Apple goes after MacBidouille

First, we did not link to instructions on where to find OSX for x86 or how to install it. We're not complaining that Apple sent us the cease & desist letter. We've received 3 or 4 of these in the past for different stories that we published but never made a fuss out of it. But it is the first time that Apple's lawyers threaten us directly of taking the necessary actions to shut down our website if we did not comply immediately. This is what pissed of Lionel and made him write this rant.

"I never knew a hacker's "turf" was the processor" The hacking discussed in this post isn't about the processors and viruses, but the overall OS/hardware picture. If people can take off the shelf parts and build their own box that is as fast or faster than Apple's best hardware for much cheaper, they'll do it. That's the point. In recent history (not counting the clone wars of the past), it hasn't even been possible to make your own Mac and for cheaper than you could buy one from Apple. With the hacking of the new x86 OS, it will be possible and therefore it will be done. As far as viruses, spyware and such, yes unix is much more secure than windows. But the bigger reason for the lack of viruses on those platforms is user base. If Apple does well and gains significant marketshare, you can bet there will be viruses and other such nuisances.

"Theyre now dealing with a world (the PC world) that has less respect for Apple than Mac users do.".... "If you think people posting rumors about upcoming products is the same as unleashing the full force of the hacking community on Apple's software, you're being naive. His comment is right on. Apple is most definitely now facing something in a way and magnitude they never have before." This all sounds like a hackneyed version of "The Blackboard Jungle," or "The Outsiders" (Watch it man, or I'm going to slash your throat with my pocket protector!). I never knew a hacker's "turf" was the processor, I always thought that it was the system that he could break into easily and wreak the most havoc on. Linux plays on x86s, but viruses and bad hacks are as almost as rare as they are on Mac, and that OS can be had for free and doesn't really need any special coaching to run on a generic box. I don't buy that'll be a sudden mass "hack attack" when Mactels start shipping, I don't doubt that they'll be some attempts on OSX, but, if we're so confident that it's secure now, there's nothing saying that it won't be as secure on a X86. Once hackers find out that it's not an easy mark, they'll lose interest. Also, don't forget that Unix is 30 years old,, and viruses haven't plagued it at all.

A user of my little app, "alterPod" asked me if he could submit it to the Apple download site, I said "sure, feel free" , and they actually listed it for a few days before it was taken down. I never expected it to get listed, as it changes the interface of the iPod, and I was pretty sure Apple wouldn't be too keen on the idea. (This is why I had never submitted it myself) If they had sent me a "cease and desist" letter/email, I'm not sure what I would have done, but I sure as hell wouldn't have complained. It's their interface, and they have a right to be protective about it. So I think MacBidouille shouldn't be surprised, and definately shouldn't be complaining. If you want to hack your machine to bits or install pirate software, go ahead. But... When the "owner" complains don't get upset, you should have seen it coming. Just my 2 cents.

A nasty 'Cease & Desist' letter is not the same as being slapped with a law suit. However, if MacBidouille expected anything less, they were certainly naﶥ; attempting to justify their publication of the information in question confirms this naﶥty. In response to Dvorak's theory that this is a co-ordinated publicity exercise to guage the PC world's response, I can only laugh. The likelihood of Apple releasing a version of Mac OS X for generic Intel hardware is only marginally lower than the likelihood of Windows Vista being a superior operating system (and bug-free.)

Umm yeah but the Mac OS isn't as open as Windows is for virus writers. I still don't see how they could target the Mac more. There is a lot more protection under the Mac OS no?

Agree totally with #8 above. MacBid is totally right on. There are many more PC users out there than Mac folks and when they get a crack at a version of OSX that runs on their boxes you can expect they'll do their worst (best?) to use and abuse it to their needs. It's a question of numbers. Apple should have expected it.

"What a crock!" and "trend" Huh? Who's naive here? If you think people posting rumors about upcoming products is the same as unleashing the full force of the hacking community on Apple's software, you're being naive. His comment is right on. Apple is most definitely now facing something in a way and magnitude they never have before. And I agree with the above comments on TUAW's hypocrisy in linking to the story to begin with. You can't have it both ways.

I think MacBidouille is right when he says "Theyre now dealing with a world (the PC world) that has less respect for Apple than Mac users do. Dealing with this world also implies dealing with hackers that now have Apple in target." You can't seriously compare hackers dealing with 90% of the market with those who deal with 5%. Apple is facing a new threat and that's quite obvious. The last remark of your post is puzzling me as it shows some agressivity without a valid explanation. And sure, some hypocrisy.

So, "It can be done" equals "it has to be done"? Sure people will rant away if OSX86 only runs on Apple hardware. They'll complain about Apple locking the system and not selling to the masses, not taking this golden opportunity. Thing is, Apple's always had hardware as a primary interest. I don't think anyone was surprised that the clone wars ended as they did; someone can always come out with a slightly cheaper box. Apple's interested in the whole computing experience, from the OS to the packaging for even small components. Could Apple sell enough copies of Tiger to stay in business, if they dropped the hardware side? Possibly, but would you want to take that risk? And why should they? Apple has in one sense the best of both worlds, if you can install Windows on their x86 box. They'd be using hardware people were familiar with--an A:A comparison, or something close to. Sure you'll still pay a price premium, but for a machine with a lot of style and a bevy of great apps. Plus you can dual-boot and run any Windows app you please. That's no small assumption, that this would work, but it's attractive in a way that OSX-for-everyone isn't. Up until now, Apple's been in direct competition with Microsoft and every beige boxer out there. Want to run the Mac OS? Here's a 6100, with the new PowerPC chip! Windows? Your box is over there. But if Microsoft can install their OS on yet another set of machines, why should they complain? Sure this is an opportunity for Apple's software sales to rise, but it's the hardware side that's really got a chance, in my view. For all the people who ever said, I'd buy a Mac in a second if it ran Windows--go on, Newfie. This could be your chance.