Re: I don't have a dual-layer drive, can I install Tiger or Leopard?

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Answer 1

Hi a brody,
Maybe it's my training that states to focus on what we can do, but I'd suggest changing the double negatives to positives. Let me know as that does leave out the "if and only if" implication of the "can't" statements which you may want to keep.
Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard come on what appear to be larger than 4.7 GB discs. This does not mean you need a dual layer drive to install them. Some Macs capable of installing Tiger or Leopard came with a built-in CD-RW, or CD-ROM drive. For those a compatible Firewire DVD drive for booting Mac OS X can work instead of replacing the internal drive. Tiger also came in a limited edition Media Exchange Program CD installer package, which you may be able to find in the open market. The limitation for each is dependant on other hardware:
1. If your Mac shipped new with no Firewire, you {color:red}may be able to{color} install Tiger {color:red}with{color} a special third party addon software known as XPostFacto.
2. If your Mac shipped new with less than 867 Mhz built-in processor (including dual processor 800 MHz or less), you {color:red}may be able to{color} install Leopard {color:red}with{color} a special third party addon software known as Leopard Assist.
3. If your Mac shipped with a processor upgrade card installed, and #2 is true, a firmware update may be available from the processor upgrade card vendor that allows Leopard's installation.
4. Tiger {color:red}needs{color} at least 256 MB of RAM.
Leopard {color:red}needs{color} at least 512 MB of RAM.
If you have a lot of dashboard widgets, you may need to increase RAM to improve performance on either operating system. The RAM needs to follow Apple's specs to ensure smooth operation. Only get RAM with a lifetime warranty.
5. Officially you need for Tiger:
"At least 3 GB of free disk space; 4 GB if you install the XCode 2 Developer Tools" from: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1514
And officially for Leopard you need:
"9 GB of available disk space or more" from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3759
However, I would add to that if your hard drive doesn't have at least 15% of the drive free in addition to that, you may experience significant slowing down in the operating system function. This number has been arbitrarily discovered by many users.
6. When installing Tiger or Leopard, if your machine shipped with Panther (10.3) or earlier, be sure to get the retail Tiger or retail Leopard.
The Tiger installer is a san serif gray and white X with a spotlight on the center of the X on a black background.
The Leopard installer is a san serif black and gray X on a pink galaxy centered on a black background.
An Apple user since 1981 Mac OS X (10.6)