How are patched kernels used?

The patched kernel must replace the existing mach_kernel normally included in an original boot DVD. There are many methods to achieve this. On a PC, a utility known as TransMac can import .dmg and .iso files, access the macintosh file system inside, and perform file functions (copy, rename, delete) on the contents. The result can then be saved to disk, or burned directly by the utility. The Disk Utility included with Mac OS X 10.4 can save disk images in "CD/DVD Master" format. Although the extension by default is .cdr, it is an ISO image. ISO images can be mounted by using the command "hdiutil attach MY_ISO.iso -readwrite" from a terminal (console) window. Then you may use the mounted volume as you would any other re-writable media, and upon eject, the changes would be saved and then you can proceed to burn the image with Disk Utility or Toast. NB: A working OS X system can use a number of different kernels. The com.apple.Boot.plist file contains an entry indicating what name the ...  more