New Variant of 'Mac Defender' Quickly Evades Apple's Security Update as Cat-and-Mouse Game Begins. You can read more in here: New Variant of 'Mac Defender'
All users should download and install the security update from apple. Security Update 2011-003 is recommended for all users and improves the security of Mac OS X. Previous security updates have been incorporated into this security update.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1387
Apple had updated "Xprotect.plist" file in the OSX 10.6.8 seed, which will be release to the public in the incoming weeks. As you can see "OSX.FakeAV.a" has been added to it (See image below):
Read more about Mac Malware here: News cnet - How bad is the Mac malware scare? (FAQ)
A little over two weeks have passed since the appearance of MAC Defender, the fake AV solution targeting Mac users. And seeing that the approach had considerable success, it can hardly come as a surprise that attackers chose to replicate it.
This time, the name of the rogue AV is Mac Protector, and according to McAfee, the downloaded Trojan contains two additional packages:
macprotector.pkg (the application),
macProtectorInstallerProgramPostflight.pkg (bash script that launches Mac Protector once it's installed).
As with MAC Defender, the application requires root privileges to get installed, so the user is asked to enter the password.
"Mac Protector is very sophisticated and uses a lot of resources to appear as a real anti-virus app to the user. There are a lot of images and sounds in the package that simulate system scanning, show the alerts, etc," says McAfee. "Mac Protector will perform a fake scan on the system, and will show rootkits and spyware detections for real and current processes."
________________________________________
Here is a Vanilla Kernel 10.6.7 (also knows as xnu-1504.9.37) that has lapic issue fixed (that affect HP's laptops).
Installing or replacing the kernel will give you the option of booting up 64 bit mode.
Vanilla Kernel 10.6.7
Note: The mach kernel must be replace after installing 10.6.7
I just came from a 2 months vacation from South America and I'll update my blog. So, keep checking for new updates!
If you had noticed Google had blocked my blog because I linked prasys's web site (the old server) on my blog and now that server is been called "Malicious software is hosted on 1 domain(s), including prasys.co.cc/." that's why I had decide to deleted the old posted on my blog. Maybe that way Google won't block it.
Updated: 02/24/11
Today Apple had posted the new MacBook Pro model in their web site featuring:
AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics processor with 256MB of GDDR5 memory on 2.0GHz configuration; or AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor with 1GB of GDDR5 memory on 2.2GHz configuration
Which is great news for those who using Hackintosh computer, because we'll have more support and comparability in our systems.
Also:
2.0GHz or 2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with 6MB shared L3 cache; or optional 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with 8MB shared L3 cache
Apple's next-generation 15-inch MacBook Pro has:
•An Intel Core 2.0 GHz i7 quad-core processor with a 6MB cache
•4GB of RAM at 1333 MHz
•500GB hard drive
•15.4-inch screen with 1440x900 resolution
•Intel HD Graphics 3000
•AMD Radeon HD 6490M GPU with 256MB of memory
•FaceTime HD camera
•8x SuperDrive
•Thunderbolt and Mini DisplayPort
•SDXC slot, FireWire 800 port and two USB 2.0 ports
•Audio and Ethernet ports
•Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
•2.54 kg in weight
Thunderbolt digital video output
Native Mini DisplayPort output
DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (optional)
VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (optional)
Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter supports 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display (optional)
HDMI audio and video output using a third-party Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter
You need to be aware that when you used any bootloader/distro, this ones comes with some basic kexts which allows the bootloader to boot up with the Operating system and at the same time enable the hardware. Now, the problem happens when you have a bootloader/distro with kexts meant for a specific version of Snow leopard OS and when it try to load a conflict/kernel panic will happen because of incomparability in the system. Most people are not aware of it and that's why when they try to upgrade from one version to another, such KP happened. The bootloader needs to be updated (meaning the kexts inside of it) to the version you are meant to install, again, the incomparability will trigger a kernel panic, which is basically a way to protect your system. Most people have to replace/update some kexts after the installation by using a safe mode feature. If by any reason the system keeps crashing in the installation is because such bootloader is not compatible with that specific system and an alternative can be to trying to replace/remove the kexts inside the bootloader or just look for a compatible one.
To choose a bootloader the first thing you need to find out is if that bootloader is compatible with your motherboard, if it's not, you can forget about that bootloader and try a different one meant for your system.
Some bootloaders/distro are made for laptops only, others for desktop only and others work for both. Also some work for a specific Processor. You need to keep all this thing in mind when choosing a bootloader.
When a new laptop goes to the market and you try to convert it into a hackintosh machine sometimes it takes a while to find the right kexts and even a bootloader to make it work, there is not "Magic Bullets".
My advice is to try others bootloaders until you find the right one and read what others had done to fixed their issues. that's why all of us have done it, sharing with others what we have fixed and experiences.
One more thing, you may find bootloaders that are compatible with your system and not all the hardwares will work but there's others bootloaders that are not only compatible but most of your hardware will work.
there's 2 way to enable hardware in our systems:
1)- using modified kexts which are injectors that enables that specific hardware. When installing a new modified kext or injector make sure is compatible with the version of OSX you have or you will have Kernel panic.
2)- editing your dsdt.aml which is far more complex than installing a injector. There's people that have improved their dsdt.aml and had uploaded to share with those who have the same system, just search the hackintosh forums for those compatible with your system.
________________________________
Apple had posted the 10.6.6 XNU (also knows as xnu-1504.9.26) today in their open source web site, so I fixed the "Lapic.c" issue and compiled it. you can download it here: 10.6.6 mach_kernel. I have created i386, X84_64 and a Universal Binary Kernel, use whichever you like.
__________________________________
Reminder: If you're planning to update to OSX 10.6.6 and you are using lapic.c fixed kernel, you need to wait until apple's releases XNU in their open source web site. After that I'll compile the xnu and post the link in here.
