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If you get one of the new Intel Macs, you should be able to dual boot between OS X and any of the standard linux releases. If you get one of the older G4 or G5 Macs, you will be restricted to versions of linux that are compiled for the PPC chip.
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If you get one of the new Intel Macs, you should be able to dual boot between OS X and any of the standard linux releases. If you get one of the older G4 or G5 Macs, you will be restricted to versions of linux that are compiled for the PPC chip.

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strung,<br />
<br />
Thanks, &nbsp;but I'm looking for information (pros, cons) on Unix network programming on Mac OS X. &nbsp; I can dual boot linux on my existing system. &nbsp;No need to buy new hardware for that.<br />
<br />
Chris
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strung,

Thanks,  but I'm looking for information (pros, cons) on Unix network programming on Mac OS X.   I can dual boot linux on my existing system.  No need to buy new hardware for that.

Chris

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I'm taking a unix network programming class in grad school and I'm looking to stand up my own Unix box to develop on. Can someone give me a informed evaluation of Mac OS X for this scenario? I will need to be able to create child processes, threading, connect with unix sockets, etc. I'm worried that Mac OS X won't give me the freedom to develop that I would have on other platforms. Obviously, I can use FreeBSD or Linux, but I have considered getting a Mac for some time anyway....and two birds, one stone, etc.<br />
<br />
Thanks.<br />
<br />
Chris
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I'm taking a unix network programming class in grad school and I'm looking to stand up my own Unix box to develop on. Can someone give me a informed evaluation of Mac OS X for this scenario? I will need to be able to create child processes, threading, connect with unix sockets, etc. I'm worried that Mac OS X won't give me the freedom to develop that I would have on other platforms. Obviously, I can use FreeBSD or Linux, but I have considered getting a Mac for some time anyway....and two birds, one stone, etc.

Thanks.

Chris

Mac OS X for Unix Network Programming

All of Apple's hardware is produced solely by Apple Inc., who determines internal systems, designs, and prices. Apple buys certain components wholesale from third-party manufacturers. The current Mac product family uses Intel x86-64 processors. All Mac models ship with at least 1 GB RAM as standard. Current Mac computers use ATI Radeon or nVidia GeForce graphics cards and include a dual-function DVD and CD burner, called the SuperDrive. Current Apple hardware includes the iPad, iPhone, iMac, Mac Pro, Macbook, iPod and Apple TV. Discontinued hardware includes the Apple I, Apple II, and the Apple III, the Lisa, the Newton, the Quadra, Performa, Centris, Macintosh II and LC series, the Power Macintosh, iBooks and the MacBook.

Apple Hardware

Apple's early computers ran on a variety of operating systems, including a Pascal version and one based on CP/M, before releasing its ProDOS with the advent of its 16-bit computer. With the release of the Lisa, which had its own OS, Apple and computing entered the graphical age; it was followed by the Macintosh, which offered a series of "System" operating systems. Other Mac operating systems included PowerPC until Apple acquired NeXT and folded it into the Mac OS. Current operating systems for Apple devices are Mac OS-X and iOS.

Apple OS

Apple devices including Macs, iPhones, iPods and iPad support standard wired and wireless networking technologies, but they also utilize custom applications and some special techniques for networking with each other and with non-Apple devices. Apple manufacturers the AirPort line of wireless networking products, and has its own networking protocols, AppleTalk and AFP (Apple Filing Protocol).