Ana
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Upgrading from  IMac OS X v.10.3.9

Hi,

 

I would really appreciate some help with the following:

 

I have a mac desktop (MAC OS x v 10.3.9) and suddenly I have not been able to update Itunes, safari... etc... it dawned on me that I was probably light years behind on upgrades, however, I seem to be stuck now and can't upgrade unless I install v7 or Os X Lion?? the thing is that even to install Lion on line I need the APP store and not having App store, I am unable to do this... can someone help me please??

 

Many thanks

iMac, Mac os X v10.3.9

Posted on Jan 29, 2012 7:15 AM

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Ana

Q: Upgrading from  IMac OS X v.10.3.9

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Matt Clifton,

    Matt Clifton Matt Clifton Jan 29, 2012 7:18 AM in response to Ana
    Level 7 (29,905 points)
    Jan 29, 2012 7:18 AM in response to Ana

    You can't run Lion, or even 10.6, on PPC Macs. The best you can do is 10.5.8, but I don't recommend it for most 10.4 PPC installations.

     

    Unfortunately, if you want Lion, you will have to bite the bullet and look for a newer Mac.

     

    Matt

  • by Ana ,

    Ana Ana Jan 29, 2012 7:43 AM in response to Matt Clifton
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 29, 2012 7:43 AM in response to Matt Clifton

    Hi Matt,

     

    Many thanks for your reply... I am assuming its a PPC Mac because it says nothing about intel... would I be right?? where could i check in order to be certain this is the case... and if so how do i go about running 10.5.8?? i find it hard to believe that such a "new" machine would need replacing already... I bought it in 2005 and gave it very little use...

     

    further help will be much appreciated!

  • by Matt Clifton,

    Matt Clifton Matt Clifton Jan 29, 2012 7:47 AM in response to Ana
    Level 7 (29,905 points)
    Jan 29, 2012 7:47 AM in response to Ana

    Intel Macs won't run 10.3. Go to the Apple menu, click About This Mac, and More Info. What is the model name and model identifier? (eg, "PowerMac4,1")

     

    7 years is actually a pretty decent age for a computer! The PPC/Intel switch-over actually happened around 2006.

     

    Matt

  • by noondaywitch,

    noondaywitch noondaywitch Jan 29, 2012 7:53 AM in response to Ana
    Level 6 (8,147 points)
    Jan 29, 2012 7:53 AM in response to Ana

    It is pretty tough. To upgrade to either Tiger (10.4) or Leopard (10.5) you'll need a retail installer DVD.

    Leopard may be available from Apple Phone Sales, but at around $130. On Amazon or elsewhwere it's likely to $150 and up.

    Tiger is even harder to find and consequently prices are even higher.

     

    Leopard won't run Classic mode, either, so no OS9 apps will work with it.

     

    Ultimately it depends how much you want the new(er) bells and whistles. To get further than Leopard you're going to need an Intel based Mac (Jan 2006 and later), and for Lion a Core2Duo at minimum, which means Sept/Oct 2006 or later.

     

    A used one might still work out cheaper than trying to upgrade yours, but make sure it has at least 1GB of RAM (2GB if you plan to go to Lion).

  • by Ana ,

    Ana Ana Jan 29, 2012 8:03 AM in response to Matt Clifton
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 29, 2012 8:03 AM in response to Matt Clifton

    Hi Matt,

     

    many thanks... yes, as I suspected it is indeed a ppc g5... I suspect my only option for now is to ring Apple and see whether I can get my hands on a Installer DVD as suggested by noondaywitch!

     

    Many thanks for your advice/guidance!

  • by Ana ,

    Ana Ana Jan 29, 2012 8:07 AM in response to noondaywitch
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 29, 2012 8:07 AM in response to noondaywitch

    Hi Noondaywitch,

     

    Many thanks for your posting and guidance... I've logged a call with apple and hopefully I'll be able to upgrade it to Leopard/Tiger with a CD... as long as I can download Itunes and get a new(er) browser version and pdf upgrades it will keep me going for a while...

     

    Many thanks

     

    A

  • by noondaywitch,

    noondaywitch noondaywitch Jan 29, 2012 8:35 AM in response to Ana
    Level 6 (8,147 points)
    Jan 29, 2012 8:35 AM in response to Ana

    If you're going that route, this info from TexasMacMan may be of use;

     

    Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard installation system requirements

    http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24950

     

    Leopard is no longer available at the Apple Store but may be available by calling Apple Phone Sales @ 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753).

     

    If you can't obtain a retail install DVD from Apple, look on eBay or Google the installer part numbers to possibly find at an on-line store. Here's what to look for:

     

    MB427Z/A  Leopard 10.5.1 install DVD

    MB576Z/A  Leopard 10.5.4 install DVD

    MB021Z/A  Leopard 10.5.6 install DVD (single user)

    MB022Z/A  Leopard 10.5.6 install DVD (5-user family pack)

     

    Installing Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1544

     

    Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Installation and Setup Guide

    http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/leopard_install-setup.pdf

     

    After you install the base 10.5, download & install the 10.5.8 combo update at http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_OS_X_10_5_8_Combo_Update

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Jan 29, 2012 8:41 AM in response to Ana
    Level 9 (66,889 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Jan 29, 2012 8:41 AM in response to Ana

    If you install 10.5, you will lose Classic. If you install 10.4 or later, you'll lose the Find File to be replaced by Spotlight's Find File which can be slower. Only upgrade to either if there is need, and you are able to update your software to follow.  Start with this tip, which also directs you to a tip that explains the advantages and disadvantages of Leopard as well:  https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2541