Can I virtualize Mac OS X Leopard (non-server)?

Discussion in 'General Questions' started by JimSchw, Mar 11, 2012.

  1. JimSchw

    JimSchw Bit poster

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    This is a pre-sales question. I already have Parallels 6, and I need to know if this will work on Parallels 7.

    I am running Mac OS X Snow Leopard. I need to be able to run Mac OS X Leopard. The only way to do this is through virtualization, because my computer (Mac Pro) came out after Snow Leopard was released, and it won't let me install Leopard.

    I know that Parallels 6 will let me virtualize Leopard Server, but not Leopard (non-server) itself. I understand that this was due to licensing issues.

    But I understand that VMWare will allow Leopard to be virtualized; apparently Apple has relaxed its licensing.

    So will Parallels 7 let me virtualize Leopard?

    I need to know before I upgrade to Parallels 7, or whether I should go with VMWare.

    All advice, insights, and so on is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
     
  2. YanaYana

    YanaYana

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    1,666
    According to what i know it is not supported yet. But i would clarify this question and get back to you soon
     
  3. YanaYana

    YanaYana

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    So that is what i'vegot - Parallels Still does not support non serve rLeopard - nor does VMWare - ask their support team for official information. Apple didn't change it's EULA not for Parallels nor for VMWare
     
  4. Specimen

    Specimen Product Expert

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    VMWare doesn't allow non-server Leopard to be virtualized, that only happened in one version of VMWare Fusion that did not enforce the restriction, this was considered a bug and later corrected.
     
  5. RadekP

    RadekP Bit poster

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    I am bit confused about this. I paid for the family pack and should be able to install the OS on up to 5 computers. Can someone clarify this for me and explain why does not Parallels let me proceed with the install.
     
  6. Specimen

    Specimen Product Expert

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    Because Apple specifically disallows in their EULA (End User License Agreement) OS X Leopard non-server to be virtualized (unlike Lion or Mountain Lion).
    Parallels and VMWare enforce this restriction, probably were required to do so by Apple.
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2012
  7. RadekP

    RadekP Bit poster

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    I just read the EULA, but fail to see the language that sets out this prohibition. Would you please tell me where are you getting this from?
     
  8. Specimen

    Specimen Product Expert

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    *sigh*
    I didn't made up this stuff, obviously...

    (I'm not a lawyer)

    This EULA thing was a big discussion years ago, opinions diverged on the wording, there are plenty of threads about this in this forum or use google to search for that. You have to compare the server with the non-server EULA. I put in bold the relevant part, which is about running one copy only of Apple software per computer even if it's a Family Pack. You may not agree with the wording or interpretation, but the official interpretation that Apple, Parallels and VMWare go by is that only the server versions of Leopard and Snow Leopard can be virtualized, or, Lion and Mountain Lion. Leopard and Snow Leopard clients are not allowed.
    And you can kick and scream all you want but they wont' change their stance, you may even say that if the Host OS is Lion then you are only running one copy of Leopard on that computer, even so, Apple, Parallels and VMWare don't allow it.

    Taking as example Snow Leopard that has a similar license to Leopard:

    Server version:
    http://images.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/macosx_snowleopard.pdf
    "2. Permitted License Uses and Restrictions.
    A. Mac OS X Server Software.
    Subject to the terms and conditions of this License, you are granted a limited non-exclusive license to install and use one copy of the Mac OS X Server software (the Mac OS X Server Software) on a single Apple-branded computer. You may also install and use other copies of Mac OS X Server Software on the same Apple-branded computer, provided that you acquire an individual and valid license from Apple for each of these other copies of Mac OS X Server Software""

    Client version:
    http://images.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/macosx106.pdf
    "2. Permitted License Uses and Restrictions.
    A. Single Use License. Subject to the terms and conditions of this License, unless you have purchased a Family Pack or Upgrade license for the Apple Software, you are granted a limited non-exclusive license to install, use and run one (1) copy of the Apple Software on a single Apple-branded computer at a time."

    "B. Family Pack License. If you have purchased a Family Pack license, then subject to the terms and conditions of this License, you are granted a limited non- exclusive license to install, use and run one (1) copy of the Apple Software on up to a maximum of five (5) Apple-branded computers at a time as long as those computers are located in the same household and used by persons who occupy that same household."

    Note: If you run 2 copies on one Apple brand computer this violates the family pack license, as it explicitly says one copy per machine (apple branded computer). When it says 5 Apple branded computers, these are 5 physical machines, not virtual machines, one copy per each.

    Here's an article about virtualization being allowed on Lion's EULA, if you still think I'm making this up:

    http://www.macrumors.com/2011/07/01...le-copies-on-the-same-machine-virtualization/

    Vitualization in Lion is allowed by this:

    "(iii) to install, use and run up to two (2) additional copies or instances of the Apple Software within virtual operating system environments on each Mac Computer you own or control that is already running the Apple Software."

    If you still aren't convinced, the only option you have is the legal option to sue Apple and the other companies.
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2012
  9. YanaYana

    YanaYana

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    1,666
    True. I'm afraid this not gonna change at the nearest future.
     

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