Can you use PC hardware for Mac OS?

Question

I have been using windows since 1997. I can build pc's, from scratch, run windows with the back of my hand, etc. With each release of Windows after XP, I am finding myself less and less pleased with Microsoft. Vista, and the up to come Windows 7 are radically different from what I liked in Windows. I strongly dislike the hardware requirements for Vista and 7. That said I am beginning to look at alternatives to Windows.

I am interested in trying out a mac. But I am skeptical, because I do not want to buy new hardware. Also, I have gigabytes of files I keep archived on a secondary hard drive. I don’t want to lose those files. If I were to switch to mac os, could I simply use my pc hardware? Or do they still require you to use mac hardware only? I can’t seem to find any meaningful answers on google. Best answer I saw was that you can illegitimately install mac OS on a pc. Any insight would be great. Also, websites explaining how mac os works, and how mac hardware works would be great as well. Thanks!

Answer 1

I was pretty die hard XP until I started using 7. I absolutely hated Vista, a prejudice I still hold to and see no reason to abandon. I really am liking 7, though. It (RC x64) runs as good as XP on my computer (specs below) and amazingly RC x86 runs BETTER than XP on my wife's laptop which is a Dell D610 with an upgrade to 2 GB. Mac still only writes drivers for the hardware that they build into their computers, though they are now using the same hardware as a PC. But I'd just go with Linux if I was going to even bother.



My computer is:

Mach Speed MSVN-939 Mother Board

AMD Athlon X2 3800+ 2.01 GHz (OC to 2.30 GHz)

Biostar nVidia GeForce 7100GS (Dual 19" CRTs)

2 GB of Kingston Dual Channel PC3200 DDR 400 MHz

2x 250 GB Seagate Barracuda SATA II

1x 120 GB Western Digital SATA I

Dual Boot Windows XP Pro SP3 and Windows 7 RC x64

Answer 2

Since you have your important data on an external hard drive, is that drive formatted in NTFS or FAT32? Mac OSX can read, but not write FAT32, and cannot read NTFS. Depending on how your drive is formatted, will determine if you can backup your data via OSX or Windows.



As for Mac hardware, check the apple store to see what they offer, then see if you have any hardware that the Mac store has. And do a google search for Mac graphic drivers, this should narrow down what drivers are available for mac.

Answer 3

Hackintosh as its called is becoming more and more popular. I've done it on two or three PCs so far. Here's a few sites that will help you out



http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

http://www.insanelymac.com/



The main obstacle to installing OSX on PC hardware is that Mac doesn't use BIOS. Also, OSX has a built-in check that validates the hardware to make sure its apple hardware. There are various ways to circumvent this. Google "hackintosh" and you will be well on your way.

Answer 4

Some PC can now work with Mac, but experiences tells me, not every PC hardware is compatible.



From my experience, if you can run Unix or Linux OS on some hardware it may also be able to run Mac OSX. But like I said, not every hardware is compatible even if it can run the above mentioned OS's. Your best bet is trial and error.



There is also now a Dell mini notebook available that you can install Mac OSX on that is fully compatible (a few modification is required).



Please note: Mac OSX will run completely outside of Mac users agreement, and you may not get support from Dell for the hardware, nor Apple for the OS.



However, Apple has already implemented a Mac/PC hybrid that is now capable of utilizing some Intel PC processors that will allow you to run both Mac and PC applications, just not at the same time (Dual Boot Options).



I know you mentioned you don't wish to buy new hardware, but I don't see how you can prevent that if you wish to go the Mac route.



Any how you look at it, you will need some new hardware to be fully compatible with Mac OSX.



As mentioned by "mynameistux's Profile". To prevent from buying new hardware, your best bet is a Linux distros. They all have different usability, so try all of them to see which rocks your boat. And you don't have to install any of the Linux distro to test it, due to a technology call "Live CD".



With Live CD you can test any of the Linux OS without committing a full hardware to it, you can even run it on a PC with Windows already installed on it.



You can download a distros from http://www.linux.com/distrocentral/download-linux or go to ebay to purchase it. Do search on Linux. and get one which is local to you.



You may also get information on the variety of Linux distros here: http://www.shoplinuxonline.com/ you can also purchase directly from there.



If you wish to save a few bucks, and if you have really fast internet connection, download and create a Live CD of any distros for testing:



Hope this helps.



My testing of Mac OSX was not positive, but maybe there's someone out there who have committed to practical PC Mac implementation full-time.



Good luck

Answer 5

Based on what you say you want, Mac OS may not be the best solution. I suggest a linux distribution like ubuntu

http://www.ubuntu.com/

its free to download, and you can run it from the CD (without installing it) to see how you like it. There are some other nifty things you can do so you can try without installing, to see if you like it.



Otherwise, if you want to put OSX on a PC, check google for guides on building a hackintosh.

Answer 6

When you buy an apple computer they can transfer all your files to an apple format so all your previous stuff isn't usless. also they have the boot camp program that lets you run windows right on your mac. Here is the website from apple http://www.apple.com/macosx/what-is-macosx/

Answer 7

You can install MAC OS on a machine with x86 processor, ie Intel Processor. You can go to the http://www.osx86project.org/ link to fine out more.