What Is Mac OS X? The Apple Operating System

You may have heard people talking about Mac, OS, and maybe there was some kind of X in the discussion too. So, what is Mac OS X?

Simply put: Mac OS X is the operating system computers from Apple run.

Wait ...

Well, an operating system is what makes all the bells and whistles in your computer work together. It is the system that translates what you want to do, into something the computer can understand. It is what you see on your screen when your computer has started up. Lets use an example: If you have written a text document in your word processor and press "save". Your word processor tells the operating system that it wants to store a file on your hard drive. The operating system then says: "ok mr. word processor" go ahead. And the file is saved. Of course it is a bit more complicated than that but it describes the process in easy terms.

Mac OS X is not the only one. We have a lot of these systems out there. Windows for example, is also an operating system. The Linux distribution ubuntu too. All of these have their advantages and disadvantages. It is up to you, and your wallet what you want to use.

Many people use Windows because it frankly, works okay for the most part. You can buy a cheap computer and thats that. Some people like open source and they pick ubuntu instead. Or any other of the Linux distributions out there. All of them are basically free to download and use.

So, What Is Mac OS X?

Then we have those using Mac OS X, because they like the system, the streamlined work experience and clutter free system. I am one of those having switched from Windows to Mac OS X and not for a single second regretting it.

Mac OS X ships with every computer Apple make. It doesn't matter if you buy the cheapest Mac Mini, or the most expensive Mac Pro. The operating system is the same anyway. This makes it less confusing for us and a lot easier to manage.

The only thing Windows does better in my opinion is games. Anything else I need to do can be done with the Mac. Also if I really need access to Windows it is possible to install without any problems. Windows runs well on a Mac too.