The best thing about a MacBook, Mac Mini or Mac Pro is OS X, Apple's fantastic operating system (OS). However, this does not mean that you cannot try other good alternatives. The whole battle Windows vs. Mac vs. Linux is now irrelevant. Let's try something new, eh?
This article is not just about finding the best alternative operating systems for a Mac. These alternatives should also be easy to install, work well with the Mac keyboard, and support existing hardware without installing too many drivers. Basically, we are looking for a problem-free operation.
Before you start..
There are several ways to try out a new operating system on your Mac. You could:
- Use VirtualBox to emulate the new operating system. Using VirtualBox: User's Guide Using VirtualBox: User's Guide With VirtualBox, you can easily install and test multiple operating systems. We'll show you how to set up Windows 10 and Ubuntu Linux as virtual machines. Read more .
- Booting a Linux Live USB Drive Creating and Booting from a Linux USB Drive on a Mac Creating and Booting from a Linux USB Drive on a Mac There are several ways to create a live Linux USB drive that will boot to your computer Mac: you can do it with freeware or get your hands dirty with the command line. Read more .
- Set up two operating systems side by side, a.k.a. "Dual Boot".
- Delete Mac OS X and install a new operating system.
Joel has identified the advantages and disadvantages of running multiple operating systems. What is the best way to run multiple operating systems on your PC?? What is the best way to run multiple operating systems on your PC? Tie between Windows and Linux? It is possible to run multiple operating systems on a single machine, either by dual booting or using a virtual machine. Let's find out which one is best for you. Read more on each PC. So read this before you make your decision.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you back up your Mac first! If you're looking for a simpler solution, turn a NAS or Windows Share into a Time Machine backup. Turn your NAS or Windows share into a Time Machine backup. Turn your NAS or Windows share into a Time Machine backup. Use your NAS or a network share to back up your Mac with Time Machine. Read more . You should definitely backup your data before installing them.
Make sure you have a recovery partition to reinstall Mac OS X in case you want to return. If possible, I recommend a standard Windows USB keyboard and mouse. They work much better with all Linux distributions than Apple's hardware does.
Now that you've got your back covered, let's take a look at the operating systems you can use on your MacBook or other Apple computer.
Windows 10
Surprisingly, the best alternative operating system on Macs is the one Apple fans hate: Windows. In our books, Windows 10 is the latest and greatest version of Windows. So, if you want to install Microsoft's operating system, this is the version to occupy.
Windows 10 works remarkably well with all existing Apple devices. You hardly need to install any special drivers and connecting third-party peripherals to your Mac works fine too. Windows 10 also works well with high-resolution Retina displays used by MacBook Pro laptops and newer iMac displays.
Justin has put together the four ways to install Windows on Mac 4 ways to get Windows on Mac 4 ways to get Windows on Mac You want to run Windows 8 on your Mac, but don't know where to start? Let us show you how. Read more to list the pros and cons of each method. OS X comes together with the Boot Camp Assistant. This is the cheapest and easiest way to get you up and running.
Ubuntu 15.10
Why do you want to run Linux on a MacBook, ask? Well, there are many reasons! Ubuntu is one of the most popular and best Linux distributions. The best Linux operating systems. The best Linux operating systems. Linux distributions are available for every purpose, making the choice difficult. Here you can find a list of the best Linux operating systems. Read more about it there and it requires the least amount of settings on a Mac. Most drivers come pre-installed, and there are only a few things you need to specifically look for.
Ubuntu's default Unity interface also supports high DPI resolution (HiDPI) Retina screens on Mac devices. It's not perfect yet, but it works pretty well. If it doesn't work properly for you, we have a guide on how to improve Linux HiDPI support. Improve Linux HiDPI support for Gnome, KDE, Xfce, Cinnamon and Firefox system with a HiDPI display you may have noticed that everything is either tiny or maybe just looks weird. Helping you get a better experience on your HiDPI display. Read more .
Most importantly, Ubuntu does a great job of recognizing third-party apps and devices. I tried connecting an Apple keyboard as well as a Magic Trackpad while running Ubuntu. Peripherals were recognized immediately. Ubuntu also works perfectly with Mac function keys, commands and so on.
If you're just getting started with Ubuntu, you should probably read our beginner's guide to Ubuntu. Ubuntu: Beginner's Guide Ubuntu: Beginner's Guide Curious about Ubuntu, but not sure where to start? Everything you need to get started with the latest version of Ubuntu is here in easy-to-understand plain English. Read more .
Linux Mint 17 Cinnamon
For those running a MacBook with a Retina display, Linux Mint 17 is probably the best choice. That's because the Cinnamon desktop environment supports HiDPI out of the box, without requiring you to make any changes to it.
Mint is a great distro if you're new to Linux "the Ubuntu killer". Like Windows and Ubuntu, you don't have to install many drivers to get started.
I personally loved Dave On Code's guide to setting up Mint perfectly on a Retina MacBook Pro. As he notes, you'll need to update the Wi-Fi driver, but keep the Nvidia graphics driver intact and do a little configuration to get the trackpad working smoothly. Note that if you are using an Apple Magic Mouse, you may run into some issues when connecting it.
