os help for mac virgin

rubastar

hey guys
just a quick question. recently got a mac from a friend which runs on os 10.2.8 some updates and software that I want require newer versions so do I need to buy a newer one or can I download it from Apple? I know you can download some versions but does everyone need to be installed one after the other or can I go from 10.2.8 to the latest one? or which one can I buy...help please!
thank you

Gillo

You need to buy a later version to more from 10.x to 10.y, the free ones are the smaller updates generally to fix bugs or make slight improvements eg, 10.4.x to 10.4.y. Sorry it's been a bad day I can't think of an easier way to put it.

The current operating system is 10.4.7, it will cost you about 130 to 150 to buy the new version. A word of warning though there has already been an announcement about 10.8 so it'll prob be out for in the next few months you may want to hold off until that one comes out.

Thats my two cents, but no doubt someone will be able to advise you better.

Urban Weigl

Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger" is the newest version. It's €129 including courier delivery to your address in Ireland from http://www.apple.com/iestore/

All point upgrades are free, but major new version (about once every 2 years) are always priced at €129. You might be able to get it off eBay for less, though.

rubastar

thanks for that guys. can I go straight and put the latest one on it from 10.2.8 or do I need to put earlier ones on it first? sorry if that sounds stupid but i'm new to it
thanks

rubastar

also will the programs that are on it now still work with the newer os or will i have to get newer versions of those too?
cheers

Gillo

Theres two basic ways to install the software;
1; You can upgrade this, will install the OS and leave anything you have there already ie; third party software, documents, files, etc
2; A "clean install" which wipes everthing off your drive and then installs the OS, your mac will be the same as when it left the factory

If you go with the upgrade, I'd recommend that you back up anything you really don't want to lose, I've never heard of a problem installing an OS but better safe than sorry.

Any software you have should work no problem, it'll only be when OS11 comes out that you have problems, but theres no word on when that'll be, I don't think there is even anything on the rumors site's.

TBH, installing the OS is designed so that any body coming in off the street can do it without hassle.

SystemError51

gillo wrote:

Theres two basic ways to install the software;
1; You can upgrade this, will install the OS and leave anything you have there already ie; third party software, documents, files, etc
2; A "clean install" which wipes everthing off your drive and then installs the OS, your mac will be the same as when it left the factory

If you go with the upgrade, I'd recommend that you back up anything you really don't want to lose, I've never heard of a problem installing an OS but better safe than sorry.

Any software you have should work no problem, it'll only be when OS11 comes out that you have problems, but theres no word on when that'll be, I don't think there is even anything on the rumors site's.

TBH, installing the OS is designed so that any body coming in off the street can do it without hassle.

Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 is scheduled for release next spring. It is being rumored that the system supposedly has the first underpinnings of Mac OS XI or whatever the next super-big leap after OS X will be called.

uncle_sam_ie

What type of Mac do you own?

rubastar

it's a g3 ibook

uncle_sam_ie

I'm not sure if the G3 iBook supports Quartz Extreme. Go up to the Apple logo in the menu bar click it and then click about this Mac, then more info,then Graphics and Display. There it should tell you if it's supported. Quartz Extreme will give you the eye candy in OS X. If you are going to upgrade to Tiger, I'd recommend investing in more RAM. At least 512Mb. I know people who are running Panther on G3 iMacs and it's working alright. You should be fine, but you won't get some of the core image eye candy (like the ripple effect when you launch a widget.)