Posted on 03/24/2006 4:53:26 PM PST by Vermonter
Hackers boot a Dell with Mac OS X (Intel). March 24, 2006 -- Unidentified programmers have hacked the Intel version of Mac OS X to enable it to boot a Dell PC. A file called the "JaS4.2b patch" can be used to create a customized installer DVD for installing on a Dell PC.
A website called MacaDell describes the patch. The MacDell site has also has a page that describes how to use the JaS4.2b patch to create a customized installer disc for Mac OS X.
Using the hack is illegal because it breaks Apple’s Mac OS X license agreement, which specifies that the operating system be run on an “Apple-labeled computer.”
According to MacaDell, work on the hack began when a Russian hacker known as Maxxuss cracked the encrypted security layer in Mac OS X that usually requires the software to be installed on a certain Mac model. Other hackers added to the work, and a programmer known as JaS put the work together in the JaS4.2b patch.
The hack emulates the EFI boot firmware found in Intel-based Macs. It also emulates an instruction set called SSE3 in order to support processors older than the Dual Core used in the Intel Macs. MacaDell reports that the hack doesn’t work on every computer, and doesn’t support some functions, such as wireless networking and certain audio and video cards.
At this point, the Intel version of Mac OS X is only available with the purchase of an Intel-based Mac.
Most Linux stuff (well, a lot anyway) will run under X11 on OS X anyway.
Apple had to know this was going to happen. It was the first thing that I thought of when I heard that they were going to start using Intel chips.
This was going to happen sooner or later, but every update Apple puts out could invalidate their patches and most people who want a Mac want it because it is a Mac. If you want a UNIX/LINUX OS there are plenty of good ones to be had for less trouble.
I just had a Dell capacitor crap out on me... you got any further info, like a link of google search terms that could get me more info on that?
That seems to be the prevailing attitude among Windows users, since that OS is still stuck in the 90s.
The world does its business on-line now...in browsers. It's the browser that matters, not the OS.
The quality of browser is dependent on the quality of the OS.
Same here and Apple just doesn't understand that.
LOL! This is the only statement in this whole thread that I understand.
Carolyn
I'd have a hard time getting past the one-button mouse; that pretty much tells me the guy writing the software views the Apple customer as a total idiot.
For years man has been unlocking the secrets of the atom. It is just natural for some to screw around with this, just for the challenge and fun if nothng else.
You said -- "MUCH more interesting than booting Windows XP on an Intel Mac!!!!!!!!!!"
The problem with that is -- Apple will do everything they can to stop it, from their legal eagles to software roadblocks and hardware roadblocks. They've stated that and they intend to enforce it (in regards to their operating system software).
HOWEVER -- the other way around -- they have no problem with it -- and -- they have *explicitly stated that*.
Thus, with consumers looking at the issue -- one side will always be crippled by Apple -- while the other methodology has the passive agreement of Apple. And that means, Microsoft can very easily make their operating system run on Apple hardware, and thus have a dual-booting computer (both Windows and Mac).
So, from the standpoint of the masses of the consumers (and that's what a company is looking for) -- the way you prefer will never work, while the other way (for Windows on Mac) can easily be supported in a mass market.
That should make it clear which way is going to work in the long run.
Regards,
Star Traveler
You asked -- "I just have to wonder; does Apple actually support this in some sort of flavor?"
See post #51.
If you're asking if Apple will support running Mac OS X on another kind of Intel box -- the answer has already been given. They've stated in no uncertain terms that they will never support that, they will block all efforts towards that (with their legal eagles and with whatever they can do internally with software, and in conjunction with the hardware that they do make). Thus, this is doomed to be a sideline hacking project forever -- never to be anything for the masses.
However, the real "news" is that Apple will clearly allow (again by their own statements) the running of Windows software on their hardware. So, it shouldn't take Microsoft too long to make it so that it can easily run on a Mac box.
Then you've got a dual-booting system.
One methodology will be forever for back-room hackers -- while the other methodology will be offered with full support from major companies and no worries for the consumer.
Some people just want to be hackers and some people (the mass of consumers) simply want to use their computer for the things they want to do with them.
I guess it depends on whether you are a hacker, always fiddling and always trying to get around the latest roadblock and the total lack of support -- or -- it you're a consumer, who wants to call tech-support and get an answer and/or a solution for a problem you have.
That's basically the choice in regards to the two methodologies.
Regards,
Star Traveler
You stated -- "I don't understand why Apple doesn't make a crossover OS for PC's. Still keep their Apple hardware, but expand to the PC market as well."
Well..., it's because Apple is primarily a hardware company. It's not a software company. The software and other services are only meant to support the hardware. All decisions on software are made with hardware in mind. Once you understand that -- then the Apple decisions makes sense.
It only doesn't make sense if you try to impose a different methodology upon the company -- other than the one they've chosen for themselves (i.e., to be a hardware company).
So, if you say, "They should be a software company, because hardware is not where it's at." -- then you're putting your own parameters on their decision-making process. They won't turn into a software company and thus their decisions will never reflect that, as coming from a "software company".
That's where a lot of people get confused about Apple.
Regards,
Star Traveler
You said -- "In other news, Windows XP boots on Intel Macs"
Now, this is where Microsoft can come in and make some money. All they need to do is get their Windows OS running on a Mac box. It will be purchased by a lot of Mac users so they can dual-boot their machines and have all the normal kinds of tech support that a consumer would want.
Apple is leaving the door wide open for Microsoft to "pick it up" here....
Regards,
Star Traveler
I gotta invite these guys over to fix the blinking clock on my VCR......
You said -- "A lot of people would! MS would lose marketshare to Apple and OS X"
It doesn't make any sense for Apple, for the kind of company that they've made of themselves. They're a hardware company and that ("selling the Mac OS X") would not benefit their hardware. Thus, it will never happen.
You just have to know what kind of company Apple is and why they make their decisions that way.
Regards,
Star Traveler
save for later
You said -- "Just more proof that the world is ready for an entirely new OS."
I've been using that new OS for the last several years. Mac OS X is pretty darned good.
Regards,
Star Traveler
Too bad Apple won't put something like this out, but running software from Russian hackers is not something I would recommend.
You said -- "I'm tempted to buy one for myself to replace my 17" goose neck iMac..."
You better hurry then. The PPC version is no longer sold at the Apple Store. It's done -- end of line. So, if you want the PPC -- get it now (right now...).
Good luck,
Star Traveler
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