Updated 86 OSX FAQ

Well, many are those who acudís with thirst for knowledge and seek answers to numerous questions but in understandable language. Many have doubts that trouble you before taking the step to put in the Hackintosh world (OSX86).

Therefore, learn from everybody and so we will try to address their concerns. To break the ice I'll make some FAQ (frequently asked questions) that come to mind me.

- "What is a" Hackintosh "?

"Hackintosh" is a funny word that occurred to someone to describe a PC to which you installed the Apple operating system, OS X. I personally also call my laptop "Hackbook" as my desktop "BigMac Pro" (which is why the hamburger), but the truth is that I believe "Hackintosh" an unfortunate nickname.

- "The OS X is not made for Apple Mac computers?"

Not exactly. Since 2006, Apple changed the Mac CPUs, from the IBM / Freescale PowerPC above (PPC) to the Intel x86 platform today.
Currently the difference between a PC and an Apple Mac is not much larger than can be mounted between a PC and a PC component "branded" such Dell or HP, for example.

- "But there is some specific difference between a Mac and a PC computer brand?"

Yes, one: Intel Macs and incorporate a "BIOS" EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface), a specification developed by Intel in 1999 to replace the old standard IBM PC BIOS, which has been implemented by manufacturers PCs that came to light from the original IBM PC today.
The other usual motherboard manufacturers have not been given the same rush to incorporate. In fact, Apple does not use all the functions provided by the standard, just what has been implemented early.

- "If Macs are another type of Bios, and it may work on a PC" normal "?"

OS X is programmed using an ordinary Pentium 4 (known as "Intel Mac Station Development"), with a normal Bios, etc ...
In 2008, a group of hackers led by the teacher of Russian origin known as Netkas with David Elliot (DFE) developed a method to emulate Darwin EFI bootloader using a modified. In practical terms, this meant opening the door for installation on any PC that meet the requirements.

You can read the whole story on Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSx86

- "I can install OS X on my PC?"

This question is probably best expressed in the forums, but part of a wrong approach.

PC must be purchased BEFORE HAVING THOUGHT IN SUPPORT OS X, and not vice versa.

- "Still ... how I can know if my work PC OS X? "

Very simple: write in google the name of your motherboard (or model if laptop) next to the words "Leopard," OS X ", or better yet" InsanelyMac.
If you find nothing, or any similar model after looking good, then I can ask on the forums, but not vice versa. This burns a lot of people who take the trouble to search google for you, when they see something that appears to questions in the first place in the search.

- "And what are these requirements for installing OS X on a PC" normal "?"

Basically, processor from Intel Core 2 Duo, and Intel.
But apart from that there are other things to consider, as the manufacturer of the motherboard BIOS includes a "friendly" to OS X, look at that sound card or ethernet card incorporates the plate, a compatible graphics card ... ..

- "Anything more specific?"

Gigabyte motherboards are the most compatible hardware is more like a Mac, your Bios are perfect to install, and components such as ethernet, sound, firewire, etc are usually always very compatible.
The Asus boards have to look at them more carefully, because they often carry "junk" in the BIOS, and in many cases must be flashed with modified BIOS to work, but now are emerging methods is not necessary, but in general they more work than the Gigabyte.

On the graphics card is much to choose from, especially in Nvidia: the vast majority are supported, although there are good support for the ATI, even for 4890. In any case we must learn first, again, with "google method."

- 'What if AMD I like? "

AMD users until recently had to resort to "distros", which are versions of OS X to which are added installation options, many "drivers" to choose from, and above all, including alternatives to the Kernels that comes by default with the OS, (only compatible with Intel in itself). Fortunately, they are beginning to emerge alternative methods to install the original OS X on AMD, without relying on "distracted."

"Besides the hardware, what is needed to install OS X on a PC" normal "?

Essentially, the original DVD of OS X, a BootCD suitable for your motherboard, a few kext, and the bootloader Chameleon.

- "Serve the DVD that came with my iMac / MacBook, etc?"

No. The DVD you get with a Mac is just an image restoration, the need is the installation DVD Retail Apple sells.

- "What is it's BootCD?

In 2008 appeared on the scene a new method called BOOT-132, which consisted of a CD Bootloader able to load the original DVD of OS X and allow normal installation. The CD included the kext needed for the particular model of motherboard, and generated an appropriate environment where OS X could start and operate. Also allowed the updating of the system after installation. (Something that was revolutionary at the time)

A prince were created using a rather complicated (isolinux), later appeared on "Slimbuilder" and it is now possible to create a graphical Chameleon 2.

Recently, progress is being made by AMD, and it is possible to load the Voodoo Kernel in a BootCD and install the original OS.

- "What is a" kext? "

An extension of the Kernel. Amounts to a "driver" in windows, if you prefer to see it.

- "What is Chameleon 2?"

It is one of the bootloaders we can use. Chameleon 2 can be installed in our HD, like a flash drive, a CD ... It lets you load multiple operating systems and recognize different file formats. Has great potential, and although still in RC2 version is graphically impressive for its immense possibilities and customization.

- "Besides being Warez ... What issues are these" Distros "?"

You never know what has changed, how, or why. Also learn a lot less using these distros than installing the original, and will depend on a group of people when you upgrade, or troubleshoot.
Are also intended to encompass a vast array of hardware, so that certain combinations may hinder the installation, or jeopardize the operation.

I think the distros have had their day, but that is necessarily over. The future for them should be the conversion in interactive BootCDs and postinstalador kernel selector. It would be more logical evolution.

Does Leopard programs for all common applications (multimedia, web, music, design ...) and I can find in Windows?

The answer is a resounding yes. One of the urban legends about the operating system from Apple is that it offers its users a wide range of software to meet the demand for all types of users. There are programs that we know as Firefox or Messenger are available for Leopard. On the other hand, find better applications in XP / Vista to do the same and even with a more intuitive interface and easy.

"I can take a single computer or multiple operating systems Leopard monopolizes my computer?

Well, whatever you want montártelo. Some people leave a hard drive for each operating system or simply takes the same hard drive when you boot multiple systems and so choose you need. In addition Ed_Saxman tutorial will convert it into a child's play.

A Hackintosh is comparable in performance and stability to a Mac Original?

My personal opinion is yes. However, the experience becomes more real the more similar the hardware that we use with respect to the original Apple hardware. As you can see in my tutorials Chip recommend Intel motherboards with P35, P45 or Nvidia graphic cards because it is very similar hardware that Apple uses in its computers. So, Leopard does not know whether it is original or a converted PC. In fact, for some time and facilities can be made Leopard original DVD purchased at an Apple store. This shows that the integration between hardware and software is great. That means stability, speed and savings, since a Hackintosh beast can get away by 1200 and power is comparable to a Mac Pro 3000 or so.

- "What does Steve think about this?"

We do not know exactly, but we believe it should have the same view when asked to abolish the DRM in his famous letter "Thoughts on Music":

"The problem, of course, is That There are many smart people in the world, Some with a lot of time on Their hands, who love to discover Such secrets and publish a way for everyone"

--- 2009 --- AppleOsx86 Team