I have a imac g5. It's running off version 10.4.11. How do I update it to a higher version? Do I have to buy that software or can I download it from apple?

Question

I have a imac g5. It's running off version 10.4.11. How do I update it to a higher version? Do I have to buy that software or can I download it from apple?

Answer 1

Does the computer's installed version of OS X (Tiger 10.4.11) have an install
+ restore DVD, or is that missing? The original disc set usually would include
the extra applications not found on a retail version OS X install DVD; and a
bonus is the original software kit included the version Apple Hardware Test
for your computer model. This also is not included in a retail OS X install DVD.
If you have your computer serial number and model information available,
and try calling Apple (main number, not local store) and ask to speak to an
Operating System Specialist, when you get someone matching that position
on the phone ask what they can do for you regarding a Replacement DVD
install disc for a system that can run in your computer.
If your computer shipped with a Tiger version, that would have been originally
on a grey-label DVD set include with the computer, with a part number on it.
A replacement may be harder to get, than say, a white label Replacement
DVD install disc for Leopard 10.5. There had been a white label non-retail
full install version of both Tiger and Leopard, available for a time from Apple
sales support main numbers (or applecare?) for a reasonable fee. Maybe still.
Perhaps if one kind of replacement system disc is not available, they may
have some other option at Apple. The main store number may not be the
correct place to ask, but they may be able to redirect you to an OS Specialist.
(in US 1-800-MY-APPLE is the main #. There is another number I don't recall.)
Good luck & happy computing!