Dec 19, 2012 VirtualBox for Mac is a virtualization tool that allows you to create virtual machines for Mac OS X, Linux, or Windows running on Mac OS X. VirtualBox for Mac. Virtual machines allow you to run an operating system in an app window on your desktop that behaves like a full, separate computer. You can use them play around with different operating systems, run software your main operating system can’t, and try out apps in a safe, sandboxed environment. Run multiple OS on the same system.with our special list of Best Virtual Machine Applications for Windows 10. Get the best virtual machine software now. Compare the best free open source Mac Virtual Machines Software at SourceForge. Free, secure and fast Mac Virtual Machines Software downloads from the largest Open Source applications and software.
A topic that has interested many users of late is cross functionality of operating systems in purpose-built hardware and one question that I have been asked on several occasions is, “Is it possible to install Mac OS on PC?”. Whilst the short answer is yes, it is, we need to look deeper at how this can actually be done and both the pro’s and the cons of doing it. The process of cross functionality in operating systems involves using things referred to as Virtual Machines and Hackintosh.
A Virtual Machine is a computer program that acts like a genuine computer would be expected to. The program can be run as a window as any other program would be. In essence, It is a computer within another computer. The end game of the Virtual Machine is to give the user the full experience of if they were using the actual operating system itself. These types of programs are usually ring-fenced. This means that the data and software in the program is unable to interact with the machine it is installed on. This generally means software can be used on machines it wasn’t originally intended to be used on and virtually prevents the risk of transmitting viruses and affecting its host hardware. Several of these virtual machines can be run at the same time on the same computer. What you will usually find is there will be an overseeing piece of software that facilitates this. Specific examples of a Virtual Machine could be either VirtualBox or VMware. So now we have a basic knowledge of what a Virtual Machine is and how it works. Let’s move on to Hackintosh.
In simple terms, Hackintosh is the name given to the action of installing Mac OS on PC. So instead of installing Windows, you would install Mac. Whilst running Mac OS on a traditional PC is not supported by creators Apple, with the proper hardware and user knowledge, it can be done. The term “Hackintosh” itself implies that the software needs to be patched in order to run efficiently and correctly. Naturally, some parts of the hardware would need to be altered in some cases as well. Now that we have a brief understanding of both Virtual Machines and Hackintosh, let us go over the pro’s and the cons of both.
Free Virtual Machine Software For Mac Os X
macOS Mojave on Virtual Machine
- It is generally easy to install macOS on a PC. The user just needs to download a VMware Image (VMDK) or VirtualBox Image (VDI) and run the program.
- Virtual machines are designed to work with all types of hardware, making them universally accessible.
- Any piece of hardware with a working internet connection (LAN) is able to run a virtual machine.
- Support is available in a variety of languages making it accessible to people who would usually be classed as technologically uneducated, all around the world.
- With the way that Virtual Machines work, you are able to work efficiently, running different operating systems in side by side windows. For example, you could be running macOS and Ubuntu, simultaneously.
- Share your Windows file or hard disk in easily using the “drag and drop” function.
- Installing the operating system is simple and straightforward and there are often user guides available.
- Virtual Machines are easy to maintain. Regular updates are supplied by developers allowing users to upgrade their operating software with ease.
- VirtualBox and VMware Player are both available free of charge, making them an even more attractive option to users.
- If the user is running several virtual machines simultaneously, this can contribute to an unstable CPU performance.
- Virtual Machines do not support genuine graphics cards. Virtual Machines are not designed to fully support the user’s Camera, Bluetooth.
- The user usually requires a high CPU and RAM to run a single Virtual machine, let alone several at once.
- You will find that your computers audio is not utilising its peak performance when using a Virtual Machine.
- Even when functioning at less than its intended efficiency. It is still more efficient than running Windows 10 for example. You can expect a vast reduction in hardware related crashes and you will find the operating system generally handles better.
- You can enjoy almost fully customisation of your computer. For example, if you don’t want to use the traditional ATI graphics card used by Mac, you could use Nvidia instead.
- Use of a Dual-Boot system. You can utilise both Windows and macOS on a Hackintosh machine.
- It enables a “Try before you buy” culture. If you are someone who has always been hesitant in using apple products. Building a Hackintosh machine is the ideal way to experience Apples operating software before committing to buying it. If you don’t enjoy it, you can simply change it back to a standard PC with virtually zero consequences.
