Asking about some PPC apps + My story on how I fixed my mad mac

[KawaiiAurora]

Hey,

SKIP TO THE LAST PARAGRAPH IF YOU DON'T WANNA READ MY STORY AND ANSWER MY QUESTION ONLY.

As some of you might seen, I've been on a posting spree complaining about my Sawtooth that, for some reason (nostalgia probably), I wanted to work soo much as I love it. If not, let me tell you what my ancient Macintosh did!

My trusty 400MHz Sawtooth with a defective Rage 128 Pro and 576MB had a very weird symptom.. Everytime I installed OS X 10.4 and then updated to 10.4.11 (a logical thing to do IMO), apps crashed randomly every 3 seconds and the Mac was literally useless.. Nothing worked! This issue happened about 6.5 years ago too and I was very baffled by it back then so I decided to fix it.

The issue, however, wasn't present with OS X 10.2.8, OS 9.2.2 and every Linux distro I tried (my Mac stayed on Linux for a few years since Jaguar was ancient even in 2010). I started by installing OS X 10.4 from the DVD as usual BUT instead of updating to 10.4.11, I used 10.4.0 (8A48 - GM) for like 20 minutes and... The issue wasn't there... so I decided to update to 10.4.8 via delta updates (10.4.8 also had the issue).

10.4.0 to 10.4.1; 10.4.1 to 10.4.2 and so on, you get it. Updated to OS X 10.4.5 and the issue still wasn't there! For a moment, I thought that my Mac just hated combo updates.. Installed OS X 10.4.6 and BINGO! Issue was there. Now, some might have stopped with 10.4.6 and just stuck with 10.4.5 but eeh, I wanted to get to the bottom of it!

So.. I looked up what changed in 10.4.6 and some said that a big system library changed. I changed that library with the 10.4.5 file but the issue was still there. Opened the 10.4.6 update via show package contents alongside the 10.4.5 to see which files changed. I decided to change the kernel via the Tiger DVD and some /usr/lib files with the 10.4.5 files and the issue was still present!

I decided to be a cowgirl and changed the /System/Library folder with one from 10.4.5 update (i.e the stuff that Apple changed with 10.4.5) and BINGO! The issue disappeared.. Decided to nuke the whole installation and installed 10.4 again and updated via Delta updates to 10.4.5.

Checked what was different and made a folder containing the differences in System/Library from 10.4.5 to 10.4.6. Then I updated to 10.4.6 and started changing folders. Extensions folder.. Wasn't it, issue was still there. Replaced it with the 10.4.6 Extensions folder (made a folder of what I was gonna replace) again and then I replaced CoreServices. Issue was still there. My third suspect, for some reason, was Frameworks. Replaced the Frameworks folder with one from 10.4.5 and.. the issue disappeared.

Then, I started replacing folders inside the Framework folder 2 by 2. Narrowed it down to ApplicationServices.framework which had 8 sub-frameworks. Took a leap of faith and replaced CoreGraphics.framework with the 10.4.5 version and left the rest with 10.4.6 files. Issue disappeared!!

Now, I updated to 10.4.7 via a delta update and the issue resurfaced! Changed the System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Versions/A/CoreGraphics.framework with the 10.4.5 one and the issue disappeared! Nuked everything (to clean up the mess) and installed Tiger again. Updated to 10.4.11 via the Combo update, changed the defective file and it worked!

Wasted about 6 hours but they were worthit! My mac is now useful as a Mac (i.e with OS X)!

Now, to my actual question! Can anybody suggest me some software like Notepad++ on Windows and some small non-OpenGL games? Oh and, can anyone tell me how to watch YouTube? I can't access m.youtube.com for some reason as it redirects me to the desktop version on all browsers! Can anyone help me with that? Found some post for YT with mplayer Extended but I couldn't find a download link. TenFourFox is also veerrry slow but I don't mind it as I use OmniWeb but it would be nice to use TFF as it's newer. Only 24.7 is bearable and it's leaps and bounds slower than OmniWeb.

