if it works for mac, why not linux?
 

Hello,

I understand that Mac OS X is based on a BSD variant. Mac OS X is fully unix compliant.

Linux is mostly Unix compliant, can I install Mac OS X programs on my Linux? Why why not?

If I install a BSD, will it work?

The reason I ask is I just bought a Dance Dance software that runs on Mac OS or Windows, but not linux. I don't want to abandon my open source OS for Mac or Windows.

Thanks,

David

If I understand things correctly, OS-X is built on top of BSD---ie there is a layer of stuff between the applications and the basic OS. This layer is proprietary.

OS X is not built on top of BSD. In fact, OS X kernel has nothing to do with BSD. There is some BSD userland stuff ported for Mac OS X. And BSD itself cannot run Linux programs natively. So the answer for OP would be: There is no cross-compatibility between OS X and BSD and Linux.

XNU is the OS X kernel.

More info...

I stand corrected.

(For the non-computer-scientist (includes me) the distinction between "built on" and "built using" might not mean much.)

I did not realize that Linux apps would not work on BSD....Can they be MADE to work?

Thanks to dquitar we know now there is BSD subsystem present in the OS X kernel, used mainly for networking. Thanks for that correction. Still, this does not mean good news for OP. The platform and apps running on it are not BSD nor can Mac programs be run on BSD.
Linux ABI can be easily installed under BSD, so running Linux binaries is possible - not natively though.