Upgrading from 10.2.8 Panther to Tiger

Hello! I have an iMac 800 MHz PowerPC G4 17 inch flat panel purchased in January 2003. I have 512 MB of memory and 18.1 Gigs remaining on my hard drive. I bought an upgrade from eBay with a universal install disk. When I put the disk in, it spins and spins and then eventually ejects the disk...never even starts up. My drive can read other disks and I have already received a replacement disk in the event the first one was damaged. Still doesn't work. I have been to the upgrade pages thinking my firmware needed to be upgraded but it appears there is no upgrade that fits my computer. I even tried loading the firmware upgrade for the same computer with the 15 inch screen but it wouldn't let me load it, it said it wasn't compatible with my computer. Any thoughts? Do I just need to get the 20 disk upgrade kit?

Hi CSchuh, and Welcome To Discussions!
You wrote "...I bought an upgrade from eBay with a universal install disk..."
I think you probably have an Upgrade or Machine Specific DVD.
Which is probably why it is not working.
More info here Using OS X Install CDs/DVDs On Multiple Macs.
What you need is a FULL RETAIL VERSION, of Tiger.
Closer view of the TIGER INSTALL DVD
Good Luck!
ali b

Similar Messages

Can I upgrade from 10.2.8 directly to Tiger 10.4.6?

If I can't upgrade from 10.2.8 directly to Tiger, what do I need to do first and how?
Thanks for you help!

You should be able to. Is the Tiger installer disk a retail version? Can your ibook read a DVD? You didn't indicate which iBook. Have you sufficient ram and hard drive space?

Upgrading from Panter 10.3.9 to Tiger - Need Help

I am trying to upgrade from panter to tiger without success. My 12" powerbook G4 meets exceeds the system requirements and I have plenty of HD space, however the installation fails when verifying the destination volume. My friend suggested that I may need a firmware update to update the Bios for successful installation. I am not mac savvy and do not know what needs to be done. Can someone please give me a helping hand. Thanks.....

