Q: Do we need security programs on an iBook or home computer?

A more secure browser, without flash or java, could be an answer.

However with Panther 10.3.9 there aren't any recent build ones...

If your computer were running Tiger 10.4.11, then there is a good

choice of browser in TenFourFox. This was made with PPC Macs

which run Tiger 10.4(.11) & Leopard 10.5(.8) and your iBook G4

should be able to run OS X Tiger 10.4, if you can locate a retail

install disc set. These have not been produced in several years.

So depending on the operating system your computer can use,

there are a few options. The browser TenFourFox needs at least

10.4.11 or 10.5.8 in a PowerPC series computer, to work.

•TenFourFox: build version of Firefox for PowerMac+OS X 10.4/10.5:

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

The above page lists an older version browser for early OS X to

include Panther 10.3.9. Do not expect much from old versions.

The obsolete browser list includes ancient Firefox, SeaMonkey,

Safari, and none of those were upgraded for today's issues for

use in their vintage obsolete operating systems.

The systems themselves were OK, but online support has passed

them by; with exception of TenFourFox for Tiger & Leopard OS X.

Not sure if there is an earlier iCab browser build w/ secure update

or one that is more updated than their free listed versions online.

Their license is about $20. for iCab; see versions, email+ask iCab.

•iCab - internet taxi for the Mac:

http://www.icab.de/

Another idea may be to get a good condition MacBook 13-inch

model circa 2006 to 2010, which could run at least OS X 10.6.8.

Good luck & happy computing!

PS:

You do not need to buy a license to try or use iCab.

The maker could tell you if an update to a licensed

version were available for obsolete Panther 10.3.9

otherwise the versions in the downloads page work.

One of my older Macs has an iCab version, however

when visiting some sites, it says the browser is out-

of-date; even though I can use settings inside iCab

to have it appear to be a different browser identity.

If a paid-for license adds newer browser identities,

I don't know. -- This would be question for the maker.

See this version for PPC + OS X 10.3.9:

iCab 4.9 (08.06.2012)

•iCab Downloads:

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

To find a retail Tiger 10.4 install DVD may be a difficult search

as could the effort to locate a retail Leopard 10.5 install DVD.

If you are in the US, you could try Apple sales support 800#

from their main web site, and ask for an operating systems

specialist; be ready with your computer serial number & model

name, and processor info. You could ask if they could help

you find a replacement copy of the Tiger 10.4 install disc set

for your computer; and in addition, if the model could support

Leopard 10.5, you should inquire about ordering that as well.

Both may or may not be available. These would not be retail

labeled nor would they be original gray-label discs; there is a

chance the Apple sales support may be able to have copies

of these discs made from another archive, on to disc media.

If so, there may be a fee per disc; you could order by phone

should that opportunity be the case. Other updates to these

systems should still be available online via Software Update;

since the base level OS X 10.4 would need Combo update to

take it to last step 10.4.11; same with base 10.5, to 10.5.8.

If the planets align and someone you talk to at Apple support

says they find you can order a replacement copy of these OS

X versions otherwise almost impossible to find -- get both.

Hopefully someone at the sales support can direct you to an

OS X systems specialist who can arrange to sell you either

or both of these as replacements, so you can do a full install

of either or both (depending on your computer hardware) and

to allow you to access the internet with later browser, etc. This

is not a certainty, but if available (some don't know, apparently)

you should be able to pay a reasonable fee to obtain these.

So a form of payment such as a CC should be available, in case.

Good luck in this matter!