Advantages and disadvantages of the macOS operating system
Many users are considering switching to Apple products, especially those in the design, graphics, and multimedia industries. Let’s see if MacOS is really that good for both work and play.
Apple’s iOS features
The operating system under consideration is close to Linux in its origin and principles of operation—the macOS kernel is based on the Unix kernel, the predecessor of Linux, so it will be easier to learn for users of Ubuntu or any other popular Linux distribution. Modern versions of macOS are designed to run on the x86-x64 architecture, unlike the older Mac OS 9, so it’s technically no different from Windows or a Linux kernel-based OS.
Benefits of macOS
At some points, the operating system of the “apple” company outperforms its competitors in the market.
Streamlined application management
One of the advantages of macOS over Windows products is a simpler and more streamlined mechanism for managing installed applications. In the case of the Mac, it looks simpler to the end user, approaching the iOS paradigm in recent versions.
MacOS’ workflow is similar to that of an Apple mobile device.As in the case of the mobile OS, the management of programs takes place through a special App Store. All installed applications end up either in a special Launchpad aggregator or in the Applications directory .
A simpler user interface
We can also refer to the advantages of macOS, a simplified and more user-friendly interface of the graphical shell. Unlike competitors, Apple is betting on permanence—the system controls have not undergone significant changes since the release of Mac OS X, the predecessor of the modern macOS.
Better optimization and performance
The Cupertino-based company is not only a software developer but also a hardware manufacturer. Accordingly, Apple engineers achieve maximum optimization and performance of their system on computers of their own production. A competitor from Redmond has recently also released computers (tablets and laptops of the Surface series), but basically, Windows, like Linux, can be found on devices from other manufacturers, and in the case of desktops, on computers assembled by users themselves. As a consequence, there is enormous fragmentation and an almost infinite number of possible hardware combinations. Of course, it is impossible to provide maximum optimization for all of them, so competing systems can perform worse even on no more powerful hardware than macOS on iMac and MacBook
There is less malware and vulnerability.
The real scourge for computers running Windows are virus applications, including the infamous ransomware like WannaCry or NotPetya, which can paralyze the work of entire organizations. Apple devices are less susceptible to these kinds of threats thanks to a decentralized system for obtaining software—strict moderation in the App Store simply does not let a known malicious application through. Of course, there are still third-party sources of programs, but if you buy applications from serious developers and refuse pirated software, the problem of viruses disappears. Of course, MacOS is not invulnerable, so it would be useful to have an antivirus even with basic capabilities, unlike Windows, where a strict check system is almost mandatory.
Useful built-in programs
Most operating systems come with a preinstalled set of applications. MacOS is no exception, but unlike Windows, the available kit is more useful to the end user: a full-fledged office suite (consisting of the Pages word processor, Numbers spreadsheet editor, and Keynote presentations), and applications for working with video, graphics, and audio (iMovie, iPhoto, and GarageBand respectively). In the case of Windows, there are also cases of pre-installed bloatware and useless vendor software, which some manufacturers of even the first echelon of sin.
Convenient multitasking
All operating systems on the market are multitasking in one way or another, but macOS was the first to come up with many solutions that were copied in other products or are still only seen in Apple’s OS. The ability to create multiple desktops is no longer a surprise (the option appeared almost simultaneously with macOS in some environments for Linux, and with the advent of the tenth version of Windows), but special mouse or touchpad gestures for switching between tasks are still available only on devices from Cupertino. It is also worth noting that, due to the tight integration of software and hardware components, the iMac or MacBook remains responsive even during such heavy tasks as video rendering.
An ecosystem with tightly integrated components
One of the strongest points of Apple products is the complete integration of components and services, resulting in a single dense ecosystem. It’s no secret that an iPhone or iPad performs best when interacting with a Mac computer to create backups, troubleshoot, and manage files on a particular device.
Seamless desktop and mobile integration makes switching between devices simple and intuitive. The user can start solving the task on his iOS device by launching the corresponding application and continue without any problems through the program installed on the Mac. This reduces the need for constant cable synchronization or moving a document between cloud storage. Synchronizing important information like user settings, contact book data, or messages between a computer and an Apple mobile device is much easier than between an Android smartphone and a Windows desktop or laptop. In addition, applications are available on both systems that facilitate cross-platform work—for example, the same office suite.
Free download of images from the App Store
Technically, macOS is free-despite the fact that it is a commercial product, it is impossible to buy it separately from Apple devices, but it can be downloaded from the App Store without any problems. Unlike Windows, a system installed from an official image does not even require activation. Thanks to this policy, before fully switching to macOS, you can install it on a virtual machine and try it on real tasks.
MacOS disadvantages
Of course, the operating system in question is not ideal and has a number of drawbacks.
Difficulties with upgrading hardware
Entertainment potential is limited.
Most of the latest devices from Apple are almost unusable as game stations. The small number of available games affects-usually in the Mac App Store you can find small indie games, while a fully ported AAA title is a rather rare guest on this platform. Many models also have very modest hardware characteristics, so even if you manage to use emulators and shells like Proton or install Windows as a second system via BootCamp, you will be able to play at best at the lowest settings with 30 FPS. Considering that the characteristics of the computer will most likely not be improved, devices with macOS on board are completely unsuitable for the role of gaming solutions.
The limited amount of available software
Despite the fact that macOS is famous for some specific programs and is positioned primarily as an OS for work, the total number of applications available in the App Store and in third-party sources is still inferior to Windows. This is explained by the fact that computers with a “window” operating system are much more popular than Apple devices and macOS in particular. Therefore, in economic terms, it is more profitable to develop software primarily for Windows. This is especially true for small or independent studios.
Conclusion
As you can see, MacOS has arithmetic more advantages, but the existing disadvantages can be critical for some users. Therefore, as in the case of other software, the choice should be made, focusing on the intended tasks.
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