How to learn the Mac OS on the cheap!

July 2, 2007 11:38 AM

How can I learn the Mac OS as inexpensively as possible?

So here's the deal: I'm a PC tech and I've been working in the Windows world for a about 15 years now. Mostly tech support roles with some system admin stuff as well. I do a pretty good bit of side work (setting up small offices/helping people with their home stuff) but I've been asked a few times for help with Mac systems. Unfortunately, I have no experience with Macs so I thought it might be good to finally get in there and learn.

Aside from straight up purchasing a new Mac, how would you go about this? I hear it's technically possible to get OS X running on a regular PC but it requires a lot of upkeep and work. (It's also illegal I believe.) I don't mind monkeying with the system as I feel that may be a good way to "learn" the ins & outs of it. But is it just a stupid big hassle even worth considering?

I've got a couple of spare PC machines at my place and I'd love to use this hardware for this purpose if it's viable. (Kind of like using it for a Linux box.)

So there you go. How would you guys accomplish this as inexpensively as possible? Thanks for your help!

posted by covert7 to computers & internet (11 comments total)

OSX86 Project
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 11:44 AM on July 2, 2007

I did try doing that - you have to make sure you have the right hardware etc... Run OK I guess but you're right it took a lot of maintainence.

Personally, I'd just buy a low-end Mac Mini... You can probably get refurbished ones from the Apple store.
posted by puddpunk at 11:53 AM on July 2, 2007

What's inexpensive? Is $300 too much? You can find an older G3 laptop for that much, easy, and have a complete OSX box up and running very quickly. Desktop systems are even cheaper.

I'd vote that getting OSX running on x86 is definitely a stupid big hassle not even worth considering.

And on preview, yeah - there's obviously other ways to get macs on the cheap. Craigslist is your friend.
posted by god hates math at 11:57 AM on July 2, 2007

Yeah, just buy a cheap Mac if you want to learn how OS X works. Even if you manage to get OS X running on non-Apple hardware, that won't give you a very good idea of the types of problems people normally run into on OS X, because people don't normally do that.
posted by scottreynen at 12:24 PM on July 2, 2007

For reference, a new-model refurb mac mini from Apple is about $500. You can use a PC keyboard, and of course will need a monitor and mouse as well.
posted by exogenous at 12:26 PM on July 2, 2007

Thanks for the input guys. Yeah, I'm looking at spending at most $300 if I have to. (New baby drains the bank!!)

I think I'll just keep an eye on the auction sites and the classifieds and wait on a decent find. After reading more on the OSX86 site, I think I would be better off starting from a good and proper system than cobbling together my own Frankenstein. :P

Anyway, thanks again for the advice!
posted by covert7 at 12:31 PM on July 2, 2007

I just bought an eMac 1.2GHz and an iMac 700Mhz for $150. Both G4s running Tiger and Panther from a client. I'm in the same boat as you - formerly PC, now Linux, interested in OS X. FWIW, I've decided Linux is where it's at for me.

Just keep an eye out, they're out there!
posted by cdmwebs at 12:51 PM on July 2, 2007

I've got the latest version of OSX running on a G4 iMac and it works fine, though it isn't the fastest thing in the world these days. I've seen these going for $200-300 on eBay. Since it comes with the integral screen and all it might be a good option, you'll be able to just plug and play.
posted by nanojath at 12:51 PM on July 2, 2007

Nthing the abvove: buy a cheap iMac or eMac, and run the latest version of OS X you can. It will be slow, but you will get the hang of it pretty quick. Good luck!

(Oh, don't even mess with trying to run it X46 hardware. The time involved will not be worth it for what you are trying to do.)
posted by The Deej at 1:29 PM on July 2, 2007

You can start with all those free classes at every Apple store. I sat through one when I had some time kill while downtown and learned more than I thought I would about garageband. Granted, its entry-level stuff, but its free.
posted by damn dirty ape at 2:19 PM on July 2, 2007

I would also recommend the appropriate edition of Mac OS X: The Missing Manual for whatever version of OS X you end up with. It's cheap, and it's really an excellent book.
posted by emmastory at 9:12 AM on July 4, 2007