Are there any programs similar to boot camp - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boot_Camp_%28software%29 - but to run mac, on a windows computer?
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You cannot run OS X on non-apple hardware without being in violation of OS X's EULA. There are, of course, unsupported and unofficial ways to do this, but it is at your own risk and potentially illegal. The name of one of the biggest projects is called OSX86, but as mentioned earlier - it is potentially illegal and definitely a violation of the EULA.
MDMarra
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Certainly! There is a big project called OSx86 which involves installing and running OS X on a PC. There are loads of guides and support on the OSx86 website. Additionally, they do have an IRC support channel which can be good to get some immediate help, and there are forums at InsanelyMac to help you out.
Lifehacker has a pretty in depth and excellent guide on how to Install Snow Leopard on your Hackintosh PC, no hacking required
But first before you go off and install OS X on your PC, you must be aware of a few things:
- It breaks the EULA. However, the legality and enforceability of a EULA is debatable.
- It is not necessarily illegal, but downloading software (such as modified builds of OS X) IS illegal. The guide from Lifehacker is perfectly legal because it uses a retail version of OS X Snow Leopard
- Hardware support is largely finicky, especially for Snow Leopard. I suggest you go with Leopard for now, as it seems to have the greatest hardware support. You might have to venture onto the internet and find the kexts (drivers for OS X) for any non-working hardware
- If using a modified build of OS X (not a retail disc), you probably won't be able to apply system updates (10.5.x, 10.6.x) without doing preparation before hand. This may also apply to using a retail disc (such as the Lifehacker guide).
Before I bought my Macbook I had OS X running smoothly on my desktop computer fine. Once I looked around on the internet to solve a couple of problems, all hardware in my computer was working fine.
Installing OSx86 is a fun and interesting project, and you have nothing to loose (as long as you backup your data) by giving it a go. I highly suggest it, as long as you have the time.
