How can I upgrade my iBook G4?

Question

I have an old iBook G4 with Mac OS X 10.2.8 ... what do I need to download to bring it the most current I can? And how can I upgrade to the latest OS version (whatever it is)?
I would prefer to download as many of the free updates as I can, before I begin buying a bunch of upgrade packs. I tried to do system updates in the system preferences, but it keeps closing on me saying the program "unexpectedly quit". So I can't seem to upgrade anything that way.
Also, I do NOT have the original system disk, but I do have the admin password.
What do I need to do to bring this laptop current - or at least as current as this machine can be?

Answer 1

Hi rsottney!
"So do I need to get 10.3 upgrade before I get 10.4, or can I just go straight from .2 to .4?"
Not if your Mac meets the Tiger System Requirements.
"I tried to do system updates in the system preferences, but it keeps closing on me saying the program "unexpectedly quit"."
You must resolve this issue before upgrading to a newer version of OS X.
Upgrading a problematic system, will only compound the situation.
"...I do NOT have the original system disk,..."
Without those discs, correcting the problem could be difficult.
But you could try running FSCK, as instructed in this KB Article ...perform disk maintenance with ... fsck.
Also navigate to HD Users > The Admin Account > Library > Preferences:
In there, locate the file com.apple.SoftwareUpdate.plist, and move it to the Trash.
Run Repair Permissions.
TO REPAIR PERMISSIONS ON THE STARTUP DISK
1.Open Disk Utility, located in Applications/Utilities, and select the startup disk in the left column.
2.Click First Aid.
3.Click Verify Disk Permissions to test permissions or Repair Disk Permissions to test and repair permissions. (I never "Verify". Just run "Repair".)
Rerun RP, until the only messages reported, are listed here Spurious Permissions Errors Using: 10.2.x, authored by Michael Conniff.
When "Repair Permissions" is complete. Quit "Disk Utility".
If you purchase a set of install discs, for a newer version of OS X, you could also perform an Erase & Install of the new system.
But if you do not have a backup, you will lose all data.
Mac OS X Versions 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4, are complete system upgrades that must be purchased.
Once an OS has been installed, the point upgrades, such as 10.1.x to 10.1.5 (Final) 10.2.x to 10.2.8 (Final), 10.3.x to 10.3.9 (Final), and 10.4.x to 10.4.10 (Pending), can be downloaded for free.
Tiger is available for purchase at The Apple Store (U.S.).
Panther, is no longer available directly from the Apple Online Store, as Tiger 10.4.x is the most up to date OS.
If you know what to look for, a Full Retail Version, of the Panther Install CDs, or a Full Retail Version, of the Tiger Install DVD, can also be purchased rather inexpensively, at some online Apple retailers, Amazon, eBay, FastMac, HardCore Mac, etc.
Be sure not to purchase grey, upgrade or machine specific CDs or DVDs.
Jaguar and Panther are only on CDs, not DVDs.
The discs should look exactly like the images in the above links, and not say Upgrade, CPU Drop-in DVD, or "This software is part of a hardware bundle purchase - not to be sold seperately." on them.
Additional info in these links.
Using OS X Install CDs/DVDs On Multiple Macs
What's A Computer Specific Mac OS X Release
Software Update, Upgrade: What's The Difference?
Caveat Emptor! Examine these items very carefully, and if in doubt, ask questions of the seller before purchase!
Panther On eBay
Tiger On eBay
Also check to see if your Mac model, is listed in this KB Article OS X Must Be Installed On First -8GB Partition.
Once Panther 10.3.x is installed, you can use the 10.3.9 Combo Update, to upgrade to the final version.
If your Mac meets the Tiger System Requirements, you could also consider installing that, and then use the PPC 10.4.10 Combo Update, to upgrade to the current version.
Review these Apple documents for Panther System Requirements,
and Additional Panther System Requirements.
Additionally, Tiger 10.4.x ships on a DVD, so if your Mac doesn’t have a built-in DVD-ROM player, you will have to use an alternative method of installation.
Info here Installing Tiger Without A DVD Drive.
The Tiger Media Exchange Program, referred to in that article, is no longer available.
Shop Carefully, Examine All Documentation, And I Wish You Success!
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