Psystar Releases 'Rebel EFI' Software to Enable Installation of Snow Leopard on PCs

[oldwatery]

To all you people who tried it and asking "what gives?".
It is obvious you need a computer built to apple specs so the drivers work. Any other hardware will be a crap shoot to get running.

Thank you.
And that is why Pystar and this whole concept SUCKS!
I, and millions of others, want a stable reliable system and we are willing to pay for it.
If some don't, then fine, buy a damn Windows machine and shut up!
We don't have to accept a sub standard product because others are prepared to.
But it sounds like you all want the Mac experience on your own terms.
If Apple does not want to oblige then what law or entity says they have to?

 

[sledgehammer89]

This is why the speedometer of my car says 150mph...

Me too. In Germany there is no law on for many streets. Don't get anything on laws. Laws just written in papers to control you. It looks like many are happy to be controlled because they don't switch on their brains...

 

[iamcheerful]

It is rather interesting to see PPC machines are left out of the 10.6 and almost any PC now can have 10.6 installed somewhat easily.

If Apple can do this to the PPC users, new Apple adopters can be just as easily left out quickly.

 

[nightfly13]

Any success with this yet?

Moral/ethical issues aside, I have to admit I haven't read all 18 (probably 20 by the time this posts) pages but I've read 6-7 pages and haven't heard a single instance where it's actually working, and around 10 where its failing. Did I miss a success story somewhere?

 

[iamcheerful]

You may wish to check out this link.

 

[nightfly13]

It is rather interesting to see PPC machines are left out of the 10.6 and almost any PC now can have 10.6 installed somewhat easily.

If Apple can do this to the PPC users, new Apple adopters can be just as easily left out quickly.

I know we're wondering off topic, but you do realize that 10.6 was basically an infrastructure cleanup release. You're missing few to no features running 10.5 on your PPC. I thin it's a bit much to expect Apple to try to engineer architectural improvements for an architecture they moved on from 3 years ago.

In short, PPC users have little to nothing to benefit from the changes in 10.6. If they stopped shipping you version of iTunes or something, I can see being justifiably upset about that, but I don't get whining about not getting Intel-architecture improvements on your PPC.

 

[nightfly13]

You may wish to check out this link.

Thanks! Now perhaps I wish I hadn't been quite so snarky in my reply to your other post, but I think my reasoning stands. Sorry if the attitude was a bit strong.

 

[brubeast]

Only to young immature folks with a strong sense of entitlement. Adults realise that Apple and Microsoft aren't in the same business and as such, trying to draw a parallele between installing Windows on a Mac and OS X on a PC is quite futile.

You sure made a lot of posts about how mature you are, and how immature all people younger than you are. Are you arguing that one ought to follow every law in existence? Is it in our best interest to do so? Ultimately we decide which laws are reasonable to adhere to, and excluding extraordinary circumstances, it's really no one else's business. And I'm not sure what age has to do with it. You are simply a legalist, and apparently an old one at that.

There are many factors which may make spending $1000 on a Hack Pro a legitimate decision, especially if one can't afford spending $3000 on the same machine from Apple. On a related note, many high-end professional software packages cost upward of $5000; a price that hardly anyone trying to learn the software could afford. So people torrent the software, and you know what? Many of these companies are aware of the fact, and allow it to happen, because they know that whatever financially challenged users are learning their high-end software will ultimately contribute to the industry. This despite the existence of the software licensing agreements that you seem to read with such fervor. This just goes to illustrate the fact that there are more factors--morally speaking, if you will--to consider than the mere existence of a software licensing agreement.

 

[Maximara]

Um, no. Although Psystar isn't doing anything wrong by offering a compatible EFI flash, and you're not doing anything wrong by installing it. You *ARE* still doing something wrong (technically) by install OS X on it. The EULA specifically states its for use on Apple branded hardware only. Which your machine is not.

Actually you are breaking DMCA doing that per the Blizzard vs Glider case. So hello to mammoth civil and criminal penalties once Apple gets ticked off enough by these clowns.

 

[brubeast]

Moral/ethical issues aside, I have to admit I haven't read all 18 (probably 20 by the time this posts) pages but I've read 6-7 pages and haven't heard a single instance where it's actually working, and around 10 where its failing. Did I miss a success story somewhere?

