Apple OS X
| Version | Big Sur(as of 4/9/2020) |
| Platform | Mac |
| License | Commercial |
| Category | System |
Main Features
- Runs on Macintosh computers, such as the iMac and MacBook Pro
- Features the Finder desktop interface that allows you to organize your applications, files, and downloads
- Bundled with a variety of applications, including Music, Safari, Photos, and Books
- Used in personal, educational, and professional environments
Software Overview
OS X, or macOS, is an operating system (OS) developed by Apple and designed to run on Macintosh computers, such as the iMac and MacBook. Apple initially released Mac OS X in 2001 and based it on NeXTSTEP, an operating system developed by NeXT, which Apple acquired when Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997. Both NeXTSTEP and macOS are Unix-based and use the same Mach kernel. The OS was called "Mac OS X" until version OS X 10.8 when Apple dropped "Mac" from the name. Then, Apple changed "OS X" to "macOS" when it released macOS Sierra (10.12) in 2016.
The operating system comes bundled with a variety of applications, including:
- Music - An audio player and music-streaming app
- Safari - A web browser
- iMovie - A video editor
- Photos - A photo editor and organizer
- Books - An eBook reader
- QuickTime Player - A multimedia player
- TextEdit - A text editor
Finder is the desktop interface for macOS and includes several standard features. It includes a menu bar fixed to the top of the screen that displays customizable information, shortcuts, tools, and display settings. Finder also includes a Dock, which is displayed by default at the bottom of the screen, that enables you to organize all your applications, files, documents, downloads, movies, music, and pictures.
Summary
After Microsoft Windows, macOS is the most widely used desktop operating system and is popular among personal, educational, and professional users. The OS provides various features Apple consistently updates, with new versions released annually, typically in September or October. And even though the OS comes with Mac computers that are often more expensive than computers running Windows, macOS is still an impressive operating system.
Primary File Type
.APPmacOS Application Bundle
Supported File Types
| Extension | File Type |
|---|---|
| .APP | macOS Application Bundle |
| .BUNDLE | macOS Loadable Bundle |
| .COMPONENT | Mac OS X System Component |
| .EFIRES | EFI Image File |
| .FS | Mac OS X File System Plug-in |
| .IOPLIST | Mac OS X IOPLIST File |
| .KEXT | Mac OS X Kernel Extension |
| .LOCKFILE | Mac OS X PLIST Lock File |
| .PREFPANE | Mac OS X System Preference Pane |
| .SAVER | Mac OS X Screen Saver |
| .WDGT | Dashboard Widget |