If you use Option-Command-R during startup, in most cases you're offered the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac. Otherwise you're offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available. If the Mac logic board was just replaced, you may be offered only the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac. The last time the design of macOS (or rather Mac OS X) changed significantly was in Yosemite, when it had an overhaul, at the hands of Apple's design guru Jonathan Ive, to bring it into line with iOS. Better Horses Mod. Better Horses Mod. LEARN HACKING FROM MY COURSES 1. HACKSTARS: Tech Master Hacking Course: Quick Hack: http://imojo.in/681iv. Better Horses is a multi-platform media and communications company that delivers content to the equestrian industry in print, radio, television, digital and special events. The company exists to.
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Mac OS X 10.7.3 (Lion) inherently contains many desired security features; however it takes a few moments for the user to enable most of them. It's the ideology of convenience versus security and as it is well known Macs are quite convenient. This article will discuss how to further harden the Mac OS X environment and raise users up a few notches from the low-hanging fruit category.
General Security
Built-in – Using the operating system's native toolset available for the user to configure and raise the security posture from its default ‘convenient' settings. For example System Preferences, Keychain Access, Software Updates.
Third-Party – Using third-party vendors to further enhance the native system usually with additional front-ends. For example 1Password, Little Snitch.
Encryption Security
Built-in – Using native available encryption. Apple comes with FileVault 2; a whole disk encryption feature allowing users to have their data made irrecoverable in an event of theft, loss, physical compromise.
Third-Party – Using both open source and/or commercial encryption suites such as TrueCrypt, Mac GPG, Symantec's PGP Desktop.
Malware Security
Built-in – Using native available malware protection. XProtectUpdater which updates the ‘safe downloads list'.
Third-Party – Using both commercial and/or free anti-virus/anti-malware suites such as MacScan, Sophos, ClamXAV.
For the most part by configuring and enabling the built-in security features that Apple Mac OS X Lion has to offer third-party utilities turn into a ‘want' more than a ‘need'.
Post-Installation
Security begins at… well the beginning. For most users this is known as post-installation. Just around where they would turn on their Macs for the very first time. The following 21 recommended security tips are not only recommended but also encouraged:
1. Create Your Computer Account
During this screen enter a password make sure the checkbox labeled ‘Require password when logging in' is checked. If a password hint is entered make sure it doesn't reveal to a potential attacker the password. I like to put in an appropriate message directly to the attacker such as ‘Sorry buddy, it isn't that easy – try something else'. Note that Apple states 'Enter a hint to help you remember your password. Anyone can see the hint, so choose a hint that won't make it easy to guess your password.'
2. System Preferences : Change Lock Security Feature
Locking system preferences configurations is ideal in a secure world as to make changes requires authentication with administrative credentials. Of the 29 default System Preferences 11 locking options are offered by default in Security & Privacy, Energy Saver, Print & Scan, Network, Sharing, Users & Groups, Parental Controls, Date & Time, Software Update, Time Machine, Startup Disk. The padlock icon is on the lower left and does not take a password to enable; but takes a password to disable.
3. System Preferences:Security & Privacy:General
The following recommendations are obvious, but only a few are enabled by default verify the following are enabled.
Require password immediately after sleep or screen saver begins.
For all accounts on this computer:
- Disable automatic login
- Require an administrator password to access system preferences with lock icons
- Automatically update safe downloads list'
- Disable remote control infrared receiver. 'This computer will not work with any remote' otherwise if a remote is used make sure it is paired ahead of time. (If it is left unchecked or unpaired any Apple remote will be able to control the Mac by default)
4. System Preferences:Security & Privacy:FileVault
Turn On Filevault
- Save the recovery key (text or screenshot)
- Enable Do not store the recovery key with Apple
- Restart the Mac to begin the encryption process
- Upon restart the background will now be gray and feel slightly different (reminding the user FileVault 2 is being used)
- Returning to System Preferences on FileVault it will display the time remaining for encryption process to complete (depending on the hard disk size and contents the time to completion may vary – it is recommended to let this run overnight without disturbance).
5. System Preferences:Security & Privacy:Firewall
Start the firewall (by default it is disabled)
It is recommended to configuring the firewall in the following order:
- Enable Stealth Mode
- Disable Automatically allow signed software to receive incoming connections
- Block all incoming connections
Note this will allow the Mac to use the network ‘normally' however will not allow potential attackers to detect or attack the Mac easily when compared if these features were left disabled.
