The all-time part of getting a MacBook, Mac Mini, or Mac Pro is OS X, Apple tree's fantastic operating arrangement (Bone). But that doesn't hateful you can't try out some other corking alternatives. The whole Windows vs. Mac vs. Linux fight is irrelevant at present. Allow's endeavor something new, eh?

The signal of this article isn't to merely observe the best alternative operating systems for a Mac. These alternatives should as well be easy to install, piece of work well with the Mac keyboard, and support existing hardware without needing too many drivers to be installed or other such procedures. Basically, we're looking for hassle-gratuitous operation.

Earlier You Beginning...

There are different means to try out a new operating system on your Mac. You could:

  • Utilise VirtualBox to emulate the new OS.
  • Boot up a Linux Alive USB stick.
  • Prepare up two OSes side by side, a.k.a. "Dual-boot".
  • Erase Mac OS X and install a new Os.

Joel has gone into the pros and cons of running multiple operating systems on any PC, and so read that earlier you make your decision.

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Any you finally determine, make sure yous fill-in your Mac first! If you want an easier solution, plough a NAS or Windows Share into a Time Car backup. Yous should admittedly back up your data before you lot install whatever of these.

Make sure yous take a recovery partitioning to reinstall Mac Os X in case you desire to become back. If possible I recommend grabbing a standard Windows USB keyboard and mouse. They work much ameliorate with all Linux distros than Apple tree'south hardware.

At present that you've covered your back, let's accept a look at the operating systems you can use on your MacBook or other Apple tree computer.

Windows 10

Surprisingly, the all-time alternative operating organisation on Macs is the one Apple fans love to detest: Windows. In our books, Windows x is the latest and best version of Windows, so if you're looking to install Microsoft's operating system, so this is the version to go.

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Windows x works remarkably well with all existing Apple hardware. You will hardly need to install whatever special drivers, and connecting third-party peripherals to your Mac works flawlessly besides. Plus, Windows 10 works well with high-resolution Retina screens used by MacBook Pro laptops and newer iMac displays.

Justin has rounded up the 4 ways to install Windows on your Mac, helpfully listing the benefits and drawbacks of each method. OS X comes bundled with the Kicking Military camp banana, which is the cheapest and easiest method to go you up and running.

Ubuntu fifteen.x

Why would you want to run Linux on a MacBook, you ask? Well, at that place are plenty of reasons! Ubuntu is i of the almost popular and best Linux distros out there, and it requires the to the lowest degree amount of setting upwardly on a Mac. Almost of the drivers are preinstalled, and there will only be a few things you need to specifically seek out.

Best-alternative-operating-systems-mac-Ubuntu

Ubuntu'southward default Unity surface also supports the high-DPI (HiDPI) Retina screens on Mac devices. It'southward not yet perfect, but it works pretty well. In case information technology's non working correct for you, nosotros have a guide to improve Linux HiDPI support.

Perhaps nigh importantly, Ubuntu is corking at recognizing third-party apps and devices. I've tried connecting an Apple keyboard as well as a Magic Trackpad while running Ubuntu, and it recognized the peripherals correct away. Ubuntu also works perfectly with Mac function keys, command and then on.

If you're merely getting started with Ubuntu, you should probably bank check out our beginner'due south guide to Ubuntu.

Linux Mint 17 Cinnamon

For those running a MacBook with a Retina screen, Linux Mint 17 is probably your best option. That'southward because the Cinnamon desktop environs supports HiDPI out of the box, without you needing to brand any tweaks to it.

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Mint is a great distro to start off with if you're new to Linux, and is ofttimes touted as "the Ubuntu killer". Plus, like Windows and Ubuntu, you won't need to install many drivers to get up and running.

Personally, I loved Dave On Code's guide to perfectly setting upward Mint on a Retina MacBook Pro. Equally he notes, you lot'll need to update the Wi-Fi driver merely keep the Nvidia graphics driver intact, and do a little bit of configuration to get the trackpad working smoothly. Be aware that there are some issues in connecting an Apple Magic Mouse, if you use one.

Only more or less, you can showtime using Mint without facing bug with your speakers, Wi-Fi or while connecting to a plug-and-play printer.

