Mac OS versions by year. Operating system Mac OS
The macOS operating system is the foundation of every Mac. It allows you to perform tasks that other computers could not handle. The system was designed specifically for the Mac, and together they work as one. macOS has a whole host of great apps. It integrates iCloud features to keep your photos, documents, and other files in sync across all your devices. It's this system that allows the Mac to interact so effectively with the iPhone and other Apple devices. macOS was designed with privacy and security in mind.
Ease of use It's not difficult.
So anything is possible.
On Mac, everything works for you, from communicating with Siri and simple, intuitive control gestures to convenient file search, automatic updates, and much more. Whatever task you need to solve on a Mac, you'll have no learning curve and can get things done faster.
Dark mode gives your apps and desktop a dramatic look and helps you focus on what's important. Two new Dynamic Desktop themes change depending on the time of day, no matter where you are. The Stacks feature brings order to your desktop by automatically grouping files by type: images, documents, PDFs, and more.
Spotlight helps you quickly find what you need—whether it's documents on your Mac, movie schedules, or flight departure or arrival times. Start typing a query in the Spotlight search field and results will appear as you type. 1
Simply swipe with two fingers from the right edge of the trackpad to open Notification Center - the same as on the iPhone - and you'll see all your current alerts. There's also a Today page where you can add useful widgets or important information from Siri responses.
Voice assistant Siri will help you quickly cope with daily affairs and solve many different tasks at the same time. For example, when finishing work, ask Siri to tell your colleague that the document is almost ready. Looking for that presentation you worked on last week? Ask Siri to take care of it. 2 And if you use Apple Music, then Siri can become your personal DJ, who will select music to your taste and find information about the song, album or artist. 3
Continuity All your devices.
They work as one.
The Mac works with all your Apple devices in ways other computers don't. For example, if you receive a call on your iPhone, you can answer directly from your Mac. When friends text you from any phone model, you can reply from a Mac or iPhone - whichever is closer. Copy text or image on one device and paste on another using the usual copy and paste commands. Sidecar lets you expand your workspace by using your iPad as a second display on your Mac. You can even unlock your Mac using your Apple Watch—no password required.
Security and privacy Your data is yours alone. And period.
Everything you do on your Mac is protected by features that keep you private and secure. This is why we implement data security systems into each of our devices at the very early stages of development.
Confidentiality. We believe that only you have control over access to the personal information you entrust to our products. Therefore, we follow strict rules for processing personal data. And when you go online, Safari makes it difficult to collect information about which sites you visit.
Safety. Technologically advanced Mac hardware and software provide secure launch of applications, online privacy and reliable protection of personal data. The updated Find My app helps you find your lost or stolen Mac, even if it's in sleep mode or not connected to the internet. And Gatekeeper makes sure that the apps you download from the Mac App Store or the Internet and install on your Mac don't pose a threat to your Mac.
Built-in Applications Beautiful and powerful like a Mac.
Because they were made for Mac.
Every Mac comes with a suite of powerful applications. These are the apps you use on your iPhone or iPad, so they should be familiar to you. They all work with iCloud, so your schedule, contacts, and notes will be up to date across all your devices. These are native apps, and unlike web apps in the browser, they take full advantage of the Mac's capabilities and are amazingly fast.
Multimedia. Listen to music, podcasts, and watch movies with three brand new apps. Gather together all the important news from reliable sources. 4 Monitor changes in the market by choosing important indicators. Read books, discover the latest Mac apps and extensions - right on your Mac.
Creation. The new dynamic interface will allow you to immerse yourself in the world of your photos and videos. Turn family videos into real movies. Send videos to your family and friends. Write music using a huge collection of professional-grade instruments, sounds and effects. Virtual drummers and percussionists will help you - just choose the right ones.
Job. It's amazingly easy to create a stunning document. Visualize data in spreadsheets with pictures, text, and shapes. Create impressive presentations using powerful graphics tools and vibrant special effects to convey your ideas in the best possible way. Work together with friends and colleagues in real time - whether they are on the other side of town or on the other side of the world.
