I have been using Linux for Nearly 30 years. About 15 years ago, I started using MacOS for certain tasks. Once I added MacOS to the mix, I realized that these two operating systems go together like peanut butter and chocolate, rock and roll, or a knife and fork. Over the years, this opinion has become stronger – to the point where I can’t imagine myself using one without the other.
also: I have used Linux for 30 years. 5 reasons why I will never switch to Windows or MacOS
why is that? After all, most people use one desktop operating system and that’s it. Of course, anyone working on a mobile device and a desktop computer uses two different operating systems. Looking at it this way, I use three: Android, Linux, and MacOS. But I don’t generally consider Android in this matter because I find mobile operating systems to be too limited to help me get the things I do done. So, let’s put the mobile option aside and just focus on desktop.
Before I tell you why I think MacOS is the perfect complement to Linux, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that this can go either way: If MacOS is your primary operating system, you’re better off optimizing that with Linux.
Regardless…let’s get to it.
1. Similar command line tools
Since I’ve been using Linux for a long time, the command line is something that comes naturally to me. When I first discovered how similar the MacOS command line was to Linux, it alleviated a lot of my anxiety about using the operating system. After all, if something can’t be fixed via the GUI, it can always be fixed with a command. And because MacOS comes with SSH installed, I can easily log into my Linux machines and take care of something.
also: Compare the best and latest Macs
For example, the other evening I was using my device MacBook Pro To work on a manuscript. I save these files to an SMB share hosted by my desktop computer. It took a very long time to save the document, but it was 11pm and I didn’t want to disturb my sleeping wife by leaving the bedroom and going to my office on the first floor. So I opened the MacOS Terminal app, installed it on my desktop, and fixed the problem.
I don’t have to think twice before running a command on MacOS because the commands are almost always similar (or identical) to their Linux counterparts.
2. Similar desktop computers
Before using MacOS, I was always drawn to it Linux desktops Which included a berth and a top plate. Look familiar? It should be – because this is the MacOS desktop layout. When I switch back and forth between Linux and MacOS, there is very little difference in how I interact with the device because desktops can be set up similarly. This makes for a smooth transition between the two.
also: The best Linux laptops: Tested and reviewed by experts
However, don’t worry if your current Linux desktop doesn’t look like your MacOS desktop; You can probably make the two more compatible with some additions and/or modifications. Of course, this doesn’t concern you He should do this.
3. Apps, apps, everywhere
Contrary to popular opinion, Linux has a large number of applications that can be installed. You can install software from built-in package managers, public package managers (such as Snap and Flatpak), AppImages, and even containers. In the rare case that an app I need isn’t available for Linux, I can always find it for MacOS. Between the two operating systems, I’ve never lacked an app.
Usually, I have the same applications installed on both operating systems (so I don’t miss anything). The only difference is that I only use DaVinci Resolve video editing software On Mac. Although the software is available for Linux, it’s a real challenge to get to work, so I limit its use to my iMac.
also: I was a Final Cut Pro die-hard until DaVinci Resolve won me over with these three features
4. When something goes wrong…
Things tend to only get worse on MacOS. When this happens, I don’t have to panic because Linux taught me how to troubleshoot problems, and solving these problems on MacOS is often the same as it is on Linux. On some Linux distributions, the Settings app is similar to the System Settings app on MacOS, which means I rarely have to dig around for the configuration at hand. Furthermore, both operating systems place log files in the same place (/var/log), so reading log files is just as easy on both.
5. Everyone knows his strengths
If there’s one thing that always stresses me about Linux and MacOS, it’s that each operating system knows its strengths and plays to them. For example, Linux stumbles with video and audio, while MacOS does very well. On the other hand, Linux is very efficient with multiple workspaces and keyboard navigation, while MacOS can be a bit outdated. Between the two, I know exactly which operating system to use for specific purposes, and doing so helps me work with a level of efficiency that I might not be able to achieve with one or the other.
also: 6 features I wish MacOS would copy from Linux
At this point, I can’t imagine working with Linux or MacOS only. Having both operating systems at my disposal means there’s nothing I can’t accomplish.