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Free OS X Update Brings Desktop Access to iBooks Library

Apple has released a major update to OS X, Mavericks, which is available as a free upgrade via the Mac App Store.

The new version of the Mac operating system is capable of running on any machine that supports OS X Mountain Lion, which includes machines dating back to mid-2007, including the MacBook Pro and iMac, 2008 or 2009 MacBook, 2008 MacBook Air and Mac Pro, and 2009 Mini and Xserve. (The free update does require Mac OS X Snow Leopard, version 10.6.8 or newer.)

The latest update includes iBooks support, allowing users to download and read book and textbooks they've purchased through their iPads.

OS X Mavericks also takes a new approach to displays that eliminates the need to assign a primary or secondary display. Each display connected to a Mac now has its own menu bar and access to the Dock. Each connected monitor can also display applications full-screen.

The new version also includes features designed to boost performance and improve battery life on laptops.

Other features include:

  • A tabbed Finder;
  • Support for file tagging;
  • An updated version of Safari that's designed to improve energy and memory usage and speed performance;
  • Support for Apple Maps; and
  • Desktop notifications.

OS X Mavericks is available now as a free upgrade through the Mac App Store. Additional Details can be found on Apple's site. According to Apple, OS X Server 3.0 is also is available from the Mac App Store for $19.99 and requires OS X Mavericks.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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