Connection. Easily manage all your email accounts in one simple, powerful app that works with services like iCloud, Gmail, Yahoo, AOL and Microsoft Exchange. Chat without restrictions with Apple device users. On the Mac, you have the same Messages app for this as on the iPhone. Make FaceTime video and audio calls right on your Mac—high-quality calls with no limitations. The new Find My app lets you find your Mac using your Mac, iPad, or iPhone.
Organization. A new gallery mode and improved search help you find the note you're looking for even faster than before. Create and sort reminders, add attachments to them. Bring together and manage iCloud, Google, and Exchange calendars. Create separate calendars for home, work, and school and view them all at once or separately. The Voice Recorder app makes it easier to record reminders, lectures, interviews, and even sketches of future songs. Keep your contact information up to date across all your devices and easily import phone numbers, addresses, and photos from Google and Microsoft Exchange. And control HomeKit-enabled devices right from your Mac.
Internet. Updated start page with convenient access to your favorite and frequently visited sites. Shop in Safari with Apple Pay and Touch ID on MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Choose new travel destinations, be inspired by stunning 3D city panoramas in Flyover mode, and plot routes from one point to another. Instantly find anything on your Mac or the web with just a few taps. We made sure everyone can use Mac.
macOS comes standard with many technologies that help people with special needs get the most out of their Mac. Many of these features you won't find on other operating systems. Voice Control lets you control your Mac completely using voice commands. VoiceOver, Accessibility Keyboard, FaceTime 6, and text-to-speech are just some of the features that help everyone get the most out of their Mac.
Technology Innovation in every byte.
At the heart of macOS are powerful technologies designed to power the essential features of your Mac. Thanks to the Mac Catalyst Project, your favorite iPad apps are now on the Mac. SwiftUI makes it easy for developers to create apps that work great across all Apple platforms, with less coding effort. Create ML technology allows developers to quickly and easily embed machine learning models into applications. And support for virtual and augmented reality helps create truly immersive worlds.
Compatibility Has to work
with Windows? Mac can do that too.
macOS makes it easy to transfer files, photos, and other data from your Windows PC to your Mac. You won't have any problems with common file types such as JPEG, MP3 and PDF, as well as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents. And, of course, you can put Microsoft Office on your Mac. If you want, you can even install Windows on your Mac. 7
New features in macOS Catalina help everyone get the most out of their Mac. With Voice Control, users who aren't comfortable with standard input methods can control their Mac with voice commands. And new tools for people with low vision will allow you to enlarge the text of a paragraph or the entire screen.
Video description for a film about universal access
Turn on.
[MUSIC IS PLAYING]
The volume indicator on the microphone-shaped Dictation icon fluctuates as Ian's voice changes in tone.
(Ian dictates)
The text dictated by Ian appears in the Notes.
(Ian dictates)
It's a new way to do what you're passionate about, period. Like this. Correct the word "heart".
The word "heart" is highlighted in blue. A numbered list of options for that word opens. It has options for replacing it with other words or images of hearts.
Sixteen.
The word “heart” in the text is replaced with a red heart.
Ian at home. He sits in a power wheelchair in front of his iMac.
Open Photo.
The Photos app opens from the Dock. In the photographs in the folder with the dates “May 15-19,” Ian is riding along the road in his wheelchair with his cyclist friends.
Scroll up.
The photographs in the folder with the dates "April 12-14" show a man on a mountain bike and forested mountains sloping down to the edge of a lake.
Show numbers.
Numbers appear on the folder buttons and on each photo.
Thirteen.
The photo opens. A man stands on the shore of a lake, raising a bicycle above his head.
The Messages app opens and the photo appears in the message.
The name "Tim" appears in the "To:" field, and then the autocomplete function replaces it [email protected].
Next field. Let's go for a ride today. Thumbs up emoji.
The text and corresponding emoji icon appear in the message.
Click "Submit". Open Maps.
The Maps application opens.
Show grid.
A grid with numbers is superimposed on the map.
Press and hold "twenty".
A pin appears on the map with the label “Located Location: Olympic National Park, Highway 101, Port Angeles...” and an “Information” icon.
Open Program Switcher.
