Questions from a Switcher re: OS X, Hardware, and Parallels

[Slade xTekno]

I have always been a fan of Macs, but have never been able to purchase one as a semi-serious online gamer who is afraid a game that I would like to play will not be compatible with Macs. I have recently found out that I can run both an Apple OS and Windows at the same time using Parallels.
I currently possess a computer I built myself, a budget SFF machine with an AMD Athlon64, nVidia 6600GT, 1GB RAM, 200GB HD, and I would like to keep it, as I do not have the money to spend on a whole new computer.

Can I purchase a Mac OS and install it on my current hardware?
Can anyone with Parallels give me any anecdotes about playing games on Windows?

 

[yellow]

Can I purchase a Mac OS and install it on my current hardware?
Can anyone with Parallels give me any anecdotes about playing games on Windows?

1) No.

2) Parallels doesn't support 3D graphics currently. It's not intended for games, though future releases might "fix" that.

 

[Willis]

depends what type of online game. Stuff like World of Warcraft wont work on a Mac without BootCamp.

If its all web based games, a Mac will play them.

However, a lot of game titles are for Mac aswell. AND more commonly, ive seen a few new game titles coming out that say PC/MAC on them.

 

[yellow]

depends what type of online game. Stuff like World of Warcraft wont work on a Mac without BootCamp.

Becareful what you say.. as this statement is completely false.
All WoW installers come as hybrid CDs that have both Mac and Windows installers, so WoW DEFINITELY works on Macs without BootCamp.

 

[steve_hill4]

Can I purchase a Mac OS and install it on my current hardware?

You'll notice the EULA of OS X states it must be installed on Apple Hardware. If not, it becomes illegal. Since it will not install on any non Mac hardware without hacking, the legality becomes non-existant.