MacOS

macOS (previously Mac OS X, then OS X) is a series of graphical operating systems developed and marketed by Apple since 2001. It is the primary operating system for Apple's family of Mac computers. Within the desktop, laptop, home, and web-based computer markets, it was the second most widely used desktop operating system for years, after Microsoft Windows, until 2021.

macOS is the second major series of Macintosh operating systems. The first is colloquially called the "classic" Mac OS, which was introduced in 1984, and the final release was Mac OS 9 in 1999. The first desktop version, Mac OS X 10.0, was released in March 2001, with its first update, 10.1, arriving later that year. After this, Apple began putting big cat names on its releases, which lasted until OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. Since OS X 10.9 Mavericks, releases have been named after milestones in California. Apple shortened the name to "OS X" in 2012 and then changed it to "macOS" in 2016, adopting the nomenclature they were using for their other operating systems, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The latest version is macOS Ventura, which was released to the public in October 2022.

Between 1999 and 2009, Apple sold a separate series of operating systems called Mac OS X Server. The initial version, Mac OS X Server 1.0, was released in 1999 with a user interface similar to Mac OS 8.5. After this, new versions were released at the same time as the desktop version of Mac OS X. Starting with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, server features were made available as a separate package on the Mac App Store.

macOS is based on technologies developed between 1985 and 1997 at NeXT, a company that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs created after leaving the company. The "X" on Mac OS X and OS X it is the Roman numeral for the number 10 and is pronounced as such. X was a prominent part of the operating system's branding and marketing identity in its early years, but has gradually receded in importance since the release of Snow Leopard in 2009. UNIX 03 certification was achieved for the Intel version of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and all releases of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard up to the current version are also UNIX 03 certified. macOS shares its Unix-based kernel, called Darwin, and many of its frameworks with iOS, tvOS and watchOS. A heavily modified version of Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger was used for the first generation of Apple TV.

Mac OS X versions from 1999 to 2005 can run only on PowerPC-based Macs from that time period. After Apple announced that they would switch to Intel CPUs starting in 2006, a separate version of Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger was manufactured and distributed exclusively with early Intel-based Macs; included an emulator known as Rosetta, which allowed users to run most PowerPC applications on Intel-based Macs Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard was the only version that was created as a universal binary, which means that the installation disk supported Intel and PowerPC processors. Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard was the first version available exclusively for Intel-based Mac computers. In 2011, Apple released Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, which no longer supported 32-bit Intel processors and also did not include Rosetta. All versions of the system released since then run exclusively on 64-bit Intel CPUs and do not support PowerPC applications. In 2020, Apple announced that starting in 2020, new Macs will have their own CPUs, based on the ARM architecture. These Macs continue to support Intel applications, and new versions of macOS will have Rosetta 2 emulation software. macOS Big Sur is the first version of macOS to support ARM and Intel-based Macs.

History

Mac OS X was developed from NEXTSTEP, which in turn was based on the Mach kernel code from Carnegie Mellon University and 4.4BSD: the free and open version of Unix from UC Berkeley. parts of FreeBSD and NetBSD were also incorporated into NEXTSTEP. While Jobs was at NeXT, away from Apple, the company attempted to create a "next-generation" system through the Taligent, Copland, and Gershwin projects, with little success.

Finally, the NeXT system (then called OPENSTEP) was selected to be the basis for Apple's next operating system, for which the Cupertino company acquired NeXT in its entirety. Steve Jobs returned to Apple as interim CEO, and then took over fully, accompanying the transformation of OPENSTEP into a more polished-looking and proprietary system to be adopted for Apple's primary market: home users and multimedia professionals. The project was initially known as Rhapsody and it later adopted the name Mac OS X. Apple continues to publish the open source base, now called Darwin, to which the proprietary graphical interface is later added and is marketed as Mac OS.

Mac OS X Server 1.x was incompatible with the software designed for the original software and did not have support for the IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port. Mac OS X 10.x brought greater compatibility and functionality by including the Carbon API as well as support for FireWire. As the system evolved, it moved away from the legacy Mac OS toward a digital lifestyle emphasis on applications, such as iLife, iWork, and the Front Row media center. Each version included modifications to the overall interface, such as the Added metallic look in version 10.3, non-striped title bar in version 10.4, and removal in version 10.5 of the metallic look in favor of a unified gradient window style.

Description

Mac OS X is the tenth version of Apple's operating system for Macintosh computers. Previous versions used cardinal numbering, e.g. Mac OS 8 and Mac OS 9. The letter X in the name Mac OS X refers to correct announcement is "ten" in this context, although pronouncing it as "x" is very common. Mac OS X is POSIX-compliant built on top of the XNU kernel, with UNIX facilities available from the command line interface (terminal). Apple released this family of software as a free and open source operating system, under the name Darwin, but it went partially closed source. On top of Darwin, Apple placed several components, including the Aqua user interface and the Finder, to complete the interface on which Mac OS X was based.

