On this day in 2009, Mac OS X Snow Leopard launched

It’s been 14 years since Mac OS X Snow Leopard was introduced. Let’s take a look at this operating system and see what it packs.

There’s no denying that macOS Sonoma is, by far, the most polished and capable OS on Apple computers, especially when you’re using the latest Mac models. Although, at the same time, we cannot ignore the predecessors, because they are the ones who created the operating system using the gradual changes that were introduced throughout the years. For these reasons, let’s go down the memory lane and look at Mac OS X Snow Leopard (version 10.6), which was launched today in 2009.

Mac OS X Snow Leopard compatibility

Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 was released on Aug. 28, 2009 as a way to change the operating system. It requires an Intel-powered Mac with 1GB of RAM and 5GB of storage. In particular, it was the first change to lower the price of a single-use license from $129 to just $29. This may be because Mac OS X 10.6 was sold as such new zeros and instead focused on improving operational efficiency and infrastructure.

Experience and change

As mentioned above, Mac OS X Snow Leopard did not focus on innovation and software, since Apple tools were given to rewrite parts of the software from the ground up. As a result, this release was able to take full advantage of new Mac operating systems at the time, such as 64-bit architecture and Cocoa. However, version 10.6 still offered some tips that we’ll be covering below.

  • Mac App Store: Apple computers finally catch up to the iPhone in providing a legitimate app marketplace. Although, this was included in the later version of 10.6.6, rather than the first release.
  • Boot Camp Update: Through Snow Leopard, users can view and copy data from HFS+ partitions using Windows partitions.
  • Small OS: By default, version 10.6 takes up about 7GB less space than its predecessor. It is partly because many optional drivers are not installed on the user’s machine. Instead, they would download on-demand depending on each user’s specific needs.
  • Better support for Microsoft Exchange: Mac OS X Snow Leopard introduces the integration of Microsoft Exchange in Mail, Address Book, and iCal, making it easier for users to rely on Microsoft services using Apple-branded software.
  • Safari Update: Mac OS X 10.6 also includes Safari 4, which offers many new features and enhancements. These include Advanced Pages, Cover Flow, VoiceOver, plugin crash resistance, and more.
  • Time Machine Optimization: Apple’s native backup services set up connections and backup devices much faster, thanks to Snow Leopard.
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After Snow Leopard

Although Snow Leopard’s focus was on performance and optimization, it had many enhancements that improved the company’s computing experience. These include the Mac App Store, quick refresh icons, slightly lighter “traffic light” buttons, new desktop icons, a rewritten Finder with QuickTime X, and more. Notably, it was the last release to run PowerPC-only software, as Rosetta support was dropped when its successor, Mac OS X Lion 10.7, was launched in 2011.

Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 served as a rolling update before 10.7 was released. After all, this last release brought new features that Mac users with macOS Ventura still rely on today. These include AirDrop, Apple Push Notification Service, FaceTime, Launchpad, and more. This can also be seen in the iPhone department, as Apple usually releases yearly updates to the OS to improve functionality and improve technology debt.

Categories: Reviews
Source: thptvinhthang.edu.vn