VM host OS
VM host OS
I’m evaluating which operating system suits hosting an OS X VM. You have VMWare and QEMU/KVM with VirtManager experience, and your hardware includes an i5 2500 G1 Sniper M3 with 8GB RAM and a 500GB HDD. Since you plan to use it for programming—especially Swift development—and prefer OS X over Windows or Linux, I’d suggest sticking with macOS. It aligns perfectly with your workflow and provides the tools you need. Thanks!
Windows is the optimal choice for this, as you're planning to play games. You can run an OSX VM, which should function well—this is something I've done before. Also, consider using separate drives for OSX and Windows (or dual-boot); performance will be superior compared to using a VM.
So what do I do about updating? also I was thinking VM so I can snapshot the OS then if anything breaks I can restore it faster than I can install it
Hackintoshing/Dual booting OS X is quite manageable on compatible hardware, especially when done properly. It might seem challenging at first, but the forums around it offer valuable guidance. Most updates are smooth unless they require manual OS reinstallation, like upgrading from one version to another. You can always reach out for advice. Your experience suggests you've checked compatibility well, which is good. I also have a virtual OS X setup on Windows Server 2012 R2 that runs perfectly in Virtual Box—just ensure you use the non-commercial version for best results. If you need help, just let me know and I’ll assist.