Which Mac operating system is the best is a topic of numerous debates among Apple fans.
Since the mission of this blog is to refute myths and legends around Macs, it’s time for me to provide my 2 cents about the issue on hand. While everything below is just my opinion, as a long-time Mac user and veteran software engineer, I hope my opinion worth something.
TLDR; The best Mac OS version is the one that your Mac is eligible to upgrade to. In 2019-2020 it is macOS Catalina. However, users that need to run 32-bit applications on Mac should not go with Catalina because it only supports 64-bit apps. Also, older Macs would benefit if upgraded at least to macOS Sierra because this is the earliest operating system for which Apple still releases security updates.
Update: On WWDC 2020 Apple announced a new macOS Big Sur, which is said to have the biggest UI redesign and the biggest Safari update. New Safari will run 50% faster than Chrome and use less battery. It also has new limitations: Big Sur will require at least MacBook Pro late 2013, MacBook Air 2013, and Mac Mini 2014 or later to run. Big Sur will be released in the fall of 2020.
Surely Mac OS Sierra, at the moment is considered among the best operating systems, especially for those working in the world of the web. Youtubers, graphic designers, website creators, and bloggers are certainly among the biggest admirers of this operating system. Surely Mac OS Sierra, at the moment is considered among the best operating systems, especially for those working in the world of the web. Youtubers, graphic designers, website creators, and bloggers are certainly among the biggest admirers of this operating system. Google's web-based operating system stands out from the other OS' because it relies heavily on the Chrome browser. Like Windows 10, Chrome OS has a customizable desktop interface but most of your. Which Mac operating system is the best is a topic of numerous debates among Apple fans. Since the mission of this blog is to refute myths and legends around Macs, it’s time for me to provide my 2 cents about the issue on hand. Oct 31, 2019 Use the Mac operating system that came with your Mac, or a compatible newer version If you try to use an incompatible macOS, your Mac might not finish starting up, or it might behave unexpectedly. If you try to start up your Mac from a hard disk, network volume, or Time Machine backup that contains an incompatible version or build of macOS.
How to Tell Which macOS You Are Running
To find out which macOS is currently running on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the menubar
- In the dropdown click on the first item: About This Mac
- The first line in the Overview tab is the name of the current OS.
What Version of OS Can My Mac Run?
Not all Macs can be upgraded to the latest OS version. For instance, old Macs powered by PowerPC CPUs cannot run OS intended for Intel-based computers. Also, some versions have hardware limitations.
For instance, Mojave cannot be installed on MacBook Pro earlier than Mid 2012 model.
Check below to know exactly what version of OS your Mac can run.
Which OS is Best for my Mac
Anytime someone asks me which OS is best for them I always suggested going with the latest. Things have changed recently, however.
Initial Step:After installing the software on your system, you must need to create a shortcut icon for this app on your desktop. You can record your screen by using Camtasia 2020.0.7 Serial key full version. You can also set this app as a default video editor now open the application. 
How to use Camtasia Studio 9 Crack when the installation finished? Then click on-screen recording here.
Should I Upgrade to macOS Catalina?
While personally I like macOS Catalina and have it installed on my MacBook Pro, Catalina comes with serious breaking changes. If you have old 32-bit apps, they will not run in the new OS. macOS Catalina and newer can only run 64-bit apps.
If you wondering whether you should upgrade to macOS Catalina, first verify that you don’t have any 32-bit apps. But first, take a back up, so you can go back in case something breaks after upgrade.
For instance, I had to remove uTorrent after upgrade. And I didn’t know that uTorrent is 32-bit!
How to Know If App is 32-bit or 64-bit
To find out whether the app on your Mac is 32-bit or 64-bit follow these steps:
- Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the Mac screen
- Click on About This Mac option
- Click on System Report button in Overview tab (first one)
- Scroll down to Software -> Applications
- Find the app and check Kind
Which macOS Should I Use
If you have an older Mac which is not eligible to upgrade with some latest software or hardware, I’d suggest upgrading at least to Sierra for the following reasons:
- Sierra is still supported by Apple, and it gets security updates
- APFS file system is available
- It supports Siri
- Significant security improvements
Mac Operating System Download
The most important point when choosing the best OS is the ability getting security updates. While Apple generally does not announce the OS end of life dates, it is possible to know when they stop releasing security updates from this page.
