My Virtual MacBook

Yesterday, I told you how I first started using Apple computers and phones. My first step into Apple’s walled garden began with macOS. But I didn’t get an older MacBook Pro from a reseller or a brand new MacBook Air. I installed macOS on a virtual machine – a virtual MacBook.

What is a Virtual Machine?

A virtual machine is a computer that doesn’t physically exist; it’s all software. It’s like running a different computer in an app on your desktop.

Virtual machines can be used for testing programs in a sandbox (read: an isolated environment that is almost entirely cut off from the rest of your computer). It’s also a great way learn how to use a new operating system without buying a whole new computer, or changing the operating system that you already have on your current computer.

How I Created My Virtual MacBook

Before I downloaded anything, I upgraded my laptop. I put in as much RAM as I possibly could because virtual machines need a lot of memory to run.

There are a lot of virtualization programs, but I decided to go with VMware Workstation Player. It’s simple to use, plus it’s free for personal use.

After I installed VMware, then I had to download macOS itself. I didn’t know where to start, until I found several tutorials on Geekrar.com. It was a tricky process from beginning to end, but I made it work.

If you’d like to try yourself, start with Geekrar’s guide to installing macOS Mojave on VMware for Windows. You’ll also find links to all the other apps and files you’ll need:

• The copy of Mojave that you can install on VMware.
• The unlocker, a patch that will enable Mojave to work as a virtual machine. Don’t skip this step!
• The VMware tools that will make your virtual MacBook act like a real computer: connect to the internet, play music, and more.

My virtual machine functions just like a real MacBook. I can go to websites on Safari, buy music on iTunes, and download apps from the App Store. I even have the same dynamic desktop wallpaper.