Here's the only really useful information on this error and what you can do to solve the problem:
How to Deal with a -9972 Error
Contributed by Fumiaki Kawashima
The error message, "Error: The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972)" is a serious filesystem error in the Mac OS X Core Foundation. The problem can also lead to other critical errors such as "Keys Out of Order," "Invalid node structure" and/or "Invalid sibling link." The causes and scenarios vary. Troubleshooting a solution may depend upon computer configuration and whether the -9972 error is accompanied by other critical errors. This issue can also lead up to a kernel panic. If the error occurs when an external FireWire device is connected, disconnect it until you verify the device's compatibility.
Symptoms:
In most cases, you are unable to restart from Mac OS X.
* A volume is grayed out or not mounted with or without a kernel panic.
* A folder with a flashing question mark may appear.
* A bad partition map may be reported.
* A target disk mode solution may not work.
* Most likely, Disk Utility, Norton Utilities, TechTool and DiskWarrior cannot fix the issues.
* The high level disk format (Standard format) may unable to perform.
* You may unable to re-initialize the hard drive.
* A disk physically malfunctions in the worst case.
Example of an accompanied error message:
DiskWarrior normally fixes 1 to 6, but cannot fix errors 7 to 10 if the symptoms are very bad. There is no definite case.
01. Volume check failed
02. Invalid B-tree Header
03. Invalid map node
04. Invalid extents entry
05. Invalid clump size
06. Incorrect block count file
07. Invalid node structure
08. Overlapped extent allocation
09. Keys Out of Order
10. Invalid sibling link
Related documents:
What to Do When It Finds an Error
Technical overview of disk volume structures
Possible causes:
* Third-party FireWire device or enclosure, or other peripheral devices.
* Third-party mass storage drives or PCI card issues.
* Incompatible third-party kernel extensions.
* Mac OS X installer disc is improperly treated.
Solutions:
If possible and needed, back up data before troubleshooting. Methods (4) and (5) are for Power Mac desktop computers other than G5 models. The best bet is method (4) if you encounter multiple bad errors.
1. Unplug the power cord. Disconnect all third-party hardware except Apple keyboard and mouse before you start.
2. Do NOT re-install any third-party software/hardware until you completely solve the issue(s) and carefully investigate the compatibility with Mac OS X 10.3.x you install.
3. If another critical error "Invalid sibling link" is detected at any phases, disconnect and reconnect all internal power cords and data cables for hard drives and any ATAPI device. To do so, you may need to read the computer's CIP Instructions in advance. Normally, you do not need to remove third-party RAMs.
Method 1:
(1) Start up from Mac OS X 10.3.x Panther Full Install CD or DVD.
(2) Re-initialize and re-partition the hard drive. RECOMMENDATION: Select "Zero all data" option if "Invalid node structure" or "Keys Out of Order" error is detected.
If this method is of avail, go to Method 2 or greater.
Method 2:
(1) Start up in Mac OS 9.2.2 and shut down the computer.
(2) Start up from a copy of a Disk Warrior bootable CD for Mac OS 9.2.2.
(3) Run DW to fix the damage(s).
Method 3:
(1) Unplug the computer.
(2) Find a second ATA drive and jumper it as MASTER. Jumper the hard drive in question as SLAVE. Verify the jumper pin settings.
(3) Install Mac OS 9.2.x system on the MASTER drive, and update it to Mac OS 9.2.2.
(4) Start up from Mac OS 9.2.2. Re-initialize and re-partition the damaged hard drive with Drive Setup using the "Zero all data" option. Unplug the computer and reconfigure the jumper pin setting on the repaired drive for MASTER and the second drive for SLAVE.
(5) Restart from Mac OS X 10.3 Panther full install CD. Re-initialize and re-partition the repaired drive to install Mac OS X 10.3. Update to Mac OS X 10.3.7 via Software Update. Repair the disk permissions after each Mac OS X 10.3 installation and Mac OS X 10.3.7 update.
You may want to try starting up from Mac OS 9.2.x Full Install CD instead of from (2) to (4).
Method 4:
(1) Find a desktop computer that has an ATA controller PCI card (SCSI environment) and has two hard drive bays. This will make your damaged drive appear as a quasi-SCSI hard drive. Mac OS 9.2.2 must be pre-installed on the computer. I recommend a host computer that installs an Ultra DMA/xxx or xxx (ATA-x) interface equal to or better than the damaged drive with backwards compatible.
(2) Set the host computer's primary drive as MASTER and your damaged hard drive as SLAVE and install the damaged drive in the second drive bay of the host computer. Verify properly configured jumper pin settings in advance.
(3) Start up the host computer from Mac OS 9.2.2. Launch the "Drive Setup" utility. Re-initialize the damaged disk on the second drive using the "Low level format" option. It may take hours but less than "Zero all data" option. Note: Normally, a low level format with a quasi-SCSI drive takes much less (30 - 40%) time than an ATA configuration drive. Note that "Low level format" fixes all difficult logical damage.
(4) Put the fixed disk back in your computer's drive bay. Re-configure the jumper pin setting to MASTER before you place it into the drive bay of your computer.
(5) Restart from Mac OS X 10.3 Panther full install CD. Re-initialize and re-partition it to install Mac OS X 10.3. Update to Mac OS X 10.3.7 via Software Update. Repair the disk permissions after each Mac OS X 10.3 installation and Mac OS X 10.3.7 update.
Note that Panther's Disk Utility does not implement a "Low level format" option.
Method 5:
If Method 4 does not work or fix the damaged drive, let me know. You may need an advanced technique to fix it if the drive is physically not a problem.
OPTION:
Purchase a known good hard drive that conforms to your computer's ATA specification. Fix the damaged hard drive some other time. Nowadays, prices of hard drives are inexpensive.
Mac Pro 2.66 Ghz; MacBook Pro C2D 2.33 Ghz; MacBook Pro 2.16 Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.8) Intel iMac C2D 17 "; iBook G3 800 Mhz; 30 GB iPod Video (Black); iPod Nano 2 GB

Wanting to upgrade from Mac OS X Panther (10.3.9) to Leopard

Hello,
I am wondering if it is possible to upgrade from 10.3.9 to 10.5.4(Leopard), and if so how. I have tried to install 10.5.4 by bypassing 10.4 (Tiger). Now I have an old iBook G4 laptop.
Any help would be most appreciated.
BarrieColt22

Barrie
The others have advised you how to do it, but before you do, I would very strongly recommend that you make a complete bootable backup of your existing hard drive in the iBook.
You should use an application such as Carbon Copy Cloner to make the backup, to an external FireWire hard drive.
The size, measured in Gb, of the external drive should be the total size of the hard drive in your iBook, plus at least an extra 20% (the extra space is needed so that that cloned copy can be configured and organised on the external drive.)
Once you have made this bootable backup and tested it by restarting the iBook from the external drive, then with complete peace of mind you can go ahead and install Leopard on the iBook. All of your existing documents files, etc. are safely backed up to the external drive.
I hope this helps.
"Making a regular bootable backup is one of the Buddha's Threefold Paths"

Upgrade an iMac G3 to Panther or Tiger?