- You are essentially stuck with the parts that you have. The parts that you are currently using are all tested to work together and any attempt to upgrade or change any parts can break your system.
- It is not for beginners. You really need some sort of experience in building computers before you attempt to build a machine using Hackintosh as not all parts work.
- Strange foreign errors. It is important to remember that macOS was never intended to run on a PC. This can lead to frequent and unexplained errors. This again leads us back to the point that Apple support cannot help you with this.
- It is a very tricky set up process compared to that of a PC. You will need to download numerous drivers and add-ons that can easily go wrong if you are inexperienced in this field.
To summarise, although theoretically, it is possible to install Mac OS on PC, I would strongly suggest that those of us that truly love Apples OS, that you invest in a Mac Mini.
A Mac Mini is essentially a very small computer created by Apple that is capable of connecting to almost any standard computer screen. Originally introduced in 2005, the Mac Mini was targeted at consumers switching from traditional PC’s over to Mac. In my opinion it is the ideal computer for anyone who is looking to make the switch from a traditional PC over to Mac but is conscious of their budget.
It features the full Apple software that many of us have come to know and love and comes with the massive benefit of the wonderful Apple customer support we discussed earlier. Users can generally get their hands on a Mac Mini for around $500. The standard cost of a regular PC. Apple recently updated the Mac Mini for 2018. The Mac Mini hadn’t been refreshed since 2014 prior to this and now boasts the 8th generation CPU and a massive 64GB of memory. It’s new eco friendly design is a welcome addition to Apple lovers worldwide and is available to purchase from many mainstream retailers, as well as the official Apple store.
Best list of Virtual Machines(Virtualization Software) 2017 for Windows, Mac and Linux: The society we live in has developed in innumerable ways. Computers have taken over every inch of our life. Computers provide us so much of information that it helps us keep abreast of current affairs at all points of time. The computer has become so close to us that not a single day in life passes without using the same. We feel so comfortable with computers owing to the different types of operating systems that make it function in an efficient way. Let us have a look at 10 best Virtual Machine of 2017.
The top ten Virtual Machines are:
VMware
VMware is one of the pioneers in Virtual machine arena. The seamless integrationthis application offers in integrating with all types of platforms makes it one of the best application among the similar ones in the field.
back to menu ↑![Machine Machine](https://www8.pcmag.com/media/images/377527-parallels-desktop-10-for-mac.jpg)
QEMU
QEMU is free software available for the users to install the same on their computers to work on more than one operating system. Basically a boon for Linuxusers, QEMU is an open source applicationthat can be customized by users to suit their needs.
back to menu ↑Virtual Box
Virtual Box is an amazing virtual machine application that switches between operating systems on the host desktop. The multi-screen resolution capabilities and 3D virtualizationit supports is highly appreciated in the industry making it one of the best Virtual machines of the decade.
back to menu ↑Parallels Desktop 11
Parallels Desktop 11 is a unique virtual machine which cannot be equaled when it comes to MAC users the best Windows experience. Parallels Desktop 11 also supportsSolaris operating system and Linux operating system in an unparalleled manner.
back to menu ↑Boot Camp
Boot Camp is a freeware virtual machine from the world famous Apple brand. It supportsWindows,OS X on all MAC systems.
back to menu ↑Windows Virtual PC
Windows Virtual PC provides strong support to users who are hardcoreWindowsfans. Windows Virtual PC stands alone in the list of virtual machines.
back to menu ↑Virtual Machine software, free download
Hyper-V
Hyper-V which was basically introduced in the previous decade to support Windows Server 2008 is one of the best Virtual Machine applications of the decade.
back to menu ↑Oracle VM Virtual Box
Oracle VM Virtual Box is one of the excellent virtual machine options for beginners. This virtual machine supports various operating systems like Linux,Windows,Solaris and OS X.
back to menu ↑VMware Fusion
VMware Fusion is more of fusion ware software that helps run Windows operating systems from a MACsystem. It is one of the VMware packages which has unique features.
back to menu ↑XenServer
XenServer, one of the established open source Virtual Machine applications is available free of cost. It supportsinstallations of basic operating systems.
Even as laymen, one time or the other, we think of changing the operating system when we hear about something better from hardcore techies. This is possible without changing your hardware but by just downloading virtual machines. Hope the information we have provided above helps you do that