For instance, according to the page, the last security update for OS X Yosemite was released on September 12, 2017. The last update for OS X El Capitan was in July 2018, and Carnegie Mellon University confirmed that El Capitan’s end of life date was August 2018.
Snow Leopard Myth
I know that some users on forums believe that the best OS version for Macs was Snow Leopard. But that is a myth. And I know how such myths get created.
Once I worked in the company, which was selling a 20-year old product. And customers were still using and didn’t want to switch to new versions, because the old one was rock solid.
I then talked to the engineer who worked on the project, and he revealed that the product was a total disaster when it was first deployed. Engineers had to work on-site for almost a year in order to fix all bugs.
After five or so years of polishing the product, it becomes virtually bug-free, and nobody now remembers how bad it was when it was first rolled out. A similar thing happened Snow Leopard, and it was recognized as best mac os version after some time.
How to Update to the Latest Version
There are two ways to update to the latest OS version on Mac:
- From the Software Update section in System Preferences
- Use a download link
Using Software Update
This is by far the best option, but it only available if you have Yosemite, or later OS installed already. If you enabled automatic updates, then Mac will inform you that the next macOS is available.
Just open System Preferences, go to Software Update and click on the Upgrade Now button.
This method is also best if wondering how to check if you have the latest version of OS installed on your Mac. Only the version compatible with your hardware will appear here.
For instance, my the latest version for Mac Mini 2012 is Mojave, I can’t install anything newer than that.
Using download links
What Is The Best Mac OS Version Of All Time?
For older systems or in case you need to downgrade, you have to download a standalone installer in DMG format. DMG stands for disk image, similar to ISO, just different formats.
After downloading the installer, just double click on it and follow instructions. Again, do not forget to take a backup before the upgrade.
Mac OS Comparisons: Requirements, Features, Compatibility, Download Links
Following is a high-level description of all Mac operating systems as early as Mountain Lion.
You can refer to those descriptions when deciding which operating system is best for your iMac, Mac Pro, Mac mini, or MacBook.
With each OS description, I included a list of Macs supported. However, you can use Mac OS compatibility checker for more detailed information.
macOS 10.15 Catalina
macOS v10.15 (codename Catalina) is the latest version of the operating system for Apple computers.
Release date: October 7, 2019
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement increased from 2GB to 4GB.
Features
- Introduced Sidecar, which allows for Macs to use an iPad as an external display.
- iTunes was replaced by separate apps: Music, Podcasts, and TV.
- Find My Mac and Find My Friends have merged into one app.
Software Compatibility Issues
macOS Catalina is the first Mac operating system that does not support 32-bit applications. Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Catalina.
How to install
There are two ways to install Catalina: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Catalina
- MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac models (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (All models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013)
macOS 10.14 Mojave
Release date: September 24, 2018
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 18.5GB free space on disk
Features
- The main feature of Mojave is “Dark Mode”
- FaceTime adds group feature which allows chatting with up to 32 people
- News, Stocks, Voice Memos, and Home apps were ported from iOS to Mac.
How to install
If your Mac is eligible to update to Mojave, then the easiest way to install it is by enabling automatic updates. Downloading a standalone Mojave installer could be a little tricky.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Mojave
- MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (All models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013 and 2010-2012 models with upgraded GPU)
macOS 10.13 High Sierra
Release date: September 25, 2017
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 14.3GB free space on disk
Features
- APFS (Apple File System) becomes the default file system in High Sierra. It’s a significant upgrade from the older HFS+ in terms of speed, size, and security
- iCloud support of Messages which allows sync messages of the account across multiple devices
- Mail app uses 35% less storage space due to optimizations
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS High Sierra
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
How to install
Here is a High Sierra download link.
macOS 10.12 Sierra
This is the first macOS version. Previous OS versions for Macs were called OS X (X stands for 10).
Release date: September 20, 2016
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- Siri was introduced to Macs
- Optimized storage with iCloud sync
- Auto-lock feature allows unlocking MacBook with paired Apple Watch
- APFS preview available
- Disk Utility can manage RAID sets again
- Significant security improvements
How to install
Here is a Sierra download link. Python qt for mac.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Sierra
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
OS X 10.11 El Capitan
Last OS X version.
Release date: September 30, 2015
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- System Integrity Protection – a security feature that protects even when the root user executes the process
- Performance improvements: open PDF files four times faster, Mail is twice faster, launching apps 40% faster
- Notes app similar to the app in iOS
Macs compatible with OS X El Capitan
same as OS Mountain Lion.
