Q: Improving an ancient iBook to read modern e-mail
I'm looking to make an iBook G4 sufficiently usable for sending/receiving e-mail through a web browser. It's apparently early 2004 release with a 1.07 GHz Power PC processor, 512 MB RAM and it currently has OS 10.3.9 installed. I don't know what exactly is developing so quickly in web browsers so that people are able to view e-mail but not send any; all buttons are greyed out with various providers. So, does anyone know either:
a) a browser for this OS that could do the trick? (I've tried Safari 1.3, Firefox 2.0.0.20, and iCab 4.9.)
OR
b) whether upgrading to OS 10.4 or 10.5 would provide sufficient browser compatibility? If so, would one be preferable over the other? I'm assuming 10.5 would be slower in general with the limited resources, but if it provides more compatibility than 10.4, I'd go for it.
Any other suggestions or tips would be appreciated. Thanks!
Posted on Sep 1, 2014 8:44 AM
So, if you are using a web based email account where you login via browser,
these issues you state are blocking your access to use the email account(s)?
Since my primary email (only email) is spread between two gmail accounts,
there has been no issue with them; however on their side certain technologies
have been improved, or changed when not improved, that can affect use with
older computer OS versions.
Because there basically are no modern browsers or upgraded flash/java parts
that work, or would be considered safe, for older OS X versions, if you were
to upgrade OS X to Tiger 10.4 from DVD, and fully to 10.4.11 via Combo D/L
file from Apple software update server, at least you could use a later version
of system and also TenFourFox web browser. Most recent 10fourFx do not
use Flash, and by default is so more secure than other browsers; also the
most recent TenFourFox uses later code from Mozilla as best it can.
There are older versions of SeaMonkey for PPC, most have been superseded
by later versions and the last series works in OS X 10.5.8 only. Most other
recent SeaMonkey is a different project for Intel-based Mac, not PPC Mac.
You may be able to see about getting a Replacement DVD installer for Tiger
OSX 10.4, from Apple; this is an almost invisible possibility and they may or
may not readily believe if they even have it, still, or not. Depending on who
you talk to and where you are located (in US, there is a slim possibility) you
may be able to call Apple Sales or support, ask for an operating systems
specialist, and request if possible to order a replacement DVD for Tiger 10.4;
this would be a white label (not for retail sale) complete installer on DVD.
Usually they'd try to match the product, if available, with your Mac serial number.
And there would be a fee for this product, should they find they have it still.
An upgrade to at least 10.4.11 and later browsers should be able to fix this issue
for a time; at least until the next round of internet upgrades changes the content
of the web sites online, and forces some other hardware/software configurations
into the obsolete area even further. Depending on the Mac you have, it may need
more RAM for a later OS X to run better, and also the need for more hard drive
free space could occur, as Virtual Memory considerations add up. To upgrade an
OS X often requires the computer to also see some upgrade in hardware.
The issue with obsolete and unsupported older Adobe Flash player and any
version of java, can be narrowed by not accepting third party cookies, only
ones from the pages you visit, not saving any when you are done browsing;
and log back into any accounts and log out, each session. Do not keep the
passwords in the computer; avoid saving delicate information where it may
be exposed to the internet and use safe browsing practices always. Avoid
visiting sites or accepting any offered popup 'free download' software, etc.
Your computer may not be able to run Leopard 10.5.8, depending on the Mac
& its processor speed, bus speed, total RAM installed, actual free HDD space.
The configuration of system and hardware tend to be the limits over time.
Though my older Macs that are still operational have 10.5.8 installed, they did
well with Tiger 10.4.11 as a totally new installation on wiped (zeroed) hard drive
so there were no updated older 10.3.9 parts. Early Tiger steps had issues, but
the last Combo update 10.4.11 is a good solid base, up from the DVD installer.
There still are some additional software update downloads for that from Apple
but they are all vintage and unsupported. If your Mac has a CPU of 867MHz
or higher, it could run Leopard 10.5.8. Ask Apple, as previously mentioned, to
see if someone there can find a white label 'replacement DVD for...' this, too.
For web-based email, you don't need much more than a fair browser and to
avoid using the computer to visit compromised content. A second user account
where you aren't in the main Admin one, may also be helpful to troubleshoot an
issue should the daily user account of less stature be in question. You can also
delete or replace a lesser account, and replace it, while keeping Admin separate.
Good luck & happy computing!
Posted on Sep 4, 2014 11:11 AM