The art of the Hackintosh has always fascinated the most nerds and geeks in the field of information technology. Being able to install macOS on a PC not made by Apple sometimes becomes a challenge, a test for oneself, because it is not at all simple. But what exactly does it consist of? Why is it so difficult to get a working Hackintosh? And most importantly, is it legal?
What is a Hackintosh
A Hackintosh is a non-Apple computer that has the macOS operating system installed on it. In fact, the latter is a closed system, which officially can only be installed on devices produced by the bitten apple.
It all started several years ago, when Steve Jobs left Apple and the then CEO decided to license the operating system to Motorola - which at the time produced the processors for macs - to be able to install it on non-Apple PCs. in an attempt to raise the economic situation of the Cupertino company. Then the first Hackintoshes appeared, even if they were extremely different from what is now understood. Upon the return of Steve Jobs, the agreements with Motorola ended, then moving on to Intel processors. And that's where the most geeks literally saw the light. "If I now have the same hardware as a mac, can I install Apple's operating system on it?"
So the first forums about it began to appear, and a real phenomenon began: the art of Hackintosh.
Why is it done?
A lot of people resort to using macOS on PCs built for take advantage of some programs present only on that operating system, like Final Cut Pro for video editing. Furthermore, many software are optimized for macOS, such as the Adobe suite, and have more options and features than the versions for Windows. Another motivation that drives users is the fluidity of the operating system and all the features of macOS extremely important for those who have been using the apple ecosystem for some time and who are difficult to give up.
Why not buy an Apple device? Usually, those who choose a Hackintosh over an Apple computer do so mainly for two reasons. First of all, with a Hackintosh you can choose the hardware components according to your needs, without submitting to Apple's limited choice. And then, very importantly, with the same hardware performance, a Hackintosh is much cheaper. In addition, with high-performance hardware, you can also install Windows and use the same PC, for example, for gaming.
Why isn't a Hackintosh for everyone?
As anticipated, macOS is a closed operating system, created and optimized to run on Apple devices. The main problem is the component compatibility. Not all assembled PCs can run macOS, so you have to choose components based on compatibility. Specifically, particular attention must be paid to the choice of motherboard and video card.
Furthermore, despite the choice of compatible components, la creating a Hackintosh is not within everyone's reach. In fact, a bit of experience in the field of computer science and a lot of patience is required, to be able to face and overcome the problems that will appear during the process. Obviously also with the help of the many forums available.
But is a Hackintosh legal?
We come to the painful notes. Making money by selling non-Apple PCs with macOS inside is illegal. Assemble a PC and install the operating system of the bitten apple, purely for personal purpose and use, is a more flexible procedure, bordering on legality. Apple itself is aware of the large Hackintosh community and from a certain point of view allows the use of its operating system knowing that then the user is pushed to buy Apple software - Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro X, etc - as well as theproprietary hardware such as the Magic Mouse, the Magic Keyboard and also coming to iPhones and other ecosystem devices.
Discount
Magic Mouse 2 - Space Gray
- Magic Mouse 2 is fully rechargeable: you don't need traditional batteries anymore.
- It has fewer components because the battery is integrated and the bottom of the shell is made of a single piece.
- The result is a lighter mouse with an even more stable base: it has less friction and glides on the ...
Apple Magic Keyboard - Italiano
- The Magic Keyboard has an elegant design, an integrated rechargeable battery and even more advanced keys.
- The profile is thin, and the scissor mechanism under each fret increases its stability allowing for movement ...
- It automatically pairs with your Mac, so you can get to work right away.
A Hackintosh is not for everyone, the procedure is full of pitfalls, but it could be an excellent idea for those who want to combine powerful hardware with fluid and optimized software, without spending too much.
Tagsapple Hackintosh MacOS Hackintosh, an art bordering on legality
