Partition Maps.

Question

I am not really confident about using Disk Utility when it comes to Multiple Volumes and I have had many problems.My first was with NEC 4 GB trying to get two Language versions of W98 and mixing files.
However Mac seems easy ,but I want to bring this topic up because I do not find much about unusual Partition schemes.
One issue is using Disk Utility from the Gray Install DVDs part of the Bundle that came with the computer. And when you install and update and use Disk Utility from the Applications, I keep reading conflicting advice on which we should use to repair permissions and Disk. It sounds logical to repair from an external source but the original DVD is not updated and after a chunk of updates on certain OSX from 10.4 to 6 with Java and so on the OS has changed from the original DVD and so repairing permissions needs using the one in Applications.
When it comes to repairing the Partition map ,then it is difficult because if I use my 10.6 to partition 4 partitions on a 500 GB HD then install Lion,mountain lion , and the dreaded Mavericks that crippled my partition map. so in that order then So after ML the Partition Map changes ,it hides the Physical HD and the 2 lions are faded because if you use the Snow leopard DVD Disk Utility it can not mount them. That is obvious but how can I repair the Partition map created by Snowleopard or is there another way around this ?
Apple is going too fast ,every time I get used to using an OS and each one has different programs And W D warned against using Mavs with Hard disk.

Answer 1

Hi there!
Both Macs should be able to use the drive if it's partitioned
and then formatted with the HFS+ which both can see. And
if you intend on being able to use the externally enclosed
hard disk drive as a bootable drive (for reverse diagnostics
and also making bootable system clones or copies) it may
be better if the unit has a boot-capability and is FireWire.
The Intel® Mac would probably do OK with a USB 2.0 as
a bootable external; but the PowerPC G-series needs FW.
Some externals with FireWire and USB 2.0 can support
booting from them, given proper partitioning. When you
go to buy a drive, be sure they have a good return policy;
in case someone says their drive will do this & that, but
later shows it can't or won't. I like my LaCie FW Porsche
external, w& its own AC power supply, for PPC boot clones.
If you do more than just off-machine archives, the partition
scheme and other details become more important. And the
ability to make and use bootable clones of OSX can be nice.
(Rules apply; so if you go there, read up on this aspect.)
Good luck & happy computing!
{PS: This section of Discussions is actually about Tower PMac G4 & G5s.}