More or less, you can get started with Mint without having problems with your speakers, WLAN, or connecting to a plug-and-play printer.
Basic operating system
If you like the look of OS X, but need to install a Linux distribution, Elementary OS is the way to go. The design and functionality of this operating system are heavily inspired by OS X, making you feel like you belong to your MacBook.
Some of our MakeUseOf contributors love Elementary Why I switched from Windows 7 to Elementary Luna Why I switched from Windows 7 to Elementary OS Luna Bye bye, Windows. Hello Linux! I'm convinced that eOS Luna is a better choice than Windows 7. Read more and use it as your primary boot or preferred Linux distribution. Elementary is becoming more popular and is getting lots of cool updates that make it a robust system. Since it uses the GNOME desktop environment, Retina displays can also be supported. However, you may need to install the GNOME tweak tool to set it up properly.
One problem with running Elementary OS on a MacBook is the Wi-Fi. The operating system doesn't come with the required Broadcom drivers. You have two ways to install it. If you can connect your phone to your computer and use the Internet, all you need to do is update the wireless driver automatically. If you can't do this, you'll need to find the correct Broadcom driver, download it and install it via USB. Elementary Now provides a full step-by-step guide if you need help.
Aside from Wi-Fi, Elementary OS works pretty well with Mac hardware.
Puppy Linux
If you have an older Mac, stick with Puppy Linux to give the machine a new lease on life. 13 Lightweight Linux distributions to give your old PC a new lease on life These Linux variants have little CPU and RAM, which means they run well on older and weaker devices! Read more . Puppy Linux is a fast and lightweight operating system that can even run from a USB drive with ease.
It's a simple operating system and includes all the basics you need. Of course, you can install other apps. My MacBook's Wi-Fi, keyboard and trackpad, and sound worked fine without requiring additional drivers. So that's a bonus.
Puppy Linux prefers a live USB that runs Linux from USB: Get it right? Run Linux from USB: Do it right? Did you know that data can be permanently stored on a USB drive or even a full installation for Linux is performed? Take the computer completely mobile – put a Linux USB PC in your pocket! Read more. So if your main Mac's hard drive is damaged or full, this is a very good way to make it a useful computer again.
Of all the different puppy Linux distributions, I tried Tahrpup and it worked fantastically, but feel free to check out the others. If you want to stick with our tried and true option, download Tahrpup.
Not perfect, but good enough
In my search for the best alternatives to OS X for Mac users, I came across a few operating system options that were just ahead of the mark in terms of compatibility and ease of use. That is, you may still want to check them.
Chrome OS (via CloudReady)
If you want to try Chrome OS, Neverware's CloudReady is the easiest option to install on a Mac. It recognizes Wi-Fi, sound, and your trackpad or mouse, but the Apple keyboard has some issues (such as problems with function keys) when used with Chrome OS.
In addition, CloudReady's Chrome OS doesn't support all of Google's features. For example, you can't install Android apps via APKs, voice input isn't recognized, and there are some other known differences. Think of it as a Chrome OS test version. It's good enough to give you a feel of Chrome, but it's a major step down from both OS X and Chrome OS.
Remix OS 2.0
We love Remix OS, an Android-based desktop environment. A true Android-based alternative to Windows: Remix OS 2.0 A real Android-based alternative to Windows: Remix OS 2.0 Continue reading. If online comments are to be believed, several people liked what they got from running it on a Mac. In my testing, neither the USB mouse nor trackpad right-click worked, and I couldn't use trackpad gestures to scroll pages. Like many commenters on this Reddit thread, I couldn't get Resident Mode to work.
These may be minor issues, but they will be fixed quickly enough. So don't write this problem off completely. At the moment, however, I'm not inclined to recommend it as a real alternative.
Windows 7
Running a Mac without a Retina display? Then good old Windows 7 may be one of the best options for you. Windows 7 is amazingly stable on a MacBook and the installation process with Boot Camp is extremely smooth. Plus, not everyone likes Windows 10 7 things that really piss us off about Windows 10. 7 things that really piss us off about Windows 10. It's no secret that Windows 10 isn't perfect. Cortana isn't intrusive, mandatory updates can cause problems, and much of it seems half-baked. We present our top 7 most glaring Windows 10 annoyances. Read more and all the online Microsoft account garbage it forces on you.
Why leave OS X??
Apple's operating system is beloved by its fan base and considered by many to be the best thing about a Mac. What's your reason to look beyond OS X??
We think MacBooks make the best Linux laptops. How to choose the best laptop for installing Linux? How to choose the best laptop for installing Linux? It has never been more difficult to install Linux on a laptop. Now you don't need to download, burn and hope for a compatible wifi card, these new and old laptops are the best choice. Read more, but there are other explanations as well. For some, it's all about trying other operating system options. For others, the Windows gaming environment is too important, or their hardware is too old to run OS X well.
To learn more of this, check out the best Linux distributions to install on your Mac. The 6 best Linux distributions to install on a Mac (depending on your requirements) -time Mac users sometimes need a change. Want to try something new? Here are the best Linux distributions to install on a Mac. Read more .