Author’s Note (2025):
This post is a retro review and throwback to my original writings from December 2013, when I compared two major operating systems: OS X Mavericks and Windows 8.1. Back then, I was experimenting with Hackintosh builds and documenting my experiences. The text has been translated from Croatian to English using machine learning while preserving the original tone and style.
Free Versions of Operating Systems
No, this isn’t about Linux if that’s what you thought from the title. It’s about two of the latest operating systems from two rival companies. And no, it’s not Android versus iOS either. It’s about two other giants. If you think this is another chapter in the Scoogled feud between Microsoft and calm Google, you’re wrong—guess again!
I hope you’ve finally figured it out… This is the long-awaited review of two major upgrades from Microsoft and Apple that have become standalone operating systems. For Apple, this isn’t surprising, but for Microsoft, it caught me off guard. They could’ve released all of this as a Service Pack for Windows 8, but no—they had to create something new.
Before diving into the review of these two new operating systems from 2013, here’s the hardware I used for testing:
Processor: Intel Core i3-2100 @ 3.2 GHz Motherboard: AsRock H61M-VS with the latest BIOS Graphics Card: Palit GeForce 440 GT with 1GB DDR3 memory RAM: 4 GB (1x4GB) Disk: 500 GB Seagate Barracuda Other Hardware: CoolerMaster case with built-in 450W power supply, DVD-RW DL optical drive, Logitech KM120 keyboard and mouse set, Minton MWC 7105 webcam
This PC can handle newer games like Battlefield 4 and Call of Duty Ghosts on low settings, but that’s a story for another time.
Categories for Comparison
I divided the comparison into four main categories:
- Boot speed and overall system behavior
- Gaming performance (yes, even OS X has games on Steam)
- Essential applications for daily use
- New features of each system
1) Boot Speed and Overall System Behavior
All measurements were performed using the Chameleon bootloader, starting from boot initiation to full system readiness with essential applications running. These applications include Dropbox, SkyDrive, Google Drive, Comodo Antivirus (Internet Security Premium on Windows), Steam, and drivers for sound as well as cross-platform file systems (HFS+ on Windows and NTFS on OS X). Additionally, logging in required entering a password on both systems.
OS X Mavericks: Boot time to the login screen averages around 10 seconds, followed by another 30 seconds for all applications to load completely.
Windows 8.1: The login screen appears faster—within 3 to 5 seconds depending on the day—but loading additional apps takes about 10 seconds longer than OS X due to slower sound driver initialization and Origin startup delays.
Both systems are stable overall with minor quirks that don’t significantly impact daily use. Chrome on OS X occasionally struggles with page loading—perhaps it was having its “monthly mood swings”—but Safari works flawlessly.
2) Gaming Performance (via Steam)
Gaming remains a sore spot for OS X and Linux users due to limited game availability (e.g., Euro Truck Simulator 2 isn’t supported). However, games I tested on OS X (Half-Life 2, DLC Quest, The Showdown Effect) ran smoothly with average framerates and minimal stuttering.
On Windows 8.1, everything runs seamlessly with occasional FPS drops that aren’t disruptive. As noted in previous reviews, games perform better compared to earlier versions of Windows.
3) Essential Applications for Daily Use
Here are some quick notes:
Most essential apps have free alternatives on both systems (e.g., Sony Vegas Pro on Windows vs Final Cut Pro X on OS X).
Chrome struggles with slow page loading on OS X but works perfectly on Windows—perhaps Chrome was having its “bad days.” Other browsers work fine on both platforms.
Office functionality differs: OS X relies on Preview for basic document viewing without needing large installation packages like those required by Windows Office suites (e.g., LibreOffice).
Multimedia playback is seamless thanks to VLC compatibility across both systems.
Finder vs Windows Explorer: Finder feels more intuitive overall, but Explorer remains my personal favorite despite its quirks.
4) New Features of Each System
OS X Mavericks: The integration of Facebook throughout the system is a welcome addition alongside Twitter integration from earlier versions. The revamped Mail and Calendar apps sync effortlessly with Exchange servers (used by my university) and Gmail accounts.
Windows 8.1: The standout feature is automatic booting directly to the desktop without other distractions—a simple yet impactful improvement.
Conclusion
Both operating systems have their strengths and weaknesses:
I prefer Windows for everyday use but switch to OS X when I need specific tools like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro—or when testing Safari compatibility.
Ratings:
OS X Mavericks: 8/10 (minor flaws detract slightly)
Windows 8.1: 7.5/10 (slower boot times and minor issues hold it back)
Acknowledgment:
This post was reviewed, proofread, and refined with the assistance of Perplexity AI Pro from Revolut Ultra Subscription and the o3-mini Reasoning model within Perplexity AI Pro. Their support helped bring this retro throwback to life while preserving its original spirit and style.
Cover image was created using Canva and Royalty free images/logos of Operating Systems.