Ok so my hackintosh is installed, now what do I do?

[anewsome]

Hey guys, a newbie here so bear with me a bit please. After much messing around and multiple re-installs, I've finally got a somewhat working hackintosh install. Here is what I used:

 

Dell E1505 (Broadcom ethernet, AC97 audio, ATI x1400 256MB, Bluetooth, Firewire, etc)

JaS 10.4.8 AMD Intel SSE2 SSE3

 

This is a pretty common laptop on these forums I see. I pretty much had the same luck as everyone else getting stuff to work. I was able to get 1400x1050x32 WITH CI/QE support, although it was a bit maddening tracking down the info on how to do it on these forums.

 

I was not able to get built in sound working, or wireless or the Broadcom ethernet. That is a bit disapointing. I'm currently using a firewire cable tethered to my powerbook in order to load software on it.

 

So getting on with it, here's my question. I am so terrified that something will make the install unbootable and all my hard work will be gone, during my journey of getting everything working, I had many occasions where I would get a black screen and have to reinstall the whole thing AGAIN. I know how to use dd to make an image of the hard drive, I was oping for something a little better. Any ideas?

 

Also, Software Update immediately told me there was updates available for my system. iTunes 7.3.2, 10.4.10 update, etc. I know I can't use software update to go to 10.4.10, or at least I don't think so,... So I won't even try that. While we're on that topic, am I stuck on 10.4.8 forever? Back to software update, can I use it to upgrade non system software like iTunes and Quicktime or do I worry that any software updates will {censored} my install?

 

I keep reading people are installing stuff with pacifist but I don't know what that is. I guess I can search and find out.

 

So that's it. Any guidance you guys can give will help tremendously. I've already installed Logic, seems to work fine. RME FF800 drivers seem to install fine (haven't actually tried it). I installed Firefox, Serato Scratch Live, Audacity, Mac The Ripper, Tune Ranger, and a few other miscellaneous apps. Haven't run into one that doesn't work yet. I'm copying over ISOs for Final Cut Studio right now to see if I can push my luck.

[Maximus Arelius]

Here are a few answers for ya man. You can update your mac using software update but there are some really serious steps you have to do before you do that. You can install non system software using software update like iTunes and Quicktime updates and more i say go for it!. Pacifist if a program that lets you go into package files for Mac and install only the selected items that you want, its very useful. For your sound and Internet problems check the Genius Bar its the best place to get your questions answered. Let me know how it all turns out ok. ~1~