I see where Apple has applied for a patent that allows the computer maker to protect the installation of Mac OS X so that it can only be used on Apple produced hardware. No real surprise there.
However, the patent also describes a method whereby Apple hardware could be used to run other Operating Systems:
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the first operating system is selected from the set consisting of Mac OS X, Linux, and Microsoft Windows.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the second operating system is selected from the set consisting of Mac OS X, Linux, and Microsoft Windows.
So Apple are stopping OS X from being installed on other hardware while simultaneously allowing multiple OSs on Apple hardware? The only way to run OSX will be to buy a Mac. But once you have bought a Mac, you can run whatever you want on it. This would certainly make Apple’s hardware quite attractive for people who need access to multiple OSs.
UPDATE:
I see cnet have picked up this story as well
So they’re patenting (thrown in amongst other things) a boot loader? Good luck with that one Steve!
Hostyle,
tbh I think this is a bit of a backward step on Apple’s part – I think they would benefit enormously from allowing their OS to be loaded on non-Apple hardware – let people see how good it is (and if it isn’t, learn why not and improve it!).
They are raising artificial barriers to the use of their software and this will come back to haunt them in the long term.
Jesus they’re trying to patent a bootloader, it’ll be a disgrace if they are granted that. I can’t believe people aren’t getting more worked up over this, no way should you be allowed to patent something like that.
Tom, I don’t think OS X would be as good if you could load it on other machines. Apple can exercise quality and design control over their hardward – if they allowed OS X to run on any machine with any peripherals, I think you’d see bugs pop up all over the place – it’d be Windows all over again.
It’s a grand idea, and of course I’d love to be able to run OS X AND Windows on any machine I want, but it’s more important to the current high level of stability in OS X is maintained.
But it’s a great marketing move to allow people buy a Mac and run Windows on it – that’ll really swing loads more ‘switchers’. Mac’s are sexier so plenty of people would run Windows on a Powerbook, and then over time will see the benefits of OS X.
Now that I think of it though, I’m not sure I like the idea of Mac’s becoming mainstream – I’m quite happy being in a small percentage of manical fanboys!
I disagree Ed – Linux runs on most pcs with few problems – if Apple wanted to, they could release a stable version of OS X for any x86 hardware – they just don’t want to – and I think that’s a mistake.
Apple are a hardware company and they use hardware revenue to fund R&D for OS X and other software. They wouldn’t be able to compete with the likes of Dell. People would be buying Dell hardware and OS X CDs. And that would be the end of Apples hardware market. They could take a chance and rely more on ipod and similar revenue, but that wouldn’t be the Jobs way.
Much as I would love to rant against Apple for restricting usage of their software (which incidentally is based on open source software), I think it makes perfect business sense to at least try to restrict it through patents.
Angsuman: They do not need patents to protect their software. Trademarks and copyrights cater just fine for that. Patents are supposed to be reserved for innovative ideas, not every damn thing one can think of.
Linux and Free BSD run very stable on PC’s. It is a shame OS’X is not available on PC. I love OS X but it is the hardware is too expensive for me. I play World of Warcraft and my (new) custom gaming PC cost £300, equivalent PowerMac off eBay cost £600.