Mac OS X introduced a number of new features to provide a more viable and stable platform than its predecessor, Mac OS 9. For example, preemptive multitasking and protected memory improved the system's ability to run multiple applications simultaneously. without interruptions. Many aspects of the architecture of Mac OS X are derived from OpenStep, which was designed to be portable, with the goal of facilitating the transition from one platform to another. For example, Nextstep was ported from 68k processor-based Next workstations to x86 and other architectures before NeXT was acquired by Apple, and OpenStep was later ported to the PowerPC architecture as part of the Rhapsody project.

The most visible change was the inclusion of the Aqua interface. It made use of soft edges, translucent colors, and stripes - similar to the hardware design of early iMacs - it brought more texture and color to the user interface when compared to OS 9 or OS X Server 1.0. There were mixed receptions regarding the new interface. Bruce Tognazzini (who founded the early Apple Human Interface Group) claimed that the Aqua interface in Mac OS X v10.0 represented a step back in usability compared to the original Mac OS interface. Meanwhile, John Siracusa, one of the editors of Ars Technica, said that the introduction of Aqua and its departure from the then conventional look was a tremendous success. Despite the controversy over the new interface, application developers began producing skins for custom apps for Mac and other operating systems that mimicked Aqua.

Security

Mac OS X is one of the operating systems that has implemented fewer protection mechanisms. For example, Snow Leopard applies ASLR only partially, while other current systems, such as most GNU/Linux distributions, Windows Vista or Windows 7, have fully implemented randomization for years. Furthermore, it does not apply DEP either. total (the other systems do apply it), it only implements it in 64-bit processes.

Some of them are the extension of ASLR to the system kernel, the use of sandboxes in all applications, a new utility called Gatekeeper that tries to control which applications can be installed and run and which cannot, fortified operating system updates and encryption, integrated third-party software updates, improved and expanded FileVault, improved xProtect, or the Find My Mac tool with which you can find or block (among other options) a computer over the Internet in case of loss or theft.

Both in the command line and in the graphical interface the processes require elevation to make modifications. Restricted access to system files is responsible for a large part of security. However, the system allows modifications when required. The most obvious example is installer software, which requires administrative authorization to install software that affects more than one user. Despite everything, no system is invulnerable.

Applications

Mac OS X v10.5 introduced secure support for signed applications and processes. Signed applications and processes include a digital signature, which is used by the system to verify the authenticity and integrity of the software and its resources. The code is verified both on disk and when it is running. This way, if any part of the application code or process is inappropriately changed when it is active, the system automatically deactivates it. Code authentication is used by keychains, personal firewall application, Parental Control preferences and client manager settings to verify applications after modifications.

Leopard also introduced the App Quarantine service, which displays a warning when the user attempts to open an app downloaded from an external source. This gives the user the opportunity to verify that they want to open a new app, or cancel the app. opening if there is suspicion about its security. Mac OS X v10.6 further strengthens this feature by maintaining a list of known malware. If you try to open any software on this list, the system will present a warning dialog box suggesting that such a file should be deleted.

Permissions Structure

Mac OS X distinguishes between users (user), system administrator root (admin), and superuser (superuser). The user cannot make changes to the system and can only install software in their home folder. The applications that these users execute will do so with the permissions of this type of user. Administrator users have more permissions, but they cannot make changes to general system settings, install software, or access various system directories without authenticating.

Mac OS X v10.5 - User accounts

• Administrator: an administrator can create and delete accounts, install software, modify system settings and change the settings of other users.
• Standard: a typical user account. A standard user can only install software for the user account and cannot modify blocked system preferences or create accounts.
• Supervised with parental controls: an account that has limited privileges, managed through Parental Controls.
• Only shared: you can only access the files of a specific location. You cannot modify your computer files or log in to the login window.
• Group: an account composed of selected users.

There is no root account that permanently has superuser permissions, after performing the system installation. Although there is a "root" user that is disabled by default. However, loopholes have been found that allow an administrator user to run administration software and have full control over the system.

Firewall

Until OS X 10.4, the ipfw Packet-Oriented Firewall was used to filter incoming traffic. Since OS X 10.5 an application firewall establishes which programs can receive incoming traffic. An interface for ipfw can be installed using additional programs such as WaterProof or Flying Buttress.

Initial testing showed that the OS X v10.5 firewall allowed data traffic even when the "Block all connections" option was enabled. In OS X 10.5.1 these vulnerabilities were fixed. UI was changed to “Allow only required services”.

Outgoing connections cannot be monitored by the built-in firewall. Add-on programs such as "Little Snitch" or "GlowWorm" are required for this purpose.

Malware

The origin of malware in Mac OS X dates back to 2006, when the Macarena virus came to light. This virus was not dangerous, but it warned that security could be compromised more seriously on this system.

In 2007, the firm Intego issued an alert about a trojan called OSX.RSPlug.A, it was a much more serious malware than Macarena, which installed itself pretending to be a QuickTime codec and redirected traffic from some addresses through manipulations in the DNS.

In 2009, Dino Dai Zovi, an internationally renowned security expert, released some tools (Mac OS X Advanced Rootkit Tools) that he used during the 2009 Black Hat USA conferences to demonstrate how malware can be created. advanced and rootkits for this system. Also this year, the first botnet was created with this type of equipment. He took over by trojanizing the iWork office suite, as well as the Adobe Photoshop suite and spreading it through P2P networks.