People are trying to install OS X on whatever computer is nearest to them. It doesn't work like that, which is why people are claiming that it doesn't work. You have to have a build that is shown to be compatible. Gigabyte motherboards, for example, are known to work for the most part. The Psystar software simplifies the process a bit, but all the same rules about buying the right hardware still apply--though it seems like a greater range of devices are now supported.

 

[VoR]

Doing that would open Apple to the same problem MS has - no way to ensure their OS will work on all the various hardware combination end users may have; the tech support burden could very well overwhelm any additional profit from OS sales.

Hasn't windows been running on infinite amounts of hardware configurations without problems for years?
Have you tried the osx86 project on 10.4/5/6 at all? It may surprise you to see how reliably you can run osx on non apple hardware.

The sort of people that are not computer literate are the sort of people that phone up MS/Apple OS support (someone does this?) to look for help with issues after installing hardware and software that might damage the system?

 

[EGOvoruhk]

Actually you are breaking DMCA doing that per the Blizzard vs Glider case. So hello to mammoth civil and criminal penalties once Apple gets ticked off enough by these clowns.

Obviously not. They've been in and out of court, and no judge has come out and said Psystar is breaking any kind of law. This is going to be no different, as this is just them selling the same software that's on their computers now

 

[Maximara]

This may be a hoax

In other words, the demo works with greatly limited capacity and there is no 'full' version when you try to buy it (it goes all the way in checkout but never goes through to charging your card and sending an activation code)

It may be just another means to attack Apples lawyers (it sort of looks like either madness,obsession, vendetta, or all three)

Or to see how far the judge will let them go. Given that Apple has said that MacOS X has DMCA protected code that uses the EFI like a DMC and the results of the Blizzard vs Glider case either Psystar is a stalking horse or is run by some of the the biggest idiots in the business world.

 

[EGOvoruhk]

Doing that would open Apple to the same problem MS has - no way to ensure their OS will work on all the various hardware combination end users may have

Apple has no way to ensure it either. What's in your Mac is exactly what's in my PC. You know what causes most problems, or BSOD on my PC? The Nvidia drivers for my Nvida graphics card. Do you know who makes graphics cards and drivers for Apple computers? That's right, Nvidia

Apple already has the ingredients for the same problems as Microsoft, and they do have the same problems as Microsoft, just not as widespread, because, well, the computers aren't as widespread

 

[doug in albq]

I heard Psystar is financially backed by Intel……………………(j/j)

 

[cheesymogul]

I have very mixed feelings about this.

What they are doing is clearly copyright theft and illegal!

On the other hand I'm very pessimistic about Apple's continuing trend to dumb down their notebook line with every new generation, by turning them into crippled lifestyle devices.
I'm afraid the day is coming soon, when those of us who need their notebooks for more than just basic office work will have only two choices left: Install OSX with the help of criminal companies like Psystar on the PC notebook of your choice that still does all what you need, or go Windows.

If this thing was working with Atom processors, I would buy it immediately without giving a rat's ass!
By now I'm so sick and tired of waiting for Apple to finally release a true portable computing device smaller than 13", but bigger and more versatile than an iPhone.

 

[iamcheerful]

I know we're wondering off topic, but you do realize that 10.6 was basically an infrastructure cleanup release. You're missing few to no features running 10.5 on your PPC. I thin it's a bit much to expect Apple to try to engineer architectural improvements for an architecture they moved on from 3 years ago.