Hello -
I'm upgrading my parents iMac DV G3/400 (firewire, DVD drive). I have ordered 512MB memory stick to augment the iMac's original 64MB.
I'm going to install OS X, but I'm not sure if Tiger or Panther will be a better choice. I have access to a license for both systems, and I just want to make the right choice so that the computer will be as easy to use as possible.
Do you feel I'd be better off running Tiger or Panther on this machine?
Also, do you think 576MB of RAM is sufficient to run OS X Tiger or Panther on this iMac?
Thanks so much for your help!
Joe

I have been running Panther on my iMac G3 400mHz 384 mb since Nov. 2003 and have been quite happy with the performance. It is able to run iPhoto 2 and Photoshop Elements 2.0 very well although they are a bit slow. I won't likely upgrade the OS any further on this machine as it would not be cost effective and the performance would suffer. This is still a capable workhorse for us for mainly WP, Quicken, web surfing etc.
I am just getting into digital photography and was amazed that it immediately recognized my camera in iPhoto when I connected it. I didn't even have to load the software that came with the camera. My advice is the same as the others, go for Panther.
Paco

Upgrading from 9.2 to Panther

I have just inherited an IMac G4 800Mhz 15" flat panel from work. It currently has 9.2 installed and I would like to upgrade to Panther. I tried to upgrade but I get the error
'startup disk was unable to select the install cd as the startup disk (-2)'
I have read around the web and found that I need to upgrade the firmware before I can upgrade.
I have looked at the available firmware upgrades at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1395 but there is no upgrade available for the flat panel models and I tried 4.1.9 but the Imac said it was the wrond version.
What do I do?
PS I've never used a Mac before! I'm a Windows guy but I'm willing to learn......

a1cap0ne, welcome to Apple Discussions & the Mac community.
Based on the model number you listed, you have the correct retail install discs.
If you startup on OS 9.2 with the Panther CD in the disc drive, do you see the CD icon on your desktop. If yes, this indicates that the disc drive is working. If no, there is a problem with the disc drive.
There are two ways to boot from the Panther install CD installed in the disc drive. Depress the c key at startup. Another way is to depress the Command(Apple)Option+ShiftDelete keys at startup.
 Cheers, Tom

How do I upgrade from OS 9 to Panther?

I have an ibook G3 with OS 9.1 I think!
Would like to upgrade to Panther
Any input would be appreciated
Thanks

Check that you have the system requirements.
Here are the requirements for Tiger (10.4), which are similar:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/upgrade/requirements.html
Update 9.1 to 9.2.2, and follow instructions here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75288
and update Firmware if necessary (link in that last post).
Last, all you have to do is put in the upgrade disc and install! Do you have a Panther disc? Those will be harder to find than Tiger, which is the latest version of the OS. If you get Tiger, you also need to be able to read DVDs. If your computer does not have a Combo drive, you can do the media exchange program to exchange the install DVD for a set of CDs.
(http://www.apple.com/macosx/upgrade/)
I hope this helps!

Upgrading from MacOs 10.3.9 to tiger

Hi Guys,
I'm new to the forum, nice to know everyone of you
I need to upgrade my system.
Since i'm using a G4-1250 Mhz the software update application can't get me anyfurther than MacOS 10.3.9.
Is there any way for me to upgrade my system in order to use the latest OS (ex. Tiger 10.4.6)
Thanks in advance for any usefull tip
Joe

Hi Joe,
first of all: WELCOME TO THE DISCUSSIONS!
As AxL already pointed out, 10.4 Tiger is commercial software. You have to buy it. Make sure you buy the retail full install version! Then follow this procedure: 10.4 Tiger Upgrade: Decision tree+Checklist

Panther to tiger upgrade questions.

I am getting an upgrade from work so I can have Tiger.
Should I backup before upgrading? How?
And if it does not work out, how can I revert back to 10.3?
Thanks~!

