Aiport card for OSX 10.2.8

Question

Hi
I have wi fi access via lap top but also have an imac OSX 10-2-8.
I recently wondered if I can get an airport card for the imac 10-2-8 if so where and are they easy to fit?
Thanks

Answer 1

Only retail and full-installation system discs intended for a variety of
supported Mac computers, and not disc sets shipped with specific
single model Macs, are capable of being used in more than one model.
Usually, when an incorrect and unsupported disc is attempted to be
used in an improper computer environment, there will be errors &
messages; and the process will not be allowed. So those Original and
as-shipped system discs are expressly for those Macs they shipped with.
And an OS X 10.4.x install disc from a PowerPC-Mac or Intel-Mac can't
do anything for the other computing architecture. If any of the newer OS
X install discs are full retail and not model/build specific discs, then it
may be possible to use them in more than one model computer; but only
one at a time, unless the user license says Family (up to five installs.)
The information online from everymac.com, and http://www.apple.com/support/
for hardware and system software, can be helpful in determining what of the
Mac computers could be updated or upgraded to a different system & which OS
versions could be supported in what versions and vintage computer hardware.
The MacTracker free to download & use in a computer, http://mactracker.ca - is
good for checking the computer model and also under another category in there,
looking into the system software versions; and comparing compatibility of both
to see what is suitable. Also, the other hardware in the computer often needs an
upgrade to accommodate the demands of a newer OS X system in an older Mac.
Noting the optical drive versions and OS X install disc media types, is important
detail information, since retail install discs are mostly on DVD media; those Macs
with Combo or SuperDrive optical drive devices are the borderline indicators of
the ease or troubles one may find in upgrading an older computer to their last
supported OS versions. And the PowerPC Macs are limited to Leopard 10.5.8
or before; plus other hardware limitations as noted in the Support specifications
as to what processor series, minimal RAM requirements, minimal hard drive space
available for an installation (plus more required to run the OS X and apps) + etc.
So, while the discs from those computers you note are not necessarily capable of
being used in different models, to have and use an OS in more than one at a time
(if supported) falls outside of the known and published software user agreements,
then any details of those kinds actions not in agreement with the terms of use, would
be likely considered to be not legal. Or in the case of unsupported software, impossible.
However, you could still find fair deals from private persons on out-of-date retail OS X
install disc sets; if you are fortunate and timely, some of them can be great deals, too.
And you may be able to get Leopard 10.5 retail DVD install discs direct from Apple Sales
via the web page main phone number; for those computers whose hardware can't use
Snow Leopard 10.6. From Apple, direct via phone, even the retail price can be less than
some of the speculatively-priced online auction sales listing are asking or getting. In a
few cases where Tiger 10.4 is needed and Leopard 10.5 won't work, you may also ask
to see if Apple can supply you with a suitable DVD disc installer from Apple sales, via
the web site phone number (1-800-MY-APPLE) for a price near original retail; which is
no longer available at retail outlets and more scarce at other online vendor sites.
Discs purchased separate and later than the computer, if retail (to a limited degree)
could be used to upgrade another computer; but single user license states one Mac
per installer (unless retail disc says Family license) and the software has to be of a
version supported by the hardware. *+{Perhaps this question should be revised into a+*
*+new thread under the computing hardware involved, or a newer OS X version topic+*
*+so it won't be tied to an AirPort Card or Jaguar OS X 10.2.8, any longer.}+*
Hopefully some of this may be helpful; but in any event...
Good luck & happy computing!