Ian glances at the iPhone attached to the wheelchair. A notification appears on the screen: “Cards from Ian’s iMac.” The number four appears in the upper left corner of the notification.
The specified location opens in the Maps app on Ian's iPhone.
Ian's chosen contact, Tim, is highlighted, and the Messages app logo appears at the bottom of his photo.
Click "Tim".
The specified geolocation appears in a message addressed to Tim, who has already replied to the first message: “Let's go!”
Click "Submit".
The send button marked with the number 11 is selected on the screen.
[Music is playing]
Composition Jump by Atomic Drum Assembly
Ian, in his motorized wheelchair, rides along a pedestrian bridge over the river.
He is approaching a coniferous forest. The camera follows him.
Ian drives along a forest road, steering the stroller using his breath and the Sip & Puff switch. Tim rides next to him. They both smile.
(Ian and Tim talking)
I'm glad to see you!
Tim and Ian drive up to the shore of a lake surrounded by green hills. They admire the surface of the water.
Turn on Music. Turn up the volume.
(Ian speaks)
Enlarge text under cursor
Text Enlarger makes it much easier to view text on your Mac screen. Hover over any text and press the Command key. A separate window will open with large, high-resolution text. You can choose the font and color yourself.
New features in macOS Catalina help everyone get the most out of their Mac. With Voice Control, users who aren't comfortable with standard input methods can control their Mac with voice commands. And new tools for people with low vision will allow you to enlarge the text of a paragraph or the entire screen.
Video description for a film about universal access
Turn on.
[MUSIC IS PLAYING]
The volume indicator on the microphone-shaped Dictation icon fluctuates as Ian's voice changes in tone.
(Ian dictates)
The text dictated by Ian appears in the Notes.
(Ian dictates)
It's a new way to do what you're passionate about, period. Like this. Correct the word "heart".
The word "heart" is highlighted in blue. A numbered list of options for that word opens. It has options for replacing it with other words or images of hearts.
Sixteen.
The word “heart” in the text is replaced with a red heart.
Ian at home. He sits in a power wheelchair in front of his iMac.
Open Photo.
The Photos app opens from the Dock. In the photographs in the folder with the dates “May 15-19,” Ian is riding along the road in his wheelchair with his cyclist friends.
Scroll up.
The photographs in the folder with the dates "April 12-14" show a man on a mountain bike and forested mountains sloping down to the edge of a lake.
Show numbers.
Numbers appear on the folder buttons and on each photo.
Thirteen.
The photo opens. A man stands on the shore of a lake, raising a bicycle above his head.
The Messages app opens and the photo appears in the message.
The name "Tim" appears in the "To:" field, and then the autocomplete function replaces it [email protected].
Next field. Let's go for a ride today. Thumbs up emoji.
The text and corresponding emoji icon appear in the message.
Click "Submit". Open Maps.
The Maps application opens.
Show grid.
A grid with numbers is superimposed on the map.
Press and hold "twenty".
A pin appears on the map with the label “Located Location: Olympic National Park, Highway 101, Port Angeles...” and an “Information” icon.
Open Program Switcher.
Ian glances at the iPhone attached to the wheelchair. A notification appears on the screen: “Cards from Ian’s iMac.” The number four appears in the upper left corner of the notification.
The specified location opens in the Maps app on Ian's iPhone.
Ian's chosen contact, Tim, is highlighted, and the Messages app logo appears at the bottom of his photo.
Click "Tim".
The specified geolocation appears in a message addressed to Tim, who has already replied to the first message: “Let's go!”
Click "Submit".
The send button marked with the number 11 is selected on the screen.
[Music is playing]
Composition Jump by Atomic Drum Assembly
Ian, in his motorized wheelchair, rides along a pedestrian bridge over the river.
He is approaching a coniferous forest. The camera follows him.
Ian drives along a forest road, steering the stroller using his breath and the Sip & Puff switch. Tim rides next to him. They both smile.
(Ian and Tim talking)
I'm glad to see you!
Tim and Ian drive up to the shore of a lake surrounded by green hills. They admire the surface of the water.
Turn on Music. Turn up the volume.
