HT1444: Software update, upgrade--what's the difference?

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danvanbrussel
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Q: what update do I need to replace OS X10.4

I have buy a second hand IBOOK G4 and want to update my OS X 10.4.11 system. It is my first Mac and I do not know how to start and what kind of OS X version I need to download (buy)

 

  These are some specifications from the IBook:

 

  Machine Name:          iBook G4

  Machine Model:          PowerBook6,7

  CPU Type:          PowerPC G4 (1.5)

  Number Of CPUs:          1

  CPU Speed:          1.42 GHz

  L2 Cache (per CPU):          512 KB

  Memory:          1 GB

  Bus Speed:          142 MHz

  Boot ROM Version:          4.9.3f0

 

Thanks in advance

 

Daniel

iBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jun 5, 2012 1:32 AM

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danvanbrussel

Q: what update do I need to replace OS X10.4

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Jun 6, 2012 1:04 AM in response to danvanbrussel
    Level 8 (39,583 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 6, 2012 1:04 AM in response to danvanbrussel

    Does it already have 10.4.11 on it?  If so, that's a good system for that Mac.  That's "Tiger" and 10.4.11 is the latest version of Tiger. 

     

    If you don't have a Tiger installation disc (for doing reinstalls), you should back up the current installation to an external drive (clone it), so that you can restore the system to a working state if you have a problem in the future.  For a PowerPC Mac like your G4, a FireWire drive would be better (more useful) than a USB drive.

     

    Since it has a G4 that is faster than 867 MHz, and more than 512mb of RAM, the latest version of Mac OS X it can run is 10.5.8, which is "Leopard."  To install Leopard, you will need to get a used copy of an installation disc for Leopard.  Make sure it is a retail copy (sold separately in a box), and not a gray-colored disc that came with a specific Mac model.  You can install any version of Leopard and update it to 10.5.8 with a free download from Apple.

     

    If it already has Tiger, I recommend you keep it at Tiger, at least initially.  Tiger has decent compatibility with recent sofltware, and it uses less memory, compared to Leopard. 

  • by Texas Mac Man,

    Texas Mac Man Texas Mac Man Jun 9, 2012 4:23 PM in response to danvanbrussel
    Level 8 (46,611 points)
    Jun 9, 2012 4:23 PM in response to danvanbrussel

    Leopard is the max OS for Macs with a PowerPC processor, like the G4.

     

    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

     

    The DVD should look like this

    leopard.jpg

    Caution - Leopard does not support classic mode. So, if you currently open OS 9 apps in classic mode, you won't be able to do this if you upgrade to Leopard.

     

     Cheers, Tom