# QIIME 2 on MAC OS vs Linux

**URL:** https://forum.qiime2.org/t/qiime-2-on-mac-os-vs-linux/12461
**Category:** General Discussion
**Tags:** install, os
**Created:** [November 12, 2019, 3:42pm UTC](https://forum.qiime2.org/t/qiime-2-on-mac-os-vs-linux/12461 "2019-11-12T15:42:23Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Showing post:** 2

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### Author: ![ChrisKeefe](https://forum.qiime2.org/user_avatar/forum.qiime2.org/chriskeefe/32/1907_2.png) [@ChrisKeefe](https://forum.qiime2.org/u/ChrisKeefe)
#### Post date: [November 12, 2019, 7:37pm UTC](https://forum.qiime2.org/t/qiime-2-on-mac-os-vs-linux/12461/2 "2019-11-12T19:37:12Z")

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Hi @SciCatalyst!  
First, a little clerical note - I've moved this question into General Discussion, where it's a better fit. Here's a good reference on [which categories to use for what kinds of questions](https://forum.qiime2.org/t/changes-to-the-forum-november-2018/7084). Thanks for helping us keep the forum organized! 🤓

The QIIME 2 team works on and with QIIME 2 using pretty much any configuration you can think of - macOS, different flavors of Linux, virtual machines on Windows, and sometimes wild combinations of these. 🌴🌈🐻 There are occasional quirks any/all of these systems, and I get the impression OS decisions are mostly made based on personal preference. 🛋 My gut says you might have a smoother ride on a native unix-like system (like macOS), but that's also where I have the most personal experience working.

It sounds like differences in performance/specs aren't an issue for you - how do you feel most comfortable working? Do you have any specific concerns? The install doesn't take too long, especially if it's native (non-VM install). Maybe just give it a shot and see what works for you.

Best,  
Chris

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