Can I upgrade my eMac, running on OSX 10.4.11, to 10.5.6 using the full retail installation disk?

Question

Can I upgrade my eMac, running on OSX 10.4.11, to 10.5.6 using the full retail installation disk?

I have an eMac Power PC G4 and find that I can't run a lot of internet programs properly without an OS upgrade. Can I purchase the Leopard 10.5.6 full retail installation disk and install it successfully? Here are my PC's details:

Hardware Overview:

Machine Name: eMac

Machine Model: PowerMac6,4

CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.1)

Number Of CPUs: 1

CPU Speed: 1.25 GHz

L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB

Memory: 1 GB

Bus Speed: 167 MHz

Boot ROM Version: 4.8.2f1

Serial Number: G842449WQQH

PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.4.11), Looking to upgrade

Posted on Nov 28, 2013 8:37 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Niel

Level 10

726,479 points

Nov 28, 2013 8:38 PM in response to Withtheletter

Yes. Note that Mac OS X 10.5 won't run Classic software.

(93536)

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Answer 2

Nov 28, 2013 8:47 PM in response to Niel

Thank you, Niel - you'll have to excuse my newness and inexperience to Mac OS's: I assume you are advising me that the software I already have installed will not be compatible with the Leopard update. If this is the case, will it be erased with the install? Will it have any effect on the 10.5.6 OS once it has been installed?

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Answer 3

Niel

Level 10

726,479 points

Nov 28, 2013 8:52 PM in response to Withtheletter

Classic refers to software which requires the Classic environment or Mac OS 9 to run as opposed to applications written for Mac OS X.

(93537)

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Answer 4

Limnos

Level 10

410,809 points

Nov 29, 2013 8:17 AM in response to Withtheletter

The sofware won't be erased, but it also won't run any longer under Leopard. You could still boot to OS9 and use it there, but that rapidly becomes an inconvenience.

You can consider upgrading to 10.5 but you'll still be way behind in terms of new applications because Apple is now at 10.9. I still run 10.4.11 and while there are a few applications out there I might wish that require 10.5 I have not upgraded.

Various considerations:

- If they require 10.5, do they also require an Intel computer?

- If you just need a more modern browser try TenFourFox which runs on PPC Macs but is kept up to date.

- Some people complained about 10.5 slowing down their computers.

- If you don't have Leopard already consider it may cost $100

- You don't say how much RAM on your computer. You may need a RAM upgrade. Add that to cost of Leopard vs. buying a newer used computer.

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