In short, PPC users have little to nothing to benefit from the changes in 10.6. If they stopped shipping you version of iTunes or something, I can see being justifiably upset about that, but I don't get whining about not getting Intel-architecture improvements on your PPC.

actually PPC users, especially G5 can benefit. At least the 64-bit support is way overdue. Though 10.5 (maybe even 10.4) had some 64-bit support but it is by any means acceptable given the promised made by Apple goodness know when.

i am not upset because i can't use 10.6 on a G5 (assuming i have one) but rather more interesting to know that someone who has bought a Intel-based PC in the same year the G5s were release are able to install 10.6 (if it is even possible). however, i am upset that Apple has decided to focus on the larger picture only (maybe economical survival of the company). that said, Apple did make good for a good number of leaked G5 users and even replaced a number of them with an intel Mac Pro. Tell me about a good investment. After 3 years or even for some 4 years of use, you get another machine (be it refurb or brand new) that is sold today!


p.s. would also like to add another point. Apple didn't take the "easy" route by using DRM or whatever kind of anti-piracy measures which i believe they could. maybe they wanted to sell on the point that Mac is still so easy to setup and use as compared to their competitors. or just maybe it is because they wanted to keep the existing users happy, not to ruin the Mac Experience which most of us have grown to love and adore. i am thankful for that. would like to end with a simple quote ...

Security and convenience hardly goes hand in hand. Somehow, due to various reasons, Apple managed to balance this delicate situation satisfactorily so far.

 

[gnasher729]

Obviously not. They've been in and out of court, and no judge has come out and said Psystar is breaking any kind of law. This is going to be no different, as this is just them selling the same software that's on their computers now

Psystar hasn't been in and out of court. They are in court. US courts take a long time, and Psystar has hired lawyers that work for free (the ones that managed to get their client a $1.92 million fine for copying 24 songs) who do their best to drag things out, but I personally am quite confident that Apple will win their case and will then ask for the details of all of Psystar's customers.

Or to see how far the judge will let them go. Given that Apple has said that MacOS X has DMCA protected code that uses the EFI like a DMC and the results of the Blizzard vs Glider case either Psystar is a stalking horse or is run by some of the the biggest idiots in the business world.

When Psystar filed for bankruptcy protection to slow Apple's court case down, they showed their largest debtor was one of the two guys running the company. So your second idea might very well be the correct one.

 

[cb911]

hells yeah baby!!

this is fantastic!

i was having trouble getting OS X installed on my x86 PC. sold my PowerMac G5 and built a PC for the sole purpose of running OS X on it. it's not as easy as it sounds. i still may have to get a different mobo to ensure compatibility but this is a fantastic step in the right direction.

don't get me wrong, i was a Mac user for a long time. I first had a PowerBook G4, then a MacBook Pro and lastly the PM G5. but when i saw Apple using Intel procs just the same as you can put in your own home-built PC there was no way i'm shelling out anything like $3k+ when i can build a PC to the same specs or better for half the cost (or less).

OS X of course still kicks ass, which is why i do want to use it. but when Macs are using the same hardware as PC i can't see the point in shelling out the extra $. (yes there is the inherent "niceness" but dollars is dollars).

 

[doug in albq]

Honestly, Apple, Inc., as a whole has been getting to "have its cake and eat it too" for quite some time now. Had Microsoft attempted some of the things Apple has been able to get away with over the last 5-6 years, Microsoft would be up to their eyeballs in anti-trust or class-action lawsuits.

Something has got to give with Apple.

 

[oldwatery]

You sure made a lot of posts about how mature you are, and how immature all people younger than you are. Are you arguing that one ought to follow every law in existence? Is it in our best interest to do so? Ultimately we decide which laws are reasonable to adhere to, and excluding extraordinary circumstances, it's really no one else's business. And I'm not sure what age has to do with it. You are simply a legalist, and apparently an old one at that.

There are many factors which may make spending $1000 on a Hack Pro a legitimate decision, especially if one can't afford spending $3000 on the same machine from Apple. On a related note, many high-end professional software packages cost upward of $5000; a price that hardly anyone trying to learn the software could afford. So people torrent the software, and you know what? Many of these companies are aware of the fact, and allow it to happen, because they know that whatever financially challenged users are learning their high-end software will ultimately contribute to the industry. This despite the existence of the software licensing agreements that you seem to read with such fervor. This just goes to illustrate the fact that there are more factors--morally speaking, if you will--to consider than the mere existence of a software licensing agreement.