The big news today is the released Mac OS X 10.6.6’s and also is clearly the Mac App Store, but that’s not the only change that came in the latest version of Snow Leopard. In addition, Apple nipped a pair of bugs and closed a security hole.
Apple notes exactly two fixes in its release notes for 10.6.6: one that fixes a cropping problem with some PostScript printing in landscape mode and another that resolves an issue with ATI graphics card-powered Macs where connecting an external DVI display could yield erratic mouse pointer movement.
In addition, the update patches a single security vulnerability related to the PackageKit system, preventing a man-in-the-middle attack that could force the app to quit or potentially execute arbitrary code.
Apple had posted the 10.6.5 XNU (also knows as xnu-1504.9.17) today in their open source web site, so I fixed the "Lapic.c" issue and compiled it. you can download it here: 10.6.5 mach_kernel. I have created i386, X84_64 and a Universal Binary Kernel, use whichever you like.
The update is 517.3MB through Software Update and Available right now. Apple has posted the Combo download link in their web site. 10.6.5 Combo update
Also, once apple's finish uploading the 10.6.5 XNU I will fix the lapic.c issue and compile for those who don't know how to do it. So, keep checking my blog and forum..!
Rumor has it that today, Wednesday 10, apple will release OSX 10.6.5 to the general public and for those waiting that final had arrived.
For those using HP's laptops and other that have issues with "Lapic.c" file, beware that until the 10.6.5 kernel is fix (for Lapic.c issues) and compile, you won't be able to boot up without "CPUS=". that said, as soon as apple release the 10.6.5 XNU that issue can be resolve. again, You might be able to install the 10.6.5 update but you won't be able to boot up your system unless you use "cpus=" command line.
A lots a people had asked me..If apple is using "Nvidia Geforce 320m" in their laptops, how can mine doesn't work out of the box? Well, the answer is that there are 2 different "Nvidia geforce 320m" graphic cards and the differences between the Nvidia Geforce 320m (which can be found in the Apple MacBook 13" 04/2010 laptops, chipset graphics card) and the Geforce GT 320m (or GT320M which was presented in the HP dv6t and dv7t series) is that The NVIDIA GeForce 320M is an integrated chipset graphics card for Core 2 Duo based laptops and successor of the GeForce 9400M. It does not feature dedicated graphics memory but uses the systems main memory instead (shared memory, in Mac OS X 256 MB from the main memory). Therefore, the performance is not as good as similar cards with dedicated graphics RAM. The mGPU is based on the GT216 core (as the GeForce GT 325M e.g.) and offers all 48 shader cores. The similar called GeForce GT 320M is a dedicated graphics card and a bit faster than the Geforce 320M. that's why is not working out of the box, so in order to enable it you either use a Graphic injector or dsdt editing and even doing so the your system have some issues because is delaying with 1 GB of dedicated memory instead of 256 MB shared memory. Apple had released many Graphics updates since had adapted the Geforce 320m to trying to stabilize the system and even so, many user are dealing with graphic issues. Something remarkable that is worth to mention is what the Hackintosh's community has done and that is to adapted most PC hardwares into a Operating System that is capable of working with them but can not maximize their features because is limited to a similar hardware configuration. Futures updates might help our hachintosh's computer to maximize all those features.
Here is the list of some PC's that used the same Nvidia Geforce 320m as Macbook Pro:
» Acer Aspire 5745PG-354G32Mn -(Intel Core i3 370M, 15.6")
» Apple MacBook 2010-05 (Intel Core 2 Duo P8600, 13.3")
» Apple MacBook Pro 13 inch 2010-04 (Intel Core 2 Duo P8600, 13.3")
» Apple MacBook Pro 13 inch 2010-04 2.66 GHz (Intel Core 2 Duo P8800, 13.3")
» MSI GX660R
» Packard Bell EasyNote TM87-JN-218 (Intel Core i3 330M, 15.6")
and of course the New Macbook air (late 2010)
Apple released few days ago a "MacBook Air (Late 2010) Software Update 1.0" This update fixes a few graphics issues including:
Resolves an issue where the system becomes unresponsive while playing back a movie trailer in iMovie.
Resolves an issue where the system becomes unresponsive after waking from sleep when an external display is connected.
If you have issues with your Hackintosh which involved graphic card instability, you might wanted to try it. How to install it? Download the dmg from apple site by clicking here: Macbookair and install it using "Pacifist" application by using your administrator's privilege.
In this released apple has updated ATIRadeon and Geforce graphic kexts. The update is to fix graphic issues in the new Macbook air (Late 2010) which use NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor (256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory, not to be confuse with the 1GB). Also all AppleIntelHDgraphickexts are updated and the Framework (openCL.framework). In order to get this files to work you must have 10.6.4 in your system.
Tip: Try installing this update with a "Clean Install"(starting from scratch) instead of mixing with others updates like Macbook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac.
The installation of this update is irreversible.
Note: Do it AT YOUR OWN RISK..!
After a few adjustments to the dsdt.aml, I ran Geekbenchmark and the system improved a lot better on my HP DV7t, especially in the cpu performance. As it's show image below. (Download Geekbench2.1.7 for Mac or Windows).
Warning: Some patched Kernel can be boot up at 32 bit mode only and not at 64 bit mode, that would create a conflict within the system if you're trying to boot up on 64 bit mode with a 32 bit only kernel. Besides, patched kernel are usually for AMD processor and not for intel processor but you can use them if you have to. The patching is so the OSX can run on the unsupported processor. One more thing, you can not run a system from a patched kernel and later upgrade it with a vanilla kernel (Unmodified). things like this we have to keep in mind before installing it..Unless you have a OSX unsupported processor (such as AMD) there is not reason to use a patched kernel. If you mixed different versions upgrade and the system doesn't work, you might need to start a "Clean install", becuase downgrading a version of OSX CAN NOT BE UNDONE!. Before installing or mixing a different OSX versions do your homework and if that doesn't work start a different approach from a clean install.
