Mac OS High Sierra Review: A Major Refinement

Apple's latest operating system, macOS High Sierra, has finally arrived, and it promises to deliver a slew of performance improvements and technical updates that will make your Mac experience smoother than ever. As part of our in-depth review series, we'll dive into the key features, changes, and what you can expect from this major release.

Security and Performance

One of the standout features of High Sierra is its focus on security. The operating system comes equipped with built-in encryption, crash-safe protections, and simplified data backup options that make it easier to keep your files safe on the go. Additionally, it supports 64-bit inode numbers, which can significantly speed up common tasks like duplicating a file or finding the size of a folder's contents.

Apple File System (APFS)

High Sierra also marks the debut of Apple File System (APFS), which replaces HFS Plus as the default file system for macOS. While it may seem like a minor change, APFS is designed to provide better performance and reliability, making it an exciting development for Mac users.

Compatibility

One of the most significant aspects of High Sierra is its compatibility with older Macs. Surprisingly, it's possible to install High Sierra on many machines that aren't officially supported by Apple, as long as they meet the minimum system requirements of 2 GB of RAM and 20.12 GB of available disk space.

New Features

Among the notable changes in High Sierra are updates to popular apps like Photos and Safari. The Photos app has received a significant overhaul, offering improved organization and editing tools, while Safari has seen improvements to its performance and security.

Release Date and System Requirements

MacOS High Sierra was announced at WWDC 2017 and released on September 25, 2017. It's the fourteenth major release of macOS and requires at least a Mac that can run macOS Sierra. If your Mac meets these requirements, you should be able to upgrade to High Sierra without any issues.

MacOS High Sierra is a significant refinement of its predecessor, focusing on performance improvements and technical updates rather than introducing new features. With its improved security, faster file management, and enhanced compatibility with older Macs, this release has plenty to offer for both casual users and power users alike. If you're running an eligible Mac, upgrading to High Sierra is a no-brainer – it's the perfect way to keep your machine running smoothly and efficiently.

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