I have this Imac G4 and I have some questions

[asifnaz]

Apple computers are rare and very expensive in my part of the world .People think anything with Apple logo must be very expensive .I have seen ads where people ask for 300 to 400 US$ for 10 year old machines .

I have got this Imac G4 for like 10$ which is very rare chance .I have upgraded its Ram to 512 MB and replaced its optical drive(Generic) .

What maximum OS X it can run and where to download it (I absolutely dont condone piracy but where I live I have searched for retail copy but didnt find any and its just an experimental/hobby machine and its legal where I live so if its now allowed to share link please PM as this computer is without any OS for last 4 years )

Does this computer has any collector value ..?

Please help me

 

[TheShortTimer]

What maximum OS X it can run and where to download it (I absolutely dont condone piracy but where I live I have searched for retail copy but didnt find any and its just an experimental/hobby machine and its legal where I live so if its now allowed to share link please PM as this computer is without any OS for last 4 years )

The maximum version of OS X that this computer can run is Leopard (10.5.8) and you can download it right here from the Macintosh Garden and then burn yourself a DVD - make sure that you use a dual layer disc though. You could probably create a bootable USB instead if you prefer.

Does this computer has any collector value ..?

I'll leave that for other members who are more knowledgable about the iMac G4 range to answer.

 

[asifnaz]

Thank you for your reply . Getting dual layer DVD is difficult because of lock down . Any suggestion how to make Mac OS X bootable usb on windows PC (I have Linux and Windows bootable USB before) and more importantly how to boot Imac G4 from USB ..?

Is there any chance it can run Snow Leopard 10.6..?

 

[TheShortTimer]

Is there any chance it can run Snow Leopard 10.6..?

No, not a chance. Snow Leopard runs on Intel Macs. Leopard is the last release that's compatible with your computer.

Thank you for your reply . Getting dual layer DVD is difficult because of lock down . Any suggestion how to make Mac OS X bootable usb on windows PC (I have Linux and Windows bootable USB before) and more importantly how to boot Imac G4 from USB ..?

You could try TransMac. Have a read through the information and steps in this thread. As for booting USB - check this out. The procedure varies across the PPC Mac family, from my experience. What's straightforward in this respect on my G3 is not the case with my other machines.

 

[NikolaPPC]

Is there any chance it can run Snow Leopard 10.6..?

@TheShortTimer you are wrong, it is possible!

It sure can run it, but development of Snow Leopard for PPC is in early stages. A lot of things are broken, CI is by software and QE is not supported on any mac that is not late '05 G5.
So that means that the system is good for experiments and testing until it is finished!

If you like it, and want to try it, you can find more info in this thread.

 

[asifnaz]

@NikolaPPC It may be possible but in early stage . Thats why may be he suggested me Leopard as I am not very skilled when it comes to Apple computers . Unless snow leopard is stable enough and does not require a Mac to make a bootable USB , I will just install Leopard

 

[NikolaPPC]

No, not a chance. Snow Leopard runs on Intel Macs. Leopard is the last release that's compatible with your computer.

This is not suggestion, this is misinformation.

nless snow leopard is stable enough and does not require a Mac to make a bootable USB

Please read that thread carefully, there are other methods for installation!


Cheers, Nikola!

 

[Alexis Trinquet]

As for the value, I'd say it's not really that high, I'd personally sell one for 30-40 bucks tops.

I have the same machine as yours, though mine is in very bad shape (the screen took a hell of a beating and the machine itself doesn't start very well sometimes)

 

[eyoungren]

This is not suggestion, this is misinformation.

You are correct in a very literal sense.

But let me ask you this.

Other than Snow Leopard 10.6, can you update?

If I want to run Snow Leopard 10.6.8 on a PowerPC Mac, can I?

How about running Intel apps under Snow Leopard on a PowerPC Mac?

If your answer to these questions is no - then you aren't entirely right about Snow Leopard on PowerPC.

Yes. You can install 10.6. - using a variety of PowerPC workarounds. But that's all you can do. You aren't running Intel code.