You won't know if CE/QI is enabled until your graphic card is working with either Graphic injectors or dsdt editing. How to know if CE/QI is enabled in your computer? well, If you're not able to play "Chess" game for instance or unable to use "Front Row" application, that is the reason. Your Graphic card VRAM has to meet the minimum requirement for CE/QI in order to work.
I'm playing Amnesia "The Dark Descent" game and the graphic is pretty good on my HP DV7t running Snow leopard OS. I got the max resolution for the laptop's screen (1600x900) but when I plugged it to my Sony TV, I get a 1080p resolution on the game. I can switch back and forth from screen to screen and the system is very stable.
Some people have trouble to run Mac OSX in their machine for many reasons, like Motherboard incomparability, graphic card issue, etc. Here are a few more options you can try to run Mac OSX in your pc. Apple had added more hardware support to Snow Leopard OS in the already released OS and also in the incomings. that said, system like iMac, MacMini, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro are using similar hardware configurations to a pc, which means, we can run a more efficient Hackintoshs today. So, here is what you need to do:
Install Snow leopard OS version 10.6.3 and download manually 10.6.4 for imac or MacMini. Once you downloaded the update, install it using "Pacifist" and not directly because is going to say "This software can not be install in this computer" because of different versions comparability. Of course you can change the versions os your system manually opening "System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion.plist", and install the update by tricking it. If you use "Pacifist" all you need to do is use the"Administrator's privileges" as it's describe below. Even, if you already had the same version (update for a different Computer model) installed the same process can be done but you already have files that might not work as is suppose to. I had done it both way and it has worked for me. When you installing the update, pacifist is going to ask you to "replace or update" choose to update, unless you know what you're replacing.
Apply the same method with MacMini update. The whole idea is that is a workaround to every issue. If you're one of those people that haven't not able to run either Dual boot (Windows and Mac) or just Mac OSX in your pc, and wants to give it a try, just follow those steps.
If you're having trouble to install any apple's update because of either version not compatible or any other issue, you need to install and use "Pacifist" which will give you a "Administrator's privileges" to install any dmg into your system. I had used it hundreds of time and is very essential. Now, if you have let's say a "Patched Kernel" the dmg update will say that "the software can't be install in your computer", for those using AMD processors that can be a problem, because the dmg or update was made to run in Vanilla kernel. This application will change that. (For those who doesn't know about it). Download it here: "Pacifist"
By the way, in the image below shows the i7-720qm cpu Family number which is "6" and the cpu extended family which is "30", This information is very important if you want to add your cpu information to Chameleon boot loader.Also you can use "cpu-z" to get more information about your cpu settings. Customizing Chameleon with the right settings will give your computer better performance. every little change will make a big difference in your hackintosh. If you want to learn more about how to customize Chameleon Boot loader just check my forum.
i7-720QM
Because of the Turbo Mode, the CPU is clocked with up to 2.8 GHz (as it shows in the image below) and therefore fast for single core applications like older games. Thanks to the 4 cores (and 8 threads), modern multi-threaded applications also profit from this CPU greatly (altough when using all cores, the clock speed remains low).
Hackintosh running Snow Leopard OS with i7-720QM processor.
The image above shows the different speeds on each core when it load, also known as "Turbo Boost". Multithreading as a widespread programming and execution model allows multiple threads to exist within the context of a single process. These threads share the process' resources but are able to execute independently.
To check your cores speed and Monitor each core temperatures, download the software here.
Not sure if your hackintosh has the 32 or 64-bit EFI? You can check your machine’s it by entering the following command in Terminal:
ioreg -l -p IODeviceTree | grep firmware-abi
It will return either: "firmware-abi" = <"EFI64"> or <"EFI32">.
Vanilla Kernel 10.6.4 with Lapic issues fixed
Here is a Vanilla Kernel 10.6.4 that has lapic.c issue fixed (tha't affect HP's laptops), I compiled it using Xcode.
Installing or replacing the kernel will give you the option of booting up 64 bit mode, not with the Legacy kernel which work on 32 bit only. So, the kernel works great same as the Legacy kernel, loading all 4 cores/8 threads but on 64 bit mode.
If you already installed Legacy Kernel, all you have to do is replace the legacy_mach for the new mach_kernel. Also if you want to you can rename the new mach_kernel as "Legacy Kernel" instead and there's nothing else to change but if you replace it as mach_kernel you need to make some changes in the com.apple.boot.plist and replace legacy kernel for mach_kernel. If you're booting up from you HD you also need to replace the Mach Kernel in the preboot.dmg. You need to delete the old Mach_kernel or Legacy Kernel (Patched one) from the system root after installing the new one.
After that you can use: (There is no need to boot flag "Busratio=12" anymore, only the boot flag command below. All your Cores and Threads will load)
kernel flags
arch=x84_64
Which will boot up on 64 bit mode.
So, here is what you need to do:
If you're starting from scratch.
Install Snow leopard OS and upgrade until you reach 10.6.4 (If you're using retail copy with old version)
Install Chameleon Boot and in the Extra folder (System root) copy the Extra folder files from the BootCD (The My Empire EFI has the updated kexts).
Replace the Mach_kernel from system root. (don't reboot yet)
Go to System/Library/Extension folder and delete "AppleProfileFamily.kext" from there or you will get blue screen after restart. Use Kext Utility to repair permission/ clean cache and reboot after that.
Download it here: Vanilla kernel 10.6.4
I tested the HP DV7t 3100 using Geekbenchmark and as you can see all 4 cores/Threads are working. I haven't finish fixing the dsdt and the score is not that bad (it can do much better than that). For now the kernel is patched. You must boot up from your HD after patching the kernel, otherwise your bootCD will use the pre-settings and boot cpus=1, unless your bootCD has the kernel patch install and the cpus=1 deleted from the apple.com.boot.plist. For more instructions and information check my forum.