I would also like some suggestions on some general and everyday apps and some tips on how to make my Sawtooth faster

Thanks for reading!
Aurora

 

[Altemose]

Wasted about 6 hours but they were worthit! My mac is now useful as a Mac (i.e with OS X)!

Now, to my actual question! Can anybody suggest me some software like Notepad++ on Windows and some small non-OpenGL games? Oh and, can anyone tell me how to watch YouTube? I can't access m.youtube.com for some reason as it redirects me to the desktop version on all browsers! Can anyone help me with that? Found some post for YT with mplayer Extended but I couldn't find a download link. TenFourFox is also veerrry slow but I don't mind it as I use OmniWeb but it would be nice to use TFF as it's newer. Only 24.7 is bearable and it's leaps and bounds slower than OmniWeb.

Here is what I would do: get rid of the defective video card as that is causing your problems and since you patched this install so much start fresh. While you are at it, why not upgrade the video card a bit? @bunnspecial will be able to guide you on the best cards for any given Mac.

Your Mac runs Tiger as it's theoretical limit, but you can get Leopard on there with a decent video card! I recommend that you check out the DyNiForm PowerPC Archive for software, which is hosted by @gavinstubbs09. From what I have used of Notepad++, I would think that it's most comparable software would be TextWrangler.

 

[eyoungren]

Your Mac runs Tiger as it's theoretical limit, but you can get Leopard on there with a decent video card

I am a very big advocate of Leopard, but on sub-1Ghz systems I would HIGHLY recommend maxing the ram before even trying this.

As great as Leopard is there's no way I'd use it with less than 1GB of ram on a daily driver. The one G4 at work is an exception since I only use it as a print server. It's NOT being used for production.

 

[Altemose]

I am a very big advocate of Leopard, but on sub-1Ghz systems I would HIGHLY recommend maxing the ram before even trying this.

I fully agree with this, and I am surprised I overlooked the 576 MB of RAM. I was too busy staring at the defective Rage 128 and all of the software patching it took to circumvent it's effects.

 

[MagicBoy]

Can anybody suggest me some software like Notepad++ on Windows

Off the top of my head try TextWranger/BBEdit or Textmate.

Newer apps like Sublime Text and Atom are Intel only IIRC.

 

[WalnutSpice]

From what I can tell, Sublime 3 supports PowerPC Macs running Linux. I'm not certain, but it has pointers for PowerPC CPUs in it's code, so it may be worth a shot

 

[QSDP-User]

I would also like some suggestions on some general and everyday apps and some tips on how to make my Sawtooth faster

Don't know if anyone here previously suggested a free utility named Onyx.
Onyx presents a user-friendly GUI to change certain parameters of OSX that will
ease processor workload, i.e., animated dock icons, window zooming, etc.
...parameters that I'd probably never notice too much or wouldn't care missing, but
when disabled might make PPC life a bit more snappy.

Edit: Note that these screenies don't show the cpu-wasters disabled.

Onyx can do all kinds of cool things, but system-tech-noobs (like me) need to read the warnings.
Along with adjusting some parameters of slower PPCs,
I run the Automation maintenance choice every once in a while.

http://www.titanium.free.fr/onyx.html
Scroll down the website's list for the OSX Tiger version.

 

[QSDP-User]

A great fun & free slideshow app is Slide Freebie.
The OSX Beta version is PPC/Intel. I run it on both a Sawtooth/Tiger & a Mac Pro/Snow Leopard.
There's also a PPC Classic version.

Edit: Forgot to post the link:
http://www.artlythere.com/slidefreebie.shtml

With a folder full of images on your hard drive,
Slide Freebie will suck them in as fast as a starving artist wolfing down ramen.
A lot faster than OSX's Preview.
Drag & drop or navigate to.

Images on a CD/DVD won't prep as fast, but it's still pretty decent.
Slide Freebie has more controlling options than Preview.
Preview does have a more superior "Contact Sheet" or thumbs spread than the 12-thumb board
(non-resizable) of Slide Freebie.