On May 13, 2011, INTECO recognized 34 types of malware for this system. For example: Boonana (Trojan), Hellraiser (RAT, from "Remote Administration Tool"), BlackHole RAT (RAT), Mac Defender (rogue antivirus), IncognitoRAT (RAT) or Koobface (worm). Malware for Mac OS X has gone professional.

In November 2014, the firm Palo Alto Networks detected the malware called “WireLurker”, which uses the OS X platform to infect iOS devices that connect via USB to the computer, thus infecting purchased apps. WireLurker is distributed through third-party applications downloaded from Chinese stores. It is estimated that this new malware is limited to China due to its distribution method.

Compatibility

Software

Audacity, free license audio editing software compatible with Mac OS X

The APIs that Mac OS X inherited from OpenStep were not compatible with earlier versions of Mac OS. These API's were created as a result of the collaboration between NeXT and Sun Microsystems and are now jointly called Cocoa. This inheritance is highly visible to Cocoa developers, because the "NS" it is in all parts of the framework. The official OpenStep API, released in September 1994, was the first API between the foundation and the suite, and the first to use the "NS" prefix. The Rhapsody project would have required a whole new development to use these API's, causing great outrage among Mac software developers. All programs that did not receive a complete rewrite to the new framework would work in the equivalent classic environment. To allow for a cleaner transition between Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X, the Carbon API was created. Applications written in Carbon could run natively on both systems, however this API was not included in the first version of Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server 1.x.

Apple used to promote the Java platform as the best way to develop software for Mac OS X. In practice this meant great advantages, since any application written in Java would work properly, and the graphical interface written in Swing would look very nice. similar to native Cocoa interfaces. Traditionally, Cocoa programs have been written in Objective-C, with Java as an alternative. However, on June 11, 2005, Apple announced that features added to Cocoa in versions after 10.4 would not be added to the programming interface in Cocoa-Java.

Burn, record recording software

Because Mac OS X is POSIX-compliant, the vast majority of packages written for BSD and GNU/Linux can be recompiled to run on Apple computers. Projects like Fink, MacPorts, and pkgsrc provide precompiled packages for this purpose. Since version 10.3, Mac OS X includes X11, Apple's version of the X Window System graphical interface for UNIX applications, as an additional component during installation.

Since Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger, Apple's implementation was based on the XFree86 license and the X11R6.6 license. All preinstalled versions of X11 have a window manager very similar in look and feel to Mac OS X and have good system integration, also using the native Quartz system renderer. Early versions of Mac OS X (where X11 did not come pre-installed) could run X11 applications using XDarwin. With the introduction of version 10.5 Apple switched to the X.org variant of X11.

Hardware

For early versions of Mac OS X, the standard supported hardware platform was the full line of Macintosh computers (notebooks, desktops, and servers) based on PowerPC G3, G4, and G5 processors. Later releases discontinued support for older hardware; for example, Panther does not support the Power Macintosh G3, and Tiger does not support systems prior to the inclusion of the FireWire port (although the ports themselves are not a system requirement). Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (introduced in October 2007) dropped support for all PowerPC G3 processors and for PowerPC G4 processors with clock speeds less than 867 MHz. Mac OS X v10.7 "Lion" It only supports computers with Intel processors, dropping all support for PowerPC processors.

Tools such as XpostFacto and various patches applied to the installation disk have been developed by third parties to allow the installation of recent versions of Mac OS X on systems not officially supported by Apple. This includes a number of pre-G3 Macintosh systems, which can only run Mac OS X up to version 10.2 Jaguar, all Macs based on G3 processors that can only run up to the Tiger system, and G4s running less than 867 MHz will be you can install Leopard by removing the restriction from the installation DVD or by entering a command in the Open Firmware interface to tell the system installer that the clock speed is equal to or greater than 867 MHz. Except for features that require specific hardware (e.g. graphics acceleration, DVD burning), the operating system offers the same functionality as on supported hardware.

PowerPC versions of Mac OS X prior to Leopard maintain compatibility with Mac OS applications through an emulation environment called Classic, which allows users to run Mac OS 9 as a process on Mac OS X, with the so that old applications work as if they did in the previous operating system. Classic is not supported on Intel Macs or Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard, although users who need to run Classic applications on Intel Macs can use the SheepShaver emulator.

PowerPC-Intel Transition

In April 2002, eWeek publicized a rumor that Apple had a version of Mac OS X codenamed Marklar that ran on Intel x86 processors. The idea behind Marklar was to keep Mac OS X running on an alternative platform, as Apple was dissatisfied with the progress of PowerPC processors. These rumors died down until late May 2005, when various media outlets, such as the Wall Street Journal and CNET, reported that Apple would introduce Marklar in the coming months.

On June 6, 2005, Steve Jobs confirmed these rumors when he announced in his speech at the Worldwide Developers Conference that Apple would be working on the transition from PowerPC to Intel for 2 years and that Mac OS X would support both platforms during the launch. transition. Jobs also confirmed rumors that Apple had versions of Mac OS X running on Intel processors with the same features as the PowerPC version. The last time Apple changed the processor family was from the Motorola 68k to the PowerPC. Apple included a Motorola 68k emulator in the new operating system, which made all 68k programs work automatically on the new hardware. Apple supported the 68k emulator for 11 years, but withdrew it during its transition to Intel CPUs.