This "Empire EFI" already has the 10.6.4 kernel patched, to download it click here: "My Empire EFI".
(Click on the image to enlarge)
you can use also a tool that comes with XCODE program. to use this tool go to Developer>Extras>PreferencePanes>Processor.prepaneand install it. see image below where it shows the numbers of cores (4) and threads (8) working on the i7-720QM processor.
• The i7/i5 features a Power Gates enable unused cores to be completely switched off essentially eliminating leakage current from unused cores. This greatly reduces power consumption during both idle and peak loads.
Also shift threads as it needed, like when you use a program and have another one running at the same time, etc. (See image below)
i7-720qm running on Snow Leopard 10.6.4
I managed to load all 4 cores on the i7-720QM (Intel i7-720QM has only 4 cores and 8 Threads), even though I still have some things to be fix (DSDT). First runs 4 Threads and when more processor power is needed the others 4 Threads kicks in. Intel Turbo Boost: is a technology implemented by Intel in certain versions of their Nehalem-based CPUs, including Core i5 and Core i7. Turbo Boost allows dynamically increasing CPU clock-speed on demand. Turbo Boost activates when the operating system requests the highest performance state of the processor. Most refer to this concept as "dynamic overclocking".
When the processor has not reached its thermal and electrical limits and the user's workload demands additional performance, the processor clock frequency will dynamically increase in increments of 133 MHz on short and regular intervals until a thermal or power limit is reached or the maximum speed for the number of active cores is reached. Conversely, when any of the limits are reached or exceeded, the processor frequency will automatically decrease in increments of 133 MHz until the processor is again operating within its limits.
Intel Turbo Boost monitors the current usage of a Core i5 or i7 processor to determine how close the processor is to the maximum thermal design power, or TDP. The TDP is the maximum amount of power the processor is supposed to use. If the Core i5 or i7 processor sees that it is operating well within limits, Turbo Boost kicks in.
Turbo Boost is a dynamic feature. There is no set-in-stone speed which the Core i5 or i7 processor will reach when in Turbo Boost. Turbo Boost operates in 133Mhz increments and will scale up until it either reaches the maximum Turbo Boost allowed (which is determined by the model of processor) or the processor comes close to its maximum TDP. For example, the Core i5 750 has a base clock speed of 2.66GHz but has a maximum Turbo Boost speed of 3.2GHz.
specifications from Intel's web site:
Processor Number: i7-720QM
# of Cores: 4
# of Threads: 8
Clock Speed 1.6 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency 2.8 GHz
Intel® Smart Cache: 6 MB
Bus/Core Ratio 12
DMI 2.5 GT/s
Instruction Set 64-bit
Instruction Set Extensions SSE4.2
Hp's laptops shows the correct number of cores in the "About this Mac" windows, the reason why all those cores aren't loading is because of the CPUS=1 issue (Which limits all cores from loading) in all i7,i5 insyde bios hp users or issue with "lapic.c". When the kernel is patched, then, the OS can load all the cores, since their are not limited by "CPUS=1". After the patching there is no more reason to use "cpus=" at all in the apple.com.boot.plist.
(Numbers of Threads loaded)
One big problem for many computers is the cpus=1 issue (HP laptops are especially affected by it). I managed to customized "Empire EFI" with not only 10.6.4 patch but with a updated kexts, SMbios.plist, etc. I wrote step by step by how to fix it on my Forum, so if you're interested login.
I fixed the L3 cache (used to be 768 kb to 6MB)
Also I managed to use Nvidia GT 320M Graphic Card by editing the dsdt (No kext required).
If you have a compatible Laptop and would like to compare dsdt.aml, you're very welcome to do so. I have the update Empire EFI on my Forum.
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One thing you need to keep on hands is your hardware configuration and "LSPCI Tools" from osx86 team is a great tool for that. Especially if you're editing your dsdt.dsl, that's one handy tool.
For instance, in the image below is the hardware information of HP DV7t 3100 Series:
(click in the image to enlarge)
Here is what you need to do:
Download and install LSPCI Tools
Then open "Terminal" application located at Applications>Utilities>Terminal.
Once the application is open type the following commands:
lspci (Basic information about your hardware)
lspci -nn (Detail information about your hardware identification, like above image)
lspci -vv
lspci –help
Once you load your hardware information, just place it in the in the correct place. An example is if in ioreg you DO NOT see AppleLPC then you will nedd to also patch this device. Run lspci Tools and look for ISA Bridge device - something like:
00:1f.0 ISA bridge [0601]: Intel Corporation Unknown device [8086:3b03]
So using zhell's DSDT device id trick you can add any device id that exists in the AppleLPC.kext plist. Probably best to go for an id closest to you actual device id. (in this case MBP device id is [8086:3b03] so From the AppleLPC.kext there is device id 033b so my Device (LPCB) now looks like this (in your dsdt.dsl):
Device (LPCB)
{
Name (_ADR, 0x001F0000)
Method (_DSM, 4, NotSerialized)
{
Store (Package (0x02)
{
"device-id",
Buffer (0x04)
{
0x03, 0x3b, 0x00, 0x00
}
}, Local0)
DTGP (Arg0, Arg1, Arg2, Arg3, RefOf (Local0))
Return (Local0)
}
OperationRegion (PREV, PCI_Config, 0x08, One)
Scope (\)
{
Field (\_SB.PCI0.LPCB.PREV, ByteAcc, NoLock, Preserve)
{
REV0, 8
}
}
OperationRegion (PIRQ, PCI_Config, 0x60, 0x04)
Scope (\)
{
For more info and download LSPCI Tools you can click here: Using LSPCI tools.
