Help needed with OSX Server 10.5.8

Question

Help needed with OSX Server 10.5.8

We're running a headless Xserve (RackMac3,1) with OSX Server 10.5.8 that did its job flawlessly.

Now we want to update the Perl software from 5.8.6 to 5.20.0 or newer. After downloading the suitable version from CPAN we tried to install, but get the following msg:

- - -

Uh-oh, the C compiler 'cc' doesn't seem to be working.

You need to find a working C compiler.

Either (purchase and) install the C compiler supplied by your OS vendor,

or for a free C compiler try http://gcc.gnu.org/

I cannot continue any further, aborting.

- - -

Is there a way to install the missing tools remotely via the command line (SSH)? A step-by-step recipe would be most welcome.

- Harald -

Xserve, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Apr 22, 2015 1:37 PM

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Answer 1

cdhw

Level 4

3,594 points

Apr 25, 2015 4:50 PM in response to Harald Mückter

RackMac3,1 is PPC/G5 processor so you are not going to have an easy time with this. Perl 5.2.20 is bleeding edge (OS X 10.10.3 comes with v5.16.3).

I would leave Apple's installation of Perl, etc. on the server strictly alone and install MacPorts:

The MacPorts Project -- Home

and work from there. You aren't likely to get a step-by-step recipe because its not an exercise a rational person would chose to spend time on.

Have you considered rewriting whatever features in your code require Perl 5.2.20 than to upgrade your server? Or buy a new server, you could probably pick up a Mini for about $200.

C.

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