In recent releases of the system for processor-based computers, Rosetta is included, a binary translation that enables PowerPC-compiled software to run on Intel-based computers. However, Apple dropped support for Classic Mode on newer Intel-based Macs. Third-party emulation software such as Mini vMac, Basilisk II, and SheepShaver provided support for some of the earliest versions of the Mac OS. A new version of Xcode allows software to be compiled into a universal binary, which would work on either architecture.

Programs that are available only for PowerPC can run on top of Rosetta, although such applications could be rewritten to run properly on OS X for Intel. Apple encourages developers to produce universal binaries for both PowerPC and x86 support. There is a performance penalty when PowerPC binaries run on an Intel Mac via Rosetta. Also, some PowerPC programs, such as kernel extensions and plug-ins for the System Preferences pane, are not supported on Intel Macs. Some PowerPC applications may not run at all on OS X for Intel. Safari plugins need to be compiled for the same platform as Safari, so when Safari works on an Intel Mac it requires plugins to be compiled for Intel or to be universal binaries, so PowerPC plugins are not supported. While Intel Macs can run programs compiled for PowerPC, x86, and Universal Binaries, PowerPC Macs will only support Universal Binaries and PowerPC builds.

Support for the PowerPC platform is maintained through Mac OS X version 10.5. Such cross-platform compatibility already existed in the Mac OS X lineage; Openstep was ported to many architectures, including x86, and Darwin included support for both PowerPC and x86. Although Apple stated that Mac OS X would not work on Intel computers from other manufacturers, a modified version of the system compatible with mainstream x86 hardware has been developed by the OSx86 community.

On June 8, 2009, Apple announced at its Worldwide Developers Conference that Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard would drop support for PowerPC processors and would only be available for Intel computers. However, Rosetta is supported. yet. On Snow Leopard, Rosetta is not installed by default, but is available on the installation DVD.

Mac OS 9 and earlier

This was the basis of the classic Mac OS, developed entirely by Apple, whose first version came to light in 1985. Its development would continue until version 9 of the system, released in 1999. From version 10 (Mac OS X), the system completely changed its architecture and became based on Unix; however, its graphical interface maintains many elements from previous versions.

Versions

With the exception of Mac OS X Server 1.0 and the original public beta, versions of Mac OS X are named after big cats. Prior to its release, Mac OS X v10.0 was codenamed "Cheetah" internally at Apple, while Mac OS X v10.1 was codenamed "Puma". After the big rumors surrounding the version 10.2 codenamed "Jaguar", Apple's advertising began using the codenames to promote its operating system. Mac OS X v10.3 was marketed as "Panther", Mac OS X v10.4 as "Tiger", Mac OS X v10.5 as "Leopard", and Mac OS X v10.6 as "Snow Leopard". They released their version Mac OS X v10.7 called "Lion" on July 20, 2011, marking the first time that Apple distributed its software solely electronically through the Mac App Store, at a price of $29.99. On July 25, 2012, Apple made available for download in the Mac App Store the current version of the software, called Mac OS X v10.8 Mountain Lion, distributed only through the aforementioned store with a price of $19.99.

Since Mac OS X v10.9 Mavericks, versions of the operating system have been named after different places in California.

"Panther", "Tiger" and "Leopard" are registered trademarks of Apple, although "Cheetah", "Puma" and "Jaguar" are not. Apple has also taken "Lynx" and "Cougar" as trademarks. Tiger Direct sued Apple over its use of the name "Tiger". On May 16, 2005, a United States federal court in the Southern District of Florida ruled that Apple did not directly infringe Tiger Direct's trademark.

Public Beta: Kodiak

Apple released a pre-release version of Mac OS X (internally known as Kodiak) to the public on September 12, 2000 for user feedback and feedback. It was priced at $29.95 and included a T-shirt This version included the Aqua interface for the first time. The public beta of Mac OS X expired and stopped working in the spring of 2001.

Version 10.0: Cheetah

On March 24, 2001, Apple released Mac OS X v10.0 (codenamed Cheetah). The initial version was slow, incomplete, and had very few applications available at the time of release, almost all of them from independent developers. While many critics said that the operating system was not ready for the public, they recognized the importance of the initial release as a foundation from which progress can be made. The mere release of Mac OS X was greeted by the Macintosh community as a great event. After fixing some software bugs, kernel panics became less frequent.

Version 10.1: Cougar

Before the end of the year, on September 25, 2001, Apple released this new version that increased system performance while incorporating some new features such as DVD playback. Given version 10.0's lousy reputation, Apple released 10.1 as a free upgrade CD for its users, in addition to the $129 it cost for users still using Mac OS 9. This caused some headaches for Apple when it discovered that the update CDs could also be used to do complete installations on systems with Mac OS 9 just by deleting a certain file.

Version 10.2: Jaguar

On August 23, 2002, Apple introduced Mac OS X v10.2 "Jaguar", the first version to use its code name as part of the branding.