On first boot, Slide Freebie warns of data risk - i.e., accidental image shredding/trashing
(such as clicking the wrong icon before reading help or setting preferences)

Slide Freebie's developer also did a free image editor named Compositor.
I haven't used it, but it looks pretty decent here:
http://www.artlythere.com/Compositor.html

 

[KawaiiAurora]

Here is what I would do: get rid of the defective video card as that is causing your problems and since you patched this install so much start fresh. While you are at it, why not upgrade the video card a bit? @bunnspecial will be able to guide you on the best cards for any given Mac.

Your Mac runs Tiger as it's theoretical limit, but you can get Leopard on there with a decent video card! I recommend that you check out the DyNiForm PowerPC Archive for software, which is hosted by @gavinstubbs09. From what I have used of Notepad++, I would think that it's most comparable software would be TextWrangler.

Thanks for the reply! I'll make sure to ask @bunnspecial about the GPU as I'm considering a Geforce 6200 as it's modestly priced ($60). Now, about Leopard, I seriously need somebody's help. First of all, I need a Single Layer DVD image to burn and if possible, one with the OS X 10.4.5 sub-framework (I can supply it). I don't have another Mac and my Snow Leopard VM is as slow as molasses (compared to my Sawtooth) and it's running on a 3GHz C2D so yeah... I wasted a few hours but nothing really worked and I found no downloads for a single layer Leopard DVD.

I'm thinking of upgrading the RAM of my Mac to 1.5GB by getting 2 512MB chips. I'll probably also get an Airport card to get rid of my Nexus 7 for Internet. Does anybody know if a 2.5" SATA 160GB HDD will work if I connect it to a cheapo ($5) SATA to IDE connector as 10GB isn't too big..

If anybody's interested in giving me a Single Layer Leopard image (either a sparseimage I can edit or a DMG), I'd be very greatful! Especially if you take the time to copy the defective sub-framework yourself. Just send me a message if you feel like taking on the task (or want to provide me with an Single Layer Leopard image)! (I've wanted to run Leopard for years on that beast). I don't have a Dual Layer burner nor do I have Dual Layer DVDs and I only have a 7.2GB (8GB unformatted) pendrive at my disposal so yeah.. My options are limited.

Thanks @QSDP-User for the suggestions! I'll look at them soon

 

[bunnspecial]

Is the $60 for a flashed card?

Any card you use in your computer will need to be a Mac-specific card or will need to be flashed.

The best drop-in Mac edition card that's actually reasonably available is a Geforce 4Ti, although these are less than optimum for OS X since they don't support Core Image.

A flashed 6200 will work well.

Personally, on a Sawtooth I'd opt for a(flashed) Radeon 9800 for OS X use. This is one of the better G4 compatible cards and will work in a 2x AGP slot.

 

[KawaiiAurora]

Is the $60 for a flashed card?

Any card you use in your computer will need to be a Mac-specific card or will need to be flashed.

The best drop-in Mac edition card that's actually reasonably available is a Geforce 4Ti, although these are less than optimum for OS X since they don't support Core Image.

A flashed 6200 will work well.

Personally, on a Sawtooth I'd opt for a(flashed) Radeon 9800 for OS X use. This is one of the better G4 compatible cards and will work in a 2x AGP slot.

Sent ya a PM with the link

 

[MacCubed]

Sent ya a PM with the link

Definitely wouldn't pay $60 for a flashed 6200, sadly someone bought up majority of the flashable ones, and is making a killer profit as they used to sell for $20....

 

[KawaiiAurora]

Definitely wouldn't pay $60 for a flashed 6200, sadly someone bought up majority of the flashable ones, and is making a killer profit as they used to sell for $20....

That's sad. Price is $70. I don't have a computer to flash them myself either so yeah.. $70 is a tad too high so eeh.. That Rage 128 Pro might have to live a tad longer. Sadly, finding Mac stuff locally is a pain and a half.

 

[MacCubed]

That's sad. Price is $70. I don't have a computer to flash them myself either so yeah.. $70 is a tad too high so eeh.. That Rage 128 Pro might have to live a tad longer. Sadly, finding Mac stuff locally is a pain and a half.