 

[z970]

@eyoungren The question was if his machine could run 10.6. In recent times, this has become possible to do.

Therefore, in light of these new developments, Nikola was correct to simply point out the current fact of the matter, bugs and all.

The question explicitly posed wasn't if he could update to 10.6.8, or run all Intel apps, or do the exact same things machines on 10.6.8 can do, even if it was implied. This renders "not a chance" as misinformation, even if it does in fact contain an element of truth as to the reality of the situation.

However, this is not anyone's fault. Snow Leopard for PPC is in a very strange place right now that makes it very easy to invite disputes like these, where you can now, in fact, run 10.6 on PowerPC, but it is not currently in a wholly usable state. This means that to say that "There is no chance for 10.6 on PPC" or "Snow Leopard runs on PPC" by themselves are only half-truths, because the first truth only adheres to the implied experience, and the second truth adheres to (as you said) an overly literal sense.

So I propose a solution to this communicative disconnect, where 10.6 for PPC is instead "rebranded" as something more truthful to its hybrid nature, which is less likely to invite unfair expectations in the future. For instance, we can instead start referring to it as 10.5.9, or we may refer to it as 10.6.0. There also remains something more along the lines of "Leopard Plus", which is naturally less susceptible to confusion.

 

[eyoungren]

@eyoungren The question was if his machine could run 10.6. In recent times, this has become possible to do.

Therefore, in light of these new developments, Nikola was correct to simply point out the current fact of the matter, bugs and all.

The question explicitly posed wasn't if he could update to 10.6.8, or run all Intel apps, or do the exact same things machines on 10.6.8 can do, even if it was implied. This renders "not a chance" as misinformation, even if it does in fact contain an element of truth as to the reality of the situation.

However, this is not anyone's fault. Snow Leopard for PPC is in a very strange place right now that makes it very easy to invite disputes like these, where you can now, in fact, run 10.6 on PowerPC, but it is not currently in a wholly usable state. This means that to say that "There is no chance for 10.6 on PPC" or "Snow Leopard runs on PPC" by themselves are only half-truths, because the first truth only adheres to the implied experience, and the second truth adheres to (as you said) an overly literal sense.

So I propose a solution to this communicative disconnect, where 10.6 for PPC is instead "rebranded" as something more truthful to its hybrid nature, which is less likely to invite unfair expectations in the future. For instance, we can instead start referring to it as 10.5.9, or we may refer to it as 10.6.0. There also remains something more along the lines of "Leopard Plus", which is naturally less susceptible to confusion.

As with a lot of things on this forum, there are two different sides as you point out. Yes, it is literally possible to install and run Snow Leopard on a PowerPC Mac and so absolute terms probably should be avoided.

But I feel @TheShortTimer was taking into consideration the skill level of OP (as evidenced by the original question), the difficulty of actually installing SL and then delivering an appropriate response (but not a literal one). In OP's case, there really isn't a chance, short of OP being willing to learn a few things. And as OP has already stated, skill in Apple computers is lacking.

Now, TheShortTimer was tagged and this was explained and I probably would have left it alone at that point. But then @NikolaPPC felt he needed to go over it again three hours later - but answering only in the literal, specific sense.

Hence my response, to clarify things in supporting the considerations I believe TheShortTimer was making.

The problem here is interpretation. Yes SL can literally run on PowerPC (now), but most people interpret 'run' as being 'usable as normal'. Ie., you can update the OS and open and use apps just like normal. Right now, that is not possible (if it ever will be).

In regards to your suggestion of renaming this, I have nothing to offer. Quite frankly, my opinion of all this is that it's merely a way to get a SL theme on to your PowerPC Mac. It offers no method or ability to run Intel apps or code and other than the 'cool' factor of being able to show 10.6 in your About this Mac box it really isn't worth the effort (to me). So perhaps, Leopard Plus or 10.5.8+ would be acceptable. I don't see it as qualifying as a point upgrade. This is not to say I do not support the forward progress of making PowerPC Macs current and relevant and perhaps this is a first step, IDK. But right now - this is what I think.

