much to be desired. If Mac OS X is to challenge Windows 7 this year, Apple must address some obvious feature flaws as soon as possible.

4. Vendor support

One of the main obstacles limiting Vista's success was vendor support. Dell, HP, and other major vendors gave customers the option of deploying Windows XP rather than Windows Vista after realizing all the troubles the latter OS suffered from. Now that Windows 7 has been vetted and it easily bests its predecessor, vendors are in full support of Microsoft's latest operating system. Apple's best chance at acquiring more market share ended when Windows 7 hit store shelves. 

Next: Window 7 Gets Back on Track with Enterprise Customers >>