Mac OS X on a normal PC

[danielbriggs]

Hi!

I know this sounds REALLY stupid, and i'm new to macs, (i'm waiting for the meroms MBP 17") so forgive me for stupid q's

Right, I know that Macs have changed to intel now. And they are intel chips and intel motherboards and intel chipsets etc. And Mac OS X and windows installs fine!

SO, why not have a standard PC, intel motherboard, intel processor etc. etc. and install Mac OSx??

Surely it is possible and relativly easy now. (like windows on a Mac)
Or does the OS X installer check some kind of special apple firmware?

Thanks!


Dan

 

[lamina]

It is possible with an illegal version of the software, but here at Macrumors, we don't support anything illegal, nor will we help you with the installation or problems.*

Personally, I have seen it done, and it's pretty astounding once you get all the proper device drivers. The installation is not easy by any means, and even the more advanced computer user would have some difficulty pulling it off.

 

[Chundles]

Hi!

I know this sounds REALLY stupid, and i'm new to macs, (i'm waiting for the meroms MBP 17") so forgive me for stupid q's

Right, I know that Macs have changed to intel now. And they are intel chips and intel motherboards and intel chipsets etc. And Mac OS X and windows installs fine!

SO, why not have a standard PC, intel motherboard, intel processor etc. etc. and install Mac OSx??

Surely it is possible and relativly easy now. (like windows on a Mac)
Or does the OS X installer check some kind of special apple firmware?

Thanks!


Dan

This has been asked and answered a lot but I'll do it again:

Why?

- Because Apple is a hardware company with a unique OS that is the reason people buy the hardware. If everybody and their dog could build a cheap PC and run OS X on it Apple would go out of business overnight. Loss of hardware sales would not be replaced by OS sales because Microsoft controls 90% of the market and going up against them directly would be financial suicide.​

How?

- Apple Mac-specific ROM in the Mac allows OS X to run on it but not a regular PC made of the same parts.​

Possible?

- Yes, but it's also illegal, unsupported, difficult and not recommended. It's a side-project if anything for someone wanting to do it, lack of proper drivers makes using a hacked version of OS X nothing more than a bit of fun.​

The lesson is now and always will be (until MS, Apple, Linux/Unix etc. reach equal marketshare for installed OSs) if you want to run any OS including OS X legally and easily, get a Mac. If you want to run just Windows or Linux, get a PC.

 

[Queso]

OSX depends on Intel's EFI interface rather than the ancient BIOS found in virtually every generic PC. OSX also makes use of Intel's Trusted Computing features in the chipset to lock the OS to Apple only hardware, and although hackers have engineered a form of firmware bridge to get round these problems, they have been progressively less successful as Apple engineers have tightened up the lock between the OS and hardware.

I think the last successful version to run on generic PCs was 10.4.4, three point releases behind the current version. Although what you are suggesting is possible for the older versions, you would be denied being able to perform any updates on the system, effectively leaving yourself more open over time and unable to make use of new features and hardware drivers. I would recommend ditching the PC and buying a Mac mini. You'll thank yourself in the long run.

 

[Peterkro]

Hackintosh,Insanelymac.

 

[Kardashian]

Before attempting to install a complex, hacked Operating System, on a machine it isn't legally meant to run on - try using the more simple, less risky, and legal search feature.

 

[BornAgainMac]

A fun project would be to stick a Mac Mini in a PC case and rig up the cables so it looks like the PC had been hacked to run the OS.

Try it.

 

[eenu]

I think the last successful version to run on generic PCs was 10.4.4, three point releases behind the current version.

Incorrect a full install of 10.4.6 can be made and there is an update patch to 10.4.7 available

 

[Queso]

Incorrect a full install of 10.4.6 can be made and there is an update patch to 10.4.7 available

I stand corrected. Many thanks.

 

[DeathChill]

It's not actually illegal to install it on a PC, it's just against Apple's EULA, but they can't really enforce that.

Basically it's fairly simple, I don't know where anyone got the idea that it was all that complicated. You just use one of the patching applications and patch the DVD/Installer and then burn it to a DVD and install just like a normal Mac. It's not difficult at all.

