Q: Can I update my iBookG4 at home?

Not supported means that the thing you are trying to download is too new for the operating system, and neither the OS or, perhaps the hardware, can run the file. It's like driving a 1960 VW bug into a modern Volkswagen dealership today looking to put in a new water pump. They won't be able to help you.

What are you trying to download? With a Mac that is somewhere in the vicinity of ten years old, it will be next to impossible to download and use any new software, of that is what you are attempting to download.

You may be able to update the web browser if using Safari or old Firefox.

•TenFourFox:

http://www.floodgap.com/software/tenfourfox/

•iCab v. 4.9 or 5.1.1: (depends on the OS X in the computer)

http://www.icab.de/dl.php

•SeaMonkey for PPC: (v. 2.26 May 2014 build) - for OS X 10.5.8

http://sourceforge.net/projects/seamonkey-for-ppc/

{this seems a bit top-heavy in small single CPU portable G4 Macs}

Flash player... not really supported and TenFourFox doesn't use it.

A different animation technology HTML5 helps, other options are

available to help use it to access some sites. Flash and Java are

not recommended due to lack of support and no secure updates.

Older Flash can be found, doing so is a hassle, from Adobe site

for flash player. Archived older versions, some are not for OS X

and others are for Intel-based Mac only. A list of those is here:

http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/archived-flash-player-versions.html

http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/installation-problems-flash-player-mac.ht ml

A patch can make the last vintage Flash player appear as a newer (yet old)

version, as it uses parts of a newer one to replace older bits, you have to

do that yourself, but it isn't secure. Read about how it was done, in the follow-

ing link; but it is not recommended. (I did it, but use latest 10.4.Fx w/o flash)

•Adobe Flash 11.5 for PowerPC: a patch... needs v. 10.3, etc from Adobe, too

http://scriptogr.am/nordkril/post/adobe-flash-11.5-for-powerpc

Depending on the hardware specs of the iBook G4, you may be able to

upgrade the OS X version, to as late as Leopard 10.5.8, and a last-model

iBook G4 could use as much as 1.5GB RAM. Not all can, though.

If the iBook G4 has at least a 867MHz processor, then it could see an OS X

upgrade (needs DVD retail disc to upgrade) to Leopard. So a slower CPU

could only run Tiger 10.4.11, or Panther 10.3.9, etc. Nothing newer than

Leopard 10.5.8 in a PowerPC based Mac.

You could run a few custom builds of linux or unix, in addition to OS X.

To be able to describe the model build year and processor speed, RAM

total installed, plus hard disk drive capacity, and OS X running, can help.

Yet, there were several different spec iBook G4 models built before they

discontinued them in about late 2005, some were still sold new in 2006.

Of course the MacBook series replaced the iBook and PowerBook, for

a time, then the MacBook/Pro offered better specs and possibilities.

You could pick up a MacBook (circa 2006 to 2010) that is less obsolete than

the old PowerPC G4 iBook series, and run at least Snow Leopard 10.6.8.

Those early Intel-based Macs are usually limited in todays standards in that

some of the first Intels can't be upgraded past 10.6.8, some to 10.7.5, and

others to 10.8.5 and 10.9.5. These depend on hardware specifications.

So while you may be able to add an upgrade RAM chip to the memory

slot under the keyboard, and install a few newer browsers, some limits

are obsolete due to the time frame since the iBook G4 or PowerBook G4

models were in vogue. See http://everymac.com and http://mactracker.ca

for specification and update or upgrade information. Also Apple support

has a fair database on some information while older products are being

left behind in favor of more recent software and hardware development

and that is a standard practice.

I have an iBook G4 12-in. 1.33 GHz Mid 2005 w/ 1.5GB RAM, 40GB HDD,

Combo optical drive, bluetooth, 802.11 b/g wireless, 56k dial-up modem,

Mac OS X 10.5.8, and its a lot like new. Needs a new battery though.

The original two don't hold a charge now, so I'm considering an OWC

macsales newpower battery; but don't use the iBook much to justify.

Also a Mini G4 1.5GHz Late 2005 w/ 1GB RAM, 100GB HDD, OS X 10.5.8

2GB RAM, & better graphics; plus an early MacBook 13-inch 1.83GHz core-

duo that runs 10.5.8 but could be running up to Snow Leopard 10.6.8, max.

And other Macs, three iMac G4 17-inch 1.25GHz models of various status,

a Powerbook G4 12-inch aluminum 2004, needing repair, (given to me), etc.

So you have to be able to identify your computer since they made so many.

Sites such as lowendmac.com, and others have information. User groups

in various cities have members whose interest includes vintage Macs.

In any event, you can update your iBook G4 somewhat, perhaps upgrade it

a little. Items such as hard drive replacement and optical (DVD/CD) drive

upgrade or replacement may be a real chore. There are guides such as

http://ifixit.com offers to help repair various Mac computer products.

Not sure if this helps, but what the hay...

Good luck & happy computing!