Uncomplicated OS

If you like the await and feel of OS X only demand to install a Linux distro, and then wait no further than Elementary OS. The design and feel of this operating arrangement is heavily inspired by Os X, so you'll feel similar it belongs on your MacBook.

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Several of our MakeUseOf staff dear Elementary, using it every bit their main boot or as their preferred Linux distro. Elementary is rising in popularity and getting tons of cool updates that make information technology a robust system. Since it uses the GNOME desktop environment, information technology can also support Retina displays, but you lot might need to install the GNOME Tweak Tool to set it upward correct.

One trouble with running Elementary Bone on a MacBook is the Wi-Fi. The OS does not come packaged with the necessary Broadcom drivers. You accept two options to install it. If yous can tether your phone to your estimator and use the Internet, you'll merely need to automatically update the wireless driver. If y'all can't, you'll need to find the right Broadcom driver, download it, and install information technology via USB. Elementary Now has a total step-by-stride guide [Cleaved Link Removed] in example you demand aid.

Autonomously from Wi-Fi, Elementary Bone works pretty well with Mac hardware.

Puppy Linux

In case you take an older Mac, get your hands on Puppy Linux to requite the car a new charter of life. Puppy Linux is designed to exist a fast and lightweight OS that can fifty-fifty run smoothly off a USB drive.

Best-alternative-operating-systems-mac-Puppy-Linux-tahrpup

It's a uncomplicated operating organization and comes with all the basics that you lot would need. You're free to install more apps too, of class. My MacBook's Wi-Fi, keyboard and trackpad, and sound were working fine without needing any boosted drivers, so that'southward a bonus.

Puppy Linux famously prefers a Alive USB, so if your master Mac's hard drive is corrupt or total, this is a pretty adept way to brand it into a useful machine again.

Of all the different Puppy Linux distros, I tried Tahrpup and information technology worked fantastically, but feel gratuitous to check out the others. If you want to stick with our tried-and-tested option, then download Tahrpup.

Not-Perfect, But Good-Enough

In the hunt for the best alternatives to OS X for Mac users, I came across a few Bone options that were but short of the mark in terms of compatibility and usability. That said, you might desire to bank check them out anyway.

Chrome OS (via CloudReady)

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If you're keen to endeavour out Chrome OS, then Neverware'south CloudReady is the easiest option to install it on a Mac. It detects Wi-Fi, sound and your trackpad or mouse, but the Apple tree keyboard has several problems (similar issues with office keys) when beingness used with Chrome Os.

Additionally, CloudReady's Chrome Os does not back up all of Google's features. For example, you won't be able to install Android apps through APKs, it doesn't recognize vocalism input, and at that place are another known differences. Think of it as a Chrome Os trial. It's good enough to give you a feel of Chrome, simply it's a major step down from both Os Ten and Chrome OS.

Remix Os 2.0

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We love Remix OS, an Android-based desktop environment. If online comments are to be believed, several people take liked what they got from running it on a Mac. When I tested it, neither the USB mouse or trackpad's right-click worked, and I couldn't use trackpad gestures to scroll pages. Also, like many commenters on this Reddit thread, I couldn't get Resident Manner working.

These might be minor bug that get fixed soon plenty though, so don't write this i off entirely. Yet, at the moment, I'm disinclined to recommend information technology every bit a true alternative.

Windows 7

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Running a Mac without a Retina screen? Then good old Windows 7 might exist one of the best options for you lot. Windows 7 is astonishingly stable on a MacBook and the installation process with Kicking Camp is super polish. Plus, not everyone likes Windows ten and all the online Microsoft account junk it forces upon you.

Why Leave Os X?

Apple's operating arrangement is loved by its fan base and cited by many as the best thing near owning a Mac. What's your reason for looking beyond OS X?

We recollect MacBooks make the best Linux laptops, but there are other explanations too. For some, it'south just almost trying out other Bone options. For others, the gaming environs of Windows is besides important, or their hardware has become too old to run Os X well.

For more similar this, check out the all-time Linux distros to install on your Mac.

And then tell us, why are you ditching OS X, and which alternative operating organization is tempting yous?

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