 

[ammon]

Incorrect a full install of 10.4.6 can be made and there is an update patch to 10.4.7 available

While this is true, 10.4.4 was the last kernel to be hacked. All the additional updates (10.4.5-10.4.7) require replacing the new kernel with the old 10.4.4 one and using the 10.4.3 hacked drivers.

 

[eenu]

It's not actually illegal to install it on a PC, it's just against Apple's EULA, but they can't really enforce that.

Basically it's fairly simple, I don't know where anyone got the idea that it was all that complicated. You just use one of the patching applications and patch the DVD/Installer and then burn it to a DVD and install just like a normal Mac. It's not difficult at all.

Hmmm, Not illegal but against Apple's EULA, HMMMMM

Oh well if EULA means nothing then hell i won't pay for any software ever again becasue according to DeathChill its all legal

If i copy DVDs for my mates thats illegal but the police or the movie company can't really enforce that unless someone tells them.....does that make it not illegal or right?

And where you get the idea its as simple as you have stated above i don't know as almost all guides i have seen require you to use Live DVDs first blah blah. I remember when i tried it with 10.4.4 i had to do some trippy stuff to install it. I wouldn't class it hard but i certainly wouldn't say your correct with 'easy'. Not to mention the ball ache you get when you have it installed and none of the drivers are right

EDIT: A link to show DeathChill how easy it is:

http://www.nedprod.com/Niall_stuff/MacOS X/index.html

 

[eenu]

While this is true, 10.4.4 was the last kernel to be hacked. All the additional updates (10.4.5-10.4.7) require replacing the new kernel with the old 10.4.4 one and using the 10.4.3 hacked drivers.

Do you have evidence to support this? I would be interested in reading it.

 

[Kardashian]

Regardless of what that guy says about it being legal, just against Apples EULA - its not right.

I for one love that Apple intergrates its hardware, and software - its one of the key reasons people go Mac.

I wouldn't encourage people to install Mac OSX on generic systems, even if Apple allowed it. The Mac experience is the box, and the OS, combined.

Considering your on Mac forums, you don't really have much respect or appreciation for the Mac platform, telling a user whos interested in possibly installing a hacked version of the OS on generic PC's thats its ok, its 'just' against Apples EULA.

 

[eenu]

Regardless of what that guy says about it being legal, just against Apples EULA - its not right.

I for one love that Apple intergrates its hardware, and software - its one of the key reasons people go Mac.

I wouldn't encourage people to install Mac OSX on generic systems, even if Apple allowed it. The Mac experience is the box, and the OS, combined.

Considering your on Mac forums, you don't really have much respect or appreciation for the Mac platform, telling a user whos interested in possibly installing a hacked version of the OS on generic PC's thats its ok, its 'just' against Apples EULA.

I second you there Josh

 

[MacBoobsPro]

Installing OSX onto a PC is like sticking a Ferrari Engine into a Miata. Frickin pointless!

Buy a mac. They are pretty much the same price (if not cheaper) insanely better build quality and come preinstalled with OSX.

 

[Kardashian]

I second you there Josh

Thanks buddy!

One of my peeves I guess, Apple is built around the 'it just works' motto - with so many different pieces of hardware etc to support, Mac OS would probably become just as unstable and bloated as WinBlows.

At least now, we're stable, and problem free. WE just work!

 

[danielbriggs]

Oh, I didn't realise it was illegal, I just wondered if it was possible.

I'm not going to do it, never planned to, and fankly don't want to.
It was just a thought. I need a new computer anyway.

I'm still getting a MacBook Pro Merom, mainly as they are nice systems, albeit pricey, but still nice. And also everything will work as it is all from the same place etc. etc.

Mainly it's the little things I REALLY like, and apart from software, make a laptop a Mac. e.g. Lighted keyboard and magnetic power etc.

I can't exactly speak from experience, that's just the things I've picked up from on my reaserch and trips to the appple store etc. to eye up my future purchase.



So sorry if it struck a chord, but I was just wondering if it was possible!

Cheers,

Dan

 

[flyguy451]

The Mac experience is the box, and the OS, combined.

Considering your on Mac forums, you don't really have much respect or appreciation for the Mac platform

Right...my Macbook "box" has been a wonderful machine - NOT!! Can't use it now as it won't start up and I'm trying to find the time to take it in for it's second logic board replacement. When I was using my Powerbook I would have agreed with you but now I'm thinking the same thing as the original poster. If I could buy OSX and install it on a reliable machine I'd do it.