6. System Preferences:Security & Privacy:Privacy
I have bombed mac os. Naturally these settings are for the truly paranoid and in trade will not automatically allow applications or Apple have an understanding on the issues or whereabouts of the Mac.
- Disable Location Services
- Disable Send diagnostics & usage data to Apple
7. System Preferences:Desktop & Screen Saver:Screen Saver
When not at the keyboard the screen should be lock. This is good practice for the security conscious. A simple method to lock the screen is to enable a hot corner where the mouse can be positioned to activate the screensaver in essence locking the screen.
Choose a Screen Saver and Choose Hot Corners and select an Active Screen Corner
Note: Another way to lock the screen using the mouse would be to open the Keychain Access app Preferences and enable Show keychain status in menu bar. This adds the Lock Screen feature and a padlock icon in the menu bar for easy access to lock the screen with the click of the mouse.
8. Software Update
Now that the system is secured on the network Software Update is the next logical feature to run so that the Mac acquires the necessary security updates to the machine.
Note: Prior to doing this it is recommend waiting for FileVault to complete the encryption process before downloading the updates (off the network). FileVault is known to be sensitive to disk activity during the encryption phase.
For the updates themselves It is always recommended to Show Details and review the items prompting to be installed; for the most part the user is safe but it can never be assumed. Install the new software available for the Mac. If it is necessary to choose priority due to bandwidth limitations select the Mac OS X Update Combined first as that has most of what is needed first. Note: If Software Updates downloads are giving issues they can be downloaded as dmg files from Apple's support site: http://support.apple.com/downloads/
Remember to run Software Update a few times to make sure that everything is updated. Sometimes after updates are downloaded and installed after restarting there are a few more. It is best practice to check and make sure to get the message 'Your software is up to date'.
9. System Preferences:Bluetooth
If Bluetooth isn't being used disable it by clearing the checkbox labeled On. If it needs to be used for the magic mouse or other bluetooth device and and doesn't require it to be set as Discoverable then also clear the checkbox labeled Discoverable; thus lessening potential attack vectors.
10. System Preferences:Sharing
Change the Mac's name – for best results give it a name that doesn't stand out to potential attackers by revealing a tasty target. Apple by default will give the computer name as the first user's first name and then the type of computer – i.e. ‘Israel's Mac Mini'. For example to seem really uninteresting a name such as ‘Tiger Powerbook' may discounted by an attacker as a crusty box be passed on for newer technologies.
11. System Preferences:Users & Groups
Make sure to only allow user to administer the computer if it makes sense; don't just do it by default – add parental controls if need be; however Apple's Parental Controls are simple and rather limited; most savvy individuals can bypass these tools.
While here verify that all services are disabled by default, and be careful to enable anything – be sure to understand what type of risks it puts the Mac and ultimately the end-user in.
12. System Preferences:Date & Time
It may not seem like a big deal but the Mac is a precision machine that relies on date and time to make sure things are happening that are supposed to be happening. If there are new issues the first thing that should be checked is the date and time. Especially if it is password related; some systems won't tolerate an environment if it is more than 5 minutes off. By default Macs are synched to the apple time server time.apple.com. (as long as DNS hasn't be compromised along the way this should suffice)
13. System Preferences:Software Update
Verify that Check for updates weekly and download updates automatically are enabled. For the most part updates (especially security related) should be gotten and applied sooner than later.
14. System Preferences: Spotlight: Privacy
Some things don't need to be indexed and therefore should remain private. Not only does not indexing them speed the performance of spotlight. It also adds security by not storing the location of certain data. To do so indicate and add which locations shouldn't be searched.
15. Applications:Safari: Preferences: General
In Safari's General Preferences disable ‘Open 'safe' files after downloading. What Safari may think as safe; may not be. They will be downloaded to the Downloads folder where the user can open then and extract them as needed.
16. Applications:Safari: Preferences: Autofill
Verify User names and passwords is set to disabled. Don't use this if the ramifications aren't clear.
17. Applications:Safari: Preferences: Security
By default all items are enabled; be sure to gloss over time and verify that's what is needed. Disabling one or more of these may alter the user's browsing experience.
18. Applications:Safari: Preferences: Privacy
Privacy is another pre-populated configuration that doesn't require manipulation unless it is necessary.
