latest os version for imac powerpc 700 GHz (256 MB RAM)

Hi Vinceschiavo,

First of all, Welcome to the  Discussion forums!

If you look at the specifications for your model iMac found here. There are two models, a 700 Mhz G3 and a 700 Mhz G4 (flat panel), both of which can be upgraded as far as 10.4.11.

Be aware though that you need a dvd drive to install as Tiger 10.4 only came on dvds. The only way to install if your machine does not have a dvd drive is to use its firewire port and install via Firewire Target Disk Mode and connect to another Mac capable of booting the disk.

The current OS is Leopard but your model does not meet the "Leopard System Requirements".

Here are the "Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger System Requirements".

Though it states the RAM requirements for Tiger to be 256 MB that is the bare minimum and to run Tiger well at all you would need at least 512 MB and better yet 1024 MB of RAM. So keep that in mind if you decide to upgrade.

Post back if you have further questions or comments,

littleshoulders 🙂

Hi Vince:

Welcome to Apple Discussions.

In addition to little shoulder's sage advice, I would recommend that you bump your RAM up to at least 512 MB.

😉 cornelius

Hi cornelius,

I guess you caught my pre-edit! 😉

Well....better the wise advise doubled than not at all...heh my friend? 🙂

LS

vinceschiavo, welcome to Apple Discussions.

You should upgrade to at least Panther 10.3, or Tiger 10.4 would be best. Tiger install DVDs are in short supply. Tiger is no longer available at the Apple Store but is still available for $129 by calling Apple Phone Sales @ 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753). For other sources, do a Google search for MA453Z/A and M9639Z/A . Also look on eBay. Be sure & buy a retail version (black with silver X) and not a model specific version (gray).

Also check this web store http://www.lacomputercompany.com/cgi-bin/rpcart/index.cgi?command=dispitem&type= sku&sku=19521

As noted ablve, Tiger comes on a DVD. Does you Mac read DVDs? You can probably get the Panther install CDs on eBay.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

Hi again Vince,

I see you changed your computer specs in your reply to me to read an iMac 700 Mhz G4. If this is your iMac 700 Mhz G4 model then the instructions for installing memory can be found here.

Your model has two firewire ports in addition to its usb ports. If you decide to upgrade to Tiger, though, you won't have to worry about the firewire ports if you have a dvd drive as you say.

Post back if that is not your model and if you have further questions,

LS

When you install Tiger, use the Archive and Install option. See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1710 You won't "wipe out" any other software or personal settings. The only problem could be that some of your applications may not run in Tiger. Usually you can download an update or a new Tiger compliant version. After you install Tiger & boot up, look at your Dock icons. If some of the application icons have been replaced by a ?, these applications will not operate in Tiger. Office 2004 will operate in Tiger.

Don't forget to download the combo updater to go to 10.4.11.

 Cheers, Tom 😉