Bringing g4 iMac up to date

[Mosephus]

Someone just gave us a old iMac G4 (half ball, lamp looking imac), and it is pretty bad off at the moment. It is still running panther, it's airport card is bad so it's sitting on the kitchen counter next to the the modem. I'm not a mac guy but I do know just a little, what will it take to get it somewhat up to date?

My wife will use it to write and edit non-hd video's for youtube and for general video watching and surfing the net. Basically nothing is supported because of the old OS, but I don't think this thing will run 10.6.

A picture just for fun.

[texkam]

You might try Linux. It would certainly give you all the free software you'd probably need and all up to date.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/PowerPC

[Zack Davis]

Rumors are that in the next month (could be more or less) Google will be releasing an x86 version of Android, that would probably do great on this as well. :)

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by Zack Davis

Rumors are that in the next month (could be more or less) Google will be releasing an x86 version of Android, that would probably do great on this as well. :)

Unfortunately the G4 iMac uses the IBM RISC processor and not the Intel x86 platform. But perhaps that's what your smiley face was saying.

The most recent version of OS X (Snow Leopard or 10.6) will ONLY run on Intel based systems and is not compatible with the Gx systems. Your best bet would be find a 10.5 (Leopard) version. Even at that, if the hardware is on shaky ground, I would consider adding an external wireless adapter or perhaps even running it wired Ethernet to a small access point/bridge. That would be cheaper. Max out the RAM if you can still find some that is compatible and it will be fine for email and web surfing.

Have fun!

[tukaniray]

For pieces and upgrade parts visit iFixit: The free repair manual

I go there at times when my macbooks start acting up. I have fixed my personal macbook, a friend's iMac and my boss' macbook.

And they also have older mac hard drives, memory and upgrades.

I do agree with Scott that hard wire would be a real good way and cheap way to go as well. I would be a tad hesitant about bumping up to Leopard though. It's a bit lagging on the older non-intel macs. I would look for Tiger as your next upgrade. Someone has to have it either for free or less than 5 bucks.

Enjoy the Mac, that version wasn't bad at all just a bit slow for these days.

-Ray-

[Brains]

You might do better to pass it on and get something newer, if you can afford to. Editing video on it isn't going to be snappy for sure, even youtube sized stuff. Not to mention everyone writing software has more or less left the PowerPC Macs behind for the Intel platform. You're working with a computer that was discontinued 6 years ago.

If you want to get it running just to see, definitely try to find a copy of Panther, it ran pretty well on my old G4 Mac but still nowhere near as nice as Snow Leopard on a new Intel Mac. Maybe try it out, and if you generally like the look and feel, pick up a used/refurb Mac Mini.

[Mosephus]

Thanks or the advice. It's just an extra computer so it's no biggie. I won't be dumping any money into it, The only thing I've got to do to it is upgrade the OS since even the USB Wireless adapter I have cannot work with panther.

Years ago this computers job was actually editing videos, we would drag this heavy beast around to events and start editing in the hotel rooms from the footage captured from the event. My Father in law almost cried when he gave this to us. :-P

[Zack Davis]

Unfortunately the G4 iMac uses the IBM RISC processor and not the Intel x86 platform. But perhaps that's what your smiley face was saying.

No I totally forgot G4 was still RISC based, thought that G4 was when the switch started happening.

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by Zack Davis

No I totally forgot G4 was still RISC based, thought that G4 was when the switch started happening.

The G5 was the final processor in the IBM RISC line. I own a G5 iMac that has been handed down to my 8 year old. Makes a great email/web machine especially since the built-in parental controls can be locked down well and easily.

[picman]

I've got one of those sitting on the front counter at the office. We use it as a digital photo frame. Every weekday it comes on by its self in the morning and shuts down at 5. It runs the photo screen saver that is part of the OS.

[Mosephus]

Thanks for the idea, I could at least use it for that down the road.