Learn about different Mac OSX releases.
Learn about different Mac OSX releases.
I'm seeking a budget-friendly Mac Mini to get comfortable with macOS and experiment with various apps. I have some questions to better understand the situation. Are these similar to the different updates of Windows 10 (17.03, 17.09, 18.03, 18.09)? Would organizing them this way make sense? Are updates mandatory or optional? Could using an older version cause compatibility issues? Will performance differ between a Snow Leopard system and one running High Sierra or Mojave? Are there new features or apps exclusive to the latest version that aren't available in older ones?
It's a bit unclear, but it seems you're asking about changes in functionality. The version is no longer officially supported, so snow leopard will have fewer features and outdated tools. It may not work well with new hardware or modern programs.
What? That's not true... Most programs are built for older macOS versions, especially the recent ones. Upgrading Windows computers usually makes a bigger difference than updating macOS. The gap between Windows 7 and Windows 10 is way bigger than the changes between macOS 10.7 and 10.13. Older macOS versions look and function just like the latest ones. I've only encountered programs that don't work on older macOS versions. And seriously, don't buy those Mac Mini computers—they're super outdated. The hardware hasn't been updated for about 4 to 5 years before the new model came out.
Purchase whatever is inexpensive on your nearby Craigslist. You'll experience similar results no matter the version.
Consider using a VM with GPU support or a hackintosh. Macs can be costly.
It might be wise to check their code regularly since each update often removes the last version for most app compatibility. You could still find older versions of apps, but it’s not ideal. High Sierra will eventually become outdated, probably within 3 to 4 years.
In fact, yes—I'm using it. It's the simplest option for most apps.