I hope this can help you!
Made by http://extraspeed.blogspot.com
All users should download and install the security update from apple. Security Update 2011-003 is recommended for all users and improves the security of Mac OS X. Previous security updates have been incorporated into this security update.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1387
Apple had updated "Xprotect.plist" file in the OSX 10.6.8 seed, which will be release to the public in the incoming weeks. As you can see "OSX.FakeAV.a" has been added to it (See image below):
Read more about Mac Malware here: News cnet - How bad is the Mac malware scare? (FAQ)
A little over two weeks have passed since the appearance of MAC Defender, the fake AV solution targeting Mac users. And seeing that the approach had considerable success, it can hardly come as a surprise that attackers chose to replicate it.
This time, the name of the rogue AV is Mac Protector, and according to McAfee, the downloaded Trojan contains two additional packages:
macprotector.pkg (the application),
macProtectorInstallerProgramPostflight.pkg (bash script that launches Mac Protector once it's installed).
As with MAC Defender, the application requires root privileges to get installed, so the user is asked to enter the password.
"Mac Protector is very sophisticated and uses a lot of resources to appear as a real anti-virus app to the user. There are a lot of images and sounds in the package that simulate system scanning, show the alerts, etc," says McAfee. "Mac Protector will perform a fake scan on the system, and will show rootkits and spyware detections for real and current processes."
________________________________________
Here is a Vanilla Kernel 10.6.7 (also knows as xnu-1504.9.37) that has lapic issue fixed (that affect HP's laptops).
Installing or replacing the kernel will give you the option of booting up 64 bit mode.
Vanilla Kernel 10.6.7
Note: The mach kernel must be replace after installing 10.6.7
I just came from a 2 months vacation from South America and I'll update my blog. So, keep checking for new updates!
If you had noticed Google had blocked my blog because I linked prasys's web site (the old server) on my blog and now that server is been called "Malicious software is hosted on 1 domain(s), including prasys.co.cc/." that's why I had decide to deleted the old posted on my blog. Maybe that way Google won't block it.
Updated: 02/24/11
Today Apple had posted the new MacBook Pro model in their web site featuring:
AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics processor with 256MB of GDDR5 memory on 2.0GHz configuration; or AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor with 1GB of GDDR5 memory on 2.2GHz configuration
Which is great news for those who using Hackintosh computer, because we'll have more support and comparability in our systems.
Also:
2.0GHz or 2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with 6MB shared L3 cache; or optional 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with 8MB shared L3 cache
Apple's next-generation 15-inch MacBook Pro has:
•An Intel Core 2.0 GHz i7 quad-core processor with a 6MB cache
•4GB of RAM at 1333 MHz
•500GB hard drive
•15.4-inch screen with 1440x900 resolution
•Intel HD Graphics 3000
•AMD Radeon HD 6490M GPU with 256MB of memory
•FaceTime HD camera
•8x SuperDrive
•Thunderbolt and Mini DisplayPort
•SDXC slot, FireWire 800 port and two USB 2.0 ports
•Audio and Ethernet ports
•Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
•2.54 kg in weight
Thunderbolt digital video output
Native Mini DisplayPort output
DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (optional)
VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (optional)
Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter supports 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display (optional)
HDMI audio and video output using a third-party Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter
You need to be aware that when you used any bootloader/distro, this ones comes with some basic kexts which allows the bootloader to boot up with the Operating system and at the same time enable the hardware. Now, the problem happens when you have a bootloader/distro with kexts meant for a specific version of Snow leopard OS and when it try to load a conflict/kernel panic will happen because of incomparability in the system. Most people are not aware of it and that's why when they try to upgrade from one version to another, such KP happened. The bootloader needs to be updated (meaning the kexts inside of it) to the version you are meant to install, again, the incomparability will trigger a kernel panic, which is basically a way to protect your system. Most people have to replace/update some kexts after the installation by using a safe mode feature. If by any reason the system keeps crashing in the installation is because such bootloader is not compatible with that specific system and an alternative can be to trying to replace/remove the kexts inside the bootloader or just look for a compatible one.
To choose a bootloader the first thing you need to find out is if that bootloader is compatible with your motherboard, if it's not, you can forget about that bootloader and try a different one meant for your system.
Some bootloaders/distro are made for laptops only, others for desktop only and others work for both. Also some work for a specific Processor. You need to keep all this thing in mind when choosing a bootloader.
When a new laptop goes to the market and you try to convert it into a hackintosh machine sometimes it takes a while to find the right kexts and even a bootloader to make it work, there is not "Magic Bullets".
My advice is to try others bootloaders until you find the right one and read what others had done to fixed their issues. that's why all of us have done it, sharing with others what we have fixed and experiences.
One more thing, you may find bootloaders that are compatible with your system and not all the hardwares will work but there's others bootloaders that are not only compatible but most of your hardware will work.
there's 2 way to enable hardware in our systems:
1)- using modified kexts which are injectors that enables that specific hardware. When installing a new modified kext or injector make sure is compatible with the version of OSX you have or you will have Kernel panic.
2)- editing your dsdt.aml which is far more complex than installing a injector. There's people that have improved their dsdt.aml and had uploaded to share with those who have the same system, just search the hackintosh forums for those compatible with your system.
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Apple had posted the 10.6.6 XNU (also knows as xnu-1504.9.26) today in their open source web site, so I fixed the "Lapic.c" issue and compiled it. you can download it here: 10.6.6 mach_kernel. I have created i386, X84_64 and a Universal Binary Kernel, use whichever you like.
__________________________________
Reminder: If you're planning to update to OSX 10.6.6 and you are using lapic.c fixed kernel, you need to wait until apple's releases XNU in their open source web site. After that I'll compile the xnu and post the link in here.