I would try and pick a Mac FX5200, and then mod it to work with a G4. It's a very inexpensive option to solve your problem!

Card: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-Power...750152?hash=item4d505cf148:g:IJcAAOSwq19XC6ay (NOT MY AUCTION)

Modding: http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/Graphics/FX5200_Mods_for_G4/FX5200_G4mods.html

 

[macmee]

Off the top of my head try TextWranger/BBEdit or Textmate.

Newer apps like Sublime Text and Atom are Intel only IIRC.

From what I can tell, Sublime 3 supports PowerPC Macs running Linux. I'm not certain, but it has pointers for PowerPC CPUs in it's code, so it may be worth a shot

I found that Emacs 22 works well on PPC, however the current Emacs 24 build for PPC crashes upon launch

 

[KawaiiAurora]

I would try and pick a Mac FX5200, and then mod it to work with a G4. It's a very inexpensive option to solve your problem!

Card: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-Power...750152?hash=item4d505cf148:g:IJcAAOSwq19XC6ay (NOT MY AUCTION)

Modding: http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/Graphics/FX5200_Mods_for_G4/FX5200_G4mods.html

A decent price indeed BUT I gotta check my options when it comes to sending it to my country. I think I can get it for roughly $30 which is okay. Does this work on Sawtooths as they're AGP 2x not 4x?

 

[MacCubed]

A decent price indeed BUT I gotta check my options when it comes to sending it to my country. I think I can get it for roughly $30 which is okay. Does this work on Sawtooths as they're AGP 2x not 4x?

Hmmmm I didn't think about that, @LightBulbFun would know

 

[KawaiiAurora]

I found that Emacs 22 works well on PPC, however the current Emacs 24 build for PPC crashes upon launch

Okay! Thanks

Hmmmm I didn't think about that, @LightBulbFun would know

Will do tomorrow!

 

[Altemose]

Now, about Leopard, I seriously need somebody's help. First of all, I need a Single Layer DVD image to burn and if possible, one with the OS X 10.4.5 sub-framework (I can supply it).

You are able to create a single layer DVD sized image from an existing Leopard disk image, but you are also able to use USB media to run the installer. You cannot use the 10.4.5 framework in Leopard, and you should not need to modify either OS X Tiger or Leopard once you replace or repair the defective video card.

I'm thinking of upgrading the RAM of my Mac to 1.5GB by getting 2 512MB chips. I'll probably also get an Airport card to get rid of my Nexus 7 for Internet. Does anybody know if a 2.5" SATA 160GB HDD will work if I connect it to a cheapo ($5) SATA to IDE connector as 10GB isn't too big..

Installing the maximum RAM that your Mac supports is the best way to get decent performance. Your Mac supports up to 2 GB of RAM, so I recommend you upgrade to the max. I would skip the AirPort card as it will not support WPA2, and so you would need to run lesser levels of security on your network. There are numerous USB wireless adapters that work great, but your bottleneck would be the USB 1.1 interface. If you have any small computer shops near you, they will likely have regular 3.5" ATA hard drives for very low prices.

Especially if you take the time to copy the defective sub-framework yourself. Just send me a message if you feel like taking on the task (or want to provide me with an Single Layer Leopard image)! (I've wanted to run Leopard for years on that beast). I don't have a Dual Layer burner nor do I have Dual Layer DVDs and I only have a 7.2GB (8GB unformatted) pendrive at my disposal so yeah.. My options are limited.

The sub-framework itself is not defective, but your defective video card is causing issues with the framework. Therefore, you must repair the hardware issue in order to prevent software issues. Copying an older copy of the framework to circumvent the issue is only beating around the fact that the video card is defective.

 

[KawaiiAurora]

You are able to create a single layer DVD sized image from an existing Leopard disk image, but you are also able to use USB media to run the installer. You cannot use the 10.4.5 framework in Leopard, and you should not need to modify either OS X Tiger or Leopard once you replace or repair the defective video card.