Introduced a performance improvement, a sleeker look, and a large group of enhancements (more than 150, according to Apple), including Quartz Extreme, a general repository for contact information in the new Address Book, and a client instant messaging service called iChat. The "Happy Mac" (from "Happy Mac"), which had appeared during the Mac OS boot sequence for at least 18 years, was replaced by a large-scale Apple logo.

Version 10.3: Panther

Mac OS X v10.3 "Panther" it was launched on October 24, 2003. In addition to being much better performing, it featured the biggest update to the user interface, and as many if not more improvements than Jaguar the year before. On the other hand, some old G3 models are no longer supported in this version.

New enhancements to Panther include: updated Finder (incorporating a metallic interface and fast search), Exposé (a new way to manipulate windows), fast user switching (allows you to have sessions with different users open at the same time and quickly between them), iChat AV (which adds video conferencing support to iChat), improved PDF rendering, built-in fax support, improved interoperability with Microsoft Windows, FileVault (real-time encryption system), and increased speed in the entire system with increased support for the G5s.

Version 10.4: Tiger

Mac OS X v10.4 "Tiger" it was released on April 29, 2005. It contains over 150 new enhancements, but as with the release of Panther, some older machines were no longer supported; in particular, any Apple equipment that does not have a FireWire connection is no longer supported in Tiger. As a curiosity, it is worth mentioning that Apple has, since Tiger, a "parallel" compiled for Intel processors, although theoretically it can only be installed under certain hardware restrictions and on processors with SSE3 support. This version officially appeared on January 10, 2006 with the first "Mac Intel" computers: The iMac Core Duo (former iMac G5), Mac mini Core Solo and Core Duo (former Mac mini G4) as well as the new laptops called MacBook and MacBook Pro, both equipped with Intel Core Duo processors. There have also been G4 versions of this operating system, included at least in the latest PowerBook G4s on sale.

The applications included in previous versions were improved. Among the most noteworthy are: Spotlight (search system based on content and metadata), Dashboard (set of mini-applications to perform common tasks and offer instant access to information), iChat (support for the H.264 video codec for video conferences with up to 4 people. In addition, it also allows audio conferences with up to 10 people), QuickTime 7 (support for H.264 and a completely redesigned interface), Safari (incorporates support for RSS, greater speed and security, etc.).

The following programs and technologies were introduced: Automator (a system that allows you to efficiently and easily carry out all kinds of manual and repetitive tasks automatically and without the need for programming knowledge), Core Image and Core Video (advanced real-time image processing technologies), 64-bit memory support (for the newer G5s, using the LP64 system), updated Unix utilities (such as cp and rsync, which can preserve metadata in HFS Plus and resource forks) and an extended permissions system using access control lists.

Version 10.5: Leopard

Mac OS X v10.5 "Leopard" was released on October 26, 2007. It was called by Apple as "the biggest update to Mac OS X". It brought with it over 300 new features. Leopard supports both PowerPC and Intel processors; support for G3 processors was dropped and the G4 processor requires a minimum speed of 867 MHz, and 512 MB of RAM to allow installation. The installation DVD works with all supported architectures (including 64-bit machines). New features include a new look, updated Finder, Time Machine (backup software), Spaces, pre-installed Boot Camp, full support for 64-bit apps, new features in Mail and iChat, and new security features. Leopard is a certified UNIX system for the Intel platform. It is also the first BSD-based operating system to receive UNIX 03 certification. Leopard dropped support for the Classic Environment and its applications. It was the last version of Mac OS X to support the PowerPC architecture.

Version 10.6: Snow Leopard

Mac OS X v10.6 "Snow Leopard" was released on August 28, 2009. Instead of making major changes to appearance and functionality like previous versions of Mac OS X, Snow Leopard focused on internal changes, such as increasing performance, efficiency, and the stability of the operating system. For most users, the most notable changes are: the amount of space a clean install takes up, a rewritten Finder in Cocoa, faster Time Machine backups, a more complete version of the Preview app, as well as than higher speed in safari internet browser.

Finder now takes advantage of integrated 64-bit technology as well as Grand Central Dispatch, allows you to eject disks in a more friendly way (various dialog boxes notify the user if any service or program is using that disk), and generally provides a more responsive feel.

The new version of Safari (4.0) improves its performance in JavaScript and HTML, allowing faster browsing. Most of the performance increase is due to SquirrelFish (the new JavaScript interpreter for Webkit). This interpreter increases rendering speed by 50%. The new Top Sites now shows the most visited websites as well as the favorites in panoramic view, allowing the user to access their favorite sites at the same time that offers the Cover Flow view for browsing history. The browser is now more resistant to crashes, being able to isolate plugins that are the number one cause of crashes.

Mac OS X v10.6 also has support for Microsoft Exchange Server for Mail, iCal, and Address Book, as well as support for larger amounts of RAM, a completely revamped QuickTime X with a fresher user interface, and more functionality for users. QuickTime Pro users.

