Tunni56

Q: How do I install 10.4/5 on G4 MMD Dual 1 gig (M8570)

I own a G4  Power Mac MMD M8570 dual 1Ghz, which I used maybe twice. It'smint/ like new  My kids 8 and 10 years old want a computer to use for school work/browsing etc. Basic stuff. This mac although very old would surely do the job extremely well, wouldn't it? Problem is, I can't get online! I think the software is too old and unsupported. So I need to install/upgrade the very old original OS X to 10.4  or 10.5. But I can't down load it as I can't get online. Can anyone tell me what I can do. I have a modern PC laptop which is online.

 

Regards

Phil

PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.0.x)

Posted on Aug 2, 2015 5:57 PM

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Q: How do I install 10.4/5 on G4 MMD Dual 1 gig (M8570)

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  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Aug 3, 2015 1:18 AM in response to Tunni56
    Level 6 (14,350 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 3, 2015 1:18 AM in response to Tunni56

    The computer would need to have some minor details attended to, such as the clock battery

    replaced, and any dust inside cleaned out; the hard drives may still be OK. The main issues

    these days are in obtaining the retail install system DVD media discs and also the iLife discs

    since none of these are sold new in retail Apple stores, but may be available via Amazon

    affiliates or perhaps ebay. Usually people try to include these retail install DVDs with the Mac

    the software was last installed with, as that would be in keeping with the end-user license.

     

    You'd need to upgrade (buy vintage original retail Tiger 10.4 DVD or Leopard 10.5 DVD) to

    be able to proceed, with either of those, there are updates via Software Update online. But

    this won't get you a modern or updated browser. With either of these last PPC OS X, you

    could get and use TenFourFox browser using the link below.

     

    There are no updates for the native Safari browser, no current Flash player update, and some

    other software. You can get and use a good browser known as TenFourFox from the developer

    site, it does not use Flash but does well with most sites and can use HTML5 content.

    http://www.floodgap.com/software/tenfourfox/  - note several versions based on PPC CPU

     

    You could probably get the TenFourFox browser (download) in a newer mac or PC and then

    (on USB flash or thumb drive) see if the file would copy to the Mac's desktop & still function.

     

    For G4 PPC processor series of your Power Mac, see 7450 ("G4e") direct download link:

    http://sourceforge.net/projects/tenfourfox/files/31.8.0/TenFourFox7450-31.8.0.ap p.zip

     

    What Mac OS or OS X version is currently installed in the Mirror Drive Door dual 1G?

    How much RAM is installed? Of what capacity is the hard drive? (More than one HDD?)

     

    Do you still have the original install-restore software discs? Hope so, since they are

    very hard to get and can come in handy; especially should you ever wish to format a

    hard drive, or re-install OS X, or choose to use earlier Mac OS 9.x.

     

    Depending on what system is in the computer as its startup, and your options, the settings to

    use the internet may vary. You'd probably need to use an Ethernet cable and choose to set

    up the Mac's OS in network or internet control panel, or if OS X the names may be different

    across a few build versions.

     

    •Creating a small Ethernet network - Apple Support

     

    •Solutions for connecting to the Internet, setting up a small network, and troubleshooting - Apple Support

     

    Well, there are some items to check into for a start. The clock battery or PRAM should still be

    available if it's a 1/2AA 3.6V. Lithium; however you'd want to see the original to be sure. And

    if you find one in retail somewhere, check the manufacture date. Avoid old stock.

     

    Hopefully you can get it running OK. - However for kids an early MacBook 13-inch and Snow Leopard 10.6.8

    may be a good idea, if the price is right. I was given one that does OK. You can still get the retail 10.6 DVD

    for these Intel-based Macs from Apple, with nothing for PPC in their online Store.

     

    In any event...

    Good luck & happy computing!