(Ian speaks)
Enlarge text under cursor
Text Enlarger makes it much easier to view text on your Mac screen. Hover over any text and press the Command key. A separate window will open with large, high-resolution text. You can choose the font and color yourself.
Users of modern computers with the Windows operating system often face the problem and even the fear of going online without anti-virus protection installed. Many people have questions related to installing or uninstalling programs.
For Macintosh systems, such operations are performed with one click. Also, this system is not susceptible to malicious programs common under Microsoft Windows and does not need an antivirus, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of surfing the world wide web. Despite these and many other advantages, including a more user-friendly interface, the Macintosh OS also has disadvantages. In this article we will try to understand all the pros and cons of MAC OS.
How to decipher the full name of Mac OS X?
Each part of the name is an abbreviated word in English and a number:
- “Mac” refers to the Macintosh company name.
- “OS” – operating system, that is, operating system.
- “X” is the Roman numeral ten, indicating the OS version number.
As a result, it turns out that the full name “Mac OS X” is the tenth version of the operating system for Apple Macintosh computers. There is an opinion that the name of the company's brand comes from the favorite apple variety of Apple's leading engineer at the time, Jeff Raskin. You can also sometimes hear guesses that the “X” symbol hints that this OS is based on Unix. In addition to the regular Mac OS X, this family also includes a server version and specially designed operating systems for Apple TV (Apple TV OS), iPhone, iPad and iPod (Apple iOS).
History of Mac OS
The Mac OS operating system appeared along with the creation of Macintosh computers, which the Pple corporation released back in 1984. But to be precise, then this OS was called Macintosh System Software. It is interesting that the IBM PC, which is now leading, then lagged behind in almost all parameters of ease of use.
For example, Mac OS already had a graphical interface and used a mouse in addition to the standard keyboard. Apple computers were characterized by displaying text on the screen in exactly the same form as when printed on paper. Also, Mac OS users no longer needed to enter commands from the keyboard; now this could be done simply by clicking on a graphical interface element with the mouse. Well, the most important achievement of the Macintosh operating system was multitasking. The implementation of such capabilities on IBM computers appeared only in Windows 3.0, which was released only 6 years later in 1990.
Advantages of Mac OS X compared to Windows
1. Easy to use. If you learn to work with one program on a Mac, then mastering any other will take much less time than for programs on the Windows system. The reason for this is the strong similarity of all programs under Mac OS. They are also inherently easy to operate; there is no need to install each software separately and understand it. For example, all Macintosh computers come with iLife, which makes it easy to manage all music, video and photo files, process them and burn them to disk.
2. Stability of operation. Software failures occur much less frequently since all software is developed specifically for Apple computers by one very large team of professional developers.
3. No problem finding drivers for new devices. When you install a Mac operating system from a DVD, drivers are automatically installed. Their number is much larger than on Windows XP and approximately equal to the volume of Windows 7. If the device was connected during operation, you can always use a DVD, which is almost guaranteed to have the necessary driver.
4. Much less spyware and hacking programs. Even despite the small number of malware and the absence of entire classes of them (for example, viruses that infect email or websites are still unknown), they will not be able to damage the system without manual launch by the user through a double-click.
5. Ease of use of the administrator role. To make changes to system settings, you simply need to enter your password. For Windows, this process requires several steps.
6. Very simple installation of the entire system and common programs. To install Mac OS X, you only need to click a few times. Full compatibility with Apple hardware allows you to have no doubt about the successful completion and functionality of the installed operating system.
Most programs can be simply copied from other Macintosh computers while maintaining stability and reliability. Complex and time-consuming installation and uninstallation processes are rare. Double-click on the image file, specify the folder - that’s the entire installation. The need for an installation distribution like Windows is very rare. To uninstall, you just need to drag the program icon to the Trash.
Disadvantages of Mac OS X compared to Windows
1. Narrow range of computers. The Macintosh operating system is intended only for Apple computers. True, the latter produces iMac - all the components are located in the monitor (analogous to all-in-one PCs).
2. Overpriced. Apple computers can cost up to twice as much as regular PCs. The difference is most noticeable when purchasing powerful models.