The big news today is the released Mac OS X 10.6.6’s and also is clearly the Mac App Store, but that’s not the only change that came in the latest version of Snow Leopard. In addition, Apple nipped a pair of bugs and closed a security hole.
Apple notes exactly two fixes in its release notes for 10.6.6: one that fixes a cropping problem with some PostScript printing in landscape mode and another that resolves an issue with ATI graphics card-powered Macs where connecting an external DVI display could yield erratic mouse pointer movement.
In addition, the update patches a single security vulnerability related to the PackageKit system, preventing a man-in-the-middle attack that could force the app to quit or potentially execute arbitrary code.
Apple had posted the 10.6.5 XNU (also knows as xnu-1504.9.17) today in their open source web site, so I fixed the "Lapic.c" issue and compiled it. you can download it here: 10.6.5 mach_kernel. I have created i386, X84_64 and a Universal Binary Kernel, use whichever you like.
The update is 517.3MB through Software Update and Available right now. Apple has posted the Combo download link in their web site. 10.6.5 Combo update
Also, once apple's finish uploading the 10.6.5 XNU I will fix the lapic.c issue and compile for those who don't know how to do it. So, keep checking my blog and forum..!
Rumor has it that today, Wednesday 10, apple will release OSX 10.6.5 to the general public and for those waiting that final had arrived.
For those using HP's laptops and other that have issues with "Lapic.c" file, beware that until the 10.6.5 kernel is fix (for Lapic.c issues) and compile, you won't be able to boot up without "CPUS=". that said, as soon as apple release the 10.6.5 XNU that issue can be resolve. again, You might be able to install the 10.6.5 update but you won't be able to boot up your system unless you use "cpus=" command line.
A lots a people had asked me..If apple is using "Nvidia Geforce 320m" in their laptops, how can mine doesn't work out of the box? Well, the answer is that there are 2 different "Nvidia geforce 320m" graphic cards and the differences between the Nvidia Geforce 320m (which can be found in the Apple MacBook 13" 04/2010 laptops, chipset graphics card) and the Geforce GT 320m (or GT320M which was presented in the HP dv6t and dv7t series) is that The NVIDIA GeForce 320M is an integrated chipset graphics card for Core 2 Duo based laptops and successor of the GeForce 9400M. It does not feature dedicated graphics memory but uses the systems main memory instead (shared memory, in Mac OS X 256 MB from the main memory). Therefore, the performance is not as good as similar cards with dedicated graphics RAM. The mGPU is based on the GT216 core (as the GeForce GT 325M e.g.) and offers all 48 shader cores. The similar called GeForce GT 320M is a dedicated graphics card and a bit faster than the Geforce 320M. that's why is not working out of the box, so in order to enable it you either use a Graphic injector or dsdt editing and even doing so the your system have some issues because is delaying with 1 GB of dedicated memory instead of 256 MB shared memory. Apple had released many Graphics updates since had adapted the Geforce 320m to trying to stabilize the system and even so, many user are dealing with graphic issues. Something remarkable that is worth to mention is what the Hackintosh's community has done and that is to adapted most PC hardwares into a Operating System that is capable of working with them but can not maximize their features because is limited to a similar hardware configuration. Futures updates might help our hachintosh's computer to maximize all those features.
Here is the list of some PC's that used the same Nvidia Geforce 320m as Macbook Pro:
» Acer Aspire 5745PG-354G32Mn -(Intel Core i3 370M, 15.6")
» Apple MacBook 2010-05 (Intel Core 2 Duo P8600, 13.3")
» Apple MacBook Pro 13 inch 2010-04 (Intel Core 2 Duo P8600, 13.3")
» Apple MacBook Pro 13 inch 2010-04 2.66 GHz (Intel Core 2 Duo P8800, 13.3")
» MSI GX660R
» Packard Bell EasyNote TM87-JN-218 (Intel Core i3 330M, 15.6")
and of course the New Macbook air (late 2010)
Apple released few days ago a "MacBook Air (Late 2010) Software Update 1.0" This update fixes a few graphics issues including:
Resolves an issue where the system becomes unresponsive while playing back a movie trailer in iMovie.
Resolves an issue where the system becomes unresponsive after waking from sleep when an external display is connected.
If you have issues with your Hackintosh which involved graphic card instability, you might wanted to try it. How to install it? Download the dmg from apple site by clicking here: Macbookair and install it using "Pacifist" application by using your administrator's privilege.
In this released apple has updated ATIRadeon and Geforce graphic kexts. The update is to fix graphic issues in the new Macbook air (Late 2010) which use NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor (256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory, not to be confuse with the 1GB). Also all AppleIntelHDgraphickexts are updated and the Framework (openCL.framework). In order to get this files to work you must have 10.6.4 in your system.
Tip: Try installing this update with a "Clean Install"(starting from scratch) instead of mixing with others updates like Macbook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac.
The installation of this update is irreversible.
Note: Do it AT YOUR OWN RISK..!
After a few adjustments to the dsdt.aml, I ran Geekbenchmark and the system improved a lot better on my HP DV7t, especially in the cpu performance. As it's show image below. (Download Geekbench2.1.7 for Mac or Windows).
Warning: Some patched Kernel can be boot up at 32 bit mode only and not at 64 bit mode, that would create a conflict within the system if you're trying to boot up on 64 bit mode with a 32 bit only kernel. Besides, patched kernel are usually for AMD processor and not for intel processor but you can use them if you have to. The patching is so the OSX can run on the unsupported processor. One more thing, you can not run a system from a patched kernel and later upgrade it with a vanilla kernel (Unmodified). things like this we have to keep in mind before installing it..Unless you have a OSX unsupported processor (such as AMD) there is not reason to use a patched kernel. If you mixed different versions upgrade and the system doesn't work, you might need to start a "Clean install", becuase downgrading a version of OSX CAN NOT BE UNDONE!. Before installing or mixing a different OSX versions do your homework and if that doesn't work start a different approach from a clean install.
