MacOS

MacOS‏‎ is a series of proprietary operating systems developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is the primary operating system for Apple's Macintosh line of computers. Since 2001, MacOS has been the basis for Apple's range of products, from desktop and laptop computers to the iPhone and iPad.

History

MacOS was first released in 1984 as "System 1" and was one of the first operating systems to feature a graphical user interface (GUI). Over the years, MacOS has gone through numerous updates and revisions, each named after big cats until 2013, when Apple switched to names of locations in California.

Architecture

MacOS is based on a UNIX-like operating system called Darwin (operating system)|Darwin]], which provides a stable and secure foundation. The operating system uses the XNU kernel and includes various elements derived from FreeBSD and NetBSD.

Features

MacOS includes a variety of features, such as Spotlight for searching files and applications, Time Machine for backing up data, and Safari, Apple's proprietary web browser. It also includes a suite of productivity and creativity applications, including Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.

Security

MacOS is known for its strong security features. It includes Gatekeeper, which helps protect users from downloading and installing malicious software, and FileVault, which uses encryption to secure data on the Mac.

Compatibility

MacOS is compatible with a wide range of software and hardware. It supports UNIX applications as well as older Mac applications through Rosetta. MacOS also supports Windows applications through software such as Boot Camp and Parallels Desktop.

See also

• iOS
• watchOS
• tvOS