 

[Amethyst1]

For instance, we can instead start referring to it as 10.5.9, or we may refer to it as 10.6.0.

That's not a good idea as it will cause even more confusion.

10.5.9 would imply that it's mostly Leopard, with some updated components taken from the SL betas. Wrong.

10.6.0 clearly indicates the initial release of the GM Snow Leopard code which only runs on Intel.

A more accurate but convoluted way would be, e.g. "An early Snow Leopard beta with bits taken from Leopard as necessary". That will hopefully prevent any confusion.
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Yes SL can literally run on PowerPC (now), but most people interpret 'run' as being 'usable as normal'. Ie., you can update the OS and open and use apps just like normal. Right now, that is not possible (if it ever will be).

I agree. For instance, QE and CI are only working on GeForce 6600 and 7800 cards right now. Anyone who has experienced Snow Leopard (or any reasonably recent version of OS X) without QE and CI will know how useless it is.

 

[z970]

It offers no method or ability to run Intel apps or code and other than the 'cool' factor of being able to show 10.6 in your About this Mac box it really isn't worth the effort (to me). So perhaps, Leopard Plus or 10.5.8+ would be acceptable. I don't see it as qualifying as a point upgrade.

I'm not following the thread, so forgive me for any inaccuracies, but if the beta 10.6 extensions, bundles, and frameworks end up allowing newer devices to be used with iTunes, or for Arctic Fox to properly compile for PPC, or for any sort of further hardware acceleration to be used with future browser options, then the standpoint that I was coming from was that it cannot be classified as a mostly aesthetic change.

Again however, its potential hasn't yet been fully realized, so we're really not at liberty to draw comprehensive conclusions over this given the advantages it currently offers (which is near none). But the potential is certainly there.

Given this, perhaps a more whole response to the OP would have more-so been along the lines of "For all intents and purposes, 10.5.8 is the maximum."

But I digress.

A more accurate but convoluted way would be, e.g. "An early Snow Leopard beta with bits taken from Leopard as necessary". That will hopefully prevent any confusion.

Excellent... Albeit wordy, it is the most descriptive label we have thus far. So let it be known that the 10.6 hybrid shall henceforth be referred to as "An early Snow Leopard beta with bits taken from Leopard as necessary" to reduce confusion and opportunities for disputes to a minimum.

 

[1042686]

@asifnaz , what I conclude from this conversation is that I would stay far away from any PPC variant of Snow leopard until all the smart folks have figured out how to make it work as a normal functioning install of SL should - which could very well be never.

If you want a solid & predictable Imacg4 today, I recommend installing Leopard and updating to 10.5.8 and leaving it there. Your imacg4 will be very happy with Leopard. Even in 2020, Leopard is a very usable build of OSX (my preference) with a wide range of solid, older software.

*Added - To get those marks off and restore your imacg4 to its original pretty pearly white finish, once markets open up as the Covid19 pandemic slows down, go get yourself some Mr. Clean magic erase scrubber pads and buff those marks off. I did this with my latest imacg4 acquisition which was attacked by a small kiddo with a crayon or marker (I think). It took those marks right off and came out clean and beautiful. If at any point you choose to sell it, giving it a good clean and looking great will fetch you a higher price. Good luck.

 

[DeltaMac]

Along with Leopard, the OP has only 512 MB ram, which would make Leopard a somewhat poor choice. Your iMac G4 is a "USB 2.0" model, which not only has the increase in USB bus speed, but will also take 1GB ram in each of the two slots. 2 GB makes a very usable Leopard system.
The two RAM slots take different RAM types, and the internal one required removing the bottom case, but the result makes that worth the effort, I think.

 

[1042686]

OP, Tiger is another choice and will certainly run faster than Leopard, however I certainly prefer the look and feel of Leopard and the available software is great. For my lower spec G4 machines, I use a number of tweaks to improve functionality. I have found the PPC Archive to be very useful in regards to g4 leopard tweak how-to's, free software etc: PowerPC G4 Leopard Tune-up . Either way you choose to go, stable Tiger and Leopard images can be found here: Macintosh Garden .

