- How are Mac OS and Linux similar?
- Is Linux and Mac are same?
- Is Mac a Unix or Linux?
- Is Apple OS Linux?
- What is the major difference between Unix and Linux?
- Is Mac considered Unix?
- 6 Linux Distributions That are Inspired by the Look and Feel of macOS
- 2. Deepin Linux
- 4. Zorin OS / Zorin OS Lite (Pro Edition)
- 5. CutefishOS (Early Development)
- 6. Trenta OS [Under Slow Development]
- Your pick?
How are Mac OS and Linux similar?
Mac OS is based on a BSD code base, while Linux is an independent development of a unix-like system. This means that these systems are similar, but not binary compatible. Furthermore, Mac OS has lots of applications that are not open source and are build on libraries that are not open source.
Is Linux and Mac are same?
Though both Linux and Mac are the operating systems for computer devices, Linux is an open-source operating system that can be used on any device, and Mac is an operating system that can be used only on Mac devices. Whereas Mac is an operating system that allows other system applications to run on it.
What are the similarities between macOS and windows?
Macs and Windows PCs can share the same printers, scanners, digital cameras, mice, keyboards, and other peripherals. Both systems are fluent in the common file types, including PDFs, JPEGs, and text.
What are the similarities and differences between Windows and Linux?
S.NO | Linux | Windows |
---|---|---|
1. | Linux is a open source operating system. | While windows are the not the open source operating system. |
2. | Linux is free of cost. | While it is costly. |
3. | It’s file name case-sensitive. | While it’s file name is case-insensitive. |
4. | In linux, monolithic kernel is used. | While in this, micro kernel is used. |
Is Mac a Unix or Linux?
macOS is a series of proprietary graphical operating systems which is provided by Apple Incorporation. It was earlier known as Mac OS X and later OS X. It is specifically designed for Apple mac computers. It is based on Unix operating system.
Is Apple OS Linux?
You may have heard that Macintosh OSX is just Linux with a prettier interface. That’s not actually true. But OSX is built in part on an open source Unix derivative called FreeBSD.
Does running Windows on a Mac cause problems?
With the final versions of software, proper installation procedure, and a supported version of Windows, Windows on the Mac should not cause problems with MacOS X. Regardless, one always should backup their entire system before installing any software or before partitioning a hard drive as a preventative measure.
What does Windows and Linux have in common?
Linux and Windows are both operating systems which are interfaces that are responsible for the activities and sharing of the computer. They act like a host for applications that run on the computer. Both have graphical user interfaces.
What is the major difference between Unix and Linux?
Difference Between Unix and Linux
Linux | Unix and other Variants |
---|---|
Linux refers to the kernel of the GNU/Linux operating system. More generally, it refers to the family of derived distributions. | Unix refers to the original operating system developed by AT. More generally, it refers to family of derived operating systems. |
Is Mac considered Unix?
macOS is a UNIX 03-compliant operating system certified by The Open Group. It has been since 2007, starting with MAC OS X 10.5.
What is the main difference between Unix and Linux?
Is it worth having Windows on Mac?
It is only worth installing if you are going to actually use it. If you are installing it via Boot Camp (which means you reboot your Mac to use Windows), there are no performance issues — you will be using Windows on a native Intel machine. It will work as good or better than a PC with similar specs.
6 Linux Distributions That are Inspired by the Look and Feel of macOS
There are several beautiful Linux distributions already present in the Linux world. But for some reason, people are fixated on the looks of Apple’s macOS.
Now, not everyone can afford or would want to buy a MacBook just to use macOS. You could go for a Hackintosh but that would mean ditching Linux, something a Linux lover like me wouldn’t do.
The good thing about Linux is that it has endless possibilities. When it comes to tweaking its looks, you can do wonders. Imagine making Ubuntu look like MacOS. It’s totally possible.
There’s no doubt that elementary OS was initially inspired by macOS. Of course, considering their improvements, they have been trying to do better than macOS and that’s a good thing.
The elementary OS focuses heavily on improving the user experience. For that reason alone, it is undoubtedly one of the best distributions out there.
The dock panel is not the only thing that you’ll recognize from macOS. Overall, the design language or the approach of default apps blending in with the system theme also gives you a macOS feel.
Not just limited to the UX, they also have their own desktop environment (Pantheon) which is impressive. To make sure that you get a uniform experience across the board, they also have strict guidelines for developers to publish the apps in their app center.
All the goodness of Ubuntu and the work of the elementary OS team take the experience up a notch, this is a must-try!
2. Deepin Linux
If you want the look and feel of macOS on top of Ubuntu, you can try Ubuntu Budgie. It features the Budgie desktop from Solus and incorporates a macOS-ish layout.