You have to be kidding!
How come so many people here have this sense of entitlement that they can do what the hell they want when they want?
Break the law...no worries...I don't like that one...it doesn't suit me.
Steal expensive software ...hell yes...and I'll brag about it too!
And as a last insult or should i say proof of your total ignorance, you have the gall to talk about morals.
You have zero understanding of the concept.
You don't get to chose which laws are reasonable. And it IS everybody's business when they are broken and people suffer because of it.
If this is how you want to live your life...have a great day...but don't force the rest of us to be penalized with even higher product costs and restrictions because you don't want to be a decent law abiding citizen.

Honestly, Apple, Inc., as a whole has been getting to "have its cake and eat it too" for quite some time now. Had Microsoft attempted some of the things Apple has been able to get away with over the last 5-6 years, Microsoft would be up to their eyeballs in anti-trust or class-action lawsuits.

Something has got to give with Apple.

Where do you dig this crap up?
What have Apple done that is anti competitive or illegal this last 5-6 years?
Come on dude...put up or shut up!

 

[Maximara]

But you are innocent until proven guilty.. in the eyes of the law.

Not always.

Civil forfeiture laws assume guilty until proven innocent; unless you have $10,000 and three years to spend fighting it anything the government seizes under this law is theirs.

The IRS (which is what Psystar's lack of records would also fall under) is another place where guilty until proven innocent applies

The documents Apple asked Psystar to produce would also be the same documents the IRS would ask for; IRS Publication 583 page 11-15 is quite clear on what records need to be kept and how long each type must be kept (three years minimum and as long as forever-for example File a fraudulent return has no limit). Claiming not to have these required records puts Psystar in catch-22 situation regarding perjury--either they lied to the court about not having them or they lied to the IRS about having them and promising to maintain them as required by law.

 

[hiimamac]

I expect that some here might argue here that Psystar have gone too far here - but thinking about it, it's just as bad as uTorrent, or Demonoid. They could be used for illicit purposes, but that doesn't mean that the software manufacturer is doing anything wrong.

Dodgy territory though.

I've said it b4 I'll say it again. At oxs86 org someone has developed a free efi program. It allows you to get all the updates and install retail osx disks. The iMac is almost there but with no express slot important to musicians, is is hard to defend an 8 core system, FireWire any gpu you want and 8 gigs of ram for $750 or so with pci slots vs $3000. Especially since some benchmark faster in almost everything except rendering and it's only off less than a minute.

Haven't used my hack for a while but trust me. You get an aple keyboard mouse and run osx, you will never have a problem. I never did and you can put any grachics card you want for a few hindered vs the price apple asks or a few hundered fir 8 gigs vs ecc ram. You really can't tell. Get a computer and some camera and you'll save thousands. Plus of course, Sata drives. They even have cases that look like the mac but my next hack will be a rack mounted server type case that keeps up with the mac pro. All apple needs is a mid range iMac no display box Quad sell for $800 and this won't be a problem. Thing is though is because the hack has a bios, a good set of CPUs on the right motherboard and your looking at 4.5 OC speeds that leavev the pro in the dust. Apple needs to address this. Sort of did with newer iMacs but many have wonderful diplays and graphic card ram psu and the other great thing is you can swap out the CPU as they get released. Theses dats they run so cool you can get an extra 1.5 ghz on air alone, meaning, stock fan. And still boot to win 7 or use fusion parallels. Etc v

peace. One day apple will get it right without a gotcha or a but FireWire is missing. Blue Ray. Lol. Ok ok peace.

 

[ImperialX]

I hate this. Not because the fact that this is allowing you to install OS X on PCs, but simply because they are profiting from the efforts of both Apple for making the OS, and the OSx86 team who are the brains on making hacintoshes exist. These guys did nothing. Fail.

 

[hiimamac]

Apple has no way to ensure it either. What's in your Mac is exactly what's in my PC. You know what causes most problems, or BSOD on my PC? The Nvidia drivers for my Nvida graphics card. Do you know who makes graphics cards and drivers for Apple computers? That's right, Nvidia

Apple already has the ingredients for the same problems as Microsoft, and they do have the same problems as Microsoft, just not as widespread, because, well, the computers aren't as widespread

And doesn't Asus make all apple motherboards? All apple makes these days are software and external cases, mice, displays. Take their ram firvexample buybit from apple at 100%!markup yet they dint make ram. Since when did apple start a wafer fab. Lol