Best of luck to you.

 

[TheShortTimer]

This is not suggestion, this is misinformation.

Your flair for melodrama is to be commended. The OP, as they themselves have pointed out to you, is a novice and requires assistance with practical solutions in order to use their computer properly. What you are advocating - and as other members of this forum have warned, would be counter-productive to this goal. In the interests of civility, I'll leave it there. The rational can judge for themselves as to who is actually offering misinformation.

As with a lot of things on this forum, there are two different sides as you point out. Yes, it is literally possible to install and run Snow Leopard on a PowerPC Mac and so absolute terms probably should be avoided.

But I feel @TheShortTimer was taking into consideration the skill level of OP (as evidenced by the original question), the difficulty of actually installing SL and then delivering an appropriate response (but not a literal one). In OP's case, there really isn't a chance, short of OP being willing to learn a few things. And as OP has already stated, skill in Apple computers is lacking.

Now, TheShortTimer was tagged and this was explained and I probably would have left it alone at that point. But then @NikolaPPC felt he needed to go over it again three hours later - but answering only in the literal, specific sense.

Hence my response, to clarify things in supporting the considerations I believe TheShortTimer was making.

The problem here is interpretation. Yes SL can literally run on PowerPC (now), but most people interpret 'run' as being 'usable as normal'. Ie., you can update the OS and open and use apps just like normal. Right now, that is not possible (if it ever will be).

In regards to your suggestion of renaming this, I have nothing to offer. Quite frankly, my opinion of all this is that it's merely a way to get a SL theme on to your PowerPC Mac. It offers no method or ability to run Intel apps or code and other than the 'cool' factor of being able to show 10.6 in your About this Mac box it really isn't worth the effort (to me). So perhaps, Leopard Plus or 10.5.8+ would be acceptable. I don't see it as qualifying as a point upgrade. This is not to say I do not support the forward progress of making PowerPC Macs current and relevant and perhaps this is a first step, IDK. But right now - this is what I think.

Got it one @eyoungren. I think that almost everyone (including the OP!) understood the modus operandi behind my suggestions. Initially, I wasn't going to respond to that particular individual because I've seen how easily things can just spiral into a war of words and then the original discussion and in this case - the OPs request for help, ends up being derailed and sidelined amidst acrimony.

 

[asifnaz]

Thank you all for your replies . I can understand from the conversation that although Snow Leopard can be installed but still require skills and in early stages of development and difficult to run Intel code on PPC .

But I request please stick to my original questions

How to make Leopard bootable USB on windows PC

How to boot from that USB on my Imac G4

There are 2 types of files available for the Leopard iso and .dmg which one is preferable

Do I need to partition the USB in specific way to make it bootable to the Imac G4 .

Please share links about above mentioned questions (I will really appreciate if information is specific to Imac G4 not PPC in general)

 

[AL1630]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I can answer your last couple questions. If you're making a boot drive on windows, you'll probably want the ISO file since windows will play nicer with that. I believe you need to partition it as HFS+ using Apple Partition Map.

Here's a guide for making a bootable USB and starting the computer with it. (I'm not sure if this is actually possible with windows as I've always used macs to do this, others will probably know)
https://timmerman.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/installing-os-x-through-a-usb-stick-on-powerpc-macs/

 

[asifnaz]

Gentle men I have followed every step given in following instructions

Create a bootable USB drive from a DMG file on Windows

A Mac machine needs to be reformatted with Lion. I backed up the Lion dmg file when I purchased it via the Mac App Store. I now need to create a bootable USB drive from the DMG file but I need to be

superuser.com

and

How to boot PPC PowerMacs (G3, G4, G5) from a USB stick or drive? - Macintosh Repository

To boot any* PowerPC Mac (e.g. an iMac G3, an iBook G4, a PowerMac G5, etc...) from an USB stick or drive, FIRST know that if your model is 300mhz or...

www.macintoshrepository.org

But I get CANT OPEN and No Entry Sign .

I just notice Date and Time on my machine is not correct is this be a problem .