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.