Internal changes include improved support for multi-core processors through Grand Central Dispatch, which is intended to make it easier to develop applications with multi-core support, thus improving CPU utilization. Previously developers needed to reprogram their software to explicitly take advantage of multiple cores, a fact that could easily become tedious and problematic, especially in complex software. It also includes advanced GPU performance with OpenCL (an open standard for GPGPU platforms other than CUDA, DX11 Compute Shader, or STREAM) by providing support for offloading normally only intended for a CPU to the graphics card's GPU. This can be especially useful for tasks that cause the computer to crash easily.

Snow Leopard supports only computers with Intel processors, and requires 1 GB of RAM to work. This version drops support for the PowerPC architecture, however it allows running programs for this architecture after installing the Rosetta binary translator.

Version 10.7: Lion

On October 20, 2010, at an event called Back to the Mac, Apple showed off a Sneak Peek of the upcoming operating system Mac OS X 10.7 codenamed "Lion". Among the first features are Launchpad, which is an iOS-style application manager; and Mission Control, which could be said to be the integration of Dashboard, Exposé, Spaces, and full-screen Application windows. On February 24, 2011, a beta of Mac os 10.7 'Lion' to developers, unveiling new features like Airdrop, Resume, Auto Save, Versions, and Mail 5. At the June 6, 2011 WWDC Keynote it was announced that OS X 10.7 will be released as a digital download only for the Mac App Store in July 2011. As of July 20, Lion was put up for sale in the Mac App Store for 23.95 euros, or $29.99 to change, and it was revealed that it would be available for download from the App Store and as of July 20. august would be available for sale in flash drive format.

Version 10.8: Mountain Lion

On February 16, 2012, Apple released the Developer Preview of Mac OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion", a version of the operating system that includes many native iOS applications, such as Reminders, Notes or Messages. It also includes a notification center close to that of iOS. Mac OS X Mountain Lion went on sale in Spain on July 25, 2012. With this new version, Apple intends to promote the use of the cloud, with the already used iCloud, thanks to the integration with the office suite, iWork. Another great novelty is Game Center, a gaming platform that aims to be the first to combine the progress and achievements of portable consoles with desktop systems. It also has Gatekeeper is a feature that prevents the installation of untrusted applications and thus avoid malware.

Version 10.9: Mavericks

On October 22, 2013, Apple released the Mac OS X 10.9 "Mavericks" update, a new version that integrates iOS apps like Reminders, Notes, Messages, iBook and Instant Notifications but with much more personalization. The new version can be updated at no cost from the day of its presentation. Other new features announced in OS X Mavericks include the option to use an HDTV as a second monitor via Apple TV and increased battery life for 11" and 13", with greater energy savings for iMac.

Version 10.10: Yosemite

On June 2, 2014 Apple introduced at "WWDC 2014" Mac OS X 10.10 "Yosemite", a new version of the operating system that presents a redesign in its interface and improvements in Finder, Safari, Mail, Notification Center, etc. The Beta version will only be available to the first million users who sign up for Apple's Beta program.

During a Keynote on October 16, 2014, Apple announced the official release of Mac OS X v10.10 (Yosemite).

Version 10.11: El Capitan

On June 8, 2015, Apple introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2015), OS X "El Capitan". This new version of the operating system maintains the interface of its predecessor OS X Yosemite, focusing on improving the user experience and operating system performance, with the introduction of "Metal for Mac", a system feature that already existed for iOS and that makes the GPU work at a faster rate. This is why applications run faster with OS X El Capitan compared to previous versions. Among the most outstanding novelties are: Split View, that is, the possibility of dividing the screen to be able to use two applications at the same time; improvements in Spotlight, which in addition to allowing the window to be moved now also works with a more natural language and can show more data than before (weather forecast, stock market, online videos, etc); and other changes in various applications such as Safari, Notes, Photos or Maps, among others.

It was officially released on September 30, 2015, and can be downloaded for free through the Mac App Store.

Version 10.12: Sierra

During WWDC 2016, on June 13, 2016, Apple announced the release of macOS "Sierra". The new version was accompanied by a name change for the operating system, which until then had been called OS X and was renamed macOS. Among the new features of this version are the enhancement of Continuity, thanks to which you can now unlock the Mac with the Apple Watch and a universal clipboard for all Apple devices is added, the possibility of unlocking disk space through iCloud, the inclusion of Apple Pay on Mac to be able to make payments through the web, the jump of Picture in Picture from iPads to computers and the arrival of the virtual assistant Siri to the latest platform of Apple in which it was not yet present, with which, in addition to being able to do the same as in iOS, it allows you to search in the Finder and interact with the results by pinning them in the form of a Widget in the notification center and saving the files you find on the web directly by dragging them.

macOS Sierra is available for free download on September 20, 2016 through the Mac App Store.

Version 10.13: High Sierra

Introduced on June 5, 2017 during WWDC, this new version will focus on improving system performance. This OS presents the new version of API designed by Apple, called Metal 2, to later replace OpenCL and OpenGL. To add, in this update solid-state drives (SSD) have the option to choose the new writing format, APFS, offering more optimized read and write speeds.

