Linux vs Mac: Check Out the Most Common Comparison

Linux and Mac are two of the most sought-after Operating Systems out there. Since choosing the right OS is crucial, you should understand the Linux vs Mac difference.

Linux vs Mac, which is better? Well, both are major players in the global OS market. Linux is used on a range of platforms and constitutes the bulk of a community-based configuration. It is a unitary operating system, operating entirely from the kernel. On the other hand, Mac OS is designed primarily for desktops, smartphones, and tablets made by Apple Inc. Has this piqued your curiosity? If yes, read on. We elaborate on the difference between Linux vs Mac to help you arrive at informed decisions.

Linux vs Mac: Difference you Should Know

What is Linux?

Linux is one of the most widely used operating systems globally. It was unleashed in 1991 only to receive an overwhelming response from users worldwide. The OS was designed to provide users with a free open-source system that could be used for a variety of purposes. Since Linux made it to the market before Ubuntu, it was difficult for it to get into the industry at the time as Microsoft was the market leader. Although Linux wasn’t as well-known as Microsoft, it soon emerged as its direct rival. It drew even more recognition and user-base following the debut of its Ubuntu version.

Linux is an umbrella term for operating systems resembling Unix. Linux is sympathetic to virtually every gadget. Think smartphones, video game systems, computers, servers, embedded devices, and tablets. It is the most extensively supported operating system in the market, running on all computer systems, regardless of the make or model. Besides versatility, Linux offers a user-friendly layout, which makes it simple for clients to use. Also, Linux offers free services and is available in a customized version.

Features of Linux

Knowing the features of Linux is important to get the gist of Mac vs Linux.

• Multi-user capabilities

Multiple individuals can share system resources, such as RAM, hard drive, and so on. However, they must work on distinct interfaces.

• Portability

It’s good enough to work with a number of different hardware.

• Security

The security is top-notch, as the data is secured in three ways:

1. Authentication (by allocating passwords and login Ids)
2. Authorization (by granting reading, writing, and execution permissions)
3. Encryption (transforming a file into a format that is not readable).

• File system

It can provide a hierarchy of files systems in which the files are arranged.

• Open Source

Linux is available in a free mode and accessible for community-based dev. Projects.

• App support

It includes a software library where users may install and run a variety of programs.

Advantages of Linux

Linux is an advantage. Here’s why:

1. It is an open-source OS, which allows programmers to create a customized OS. It’s perhaps the prime difference between MacOS vs Linux.
2. Linux provides you with a variety of applications with various characteristics, enabling you to pick based on your unique requirements.
3. Linux is completely free, and you can install it on any number of systems.
4. It is trouble-free and resistant to viruses, spyware, or system slowdown.
5. A worldwide development group is looking at numerous methods to improve its security. Therefore, it is safe and strong, and one doesn’t need to scan it regularly with an anti-virus program.

Disadvantages of Linux

The OS has some inherent drawbacks, such as:

1. Various Windows programs are unable to function on Linux.
2. The range of peripheral hardware drivers is just too limited.
3. Many Internet service providers don’t support Linux.
4. There is a scarcity of commercial software for Linux.
5. A large number of games are not available on this OS.

What is Mac?

Mac is an operating system (OS) created by Apple Inc. in 1984 for its Macintosh series of computers. This series ushered in a new age of graphical user interface (GUI) systems. It inspired Microsoft to build its Operating System, Windows. macOS allows you to do a wide range of common operations. You may use it to surf the web, read your emails, edit photographic files, and play computer games.

C, c-objective, c++, and swift assembly language are used to build the Macintosh Operating Systems. macOS is presently accessible in 39 languages. The Aqua User Interface for the macOS is based on a hybrid kernel. Workstations, pcs, and embedded devices are the system categories it targets. It uses a hybrid kernel type with modules.

The powerful technology utilized to create the OS will ensure that programs operate and perform safely, and the information is safely stored on the internet. One can handle all of one’s emails and accounts with a single, powerful tool that operates with a variety of email providers like Gmail, Yahoo, Microsoft Exchange, and iCloud.

The new updates come with an autosave feature that automatically saves your work in case you forget or when your device’s battery dies. macOS X lion comes with a more robust core technology that makes it more compatible and allows you to effortlessly transfer data. It offers a straightforward configuration and enables quick file sharing via AirDrop function. This allows users to connect to other Airdrop-enabled PCs and devices.

macOS Monterey is the latest operating system from Apple. Of course, it comes packed with all the latest updates, making it one of the best Apple operating systems in order.

Features of Mac OS

Here’s what to expect from Mac OS

• Multi-touch gestures

The multi-touch gesture capabilities of Mac OS have been enhanced. The functionalities are compatible with all Mac laptop trackpads, including Apple’s Magic Trackpad.

• Airdrop

macOS packs a punch with a community file-sharing software that leverages p2p Wi-Fi and requires no setup. It necessitates user confirmation on both sides and safeguards the data.

• AutoSave

This is an enhanced feature to prevent your work from being lost or deleted in event of an emergency or a wrongfully executed command.

• Stacks

Stacks help organize all of the icons on your computer into stacks. Stacks can be organised by file type, tags, date, and other criteria. You can extend a stack to discover a file within it.

• Dynamic Desktop

Dynamic desktop builds on the dark theme principle and is more for spectacle than anything helpful. All through the day, the dynamic desktop alters the vividness of the background image.

Advantages of Mac OS

Let’s dive into why Mac operating systems in order make sense

1. Virus attacks are limited.
2. Mac OS has a good support team working 24/7 to solve OS issues.
3. It has the same Graphical User Interface across all platforms.
4. Mac OS supports the file system of Windows, including FAT and NTFS.
5. Using Mac OS with Apple hardware improves performance.

Disadvantages of Mac OS

Mac OS has some tradeoffs, such as:

1. It has limited games and software.
2. The hardware cannot be customized.
3. Windows cannot decode the Mac OS file system.
4. New versions of Mac OS systems support less hardware.

Mac vs Linux: Head to Head Comparison

Now that you know what Linux and Mac are, it’s time to focus on Linux vs Mac.

Conclusion

Both Mac OS and Linux OS are two different OS yet overlap at different levels. When it comes to choosing between Linux vs Mac, it boils down to your unique requirements. Remember, its-each-to-his-own proposition. As such, research well and choose wisely.

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