RandomPerson3

Q: Backwards compatibility with old mac software.

A relative and I want to run some old software that (I'm assuming) would run on Mac os 3.2 or under. There are many possibilities on how to run this program. We could find an old macintosh & run it from there, buy an old version of mac os (possibly 9), or download the old os and run it from a virtualization (as long as its legal). Iv'e done a bunch of research, and noticed from OS X and up, the line of operating systems are coded differently then the older releases. So, in theory, would Mac OS 9 be able to run software from os 3.2 and under?

 

Optional question:

 

I understand that apple owns there software, and there agreement says you may run their software on their computers, (thus meaning the software is free, but the disc is not), but does that mean I can download the old operating system off the internet since its free? (or does apple have a copyright?) I want to make sure before I do anything wrong.

Posted on Sep 15, 2014 12:49 PM

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Q: Backwards compatibility with old mac software.

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  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Sep 16, 2014 7:22 AM in response to RandomPerson3
    Level 6 (9,901 points)
    Sep 16, 2014 7:22 AM in response to RandomPerson3

    If you could post the name and exact version of the program in question, someone may be able to offer more specific advice.

     

    Apple would probably not appreciate if their software is made available via third-party web sites. However, you can download complete system software 6.0.3, 6.0.5, 6.0.8, 7.0, 7.0.1 and 7.5.3 directly from Apple:

    http://www.info.apple.com/support/oldersoftwarelist.html#system

    At least temporary access to a working older (pre-1998) Macintosh computer is typically required in order to produce floppy disks from downloaded files.

     

    You may want to test whether, for example, System 6.0.8 (on a suitable Mac model) is compatible with the old program. Before you begin at all, it is usually not a bad idea to lock (write-protect) any old floppies, and then make backup copies of them (using a program such as Disk Copy 4.2).

    http://www.info.apple.com/support/oldersoftwarelist.html#util

     

    Jan