Upgrade 10.4.11 to 10.5?

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Level 1

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Upgrade 10.4.11 to 10.5?

I'm running OS 10.4.11 on both my iMac G5 PPC and iBook G4. I now need to use QuickBooks for very basic accounting. QB 2010 is only for Intel Macs and QB 2009 requires OS 10.5. (I can use QB 2007 with 10.4.11, though it may be a bit of a hassle to share files with my accountant.)

What are the benefits of 10.5 vs. 10.4? Is it worth the expense to upgrade just to use a newer QB? So far, any other programs that interest me require an Intel Mac, and at the moment I have no plans to buy one as these machines are serving my needs well. I suspect the laptop will be the first replaced.

Many thanks!
Marlene

iMac G5 PPC, Mac OS X (10.4.11), iBook G4

Posted on Mar 29, 2010 9:08 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Mar 29, 2010 9:43 AM in response to MarbellaSD

Since your question implies you require a benefit from upgrading QB, the real question for you is whether upgrading QB provides you any additional benefits or are you just as well off where you are presently.

If you must upgrade QB, then you must upgrade OS X regardless of whether Leopard provides any benefits over Tiger.

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Answer 2

MarbellaSD Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 12, 2010 4:15 PM in response to Kappy

I decided to upgrade from OS 10.4.11 to 10.5 so I can use QB 2009. In looking at possible purchases, I have found several versions: 10.5.1, 10.5.4, and 10.5.8. I know that the original 10.5 will run on a PPC iMac. What about 10.5.4? I can't find anything that indicates otherwise but am hesitant to purchase until I am sure. Sometimes I can find a better price n 10.5.4 than 10.5.1.

Thanks.

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Answer 3

Király

Level 6

10,017 points

Apr 12, 2010 4:57 PM in response to MarbellaSD

MarbellaSD wrote:
I decided to upgrade from OS 10.4.11 to 10.5 so I can use QB 2009. In looking at possible purchases, I have found several versions: 10.5.1, 10.5.4, and 10.5.8. I know that the original 10.5 will run on a PPC iMac. What about 10.5.4? I can't find anything that indicates otherwise but am hesitant to purchase until I am sure. Sometimes I can find a better price n 10.5.4 than 10.5.1.

Any retail 10.5 installer (10.5.0, 10.5.1, 10.5.4, etc) will work on a G5 iMac. No problem. Just make sure that you don't use a grey-coloured install disc that shipped as original equipment with a new Mac. That most definitely won't work.

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Answer 4

MarbellaSD Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 12, 2010 5:11 PM in response to Király

Yes, I learned about this from the forums, and just purchased by calling the Apple Store--for less than eBay. Thanks!

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Answer 5

Apr 14, 2010 4:45 PM in response to MarbellaSD

Hi MarbellaSD - this is exactly the reason I need to upgrade my G4 Powerbook. I need to be able to run the newest Mac version of QB 2010 - but am concerned about the issues of upgrading system software. Hope you'll share your experience with me and the forum. Thank you.

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Answer 6

MarbellaSD Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 14, 2010 5:46 PM in response to NikonFotoMatt

Matt--you can only go to QB 2009 with a PPC Mac; QB 2010 requires an Intel processor. I have not worked with QB before so I may not be much help in that regard, but I will report back once I receive and install the OS upgrade.

When I spoke to the Apple Store rep, she said that OS 10.5 would be likely to run slow on my iBook G4; yours may be newer and have more MHz and RAM.

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Answer 7

valevari

Level 1

28 points

Apr 17, 2010 10:41 AM in response to MarbellaSD

I'm trying to find a 10.5 but seems to be out of stock, you had better luck on the phone?

thanks!

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Answer 8

MarbellaSD Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 17, 2010 1:03 PM in response to valevari

It isn't listed on the Apple Store Web site. When I asked why, the rep told me that they want to review system requirements before purchase to make sure buyer can upgrade. Not sure why that's necessary...I called, per the advice of another poster, and got someone right away who took my order after looking up my Mac by serial number and going over its configuration. It's scheduled for delivery today.

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