 

[Kardashian]

Right...my Macbook "box" has been a wonderful machine - NOT!! Can't use it now as it won't start up and I'm trying to find the time to take it in for it's second logic board replacement.

Shame. Can't say I show much pitty when your sarcastic. Don't let your personal computer issues come between the fact that Apple has better build-quality, and reliability over Windows boxes - fact.

You are in the minority. I had Windows problems every single day - I don't have any with the Mac OS - which is what this thread is about, not the build quality of personal experiences with the hardware (which by the way, in my experience - has been fine).

Machines are machines. They do tend to malfunction sometimes - no matter what you buy. You could go out tomorrow and buy a Rolls Royce and have problems with it. Apple have a brilliant track record, as well as an award winning customer service. Before you go slagging off a company which has a brilliant customer reputation because you've had a duddy machine - think of what your comparing it to - Windows. I don't need to say more.

If I could buy OSX and install it on a reliable machine I'd do it.

If you could by the OS and install it on generic machines (not 'reliable' machines, as a truly reliable machine does not exist. Anything can malfunction) - you could kiss our OS goodbye - as Apple would be no more within a few months.

They would gain little to no switchers, and large companies wanting to get better stability, cheaply, would simply install Mac OS instead of Windows. People like you would be responsible for Apples worth plummeting.

If you consider a HP, Dell or homemade computer more reliable - go off and install Linux or Windows - don't go Apple-bashing because of one bad experience.

PS: You'll find the original poster was simply enquiring as to whether it was possible - he doesn't want to do it personally. So your mistaken there, as well.

 

[mattjgalloway]

No, I agree that with the MB Apple's QC has gone extremely bad.

I'm on my 3rd MacBook after 2 replacements and after a day, this one's going back.

I've previously built all my own PCs and have had no problems with fixing problems. With Apple though I have to send the MacBook back and wait 2 weeks for another to ship. It's simply not good enough. I placed my order on 28th June and I've had around about a weeks use of faulty MacBooks since then... not worth the £800 I spent I can tell you that.

 

[emotion]

Shame. Can't say I show much pitty when your sarcastic. Don't let your personal computer issues come between the fact that Apple has better build-quality, and reliability over Windows boxes - fact.

Keep supping that koolaid

I think Apple needs to be very careful at this point that its quality control doesn't slip any further than it already has.

If I could run MacOSX in an IBM/Lenovo thinkpad at this stage I'd be very tempted to do so, regardless of whether it was legal or not (as long as I'd bought the OS, I mean I'm not advocating use of warez).

 

[danielbriggs]

No, I agree that with the MB Apple's QC has gone extremely bad.

I'm on my 3rd MacBook after 2 replacements and after a day, this one's going back.

I've previously built all my own PCs and have had no problems with fixing problems. With Apple though I have to send the MacBook back and wait 2 weeks for another to ship. It's simply not good enough. I placed my order on 28th June and I've had around about a weeks use of faulty MacBooks since then... not worth the £800 I spent I can tell you that.

That's a bit unfair on Apple, as I still think that it's not Apple's QC, more the fact that the Macbook's are the newest laptops from Apple and may not have been fully worked out. Yes they will have been tested, but not as much as the iBooks etc. As those chips and technologies have been out much longer. Also how long have Apple had powerpc chips in comparison to intel?!?!?

I just think it is a new move for Apple, as good a company as they are, there are bound to be little bumps along the way.


Dan

 

[emotion]

That's a bit unfair on Apple, as I still think that it's not Apple's QC,

Who's quality control problem is this then?

What you're saying here is that Apple customers are beta hardware testers. Not something most people want to hear when they've paid a premium for a 'quality' product.

In fairness to Apple though because of how people view the 'premium' products they sell people expect a lot more than perhaps they should and are more likely to complain than if they'd got a moo-ing Dell, for example.

 

[mattjgalloway]

Yeh, sure there's going to be problems and I was prepared for that. I am quite happy that there have been problems but it's the combination of problem after problem after problem associated with TWO WEEK shipping time which is getting on my nerves.

I can't fault Apple's customer services - they've swapped out my MacBooks no problem. However this time I'm getting to the stage of wanting a refund.