This version is now available for download and installation from the Mac App Store as of September 25, 2017

Version 10.14: Mojave

On June 4, 2018, the new macOS that would replace macOS High Sierra was announced at WWDC. It was thought that it would be the OS that would integrate the double compatibility function between macOS-iOS applications to facilitate developers, but Apple decided to postpone it for its 2019 OS. This operating system features the new dark mode, a new redesign from the mac App Store, new wallpapers, dynamic wallpapers, new applications (such as Home, Voice Memos and Stocks), among other important changes. In addition, it will be the last operating system capable of supporting 32-bit applications, as Apple confirmed the elimination of its support in the future update. As time goes by, extensions that work at 32 bits will be eliminated, such as the QuickTime framework or the Java 1.6 framework.

Version 10.15: Catalina

It is the sixteenth major version of macOS, Apple's desktop operating system for Macintosh computers. It is the successor to macOS Mojave, announced at WWDC 2019 on June 3, 2019, and released to the public on October 7, 2019. Catalina is the first version of macOS to exclusively support 64-bit applications.

This version is available for download and installation from the Mac App Store as of October 7, 2019.

Version 11: Big Sur

It is the seventeenth major version of macOS, Apple's desktop operating system for Macintosh computers. It is the successor to macOS Catalina, it was announced at WWDC 2020 on June 22, 2020.

This version was released on the Mac App Store on November 12, 2020.

Version 12: Monterey

It is the eighteenth major version of macOS, Apple's desktop operating system for Macintosh computers. It is the successor to macOS Big Sur, it was announced at WWDC 2021 on June 7, 2021.

Version 12.0.1 was released on the Mac App Store on October 22, 2021.

Version 13: Ventura

It is the nineteenth major version of macOS, Apple's desktop operating system for Macintosh computers. It is the successor to macOS Monterey, it was announced at WWDC 2022 on June 6, 2022.

Version 13.0 was released on the Mac App Store on October 24, 2022.

Criticism and controversies

Vulnerabilities

In the years 2001-2002, when the Mac OS-Mac OS X transition took place, the system received criticism from Microsoft and Corel regarding the lack of statistics on the adoption of the new operating system by users. Also in 2001, Linus Torvalds, a major free software figure and creator of the Linux kernel, claimed that the Mach microkernel on which Mac OS X is based was riddled with design errors.

A large number of critical vulnerabilities have been discovered in Safari. On February 22, 2006, a vulnerability was discovered that allowed an attacker to execute scripts. In March 2010, 8 vulnerabilities were discovered, which can be exploited by an attacker to execute code remotely. Worldwide As of 2010, 308 vulnerabilities have been reported for Mac OS X.

New analysis developed by the Secunia IT security company indicates that in 2007 Mac OS X chaired the list of serious vulnerabilities, exceeding with wide margin to Windows XP and Vista. This year, Secunia has recorded a total of 237 critical vulnerabilities in Mac OS X, against only 23 in Windows XP and Vista. In general, the Macintosh platform is considered safer than Windows. However, statistics show the opposite by detecting more than five times more vulnerabilities on that platform than on Windows. This does not necessarily mean that Mac OS X is more insecure than Windows. According to Apple, Mac Os X Leopard (10.5) incorporates greater security mechanisms than previous versions. So far there are relatively few code examples specifically designed to attack the Macintosh platform, while Windows malware is much more propagated.

Precisely the fact that the Macintosh platform does not have the same degree of penetration that Windows implies that there is less interest in writing specific malware for Mac. The conclusion seems to be that with its level of vulnerability, the Macintosh platform would be highly insecure if it had the same number of users as Windows.

However our experience as a support company makes us doubt this study. MacOS is an operating system based on a robust platform; Unix. Windows, on the other hand, has a lot of path in the art to hide its shortcomings and solve them through security patches. You should see under what parameters are making comparisons between these operating systems

Alberto Vieyra. Security expert.

Regarding Mac OS X v10.6 "Snow Leopard", renowned hacker Charlie Miller has criticized the fact that it does not include any changes related to the way the system randomly allocates available memory, a weakness that was already known in previous versions of Mac OS and that in the latest version of the system remains the same.

Symantec, maker of security software for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and GNU/Linux, claims that the quarantined files feature only offers basic protection against malware. "It is not a complete antivirus solution and does not have the ability to remove malware from the system" the company said verbatim. "Malware signatures are only as good as definitions, which requires Apple to provide regular and timely updates." Symantec also mentions that Mac OS X update software is not fully automatic and lacks a user interface to see which signatures have been downloaded. It also claims that Apple's security enhancements do not protect the user from unauthorized access to important files or block the transfer of sensitive information. It also claims that the default Mac OS X firewall is disabled by default.

Software

The catalog of programs available for Mac OS X is smaller when compared to Microsoft Windows. Major applications such as Microsoft Office, and Photoshop have a native version for Mac OS X. Autodesk released a Mac OS X version of its best-known program, AutoCAD.

During changes in operating system and processor type, Apple has stumbled in software compatibility. When the switch from Mac OS to Mac OS X, the new system switched to running applications through a compatibility layer. This caused the software to run slowly, since using a "classic" it means loading Mac OS 9 inside Mac OS X and making the two work side by side.

