Apple releases OS X knowing that flaws existed?

My first thought upon seeing those videos of Dells and other off-the-shelf x86 hardware running OS X was one of excitement regarding the ability to run the OS on my hardware. I never did torrent or download the files, and I think Apple will soon be moving against those who are releasing the videos and against those who post the "how-to"s around the internet.

Then I thought that Apple might have released the software knowing such hacks would be created. A stroke of genius, getting the hackers to help you secure your product. Notice, Apple did NOT instantly pounce on the slew of how-to articles, message boards, forums, and web-sites that showed everyone how to get OS X running on off-the-shelf x86 hardware. Rather, the hacks have been around long enough for various techniques and improvements to be made to the process. Now that people have this up and running and have posted how this occurs, Apple is moving in and shutting them down.

How much do you think it cost Apple to get all of that security testing? Do you think everyone at Apple would have found all of those 'exploits' in such a short time period?

I admit it sounds far fetched, but I don't remember Apple sitting back while others 'illegally' used their software or other IP. Seems to me that Apple gave everyone a 'rush,' received an inordinate amount of publicity on 'How cool it is to run OS X,' and the community's opinion that OS X will run fast enough on x86 without having to spend a dime on marketing.

I think, in retrospect, that I would really be smiling right now if I had thought of the benefits of such a 'leak.' Perhaps Mr. Jobs didn't think about those potential benefits. Let me explain ("No, there is no time. Let me sum up"):

• Free work to remove security holes in their x86-based OS X;
• Free marketing and publicity that could not have been purchased at any cost from those doing the hacking; and
• All at no/little cost.

Whether Mr. Jobs had a plan or simply had impeccable timing, I think he might have a nice silly grin on his face right about now.

Feel free to discuss this on our Forum.

Counsel