So how long before we can try out MAC OS on a PC?

[rsnellma]

I was reading where MAC is making it possible to run Windows XP on an Intel MAC with a program called Boot Camp and I was wondering how long before the rest of us can try out MAC OS on a regular PC. Thanks in advance.

Bob2001

[Grathrax]

Hackers have done it, but NEVER expect to see Mac OS run on a normal x86 pc.

[Lazy_Moron]

Yeah hackers have done it. You can get it easily if you know where to look. Search it on these forums, I remember when it first was done, there was a 8 or 9 page thread on it.

[weebob]

Dell have shown an interest in shipping it as a option.

You can run a hacked version of Mac os X, even up too 10.4.7 on certain hardware, there are bodges out there to even allow AMD's to run it.

[pxc]

I was wondering how long before the rest of us can try out MAC OS on a regular PC. Thanks in advance.It was hacked last year (August I think) to run on generic hardware. Apple doesn't allow OS X to run on non-Apple hardware, so the quick answer is not officially for the forseeable future.

I've run OS X 10.3 on an emulator (PearPC, pretty slow), native on a B&W G3 (usable) and 10.4 native on a 915 chipset board (very fast). It a cool toy, but unless you need OS X it's pretty pointless. You won't find drivers for more than basic devices and you won't get updates on 10.4 (Intel).

There are inexpensive ways of running OS X if you're curious about it. B&W G3 Macs are cheap (~$60 used) and can run up to OS X 10.3.9. A USB keyboard and mouse are needed for OS installation and you'll probably want a larger than a 6GB hard drive. OS X runs decently well with 256MB memory. I had 416MB and a 40GB hard drive in my overclocked B&W G3. I'd compare a G3/400MHz with 256MB on OS X to a Pentium 100MHz running Windows 95 with 128MB for speed.

[Cowcaster88]

For about $600 new you could run the "MAC"OS on a PC without any troubles. Then if you need Windows XP to run it is possible through Bootcamp, like you said.

[trinity0000]

I have it running on my Athlon 64 machine right now... as long as you have nforce, intel, or via chipset it runs pretty good. PATA is a must unless you want to hack it even more... but as it stands i "happened upon" a version of 10.4.6.iso on the web that i can just put the dvd in and install directly from. With some minor config file editing for a few things like ACPI and AC97 realtek audio it works perfect just like on a mac (dare i say perhaps better?)

[rsnellma]

Cool. Thanks to all. I heard of and looked into PearPC, but it was extremely slow and Mac was trying to sue or some off the wall thing with it. I am more curious and would like to experience it without paying for the Mac hardware. I just don't see why Apple doesn't give Microsoft a run for their money in the OS shootout. I keep hearing how MAC OS is soooo much better than any other OS on the market today, but it seems sad that Steve Jobs once again shoots himself in the foot by sticking to the same ol' same ol'. Well, I will have to look more into the mentioned suggestions. Thanks again.

trinity0000 what are the chances of getting a copy of that? Like I said I would just like to give it a spin and see what it is like. I very familiar with Windows and have dabbed around in the many many flavs of Linux and now I would like to see what all the fuss is about with Mac. Thanks again.

Bob2001

[LuminaryJanitor]

I'd compare a G3/400MHz with 256MB on OS X to a Pentium 100MHz running Windows 95 with 128MB for speed.
Are you serious? My Mac PPC120 could beat my P100 hands down.

EDIT: Oops... Though not if it was running OSX :D

[pxc]

Are you serious? My Mac PPC120 could beat my P100 hands down.

EDIT: Oops... Though not if it was running OSX :DYeah, OS 9 flies on most PPC Macs. :p It was even decent on my old PowerMac 6500/225 with only 48MB for simple tasks.

[weebob]

trinity0000 what are the chances of getting a copy of that?

Bob2001

Careful, it would be illegal for trinity0000 to give you a copy. Im pretty sure if you dig around on google you can find what your after.

[rsnellma]

Oppsss...sorry about that. Thanks again for all your wonderful help. Have a good one.

Bob2001

[Rannoch]

Google search for OSx86 Project. Click the first link.

I don't believe I'm breaking the forum rules. :) Please do tell if I am Mr. Moderators.

-Rannoch