How to install
Here is El Capitan download link.
OS X 10.10 Yosemite
Release date: October 16, 2014
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Macs compatible with OS X Yosemite
Same as OS Mountain Lion.
Features
- Major user design overhaul
- Introduction of Handoff and Continuity features
- Photos app replaced iPhoto and Aperture
How to install
Here is Yosemite download link.
OS X 10.9 Mavericks
First free Mac OS. Previous OS versions vary from $19.99 to $129.
Release date: October 22, 2013
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- Compressed Memory feature automatically compresses inactive apps when approaching maximum memory capacity
- Timer coalescing is a feature that reduces CPU usage by up to 72 percent
- App Nap puts apps that are not currently visible to sleep
Macs compatible with OS X Mavericks
Same as OS Mountain Lion.
How to install
OS X Mavericks installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install Mavericks.
OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
Must be purchased. Fixed many bugs introduced in OS X Lion.
Release date: July 25, 2012
System Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- New apps: Notification Center, Notes, Messages, Game Center
- AirPlay mirroring allowed to mirror Mac screen to Apple TV
- Application updates automatically install from the App Store
List of Apple computers compatible with OS X Mountain Lion
- iMac (Mid-2007 or newer)
- MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
- Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
- Xserve (Early 2009)
What Is The Best Operating System For Mac
How to install
Mountain Lion installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install OS X Mountain Lion.
List of older Mac OS Versions
Following Mac OS versions are still running on older Macs, but Apple does not support them anymore, and there is no point to upgrade (or downgrade) to them:
- OS X 10.7 Lion
- OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger
- Mac OS X 10.3 Panther
- Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar
- Mac OS X 10.1 Puma
- Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah
10 Best free Operating system that you can install on your computer or laptop. Most people either have windows for Mac OS on their computer. If your computer comes with a digital license for the OS that it runs, then you already paid for the operating system.
Upgrading to the new edition (eg. from Windows 10 single language to Windows 10 Pro) requires acquiring a license key, which cost a handsome amount of money.
I assume you already knew Ubuntu (the Simplified, and overrated) and the Debian (Stable-again-simplified) it’s time we talk about other free operating systems which includes some Linux distributions.
These operating systems are completely free to use, you don’t have to purchase a license or pay to download and most are open source means you can view the whole operating system codes.
We’ll start with good-looking and rich-features wise operating systems, then lightweight Linux distros.
Next read: Alternative Operating Systems For Your Computer
1. Korora
Korora is a good looking free and open source Linux operating system. Very similar to Fedora but with some nifty options such as wallpaper shuffle, nice selection as far as wallpapers are concerned. Material design somewhat inspires the UI, and the functions are overall enough for an average user.
The top taskbar is minimal, elegant and looks really nice. From the right-side, you can manage volume level among other settings. Without a second thought, I’ll advise anyone to try this Linux distro as this can be easily your best operating for your computer.
2. Cub Linux: [Discontinued]
Based on Linux, Cub Linux is similar looking to the Chrome OS (or Chrome OS forks). The Operating system is sanctified toward replicating the Chrome OS (Found in Chromebooks).
It has Chromium Browser as the main element of the operating system hardwired with the Chrome App Launcher.
Since it is based on Linux, you can install packages and use the terminal to do things as usually people do with Linux. Also, it’s a kind of lightweight distro of Linux and can be used directly from a USB Drive, while you can make a persistence USB to save user data without the need to install on your Hard Drive.
Update: As I can see the official website is down you can visit their GitHub and SourceForge page to download builds. As far I think the project is discontinued which means no support from its community if you can compromise with future updates you can still try it. I mentioned it because it is worth to try, even now when its discontinued.
It also included Microsoft PowerPoint 98, Microsoft Word 98, and Microsoft Excel 98.Today, there’s very little difference between Microsoft Office for Mac and Microsoft Office for Windows. The first Mac version, called Microsoft Office 98 Macintosh Edition, wasn’t released until, you’ve guessed it, 1998. The question on many Mac users’ lips seems to be, “Should I pay for Microsoft Office for Mac or use one of its many free alternatives?” In this article, we attempt to answer this question and give you all the information you need to download, install, and start using Microsoft Office for Mac — if you decide that it’s a good choice for you.Introduction to Microsoft Office for MacMicrosoft Office was first released in 1990 for Windows 95. Free microsoft office 2013 for mac download full version. It was re-engineered by Microsoft’s Macintosh Business Unit and introduced the Internet Explorer 4.0 browser and Outlook Express.
