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The GNU-Darwin Distribution

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General FAQ
  1. What is GNU-Darwin?
  2. What's the difference between GNU-Darwin and Darwin?
  3. Can I install GNU-Darwin with Mac OS X?
  4. Can I use GNU-Darwin as a stand alone system?
  5. How do I install GNU-Darwin?
  6. Can I install GNU-Darwin without a CD?
  7. How can I contribute to GNU-Darwin?
  8. Does GNU-Darwin run on Intel systems?
  9. I don't have a G3/G4, can I still run GNU-Darwin?
  10. What are the system requirements for GNU-Darwin?
  11. Can I upgrade my existing Darwin installation to GNU-Darwin?
  12. How does Fink figure into all this? Can I use Fink with GNU-Darwin?
  13. I found a bug, where do I submit it?
  14. Are there any additional sources of help?

1. What is GNU-Darwin?

GNU-Darwin is an Open Source BSD Unix-like OS based upon Darwin, from Apple Computer.

2. What the difference between GNU-Darwin and Darwin?

GNU-Darwin aims to be the most free Darwin distribution. Many of Apple's tools are replaced and enhanced by Open Source applications.

3. Can I install GNU-Darwin with Mac OS X?

Yes. Complete instructions are here. But be warned this process is BETA and may cause damage to your system.

4. Can I use GNU-Darwin as a stand-alone system?

Yes! GNU-Darwin can be installed on top of a Darwin installation or as a stand alone OS. You can download a bootable CD-R or purchase a non-bootable one fromhere.

5. How do I install GNU-Darwin?

There are various methods of installing GNU-Darwin: You can buy the CD, install over a network or on top of an existing Darwin installation. We prefer you buy the CD, as it supports the Distribution.

6. Can I install GNU-Darwin without a CD?

Apple used to have a downloadable installer that would install Darwin without a CD - if this were still available it would provide a way to bootleg GNU-Darwin so a CD wasn't required at all.
If you did install Darwin from Apple, then you can install GNU-Darwin on top. See the above questions for details of how to do this.

7. How can I contribute to GNU-Darwin?

Yes! You can contribute by simply installing GNU-Darwin, finding and reporting bugs and providing feedback (positive or negative) to the GNU-Darwin team. We also need more people using GNU-Darwin on Intel systems as well. The project always needs documentation. Feel free to ask in what ways you can help.

8. Does GNU-Darwin run on Intel systems?

Yes! Apple has compatibility requirements here. If you get GNU-Darwin to work on an unsupported system, let us know so we can share the information with others!

9. I don't have a G3/G4, can I still run GNU-Darwin?

Officially, no, but there have reported successes on some 604e machines.

10. What are the system requirements for GNU-Darwin?

Any computer that is officially supported by Mac OS X can run GNU-Darwin, as well as a very limited number of Intel configurations.

11. Can I upgrade my existing Darwin installation to GNU-Darwin?

Yes! Complete instructions are right here.

12. How does Fink figure into all this? Can I use Fink with GNU-Darwin?

Fink brings Unix software to Mac OS X/Darwin via an add on distribution system. You can use Fink with GNU-Darwin.

13. I found a bug, where do I submit it?

This depends on the bug. If it's something in the kernel, feedback should go to Apple. Bugs in the distribution should be submitted to the GNU-Darwin bug tracker.

14. Are there any additional sources of help?

Yes, you can subscribe to various GNU-Darwin mailing lists. Developers monitor this list.