Michael DeMaria, associate technology editor for Network Computing writes that Mac OS X 10.1 is what Linux-on-the-desktop people crave: “a Unix-based OS with an interface even a novice can handle” despite some “quirky parts.”
He said that with the Unix underpinnings, remote access and administration should be easier, compared with those functions in the classic OS.
“Unix knowledge is not required, and you don’t need to see the Unix underside to use Mac OS X — but it’s there if you want it,” DeMaria said. “This is by far the friendliest and simplest Unix derivative available. In addition, by installing the developer tools (available on CD or by free download), I had access to a project builder and C/C++ compiler. I’ve searched for free C compilers for the classic Mac OS before and couldn’t find any.”
He added that now anyone can be a Mac developer. He thinks this could mean a revival of the Mac shareware community.