kymac

I just bought an old G4 Imac 700 mhz-OS 10.2.8. It was used in a small deli, for children to play games. All the original apps are gone. I have a set of PowerMac G4 software restore disks,along with the OS 9 install disk, but it is 10.1.2. Can I reload this software, or will this be a problem?

Orion

According to LowEndMac (here specifically) you can install 10.1.2 as that's what it came with. Unfortunately I think it is unlikely you will be able to get the PowerMac restore disks to work as they tend to be coded to work with specific machines.

If you want 10.2.8 you should be able to get it for practically nothing, or 10.3 for not much more. Both should run quite nicely, though others will have more experience as I've never owned one of the iLamps ^_^

CanadaRAM

Your best bet may be to cruise eBay for some original install disks for your model so you can reinstall the Apple Apps. You won't get the same set of apps on a retail OSX package.

(however you may be able to extract the application installers from another model of install disks with something like Pacifist, and install just the apps. I haven't tried that)

meall

I would recommend that you get a cheap copy (on eBay maybe) or Panther (10.3). 10.1 and 10.2 were not really optimized, while 10.3 optimization level help old G4/G3 to run a decent speed. Plus, with 10.3, it will be easier for you to find software that are compatible with, as the older 10.2 compatibility tend to fade out a bit.

Let just be sure that you have enough memory in it. 512 meg would be a minimum, and if you can get more, that would be even better.

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iMac 27" Core i7 2.8 GHz, 6Gb RAM, 1 Tb HD
MacBook Pro 15" 2.4 GHz, HD 500 Gb 7200 RPM, 4 Gb RAM
iPhone 3GS 16 Gb

eMacMan

You did not mention RAM. I agree that Panther is your best bet for this system. If that's the way you go I would suggest 512MB as the practical minimum for RAM. If you want to use something like PhotoshopElements (Version 2 has the least desktop clutter) you would be better off at 640MB+

Note the RAM slots on this machine differ from each other. The factory installed RAM was installed in the less expensive slot. Be sure you order the correct RAM style. MacDoc or Canada RAM can help you with that one.

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