Want to try out the Mac operating system, but don’t want to purchase Apple hardware? Check out “Think Different: How to Build Your Own Hackintosh”, the latest guide from MakeUseOf. By author Stefan Neagu, this guide outlines what you need to do in order to build a Hackintosh. Whether you want to try using a computer you already have or buy a pre-built computer for the job, this guide shows you the way.
A Hackintosh PC, as the name would suggest, is a vanilla PC (built by you or a retailer other than Apple) running a hacked (or patched) version of Apple’s Mac OS X operating system. OS X is specifically designed to run on Apple’s hardware line; a Hackintosh is simply non-Apple hardware using the operating system.
Although Apple opposes the practice of hijacking their OS for use on off-brand PCs, many technology-oriented people who don’t want to buy the hardware from Apple choose to spend a lot of time and effort in creating a Hackintosh.
It’s not easy by any means, but this guide explains to you what’s needed to get OS X running without a Mac.
This free guide shows you:
- Where to research whether your computer can run OS X
- Where to buy OS X compatible hardware
- Patching OS X to install on your computer
- Installing updates without breaking you OS X installation
- Dual-booting Windows and OS X
- Getting to know OS X, and finding tools to use in it
Download Link
You can also purchase the book on Amazon. You'll have to pay 99 cents, but you don't need to subscribe to or share anything. You'll also directly support the creation of these guides.
We are testing a new download system that doesn't require a password or newsletter subscription. If you prefer this way, please consider sharing this guide with your friends; this will help us to make more awesome free guides in the future.
Similar Stuff
-
Understanding Windows Phone 7: Your Complete Guide
-
Computing Harmony: Seamlessly Blend Windows and OS X
-
Computer In Your Computer: How To Use VirtualBox
-
The Easy Guide To Computer Networks
Download Other MakeUseOf Guides and Printable Cheat Sheets (all FREE)
Leave a comment
Get a MakeUseOf account using one of your online accounts below.
Why? Earn points, unlock giveaways, access locked exclusives.
Hide 43 Comments
Just in time! thanks
Where do I get the guide for building the hackingtosh
Where do I get the guide for building the hackingtosh
Awesome You guys rock!!
Isnt this illegal?
Its not “illegal” as long as you purchased OSX from legitimate source, but its definitely against EULA, so do not expect tech support from Apple if something goes wrong.
The EULA is a legally binding agreement, so… yeah, I’m pretty sure it’s illegal. Not that I’m NOT endorsing it, LOL, but to be honest, I’d rather just buy a used Mac and still have a better experience.
It is technically, by US law, illegal, no matter what method or what you purchase. That said, Apple is not going to bust down your door because of this, just too many doors to knock down.
That said, Apple may one day setup a check for hardware or implement some more security that will leave the modders and hackers, the original definition of the word (no offence to anyone as I consider my self a white hat), out to dry at least for a while.
Apple has bigger fish to fry, currently HTC and Android…
I think Apple is the one who’ll get fried….
Not Sure, But If HTC isn’t able to sell new phone models in America for too long…
illegal is what Apple do. They stole the GUI from Xerox.
To be fair to Apple, Xerox let Apple have the GUI they developed, The On-Line System had a gui interface in 1960′s, because Xerox didn’t want and did not market it until after Apple released the Mac. Apple sold Xerox stock so they could visit Xerox PARC, now just PARC, to look at the GUI. Xerox know what was going to happen, just did not think Jobs could do anything with it.
No download link working
the link is not working
Attention users who can;t download guides: use the password “makeuseof”WITHOUT quotation marks and it Will work!
you can’t spell can’t.
As Always, awesome stuff.
Hey wait
Ke5vzt what did ……..
You just said ” GAME OVER “
the link for downloading doesnt work
chris lioumis
The instructions say to RIGHT-CLICK the link and choose “Save Link As.”
I already get your newsletter and enjoy it. I wold like to read this but your not getting the names and addreses of my contacts. That is total B.S!
Hey Cregg,
We don’t want the emails of your contacts ). Where did this come from?
Aibek
Thanks – Great book
Seems I’m having similar problems to many:
Regardless of which browser I use, there is no “Right Mouse Click” options menu which leaves me with the non-functioning “Left Mouse Click” to which the downLoad fails to activate.
Result – no downLoad of the artice “how-to-build-your-own-hackintosh”
Rather a shame for this webSite as there has been many a useful article/guide.
Monsignor.
If you are using a Mac then hold the CTRL and then click that makes the right click
Hi Leopold,
Do you still experience the issue? If so could you please send us the source of the webpage in text file when you see that download link isn’t active. That would allow us to troubleshoot.
Aibek
Wow. Thank you so much for this! I’ve been searching my whole life (??) a step by step instructions on how to do this!
Thanks guys!
Totally Awesome Dude…PLS Believe it!
the pass word is makeuseof
Thanks it is very helpfool
Got it to work, thanks. Easiest to log into Facebook, MakeUseOf fan page, and go to the “MakeUseOf Guides” section, etc.
Thanks for the update, Morris!
Thanks for the update, Morris!
Nice guide for Apple Software but I never liked anything apple mobile device wise ANDROID & any LINUX SYSTEM RULES But OSX LION IS VERY SWEET….
totaly awesome
I have all the hardware requirements, Iboot and Max OS X retail dvd. When I boot the Max OS X, I just get a blue screen, and nothing els. Not the installation. How long should I wait??
Does the screen comes instantly or should I wait long?
Tim,
I think this is a question best asked on MakeUseOf Answers
Tim, We haven’t heard anything on your question on Answers
Where you able to get it working?
Thanks for this awesome article. Although I didnt feel like typing in my email just to download the PDF file. Decided to look at the page source for the download link/file password. found it, downloaded PDF, and LOVED IT! I still shared it with friends and family. Thanks again
Hi Douglas,
Thanks for heads up.
As per our policy anyone can distribute our guides both for personal and commercial use.
There are many companies that distribute our guides, the Tradepub is one of them.
Some do it for free, others charge for it. MakeUseOf doesn’t get any profit from that.
It’s merely an additional distribution/exposure channel for us.
Aibek
Thanks
Thanks, WilL See How Great My Creationg will come out.