In the PowerPC-Intel transition, programs written for the older platform were again run in a compatibility layer, although in this case it was software and not a full operating system. The program in charge of running applications written for PowerPC is called Rosetta, which was totally transparent. Its only drawback was that it couldn't run large programs such as Photoshop.

Others

The Open Group criticized Apple for using the term "Unix" in the advertising of Mac OS X despite the fact that this system did not have the official certification of the operating system and its use could suppose a registered trademark violation. Subsequently, and in response to these criticisms, Mac OS X was certified for version 10.5 (Leopard) when it started running on Intel processors.

According to trade press, Apple has focused on the mobile devices it makes (such as iPods, iPhones, and iPads) rather than its traditional line of desktop and laptop computers, though it continues to release these products more frequently. or less constant.

Apple's update system is also criticized, because its publications are not predictable over time. This is not important for the home user, but for the administration of medium or large computer networks it can be harmful. Several updates were especially criticized for leaving all computers with Symantec's PGP security utility full disk encryption enabled after they upgraded to version 10.6.5. To fix this, Apple pushed the "patched" update again. However, when the next update to version 10.6.6 was released, the same thing happened again, users of that encryption system were again unable to boot and criticism multiplied.

After experiencing an avalanche of calls to AppleCare because of the fake antivirus called 'Mac Defender', Apple decided to instruct the service staff not to answer users who called for this reason.

Mavericks suffered rejection from the professional video community, due to disabling the use of third-party video codecs developed in QuickTime and Preview, such as Resolume's DivX or DXV.

Comparison with other platforms

Origins

OS X is a BSD system, which is why it has a special relationship with GNU/Linux. This relationship is based on compliance with standards, although the code of both is completely different. GNU/Linux is a UNIX-like system, while OS X is a certified UNIX system. The OS X - GNU/Linux relationship is so close that it is possible to easily port a GNU/Linux program to OS X and run it on the X11 subsystem. A clear example of this is OpenOffice.org, which during its initial versions for OS X ran on X11 until it became a native application. For its part, Windows is not related to Mac OS X or GNU/Linux. In November 2009, a Microsoft executive admitted that Windows 7 had been inspired by OS X.

Market Share and User Demographics

According to Apple, Mac OS X users numbered nearly 10 million at the beginning of 2004, with an increase in market share from 2.06% to 2.88% over 2003. In October In 2006, IDC and Gartner reported that Apple's market share in the United States had increased by 6%. Figures for December 2006 show a market share of about 6% (IDC) and 6.1% (Gartner). These are based on a more than 30 percent increase in unit sales from 2005 to 2006. As of March 2010, Mac OS X holds a global market share of 5.02%, while Microsoft Windows and GNU/Linux is 92.12% and 0.98% respectively. On November 24, 2009 ComputerWorld reported that Windows 7 had surpassed Mac OS X in number of users.

There are three ways to sample the operating system market: 1. browser hits 2. sales 3. equipment in operation. When measured by the browser, the Mac market has increased substantially since 2007. However, the results for market share measured as a percentage of current sales provide different results than those obtained by measuring computers in operation.. The number of Mac computers in use is difficult to determine, with numbers ranging from 5% (2009) to 16% (2005). Mac OS X's share of the operating system market increased by a 7.32% in December 2007 to 9.63% in December 2008, which implies an increase in market share of 32% during 2008, compared to an increase of 22% in 2007.

Industry insiders have often called attention to the Mac's relatively small market share to predict Apple's impending doom, particularly in the 1990s, when the company's future looked bleakest. Others argue that market share is the wrong way to measure the success of the Mac. Apple has positioned the Mac as a high-performance personal computer, so it would be misleading to compare it to a low-cost PC. As the global market for personal computers has grown rapidly, Mac sales gains are dwarfed when compared to its competitors. Thus, Apple's small market share gives the false impression that fewer people are using Macs than before. Others try to emphasize market share, claiming that you rarely see such a context in other industries. Regardless of the Mac's market share, Apple has remained profitable since the return of Steve Jobs and the subsequent reorganization of the company. Notably, a report published in the first quarter of 2008 found that Apple had a 14% share in the personal computer market in the United States, including 66% of PCs worth more than $1,000. Market research indicates that most of its customer base comes from high-income individuals.

Security

Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, and GNU/Linux ship with very similar security utilities, such as firewalls and antispyware. Although no operating system is exempt from being attacked or infected by a virus, Mac OS X is based on UNIX and the number of viruses that affect it compared to Microsoft Windows is small. As of May 2011, INTECO recognized 1,362 viruses for 32-bit Windows platforms, compared to 34 for Mac OS and less than 10 for GNU/Linux.

About 99.2% of malware targets Microsoft Windows. Despite the small amount of malware targeting Apple's system, Mac OS X was named by IBM as the most insecure operating system. In the same study, IBM rates its AIX system as the most secure. It is important to emphasize that both Mac OS X and AIX are UNIX systems.

Both Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows include built-in utilities for file encryption. The one for Mac OS X is called FileVault, while the one for Microsoft Windows is BitLocker. GNU/Linux in the vast majority of distributions does not include encryption software, although a good number of free applications are available for this purpose, such as TrueCrypt or GnuPG.

Comparison between macOS and other operating systems