What version of Mac OS X is pre-installed on the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models?

The Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 (Mid-2010) shipped with Mac OS X 10.6.4 "Snow Leopard" and the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 Server (Mid-2010) shipped with Mac OS X 10.6.4 Snow Leopard Server.

The current "Mid-2011" Mac mini models -- the stock configurations of which are the Mac mini "Core i5" 2.3 (Mid-2011), "Core i5" 2.5 (Mid-2011) and "Core i7" 2.0 (Mid-2011 Server) -- ship with Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion." Note that for these models, Apple does not include a physical restoration method at all.

Instead, the operating system has a hidden "restore" partition containing a "Mac OS X Utilities" application that is only accessible upon startup by holding down Command-R. Also note that the OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive available for purchase separately will not work with these Mac mini models.

All Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models are capable of running Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion." However, please note that all Macs running Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion" -- whether it is pre-installed or otherwise -- are not capable of running Mac OS X applications written for the PowerPC processor as this version of the operating system does not support Rosetta.

Also see:

• What is Rosetta? What does it support?
• What applications are not compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 'Lion'? What upgrade or substitute options are available for common incompatible applications?

Can the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini run Mac OS 9/Classic applications?

Apple provides no support for running Mac OS 9 or the "Classic Environment" on any Intel-based Macs, including the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini models.

If you have a mission critical application that only runs on Mac OS 9, you likely would be best served by maintaining a PowerPC-based Mac. However, you may also be interested in reading "Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?" from the Mac OS 9/Classic Support Q&A.

Site sponsor OHS specializes in refurbished, and often heavily upgraded, systems capable of booting in both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9. Site sponsor PowerMax also sells systems capable of running Mac OS 9/Classic.

Can the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini run Windows?

Yes. For those unfortunate ones condemned to use Windows, the Windows on Mac Q&A provides answers for just about everything you need to know about running Windows on the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini or any other Intel-based Mac.

Can the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini run Linux?

Yes. The Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini is capable of running a number of Intel-based distributions of Linux through Apple Boot Camp or by using "virtualization".

For more on Boot Camp and Virtualization, please refer to the Windows on Mac Q&A.