Graded Desktop Software Operating Systems

The following operating systems (OS) contribute to grading the Desktop Software risk vector:

• Chrome OS
• Mac OS
• Windows

All other operating systems are evaluated as “NEUTRAL.”

Chrome OS

ChromeOS releases a full OS update to the stable channel about every 4 weeks. Minor updates, such as security fixes and software updates, happen every 2–3 weeks. Additionally, they provide a long-term support release every 6 months with security updates.

• Website: https://www.google.com/chromebook/chrome-os
• Version Details:
  • https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/search/label/Stable%20updates
  • https://chromeos.dev/en/education/chromeos-lts

Mac OS

Historically, Apple provides life cycle support for the latest three major macOS versions - the current one plus the previous two versions.

Apple considers all products released over 7 years ago obsolete and calls them “vintage,” with no or limited hardware support. They provide security fixes for all products released over 5 years and less than 7 years ago and support all other, more recent products.

• Website: https://www.apple.com/macos
• Version Details:
  • https://developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes
  • https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624

Windows

Microsoft provides a specific life cycle policy for each of its products, detailed in the linked references.

• Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows?r=1
• Version Details: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/faq/windows