3. Ubuntu
The number one Linux distro of all the time. The newer Ubuntu builds have long-term support which makes it a reliable operating system. It does support video drivers and another driver according to your hardware. For instance, if you have Intel HD graphics, related drivers can be installed using the tool created explicitly for Linux by Intel. That’s why if your concern is the graphics performance you should go with Ubuntu or the godfather “Debian” to get graphics driver support. Latest build requires at least 2GB of RAM to function properly. If you’re running on a low spec, check the rest distros.
4. Elementary OS
It is designed to look and feels like the MAC OS. At least to me, this doesn’t seem a Linux distro. Also, an open source project without any kind of ads and comes with a store to install packages. There is also a new release that is called Loki, and since it is in Beta, you should try that if you don’t mind a bug or thousands. The stable builds are good if you want to start out with a good-looking Linux distro.
5. Antergos
Actually I kind of like this—I did install the OS just to experience and wrote about it, and trust Me I fall in love with it. I did test the Minimal version of the operating system. The minimal version ISO file is around 550+ MB which is a bandwidth saver and will support even older computers. Not much older computers maybe. Here is what supports older machines. (the Minimal ISO does require an internet connection to be installed on your computer, I’d suggest downloading the full ISO instead). When talking about the settings and file manager interface, they have quite more options. Also, the apps catalog somewhat reminds me the Start menu of Windows 7, I mean not UI wise.
6. Manjaro
Another user-friendly Linux distribution, have 3 flavors: XFCE (lightweight), KDE (rich-and-cool) and the Minimal net edition. It brings the Start Menu, and that is useful to find programs do other functions. There are also some other community editions, which means you have options, many flavors available maintained by different manjora team members. It’s great that this is the only Linux distro offers options when it comes to appearances. And it’s not quite common among other Linux based operating systems.
7. Zorin OS
Zorin OS is one of the few Linux distros that I actually liked, It reminds and maybe the combination of the appearance of Windows 10 and Windows 7, but even better. You might have a rough time while installing graphics drivers as per your computer hardware, but there are tutorials about them. Despite, you’ll get such a nice user interface, where most of the settings and functions are one or two clicks away. Such as the start menu contains the shortcut to Settings, software and power options. Sound like Windows 7, hell yeah. Overall the interface is decent and more of modern design. It comes with some apps like Chromium browser, Wine to play Windows apps, office, utilities and some games built-in.
8. Android OS for PC
Remix OS tried a high-profile attempt to bring the Android OS on computers but that didn’t went very well, they’ve discontinued the project. It’s a real bummer when a team promises to deliver “lifetime” and “stay-up-to-date” operating system fade like this. But Phoenix OS is still here, but the development is around the Chinese marketplace.
Best Operating System For Machine Learning
Android is also based on Linux Kernel but it is completely different from the typical Linux based operating systems and the major feature is that you can install apps and games from the Android web store aka Google play store. The good part? It’s totally free os for PC so can install on as many as computers and be using it without worrying of any activation or license.
Android has a major stack in mobile operating system worldwide, but Android OS on computer is still underrated as users who run Android OS on the computer are less than 1%. Today mobile is capable of (sort of) doing everything that a computer does. So if you use an Android OS on your computer the learning curve is almost nothing since you are using Android on your phone or tablet.
To get started visit the Android-x86 website and from there grab a system Image (At this time nougat rc2 port is the latest) and burn it to a USB drive. Then boot from it to use Android OS on your normal computer and you’ll be amazed to see all those android apps running apps on your laptop screen. The Android-x86 provides near-to-stock android experience but other project such as Phoenix OS provides better desktop experience.
jide’s Android OS for PC created a hype among internet users that they can install a useable android operating system on their computer but soon they discontinued the project. After a short time, another similar project took place and are still supported and gets updated often. The worthy mention is Phoenix OS which simulates a Windows similar desktop interface including Taskbar, start menu and action center like features. However, The Phoenix OS has some Chinese bloatware that I was unable to uninstall as they appear as soon as when you try to remove them. Hopefully, with new version there is less bloatware and better stability and support for more hardware.