You won't know if CE/QI is enabled until your graphic card is working with either Graphic injectors or dsdt editing. How to know if CE/QI is enabled in your computer? well, If you're not able to play "Chess" game for instance or unable to use "Front Row" application, that is the reason. Your Graphic card VRAM has to meet the minimum requirement for CE/QI in order to work.
I'm playing Amnesia "The Dark Descent" game and the graphic is pretty good on my HP DV7t running Snow leopard OS. I got the max resolution for the laptop's screen (1600x900) but when I plugged it to my Sony TV, I get a 1080p resolution on the game. I can switch back and forth from screen to screen and the system is very stable.
Some people have trouble to run Mac OSX in their machine for many reasons, like Motherboard incomparability, graphic card issue, etc. Here are a few more options you can try to run Mac OSX in your pc. Apple had added more hardware support to Snow Leopard OS in the already released OS and also in the incomings. that said, system like iMac, MacMini, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro are using similar hardware configurations to a pc, which means, we can run a more efficient Hackintoshs today. So, here is what you need to do:
Install Snow leopard OS version 10.6.3 and download manually 10.6.4 for imac or MacMini. Once you downloaded the update, install it using "Pacifist" and not directly because is going to say "This software can not be install in this computer" because of different versions comparability. Of course you can change the versions os your system manually opening "System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion.plist", and install the update by tricking it. If you use "Pacifist" all you need to do is use the"Administrator's privileges" as it's describe below. Even, if you already had the same version (update for a different Computer model) installed the same process can be done but you already have files that might not work as is suppose to. I had done it both way and it has worked for me. When you installing the update, pacifist is going to ask you to "replace or update" choose to update, unless you know what you're replacing.
Apply the same method with MacMini update. The whole idea is that is a workaround to every issue. If you're one of those people that haven't not able to run either Dual boot (Windows and Mac) or just Mac OSX in your pc, and wants to give it a try, just follow those steps.
If you're having trouble to install any apple's update because of either version not compatible or any other issue, you need to install and use "Pacifist" which will give you a "Administrator's privileges" to install any dmg into your system. I had used it hundreds of time and is very essential. Now, if you have let's say a "Patched Kernel" the dmg update will say that "the software can't be install in your computer", for those using AMD processors that can be a problem, because the dmg or update was made to run in Vanilla kernel. This application will change that. (For those who doesn't know about it). Download it here: "Pacifist"
By the way, in the image below shows the i7-720qm cpu Family number which is "6" and the cpu extended family which is "30", This information is very important if you want to add your cpu information to Chameleon boot loader.Also you can use "cpu-z" to get more information about your cpu settings. Customizing Chameleon with the right settings will give your computer better performance. every little change will make a big difference in your hackintosh. If you want to learn more about how to customize Chameleon Boot loader just check my forum.
i7-720QM
Because of the Turbo Mode, the CPU is clocked with up to 2.8 GHz (as it shows in the image below) and therefore fast for single core applications like older games. Thanks to the 4 cores (and 8 threads), modern multi-threaded applications also profit from this CPU greatly (altough when using all cores, the clock speed remains low).
Hackintosh running Snow Leopard OS with i7-720QM processor.
The image above shows the different speeds on each core when it load, also known as "Turbo Boost". Multithreading as a widespread programming and execution model allows multiple threads to exist within the context of a single process. These threads share the process' resources but are able to execute independently.
To check your cores speed and Monitor each core temperatures, download the software here.
Not sure if your hackintosh has the 32 or 64-bit EFI? You can check your machine’s it by entering the following command in Terminal:
ioreg -l -p IODeviceTree | grep firmware-abi
It will return either: "firmware-abi" = <"EFI64"> or <"EFI32">.
Vanilla Kernel 10.6.4 with Lapic issues fixed
Here is a Vanilla Kernel 10.6.4 that has lapic.c issue fixed (tha't affect HP's laptops), I compiled it using Xcode.
Installing or replacing the kernel will give you the option of booting up 64 bit mode, not with the Legacy kernel which work on 32 bit only. So, the kernel works great same as the Legacy kernel, loading all 4 cores/8 threads but on 64 bit mode.
If you already installed Legacy Kernel, all you have to do is replace the legacy_mach for the new mach_kernel. Also if you want to you can rename the new mach_kernel as "Legacy Kernel" instead and there's nothing else to change but if you replace it as mach_kernel you need to make some changes in the com.apple.boot.plist and replace legacy kernel for mach_kernel. If you're booting up from you HD you also need to replace the Mach Kernel in the preboot.dmg. You need to delete the old Mach_kernel or Legacy Kernel (Patched one) from the system root after installing the new one.
After that you can use: (There is no need to boot flag "Busratio=12" anymore, only the boot flag command below. All your Cores and Threads will load)
Which will boot up on 64 bit mode.
So, here is what you need to do:
If you're starting from scratch.
Install Snow leopard OS and upgrade until you reach 10.6.4 (If you're using retail copy with old version)
Install Chameleon Boot and in the Extra folder (System root) copy the Extra folder files from the BootCD (The My Empire EFI has the updated kexts).
Replace the Mach_kernel from system root. (don't reboot yet)
Go to System/Library/Extension folder and delete "AppleProfileFamily.kext" from there or you will get blue screen after restart. Use Kext Utility to repair permission/ clean cache and reboot after that.
Download it here: Vanilla kernel 10.6.4
I tested the HP DV7t 3100 using Geekbenchmark and as you can see all 4 cores/Threads are working. I haven't finish fixing the dsdt and the score is not that bad (it can do much better than that). For now the kernel is patched. You must boot up from your HD after patching the kernel, otherwise your bootCD will use the pre-settings and boot cpus=1, unless your bootCD has the kernel patch install and the cpus=1 deleted from the apple.com.boot.plist. For more instructions and information check my forum.
