You could get and use a browser built on a custom version of Mozilla code
that would run OK in OS X Tiger 10.4.11 as well as OS X Leopard 10.5.8;
however this one does not directly support Flash plugins, so web content
relying on that function will not work. Otherwise, if you get the version for
your series of processor (PowerPC G4 shows two versions in download)
that can do well enough for most casual browsing w/ some security.
•TenFourFox:
http://www.floodgap.com/software/tenfourfox/
Another browser that should be available for use in Tiger & Leopard, is
iCab; this will run freely but is shareware and a prompt will appear on a
re-occuring basis like a fade-in/fade-out image, asking you to buy it.
There are a few features in iCab that set it apart from others, it is OK.
•iCab - Internet Browser - Downloads: (for Tiger 10.4, note v. iCab 4.9)
http://www.icab.de/dl.php
If you contact the main Apple number, (800MYAPPLE) some users had
been able to ask for an operating system specialist, provide a serial
number for their Mac computer, have method of payment handy, and
the lucky ones were able to order a "Replacement OS X 10.4 DVD" or
a "Replacement OS X 10.5 DVD" from Apple directly. These are White-
Label, and should work across several models of PPC (G4/G5) Mac
to install a complete basic OS X, in the supported hardware, and be
good to use as a means to upgrade to the last supported OS X for PPC.
If your iBook has a processor less than 867MHz speed, it would not be
able to be upgraded past Tiger 10.4.11; if it has a cpu faster than that,
it should be able to use the OS X 10.5 system install DVD.
So if you are among a lucky few, you may be able to order Apple disc(s)
direct from an expert, the system replacement discs with white label. For
the older Macs as noted above (and when available) had a cost of about
$20 per each. There may be an additional shipping fee, but still if you can
get either one or both OS X versions on Apple media, that's a deal.
About the Safari 4.x browser, crash. Had you repaired disk permisssions
in the system by use of Disk Utility? I'd safe-boot startup first, repair disk
permissions, then restart to see if it helps. You may also be able to get
a replacement download of the same old Safari browser from Support
online, should there be a need to, in the course of troubleshooting it.
http://support.apple.com/downloads/#safari old version download page
You can use Safari to assign another browser to be system default, so
a different one will launch (see Safari prefs) instead of older Safari. I
have SeaMonkey for PPC (works in OS X 10.5) set as default.
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂
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