3. The problem of program availability. There are fewer programs for Mac OS and they are harder to get, especially legal ones.
4. Almost no games are developed for Mac OS. This operating system is not suitable for gamers, although there are several quite good games.
Mac OS X versions
In general, there are two versions of Mac OS X. The first is for desktops and laptops, the other is for server systems (Mac OS X Server). The first one has six subversions.
- Cheetah (Cheetah) – OS X 10.0. It was released in March 2001, making a breakthrough, but had a number of errors and the absence of some functions.
- Puma (Puma) - 10.1. Free update, released almost immediately after 10.0.
- Jaguar (Jaguar) - 10.2. It has hardware acceleration of video cards and a graphical interface design similar to Aero in Windows Vista.
- Panther (Panther) - 10.3. Published in October 2003. File-Vault encryption technology has been introduced.
- Tiger (Tiger) - 10.4. April 2005, a very convenient search function Spotlight and Dashboard appeared - the first widgets (mini-programs).
- Leopard - 10.5. October 2007, the following new features appeared: installation of a second OS, for example, Windows; data backup; file content preview and other much needed improvements.
- Snow Leopard— 10.6. August 2009, the amount of working memory can be expanded up to 16 TB, some applications run in 64-bit mode, which improves performance. Support for Intel processors.
It should be noted that each of the listed versions has its own free additions, for example, number 10.6.3.
Can Mac OS X run on computers other than Apple?
The agreement between Macintosh and Apple prohibits the use of this OS on traditional PCs. But there is a lot of information on the Internet on how you can install Mac OS X on an IBM-compatible computer using an EFI emulator. There is also a special USB module that allows installation even from the original DVD.
Is it possible to run programs written for Windows on Mac OS?
Yes it is possible. To do this, you need to have special programs and a system installation disk from Microsoft. There are several ways to make Windows programs work on a Macintosh computer.
1. You can use the Boot Camp utility built into Mac OS X starting with version 10.5 to install a second operating system. The disadvantage is the inability to work with data saved in Mac OS.
2. Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion programs allow you to create a virtual Windows environment and run applications in parallel. The exception is programs that require direct access to the computer hardware, for example, games.
3. You can use emulation, that is, force, using a special program, for example, CrossOver, to launch applications that will think that they are running under Windows. The disadvantage of this method is low performance and unstable operation, provided that the program does start.
Are the accessories suitable for a regular PC for Mac?
1. Keyboard and mouse. Such devices will always work provided they have a USB output. True, they will then need to be configured as the actions of some buttons are different.
2. External storage devices. All flash drives and hard drives will be readable if they are formatted in the NTFS file system. Recording is only possible with the free MacFuse utility.
3. Monitors with VGA and DVI connectors connect without problems. Adapters and adapters are only needed for Macintosh laptops and if the monitor has an HDMI input.
4. Drivers are needed to work with printers and MFPs. The manufacturer almost always provides them with the equipment, so there are no problems.
Apple computers are strong competitors for all other platforms. But unlike a PC running the Windows operating system, these devices cost several times more. Because of this, few users can . However, anyone, with due desire and availability of detailed instructions, can go to their personal computer and use the original OS from the Apple company. Next, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to install Mac OS on a PC, what pitfalls you may encounter along the installation path, and what additional software you will need for this.
Hackintosh or CustoMac
Just a few years ago, users of the Windows operating system could not afford to install Mac OS. Today, every user can not only test, but also fully use the Apple OS on their device. Such PCs are usually called Hackintosh. You are installing software from Apple on a computer from another manufacturer. Many, of course, will be concerned about the legal aspect in this situation. Installing Mac OS on a computer – how legal is it? Apple constantly sues the creators of such custom computers, but does not take any serious measures against them.
Further in the article we will talk about the complete installation. That is, you will be able to use the treasured OS on a PC without using Windows. Also on our website you can find instructions for installing mac OS using a virtual machine. Let's start preparing with the hardware requirements for Hackintosh, without which you will not be able to install Mac OS on a laptop or personal computer.