This "Empire EFI" already has the 10.6.4 kernel patched, to download it click here: "My Empire EFI".
(Click on the image to enlarge)
you can use also a tool that comes with XCODE program. to use this tool go to Developer>Extras>PreferencePanes>Processor.prepaneand install it. see image below where it shows the numbers of cores (4) and threads (8) working on the i7-720QM processor.
• The i7/i5 features a Power Gates enable unused cores to be completely switched off essentially eliminating leakage current from unused cores. This greatly reduces power consumption during both idle and peak loads.
Also shift threads as it needed, like when you use a program and have another one running at the same time, etc. (See image below)
i7-720qm running on Snow Leopard 10.6.4
I managed to load all 4 cores on the i7-720QM (Intel i7-720QM has only 4 cores and 8 Threads), even though I still have some things to be fix (DSDT). First runs 4 Threads and when more processor power is needed the others 4 Threads kicks in. Intel Turbo Boost: is a technology implemented by Intel in certain versions of their Nehalem-based CPUs, including Core i5 and Core i7. Turbo Boost allows dynamically increasing CPU clock-speed on demand. Turbo Boost activates when the operating system requests the highest performance state of the processor. Most refer to this concept as "dynamic overclocking".
When the processor has not reached its thermal and electrical limits and the user's workload demands additional performance, the processor clock frequency will dynamically increase in increments of 133 MHz on short and regular intervals until a thermal or power limit is reached or the maximum speed for the number of active cores is reached. Conversely, when any of the limits are reached or exceeded, the processor frequency will automatically decrease in increments of 133 MHz until the processor is again operating within its limits.
Intel Turbo Boost monitors the current usage of a Core i5 or i7 processor to determine how close the processor is to the maximum thermal design power, or TDP. The TDP is the maximum amount of power the processor is supposed to use. If the Core i5 or i7 processor sees that it is operating well within limits, Turbo Boost kicks in.
Turbo Boost is a dynamic feature. There is no set-in-stone speed which the Core i5 or i7 processor will reach when in Turbo Boost. Turbo Boost operates in 133Mhz increments and will scale up until it either reaches the maximum Turbo Boost allowed (which is determined by the model of processor) or the processor comes close to its maximum TDP. For example, the Core i5 750 has a base clock speed of 2.66GHz but has a maximum Turbo Boost speed of 3.2GHz.
specifications from Intel's web site:
Processor Number: i7-720QM
# of Cores: 4
# of Threads: 8
Clock Speed 1.6 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency 2.8 GHz
Intel® Smart Cache: 6 MB
Bus/Core Ratio 12
DMI 2.5 GT/s
Instruction Set 64-bit
Instruction Set Extensions SSE4.2
Hp's laptops shows the correct number of cores in the "About this Mac" windows, the reason why all those cores aren't loading is because of the CPUS=1 issue (Which limits all cores from loading) in all i7,i5 insyde bios hp users or issue with "lapic.c". When the kernel is patched, then, the OS can load all the cores, since their are not limited by "CPUS=1". After the patching there is no more reason to use "cpus=" at all in the apple.com.boot.plist.
(Numbers of Threads loaded)
One big problem for many computers is the cpus=1 issue (HP laptops are especially affected by it). I managed to customized "Empire EFI" with not only 10.6.4 patch but with a updated kexts, SMbios.plist, etc. I wrote step by step by how to fix it on my Forum, so if you're interested login.
I fixed the L3 cache (used to be 768 kb to 6MB)
Also I managed to use Nvidia GT 320M Graphic Card by editing the dsdt (No kext required).
If you have a compatible Laptop and would like to compare dsdt.aml, you're very welcome to do so. I have the update Empire EFI on my Forum.
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One thing you need to keep on hands is your hardware configuration and "LSPCI Tools" from osx86 team is a great tool for that. Especially if you're editing your dsdt.dsl, that's one handy tool.
For instance, in the image below is the hardware information of HP DV7t 3100 Series:
(click in the image to enlarge)
Here is what you need to do:
Download and install LSPCI Tools
Then open "Terminal" application located at Applications>Utilities>Terminal.
Once the application is open type the following commands:
lspci (Basic information about your hardware)
lspci -nn (Detail information about your hardware identification, like above image)
lspci -vv
lspci –help
Once you load your hardware information, just place it in the in the correct place. An example is if in ioreg you DO NOT see AppleLPC then you will nedd to also patch this device. Run lspci Tools and look for ISA Bridge device - something like:
00:1f.0 ISA bridge [0601]: Intel Corporation Unknown device [8086:3b03]
So using zhell's DSDT device id trick you can add any device id that exists in the AppleLPC.kext plist. Probably best to go for an id closest to you actual device id. (in this case MBP device id is [8086:3b03] so From the AppleLPC.kext there is device id 033b so my Device (LPCB) now looks like this (in your dsdt.dsl):
Device (LPCB)
{
Name (_ADR, 0x001F0000)
Method (_DSM, 4, NotSerialized)
{
Store (Package (0x02)
{
"device-id",
Buffer (0x04)
{
0x03, 0x3b, 0x00, 0x00
}
}, Local0)
DTGP (Arg0, Arg1, Arg2, Arg3, RefOf (Local0))
Return (Local0)
}
OperationRegion (PREV, PCI_Config, 0x08, One)
Scope (\)
{
Field (\_SB.PCI0.LPCB.PREV, ByteAcc, NoLock, Preserve)
{
REV0, 8
}
}
OperationRegion (PIRQ, PCI_Config, 0x60, 0x04)
Scope (\)
{
For more info and download LSPCI Tools you can click here: Using LSPCI tools.
I hope this can help you!
Made by http://extraspeed.blogspot.com
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