Compatibility wise both remix and Phoenix OS do not support wide range of hardware, but on the other hand be original Android x86 Port does support a wide range of hardware including older computer. So if you are unable to run Phoenix OS then try Android x86 build (not to mention that the older port will be more stable on old hardware). While both projects are not totally open-source but consider them free os for pc just like the parent project.
There are these other projects like bliss OS which offers little functionalities like Taskbar and navigation buttons meanwhile keeping the original stock Android experience. ||
If you want to know more about Android operating system confused which Android OS you should choose read the following article.
9. Chrome OS for PC
You can load unofficial Chrome operating system on your computer and have a taste of what’s it like owning a Chromebook. Chrome OS is elegant and powerful and lets you focus on your work.
Google’s Chrome OS is also built on Linux Kernel and optimized with user-level software and user-friendly desktop environment that eventually uses chrome browser and chrome apps. You obviously can’t install the official chrome os if you don’t have a Chromebook, but there are several unofficial forks of Chrome OS goes by many names, one which is arnoldthebat project that you can download and boot using a USB drive.
If you want to hop in, check this Chrome OS installation guide to install it on your normal computer or laptop. At this time, specific features like running Android apps are limited to some Chromebooks. But that’s ok, because if you solely want to run android apps there are Android operating system as well.
The good part about Chrome OS is that you’d won’t miss your old operating system because there are so many Chrome extensions for almost everything. You need a VPN chrome store has it, you need a grammar checker, the store has that as well. So yeah, overall Chrome OS can be a good option to dump your typical Operating system, surely there is a learning curve that eventually it’ll become easy to adapt to the Chrome OS because the key feature is the Chrome Browser which we all love to use.
There are also options when you want to install an unofficial Chrome OS port on your computer, these are some of the options you can start with.
Aarnoldthebat: Updates Daily, Weekly and monthly.
Learn more about Chrome os //(options)
10. Solus
Requirements: 2GB of RAM for optimal experience and 64-bit CPU architecture.
It comes in three desktop flavors which are Bungie, Gnome, and Mate. The Bungie is for modern computers, GNOME offers balanced desktop experience, Mate can be used on older hardware. So all of these flavors are around 1.2–1.3 GB in size. So it is just a Linux based operating system but you will get better functionalities and different user interface and it is far easier to get used to it rather than Ubuntu and other distributions.
I would like to mention another Linux operating system which goes by “PoP_OS” a very developer friendly Desktop Environment but you will fall in love with this operating system even if you are not a developer, it is so beautiful that I find myself using it in the weekend.
Best Free OS for your computer>
For a new user maybe all the Linux distributions are same, in fact, they are. You should try more than one Linux distro before settling on to one, the more you’ll try, the more chance you’ll find a better one. Don’t stick. Try more and more.
These are the best Linux distro you can try else you can visit a list of all Linux distro here at Wikipedia. There are many more Linux distributions that may be lesser known such as niche-Linux-distros that are supported by a small community. That’s all for now, in coming days more Linux guides will be published. So stay tuned, Stay happy.
One such downside of custom Linux distributions is that you can’t install or maybe a hard time finding and installing graphics drivers according to your computer. This is not a major issue with some top distros like Ubuntu and Debian and Fedora. Feel free to spend hours, days or even month exploring the Linux.
All of the operating systems are totally free to download and use and can be directly booted from a USB drive. our pick for the best free os for pc is definitely Android OS projects because they are easy to use, supports thousands of Android Apps and games from the Play store.
Are you done with MAC, Windows 10 and Linux OS? Isn’t there any free OS for PC (operating system) apart from these 3 giant OS? And if there are other operating systems, which one is good and free to use? Any good and totally free operating system for my computer?
Today we have written this article to answer these questions. this is so true that most of the people use either Windows or MacOS and they are not free. Although, Windows 10 comes pre-loaded with many laptops with activation detailed soldered in the BIOS. So when you Fresh install that same Windows 10 variant it will automatically get activated. But when you install another version of Windows it won’t work at all and it left you with only option to buy a windows license. Despite the fact that the number of pirated Windows users are very high that Microsoft even admitted that “Only 1 out of 10 Windows computer is genuinely activated” but cracking Windows with 3rd party tool is dangerous as most of them are fake, bloatware, viruses and does nasty stuff to your computer.
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