[sjc1204]

Does Apple put DRM on OS X? In other words, is there some secret behind the scenes activation going on at the end of an install?
I just did a fresh install on my iMac and there was no activation step like Windows has.

[griffman]

No.
-rob.

[Randy_B_Singer]

Apple does not include anti-piracy features in OS X.
However, the copy of OS X that comes with one model of Macintosh may not work on another model:
http://docs.info.app...ml?artnum=25784

Please note that, unlike Windows, where Microsoft has a bunch of different versions of Vista:
http://www.windowsma...0&tabid=1&WT.mcid=020708
with the "ultimate" version of Vista retailing for $260, there is only one (commercial) user version of OS X, and it goes for $129 with everything included. There is even a "family pack" for only $199:
http://store.apple.c...p;nplm=MA453Z/A
As a result of Apple being reasonable about pricing and not including DRM, I believe that the majority of Mac users don't pirate OS X.
So, please don't ruin a good thing for all of us. Please pay for your copy of OS X to show that you appreciate Apple trusting us by not including anti-piracy measures.