Installing the maximum RAM that your Mac supports is the best way to get decent performance. Your Mac supports up to 2 GB of RAM, so I recommend you upgrade to the max. I would skip the AirPort card as it will not support WPA2, and so you would need to run lesser levels of security on your network. There are numerous USB wireless adapters that work great, but your bottleneck would be the USB 1.1 interface. If you have any small computer shops near you, they will likely have regular 3.5" ATA hard drives for very low prices.



The sub-framework itself is not defective, but your defective video card is causing issues with the framework. Therefore, you must repair the hardware issue in order to prevent software issues. Copying an older copy of the framework to circumvent the issue is only beating around the fact that the video card is defective.

Yes, I know that I can create a Single Layer Leopard DVD but again, I don't have the means to do it. Small computer shops locally that sell cheap stuff are non-existent so my best bet is probably an adapter. Yeah, I understand that the sub-framework isn't defective but I'm not too keen on the idea of spending $70 for a pretty low-end GPU. Thanks for telling me about the Airport card

Can you link me to some instructions on how to get the Leopard DVD on a pendrive? I've heard that PPC Macs are kinda picky with USB booting

 

[pochopsp]

Nice to hear you fixed tour Mac. I also wanted to install Leopard for years and since I hadn't the DVD, I downloaded the retail DMG from the web, then I partitioned my HDD in two partitions. In one of them I restored the leopard DMG, then I rebooted my Mac and booted on the partition in which I restored the leopard image and leopard installation started then I installed leopard on the other partition and that's all.

For YouTube the best alternative in my opinion is PPC media Center. For games I would suggest Pactheman, super tux, the old popcap games, and a lot of other ones you can find on macintoshgarden

 

[flyrod]

Are you still running the 400MHz CPU?

 

[KawaiiAurora]

Nice to hear you fixed tour Mac. I also wanted to install Leopard for years and since I hadn't the DVD, I downloaded the retail DMG from the web, then I partitioned my HDD in two partitions. In one of them I restored the leopard DMG, then I rebooted my Mac and booted on the partition in which I restored the leopard image and leopard installation started then I installed leopard on the other partition and that's all.

For YouTube the best alternative in my opinion is PPC media Center. For games I would suggest Pactheman, super tux, the old popcap games, and a lot of other ones you can find on macintoshgarden

Yeah, might get myself a SATA to IDE convertor and connect my 160GB laptop HDD that I have spare. Thanks for the suggestion and the apps ya mentioned :3

Are you still running the 400MHz CPU?

Yep, still running my awesome 400MHz CPU (upgrades cost waaaay too much). It's not a speed deamon but it's okay for some stuff, especially since the GPU is bust.

 

[pochopsp]

Yeah, might get myself a SATA to IDE convertor and connect my 160GB laptop HDD that I have spare. Thanks for the suggestion and the apps ya mentioned :3

You're welcome
I forgot to mention two important things:
1) to divide in two partitions and to restore the leopard dmg on one of my HDD partitions I used disk utility
2) after you restore the leopard DMG on a partition/another hard disk you will be able to choose to boot from it from settings in your Mac.

 

[Altemose]

Yes, I know that I can create a Single Layer Leopard DVD but again, I don't have the means to do it. Small computer shops locally that sell cheap stuff are non-existent so my best bet is probably an adapter. Yeah, I understand that the sub-framework isn't defective but I'm not too keen on the idea of spending $70 for a pretty low-end GPU. Thanks for telling me about the Airport card

Can you link me to some instructions on how to get the Leopard DVD on a pendrive? I've heard that PPC Macs are kinda picky with USB booting

1. Most any other video card is an upgrade over the Rage 128. You cannot run Leopard feasibly on a Rage 128 GPU anyway. You need a new GPU and RAM to run Leopard.

2. The Netgear WG111 and WNA1000M both work well under OS X.

3. Erase the USB drive and simply restore the Leopard image to the drive. Then you must use the Open Firmware commands to boot into the USB drive. Alternatively, you can create a small partition on the new hard drive to use as a restore partition as @pochopsp stated.