I knew that I couldn't run the mac version of minecraft, I downloaded the one for Linux as suggested. I ran that and it just wouldn't run, I was given a short error message, but I cant remember what it was.
Then I found a site that had a different minecraft.jar file. I downloaded that and it did launch and got to the login screen. I used my son's user account and it told me minecraft wasn't installed.
I then made a backup of my daughters minecraft folder off her intelmac and placed it in the same location on my G5. I was then still told it wasn't installed.
Im assuming its because the version on my daughters intelmac is too new for the G5 to run. so I stopped there and have not looked into it since.
basically, I think I just need a zipped up package of what needs to live in the library location for minecraft and a 1.5 launcher.
But at the moment the G5 is all apart for fan cleaning...Id like to inspect my LCS but an pretty nervous of removing it from the motherboard, id hate to make a working machine a paperweight.
once the machine is cleaned up and put back together I will attempt the minecraft again.
Kevin