MacOS
Overview
MacOS is a series of proprietary graphical operating systems developed and marketed by Apple Inc.. It is the primary operating system for Apple's Macintosh line of computers. Since the introduction of Mac OS X in 2001, MacOS has been the basis for all of Apple’s operating systems, including iOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
History
The first desktop version of the system was released on March 24, 2001, with its first ground-up redesign of the user interface in over a decade, known as "Aqua". Over the years, MacOS has been refined and updated, with major updates coming on an annual basis since 2011.
Architecture
MacOS is based on a UNIX-like operating system called Darwin and a large amount of free software. It uses the XNU kernel and includes services such as process management, memory management, and file system handling. MacOS also includes a number of proprietary components, such as the Aqua user interface and the Finder file manager.
User Interface
The user interface of MacOS is based on the concept of direct manipulation, using multi-touch gestures. Interface elements include sliders, switches, and buttons. Interaction with the OS includes gestures such as swipe, tap, pinch, and reverse pinch, all of which have specific definitions within the context of the MacOS operating system and its multi-touch interface.
Software
MacOS comes with a suite of pre-installed software, including Safari (web browser), Mail (email client), Contacts (address book), Calendar (personal organizer), Notes (note-taking software), Reminders (to-do list), Maps (map viewer), Photos (photo management and editing), Messages (instant messaging), FaceTime (video calling), Preview (PDF and image viewer), Books (e-book reader), News (news aggregator), Stocks (stock tracker), Home (home automation), Music (media player), Podcasts (podcast player), TV (video player), Time Machine (backup software), and App Store (software marketplace).
Security
MacOS has a number of security features. It uses FileVault to encrypt the user's data, and Gatekeeper to protect users from downloading and installing malicious software. The operating system also includes a number of privacy features, such as asking the user for permission before accessing data in the user's documents or photo library.
Development
Development of MacOS is conducted by Apple. The operating system is released in a closed source model, with source code for certain components available under various Apple Public Source Licenses. Developers can also use the Mac App Store to distribute their applications to users.