Of course, the icon pack and the overall theme does not scream macOS but having a similar dock for applications helps. Not just limited to that, it also offers some features like opening a specific app using a hot corner.
You will find a variety of useful native apps pre-installed, which try to blend in with the look and feel of Ubuntu Budgie. Try it out!
4. Zorin OS / Zorin OS Lite (Pro Edition)
Zorin OS is an attractive offering with a polished look and a unique user experience for the Linux desktop.
Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu and potentially looks even better than Deepin. It offers two different editions that include Zorin OS and Zorin OS Lite, where you also have an option to purchase a “pro” version that includes several useful tools and unlocks new desktop layouts (including macOS).
If you opt to purchase Zorin OS (or lite) Pro edition, you can take the help of the macOS desktop layout to make it look like it.
Note that the primary edition features GNOME and the lite edition brings in Xfce desktop. So, choose accordingly.
5. CutefishOS (Early Development)
It is a Debian-based distribution inspired by macOS with their custom desktop environment. They aim to offer a simple and intuitive user experience.
Considering it is in its early stages of development (beta phase), it is too early to tell if it will be a good fit for your desktop system. If you are willing to try it, go for a virtual machine or a spare system.
If it has been released when you read this article, you could try it if you prefer.
6. Trenta OS [Under Slow Development]
There’s not enough information available about Trenta OS but we know that it is based on Ubuntu.
As far as we can tell, from its official website and GitHub page, it focuses on providing a user interface that looks appealing, and the icons closely resemble that of macOS (as shown in the screenshot above)
The focus is on looks and UI. The developers have crafted their own icon theme “Trenta Icons” that will also be available to download for other platforms (including macOS, as per their development plans).
A test build is available and is considered an alpha build. Interestingly, it is based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. However, they have plans to switch the base to Ubuntu 20.04 as the development progresses.
Of course, we wouldn’t recommend you to try it on your main system. So, you can grab the test build and get it to install in a virtual machine to explore it.
BackSlash Linux may not be a well-known entrant to the Linux distribution world. If looks are the most important thing for you, BackSlash Linux does a marvelous job of imitating the looks of macOS.
It also provides icons similar to macOS. You can maybe even consider it a Linux clone of macOS.
It was based on Ubuntu and followed a similar release cycle. However, the official website did not seem to reflect any recent activity along with their GitHub page seems. Later, it was discontinued.
You can go ahead and experiment on a spare system, but I’m not too comfortable recommending it on a production system.
While elementary OS is widely popular in the Linux world, not many people have heard of Macpup Linux. You might guess from its name that it’s a macOS spin based on Puppy Linux.
Puppy Linux is one of the best lightweight Linux distributions for older computers. This would make Macpup a good option for you if you have a 15-to-20-year-old computer.
There’s one problem with it, though. Its latest release is based on Precise Puppy 5.5.0, which is based on Ubuntu 12.04. In a few months, support for this version will end.
Moreover, I’m not sure if Macpup is being actively developed either. Their forum is an abandoned place and their website doesn’t seem to have been updated in over a year.
For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend that you use it. Additionally, I didn’t even find it that close to macOS in looks. Maybe back in 2012 it might have looked like macOS, but not anymore.
Apricity OS is one of my favorite Arch-based Linux distributions. You could maybe call it a cloud-centric Linux distribution. Though its first stable version was released only a few months ago, it’s already gathered a good userbase.
Apricity OS may not be exactly like macOS but it does have a slightly similar feel. Its GNOME based clean user interface and beautiful icon themes make it a stunning looking Linux distribution.
MacOS lookalike or not, if one day you want to switch to the ‘Arch domain’, do consider Apricity OS among your options.
Gmac is short for GNOME + Mac. Unlike the above-mentioned macOS lookalike Linux distributions, Gmac is not a full-fledged distribution. It’s simply the GNOME desktop with a Mac theme.
That means you get Ubuntu Linux with a heavily customized GNOME desktop environment that looks a lot like macOS. It also means that you won’t have to do all the customization all by yourself to make Ubuntu look like MacOS. Gmac already does it for you. Plus you get to keep your Ubuntu distribution.
The one weird thing about Gmac Linux is that weird logo that’s a mix of the GNOME and Apple logos.
Your pick?
While obsessing over the macOS look is one thing, it deserves some attention considering Apple does have a good sense of design. And somehow it influences other projects. I think elementary OS could be the next big thing where they put attention to details while trying to outshine macOS, we’ll see.
What do you think of Linux distributions that look like macOS? Are they pointless or are they simply trying to provide a good user experience to end users? What’s your opinion on them?