Virtualizing Mac OS X on Linux

In my last post I wrote about virtualization. Here I’m going to introduce the world of virtualizing Mac OS X (Apple’s operating system) on linux.

Why would anyone want to run Mac OS X on virtual machine? Many reasons. Some people buy Apple’s computer but prefer linux as an operating system. However they still use from time to time native OS X applications such as iTunes. It makes perfect sense to load virtual OS X instance only when needed. Another reason might be testing new releases of OS X, software updates, etc… but the main reason, I believe, is software developers who want to develop iphone/ipad applications but don’t own Apple computer.

Before I proceed, I have to say a few things about Apple’s behavior and some legal issues as well. Imagine, that in order to develop windows application you’d have to buy computer from Microsoft. You would also have to run windows operating system and use Microsoft’s development environment only. In order to test your application outside the development environment, you’d also must register as Microsoft developer (99$ fee). When you finish developing, you’d have to submit your application to Microsoft’s store, and wait for approval. Microsoft, on it’s end doesn’t obligate to approve or disapprove your application in a given period. If your application does get to the Microsoft store, they keep the right to get it off whenever they feel like changing policy, and then no one would be able to get your application anymore.

If it sounds right, stop reading now. You better off to billy’s blog.