Linux and Mac

[bill6047]

Question: Can Linux and Mac coexist on the same system---if not, why not--if so how and do you have any WebSites to support this---Need some help just working on a report and don't know much about these 2.

Thanks,
Bill

[hugortega]

You can use a virtual machine.

If you have a mac, you can use Parallels to install Linux on the virtual machine (I did that and it's relatively easy).

If you have a PC with Linux, you can use VMW or Parallels or QEmu (or another VM software) and *try* to install OS-X in that machine (it's possible to install os-x on a PC, but painful in general)

Hugo

[techieMoe]

They can coexist either using a Virtual Machine, or by using something like Boot Camp. However, Boot Camp only "officially" supports a dual-boot with Microsoft Windows at this point, so you'll need to get creative if you want Linux on there.

The safest and least destructive route is a Virtual Machine. VirtualBox is a good one and it's free. If you're just really in the mood for some hacking you can get directions on a Linux-native dual boot here:

How to install Linux on an Intel Mac with Boot Camp - by Chris Scott - Helium

UPDATE - I just re-read your post and it looks like you're wanting information for a paper? What is the paper about? Linux and the Mac OS can coexist on a computer the same way Linux and Microsoft Windows can; they can share a harddrive but can't run in parallel unless you're using a virtual machine. They are most certainly separate operating systems, although Mac OS X has more in common with Linux than Windows (since OS X and Linux are both UNIX-like operating systems).