What is OS X?

OS X, now referred to as macOS, is Apple's operating system designed specifically for Mac computers. It serves as the foundational software that manages hardware resources and provides essential services for all applications running on Macs. OS X includes a graphical user interface, system utilities, and various built-in applications that enhance user experience by making it intuitive and efficient to interact with the computer.

Understanding that OS X is fundamentally an operating system is crucial because it distinguishes it from software applications or hardware components. Unlike an app for creating documents, OS X encompasses much more, providing the entire environment needed for running applications and managing files on a Mac. Similarly, it differs from hardware components, which refer to the physical parts of a computer, and it is also not a cloud service, which involves online storage and computing capabilities rather than the core system software itself. Recognizing OS X as an operating system highlights its role in enabling the functionality and performance of Mac hardware.