System requirements
The main rule when choosing a configuration: the more similar your system is to the configuration of the original MacBook or iMac, the fewer problems you will have during and after installation. This rule is absolutely true, since OS differences lie in the support of different interfaces and so on. Let's figure out which configuration is suitable to install mac os x on a PC:
- 2-core processor (minimum) from Intel;
- separate internal drive with AHCI support;
- minimum 2GB of RAM.
To eliminate various suspicions and fears that installing this operating system on a regular PC will lead to any hardware malfunctions and so on, it is worth saying that the procedure is quite harmless and simple. To install Mac OS Sierra on a Windows PC or laptop, you will need the following components:
- the personal computer itself, suitable for its characteristics;
- Mac OS operating system distribution;
- bootable flash drive;
- Unibeast program.
Since the description of a suitable personal computer is presented above, you need to proceed to the operating system distribution kit for installation on the PC.
Where can I get Mac OS?
You have two options to choose from for obtaining a distribution kit for installing the operating system:
- downloading a hacked installer with the required assembly;
- downloading the official installer via the App Store.
The first option will have to be used by those who want to install this OS on a PC with an AMD processor. In this case, it is advisable to download the modified distribution (Snow Leopard) and install it.
Everyone else can use the original installer. However, you can't get it for free. You will need either an Apple ID account with the purchased operating system, or the MacBook itself. You can borrow a laptop if you don't have your own. To install mac os x on windows pc, download the OS image using the following instructions:
- go to the App Store and log in using your Apple ID;
- go to the OS page and click the “Download” button;
- wait for the download to finish;
- the distribution package will be saved in the “Programs” folder.
Now you need to create bootable media from which you will install a clean OS. The simplest and most affordable option is a regular flash drive.
Creating a bootable USB flash drive
Before installing mac os x on your PC, let's create bootable media:
Option if you have a MacBook
- connect the flash drive to your MacBook. Its volume must be at least 16GB;
- open disk utility. To do this, go to the Programs folder and go to the Utilities section;
- then go to the Erase tab;
- To install mac os on windows 10, you will need to format the flash drive in OS X Extended format.
Now let's move on to working with the BootDisk utility, which we will need when working in Windows:
- We insert our flash drive into the computer and click Format Disk
- After formatting is completed, the flash drive will be divided into 2 sections
- Click Restore Partition
- Select a system image in .hfs format
- Click OK
- We are waiting for the bootable media to be created
The whole process will not take more than 10 minutes. After that, download the MultiBeast program to the flash drive, which will be useful later to install os x on a laptop or PC.
PC preparation
Now you need to make BIOS settings. Set the hard drive operating mode to AHCI and the BIOS operating mode to Optimized Defaults. After this, restart your computer. 
How to install mac os sierra on windows pc: installation process
Connect the flash drive to your computer via a USB 2.0 port and boot from it when you turn on the device. Clover Boot will appear on the screen. Select Boot Mac OS X from USB. Next, follow the steps described:
- select the language of the future system;
- disable sending diagnostics to Apple. Remember that this method is unofficial,
- therefore, developers may not “appreciate” your initiative;
- Erase all information from your hard drive using Disk Utility. It is recommended to use separate media so as not to uninstall Windows (in case the installation fails);
- select the partition where you want to install the OS;
- wait until the process finishes and restart your computer.
How to install mac os x instead of Windows on a laptop or PC: post-installation
When you turn on your computer, go to the startup menu again and select the USB flash drive. Complete the system installation and install MultiBeast. In the program menu, click the Quick Start button. Next, select the audio and network card options. To save your settings profile, click the Save button. Finally, click the Build and Install button. Now restart your computer.
Ready! You have received a working Mac OS on your PC.
How to make a Mac OS from Windows?
If you cannot install a Mac OS on Windows 7, but want to change the appearance of your system, then use a special program for changing themes.
You can make Windows look like a Mac OS using themes. Themes are downloaded from various thematic sites. For example, wingad.ru or http://7themes.su. The mac theme for windows 7 makes Microsoft's OS as similar as possible to its competitor, without changing the very structure of the software. An excellent option for those who are only interested in the appearance of Apple products.