Why does Microsoft produce different versions of Windows while Apple only produce one that has it all?

Question

It's very weird though. There's a Windows XP Home Edition, Professional, Media Center, Tablet PC, Embedded, and Starter. While Apple has only Mac OS X Tiger but has all the features like a home computer, for students, and multimedia.

On the other hand, there's Windows Vista Starter, Home Basic and Premium, Business, and Ultimate. While Apple has only Mac OS X Leopard with all the features of Home, Business and Multimedia.

Answer 1

^ while that is true, thats not the reason why apple does it. nice try tho.

the new version is osx 10.5, not 10.4. apple puts everything all on one cd, everybody gets the same features for the same price. its just how apple does things. MS on the other hand puts out diffrent versions b/c if they only put out 1 version,  which would contain every feature in vista, no one would pay for it, b/c it would be so expensive. MS overcharges for their operating systems.

Answer 2

Windows writes thier own code, so they are more versitle. Apple uses the unix kernel (er, unix-like) with the xerox gui, so they're not as many options.

Umm, guy below me, yes it is. Mac can only do so much before compromising it's secrets. I.e. fall under a different license.

Answer 3

Windows offers a great balance, you can have what you want and don't have to have the rest, you get people who all they want to do is to go on the internet with their computer, they don't want all your business, photo editing, media center powerpoint spreadsheet c**p. And there are some who want everything, there are those who maybe can't afford everything and go for the simple plan that costs practically nothing. Also, i believe that Tablet PCs are built for tablet pcs, not actual pcs, and that vista ultimate come with everything but it obviously much more expensive than basic or starter which come with very few of the bonuses vista has to offer.

Answer 4

Because you can't gear an operating system for everyone. There is an old saying, "By trying to please everyone, you please no one." That is why Windows is so much more popular than Apple.

Answer 5

Because Apple is all about style over substance.

Answer 6

Wow, youmakemeverymad's answer was the most ill-informed thing I've read in a long time.

Apple actually has multiple versions of OS X, but with truly unique uses unlike Microsoft's splintered product line.

Mac OS X (the standard version for all users, currently 10.5.4 Leopard)

Mac OS X Server (you know, for servers)

Specialized versions of Mac OS X for iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple TV.