19. Applications:Safari: Preferences: Extensions
Extensions should be off unless extensions are being explicitly used. (available from extensions.apple.com)
20. Menubar: Wi-Fi
If Wireless connectivity is not being used it should be turned off to eliminate accidental connections and exposure to untrusted networks.
21. Post-boot
Unbeknownst to most Mac users Apple computers have a fantastic built-in feature that allows the physical machine to be locked down (with a password) from further tampering and/or unauthorized examination. For example booting up to optical media or alternate disk thus bypassing the built-in authentication mechanisms to gain access to the unencrypted contents of the hard disk ala the ‘Evil Maid Attack'. To enable this feature boot to the Lion recovery partition (during startup hold the Command+R keys on Lion 10.7.3) and in the Mac OS X Utilities menu navigate to Utilities-> Firmware Password Utility to Turn On Firmware Password. [Note: do not forget this password as it will be quite difficult to gain access back into the machine through normal means, and may require consultation with the Apple Genius at added expenditure]
Securification
For additional configurations and actions about Apple Mac Security peruse through Apple's security guides http://www.apple.com/support/security/guides/
Users unaware of all the fantastic tool Mac OS X Lion comes with to further protect their data and privacy should be encouraged to consider setting a few if not all the aforementioned built-in security features. Doing so only takes a few moments of time. Hopefully in the future Apple will attempt to suggest enabling these security features automatically (and conveniently) during post-installation especially for new users via a simple security wizard. One key facet to security is preparation and to quote Benjamin Franklin: 'By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.'
Online Resources Mentioned Herein:
1Password: https://agilebits.com/onepassword
Little Snitch: http://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch
TrueCrypt: http://www.truecrypt.org/
Mac GPG: http://macgpg.sourceforge.net/
PGP Desktop for Mac: http://www.symantec.com/
MacScan: http://macscan.securemac.com/
Sophos: http://www.sophos.com/freemacav
ClamXAV: http://www.clamxav.com/
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.
The best Mac OS version is the one that your Mac is eligible to upgrade to. In 2021 it is macOS Big Sur. However, for users that need to run 32-bit apps on Mac, the best macOS is Mojave. Also, older Macs would benefit if upgraded at least to macOS Sierra for which Apple still releases security patches.
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.
Should I Upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur?
While personally I like macOS Big Sur and have it installed on my MacBook Pro, it comes with serious breaking changes.
The first issue is compatibility.
Big Sur is a transition OS which is designed to help Apple to move from Intel processors to their own chips on ARM.
After I installed Big Sur on my MacBook Pro mid 2020 (pre-Silicon), most of my apps, including Microsoft Office, were working as expected.
However, my VMWare Fusion 11 does not start anymore, so I have to purchase a new license if I want to keep using it (or roll back to Catalina). Luckily, I took a full backup before the upgrade.
The second breaking issue is the lack of 32-bit app support.
macOS Catalina and Big Sur can only run 64-bit apps.
If you wondering whether you should upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur, 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 the 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 (or better High 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
The most important point when choosing the best OS is the ability to get 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. Core9000 mac os. 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.
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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.
If you are having problems with updates or having issues post-upgrade check my post about troubleshooting macOS.
Using download links
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. https://downhup936.weebly.com/mechanic-war-mac-os.html.
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 11 Big Sur
macOS v11 (codename Big Sur) is the latest version of the operating system for Apple computers.
Release date: October 13, 2020
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement 4GB. Big Sur is the first OS to support new Macs using ARM technology (in the future).
Features
- The biggest design refresh since macOS X.
- Support for new ARM processors.
- Safar improved performance and power consumption.
- Time Machine supports backup to APFS volumes.
- One-click translation for 7 languages.
- Redesigned maps
Software Compatibility Issues
Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Big Sur.
How to install
There are two ways to install Big Sur: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
Or check my post with tips on installing macOS on unsupported devices.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Big Sur
- MacBook (2015 and later)
- MacBook Air (2013 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2013 and later)
- Mac mini (2014 and later)
- iMac models (2014 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Mac Pro (2013 and later)
macOS 10.15 Catalina
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 Sit with me a while mac os.
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
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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.
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
Open terrarium mac os. 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
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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)
How to install
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Mountain Lion installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install OS X Mountain Lion.
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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