Apple

Overview  The Mac operating system is best known for its smooth looks, powerful features, ease-of-use, and intuitive feel.  Most new Mac computers operate with either OS 9 or OS X (10).  OS X is an entirely new operating system based on UNIX, using a new kernel that is not a simple re-write or upgrade to the OS 9 kernel. You can read more about this new OSX kernel  that is based on Unix at this Apple webpage.  Many Mac OS resources are available online at a variety of Web sites.  These resources range from operating system updates to discussion forums, and current articles written about the Mac OS.  

General Information The best place to find information on the Mac OS is at Apple Computer’s home page. Click the Software link on the home page to read about OS 9 as well as older versions. Also, be sure to click the Mac OS X link to read about Mac’s newest OS, called Mac OSX Panther.  On the home page, you will also find news, support, and updates. Updates can be purchased, and even downloaded directly, from Apple Computer’s home page. Macs.about.com provides numerous services for Mac computer users. At this site you can also find help, tips, how-to’s, updates, software, and even a center for beginning users. 

Mac OS Resources The Mac OS may be second in popularity to Microsoft Windows, but a great deal of resources can still be found on the Internet.  These resources include updates, freeware and shareware, FAQs, and support links. 

Visit the popular Mac-related magazine MacWorld to read current articles, product reviews, and classified listings. At MacOSPlanet, you’ll find resources similar to those in MacWorld with the addition of support, shareware and freeware downloads, a shopping section, and online interaction with other Mac users. 

For Mac software resources, visit www.macosxapps.com/. Here you will find information about the many applications that run on Mac OS. Additionally, this site offers a FAQ page, user polls, and event postings. Another good resource for Mac software is the  Pure Mac web site. For Mac OS news, reviews, and discussions, visit MacNN. Other valuable Mac OS resources include Web pages at Eppel.com and this Mac OS X Superguide at CNET Reviews. 

Additional Links For a developmental perspective of Mac OS, view this timeline of the evolution of Mac software and hardware. And, if you would like  to hear all of the latest juicy rumors about Mac OS, visit www.macosrumors.com/.  Take into consideration that this site relies on rumors to get their information. Finally, to learn about the challenges faced in the development of Mac OS X technology, read this article.