What OS Should I Install?

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What OS Should I Install?

I have recently bought a PowerBook G4 Titanium (Gigabit Ethernet.) The previous owner wiped the hard drive. I thought I had the CDs that worked with it, for the iBook and the Power Mac G4 Cube. From what I've read, these won't work as they are Mac OS 9.0.4 and the TiBook runs Mac OS 9.2.1 and Mac OS X 10.1 (5G64.) Will any Mac OS 9.2.1 CD work with it, or only the ones that came with the TiBook originally? Also, as you have to install OS X first, do I have to install OS X 10.1, or can I install OS X 10.3 or 10.2 instead, as I only have 10.3 and 10.2 discs. Also, can I use a 65W charger with this PowerBook?

PowerBook G4-OTHER, Other OS, Gigabit Ethernet

Posted on Jul 29, 2015 7:27 PM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

82,991 points

Aug 8, 2015 5:12 PM in response to PlayStationPaws

That's correct, the only discs that will work with the Mac are those that shipped with it, and newer retail installer discs up to the limit of the hardware.

The first gigabit ethernet model was limited to 550 and 667 Mhz. It should tell you the speed inside the battery bay.

Those models could install up to Mac OS X 10.4.6 retail. And then have the 10.4.11 PowerPC combo update applied. All that is covered here:

http://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2541

I would not install anything older, unless you have no need for spotlight, or relatively modern web browsing.

Mac OS: Versions, builds included with PowerPC Macs (since 1998) - Apple Support

Says that the gigabit ethernet model can ONLY use the gigabit ethernet Mac OS 9.2.1 installer disc to get Mac OS 9 on it. No other model, no retail make will work with it as far as Mac OS 9. Also I would not install anything older in terms of Mac OS X, than Mac OS X 10.2. Its web browsing while limited was the first operating system Apple provided with built-in repair permissions. The 10.1.5 and older versions of Mac OS X practically have no software made for them.

As for the power adapter, see this article once you have ascertained exactly which model you have:

PowerPC-Based Mac notebooks: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord--US - Apple Support

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