robphoton2

Q: How do you run OS9 programs in Lion?

Its my understanding that if I upgrade to Lion my ability to run OS9 programs, such as my $2,000 CAD program, stops.  Do you think that it will be possible, or are you aware of any 3rd party software that might get updated that would provide the function of Rosetta so I can run OS9 on a Lion Mac?  Would Apple allow a 3rd party company to write a Rosetta type program?

Posted on Jun 7, 2011 2:22 PM

Close

Q: How do you run OS9 programs in Lion?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Linc Davis,Helpful

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Jun 7, 2011 2:29 PM in response to robphoton2
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    Jun 7, 2011 2:29 PM in response to robphoton2

    SheepShaver. But if you're still using 10+-year-old commercial software professionally, you need a migration plan. Badly.

  • by Allan Eckert,Solvedanswer

    Allan Eckert Allan Eckert Jun 7, 2011 2:39 PM in response to robphoton2
    Level 9 (53,800 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 7, 2011 2:39 PM in response to robphoton2

    Rosetta does not allow OS 9 software to run on either Snow Leopard or Intel processors.

     

    What it does do is allow for the running of PowerPC code on Intel Macs.

     

    In addition Rosetta was removed entirely with Lion.

     

    If you truly wish to attempt the execution of an OS 9 CAD program on Lion with about the only alternative Sheep Shaver, I would suggest that you ask over on the home page for the vendor

     

    http://sheepshaver.cebix.net/

     

    Ask there if anyone has attempted to run your program under Sheep Shaver. Sheep Shaver is an OS 9 emulator but it is extremely difficult to implement and rather picky as to what it will run. You might also ask if Sheep Shaver will be upgraded to run on Lion.

     

    Allan

    tiger

  • by robphoton2,

    robphoton2 robphoton2 Jun 7, 2011 4:29 PM in response to robphoton2
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Jun 7, 2011 4:29 PM in response to robphoton2

    My CAD program is Vectorworks 12.  Its only about 4 yrs old, perhaps 5 at most, and does everything I need.  I really don't want to upgrade it as it works fine.

  • by robphoton2,

    robphoton2 robphoton2 Jun 7, 2011 4:32 PM in response to robphoton2
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Jun 7, 2011 4:32 PM in response to robphoton2

    My Vectorworks 12 runs fine on Snow Leopard, so I thought it was running under Rosetta, but maybe Snow Leopard runs OS9 programs another way?

  • by Linc Davis,Helpful

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Jun 7, 2011 4:37 PM in response to robphoton2
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    Jun 7, 2011 4:37 PM in response to robphoton2

    Then it's not an OS 9 application; it's a PowerPC OS X application. SheepShaver won't help you with that. You'll have to dedicate a Mac running 10.6 or earlier to it permanently.

  • by robphoton2,

    robphoton2 robphoton2 Jun 7, 2011 4:56 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Jun 7, 2011 4:56 PM in response to Linc Davis

    I'll probably not upgrade to Lion.  I usually always upgrade, but this time its not clear its worth it.  I know there are some cool animations and multi-touch, but if it shuts down core functionality I can wait for now.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Jun 7, 2011 5:14 PM in response to robphoton2
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    Jun 7, 2011 5:14 PM in response to robphoton2

    That's fine provided you understand that Rosetta is never coming back. You'll be OK as long as your Mac lasts, but when it dies you won't be able to get a new one that can run Snow Leopard or Rosetta.

  • by robphoton2,

    robphoton2 robphoton2 Jun 7, 2011 5:39 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Jun 7, 2011 5:39 PM in response to Linc Davis

    I also have Adobe Photoshop CS3 that I bought around the same time as the Vectorworks program.  I think Lion will break that too. :-(   Hopefully there will be a solution once we know more.