As a Mac user, it is essential to know the version of your operating system to determine if it’s up-to-date and compatible with specific apps. You can check your Mac OS version in different ways, but using the terminal is the most straightforward and most reliable method. In this article, we will guide you on how to check your Mac OS version in the terminal.
! In this tutorial, I will guide you through the steps to check the current version of your Mac OS using the Terminal application. The Terminal provides a simple and quick way to check the version of macOS running on your computer without having to go through several menus. Let’s get started!
Using Terminal to Check Mac OS Version
The terminal is a powerful tool that allows you to interact with your Mac’s operating system directly. To check your Mac OS version using the terminal, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open Terminal
You can open the terminal by searching for it in spotlight or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
Step 2: Type the Command
In the terminal, type the following command and press enter:
“`
This command will display detailed information about your Mac’s operating system, including the version number.
Step 3: Read the Output
After running the command, you will see the output displayed on the screen. Look for the line that says “ProductVersion.” The number next to it represents your Mac OS version.
Checking Mac OS Version Using System Information
Apart from the terminal, you can also check your Mac OS version using the System Information app. To access it, follow the steps below:
It is important for Mac users to know their operating system version to ensure it is up-to-date and compatible with specific apps. Checking the Mac OS version can be done using the terminal or System Information app, and it is a simple process that only requires basic computer skills. Updating the Mac OS is important to improve performance, security, and stability, and it can be done by checking for updates in the System Preferences and then installing them.
Step 1: Click on the Apple Menu
Click on the Apple menu on the top left corner of your screen.
Step 2: Click on About This Mac
Click on “About This Mac.” This will open a new window displaying information about your Mac, including the OS version.
Step 3: Check the OS Version
The OS version is displayed at the top of the window, just below the Apple logo.
Why Check Your Mac OS Version?
Checking your Mac OS version is essential for several reasons. First, it helps you determine if your Mac is running the latest version of the operating system. Apple releases updates regularly to improve the performance, security, and stability of their software. By checking your OS version, you can know if you need to update your Mac.
Secondly, some apps require specific OS versions to work correctly. For example, some apps only work on macOS High Sierra or later. By checking your OS version, you can know if your Mac is compatible with a particular app.
One key takeaway from this text is that it is important for Mac users to know how to check their Mac OS version in order to determine if their operating system is up-to-date and compatible with specific apps. Checking the OS version can be done easily using the terminal or the System Information app, and updating the OS is also a straightforward process that ensures that the Mac is running smoothly and securely.
Common Misconceptions About Checking Mac OS Version
Some users believe that checking their Mac OS version is a complicated process that requires technical expertise. However, it’s a simple process that only requires basic computer skills. You don’t need to be a tech expert to check your Mac OS version.
Another misconception is that checking your Mac OS version is unnecessary. However, it’s essential to check your OS version regularly to ensure that your Mac is up-to-date and secure.
It is important for Mac users to check their OS version to ensure that their system is up-to-date and compatible with specific apps. Checking the OS version using the terminal is a straightforward and reliable method. To update your Mac OS, check for updates in the System Preferences and install any available updates, then restart your Mac.
How to Update Your Mac OS
Now that you know how to check your Mac OS version let’s look at how to update your Mac OS. Updating your Mac’s OS is important because it ensures that your Mac is running smoothly and securely. Follow the steps below to update your Mac OS:
Step 1: Check for Updates
Click on the Apple menu on the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Click on “Software Update.” Your Mac will check for any available updates.
Step 2: Install the Updates
If there are any available updates, click on “Update Now” to install them. Alternatively, you can choose to update your Mac OS at a later time.
Step 3: Restart Your Mac
After installing the updates, your Mac will prompt you to restart. Click on “Restart” to complete the process.
FAQs – How to Check Mac OS Version in Terminal
How can I check the version of my Mac OS in Terminal?
To check the version of your Mac OS in Terminal, you can use the command “sw_vers.” Simply open Terminal and type “sw_vers” into the command line and hit enter. This will display information about your Mac’s software version and build number.
What do the numbers in the software version mean?
The software version is a set of numbers that represents the current version of your Mac OS. For example, if your software version is 10.14, this means that you are running macOS Mojave. The first number in the set (10) indicates the major version of the operating system, while the second number (14) indicates the minor version.
What is the build number?
The build number is a unique identifier assigned to each version of macOS. It specifies the specific release of the operating system, which can contain additional bug fixes and/or feature updates. You can use the build number to quickly determine if your system is running the latest version of macOS.
Can I check the version and build number of a remote Mac?
Yes, you can check the version and build number of a remote Mac by using the “ssh” command in Terminal. Simply open Terminal and type “ssh [username]@[remote-Mac-IP-Address]” into the command line and hit enter. Once you’ve connected to the remote Mac, type “sw_vers” to display the version and build number of the remote Mac’s operating system.
Do I need to be logged in as an administrator to check the version of Mac OS?
No, you don’t need to be logged in as an administrator to check the version of Mac OS. The “sw_vers” command can be run by any user in Terminal.