Should I backup before upgrading? How?
You should backup before installing anything new. You should backup before examining your machine for hardware or software trouble. You should backup after writing data that is important to you. Here's my backup FAQ*:
http://www.macmaps.com/backup.html
If you follow my cloning instructions there, you can just clone back your backup if the 10.4 upgrade doesn't work.
To upgrade to 10.4 you'll need to at least double your RAM to have effective speed. You'll also want at least 10 GB of free hard disk space. My upgrade FAQ* explains other things you need to watch out for:
http://www.macmaps.com/upgradefaq.html
P.S. Please note this is the PowerMac G4, for tower G4 computers, and not Powerbook G4 computer like in your profile. If indeed you have a Powerbook G4, and not a PowerMac G4, and I can't answer your question, please post further questions about it in the Powerbook forum that is relevant after identifying your computer using my FAQ*:
http://www.macmaps.com/macosxnative.html#IDENTIFY
Powerbook forums are in this category:
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=120
To distinguish categories from forums, please read this user tip:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=864153&tstart=20
- * Links to my pages may give me compensation

Upgrading from Tiger 10.4 to Snow Leopard

Alright, so i reformatted and erased my hard drive and tried installing Snow Leopard but it says "this computer doesn't have enough RAM"...
AFTER i cleaned it out. and now it won't let me eject the disc or get out of the installation screen..
it says to restore my system with time machine.. but i don't have time machine or any backups.
but under my hard drive settings it says:
space Available: 79.45 GB
Used: 229.7 MB
i don't know what to do..

You should also read the section in the right column titled - *Upgrading from Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger.*
Don't confuse the technical or licensing requirements with Apple's buying suggestion that Tiger users should purchase the Box Set. The Snow Leopard DVD & the license to use it are the same whether they come as part of the Box Set or as the OS-only retail product. Neither one requires anything special of Tiger users aside from the general & feature-specific technical requirements.
Specifically, make sure the Black 2006 MacBook has a minimum of 1 GB of installed memory since most of the "Early 2006" ones came with only 512 MB (½ GB) installed.

Options for Upgrade from OSX 10.4 to Leopard

Hi all, I started this question over here:
http://discussions.info.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2592383&tstart=0
and BDAqua recommended I start a new thread, so here goes:
My computer has been crazy slow for the last year or two. I have a MacBook with Mac OS X (10.4.11). We've think we want to reinstall the OS, I don't have the original install disks.
BAqua recommended paying the $29 for the Leopard upgrade, but I noticed here http://www.apple.com/macosx/specs.html that it says I need to get the full product since I'm on OSX 10.4 - is that true?. Here's what it says on the bottom right:
Upgrading from Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger.
If your Intel-based Mac is running Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger, purchase the Mac Box Set, which is a single, affordable package that includes Mac OS X v10.6.3 Snow Leopard; iLife, with the latest versions of iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, and iDVD; and iWork, Apple’s productivity suite for home and office including Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.
I'm not sure it's worth $169 to upgrade the OS - especially considering we don't even know if it's a hardware problem.
Also, can I do a complete reinstall with the upgrade disk anyways? My husband has worked on PCs for a long time, but wasn't sure what to do about a Mac that has what appears to be a lot of corrupted settings. He tried to create a new user and copy the setting over (seems like common advice on these forums), but my computer hangs forever when trying to create a new user. He figures it's faster to just reinstall than try and fix it one problem at a time. Thoughts?
Thanks so much!

There have been reports from users who have bought the $29. package
and used it to install a newer Snow Leopard 10.6.x system in a supported
Mac computer model that was capable of using that version.
Snow Leopard 10.6 is the current production version; Leopard 10.5 is not.
With enough free space (capacity, unused) on the computer's hard disk
drive, a new system could be installed; an Upgrade & Install, if you had
a newer retail install DVD. But too full of a hard disk drive, and it won't
work; neither would an Archive & Install, where you choose to have the
new system save and use the old user account & setup info. If the Mac
has too much stuff on the hard disk drive, it has to be dealt with first.
And the computer system itself is separate from the user acct issues.
The 10.6 upgrade is a full installer, according to those who have used it;
but the better deal would be to get the large 'complete package deal' due
to the addition of the other software, each in a retail package version, to
add those other apps that the upgrade installer by itself won't include.
And the older Tiger-level versions are fairly outdated to try and use in the
Mac once you've upgraded the OS from 10.4.11 to Snow Leopard 10.6.x.
Usual issues as you describe that are affecting your computer use, tend
to be related to a few factors; issues contributing to slowness and sluggish
performance, include: a too-full hard disk drive, in adequate RAM installed
to run certain Apps. And a combination of a fuller than desired hard disk
drive plus inadequate available RAM installed, can make a system slow.
RAM is on-chip random access memory; HDD capacity is storage space.
Not to confuse these; however the computer will use larger sections of free
hard disk drive space. Unused capacity, used as Virtual Memory helps the
Mac OS X system and Apps you may be using, handle the workload and
temp files, swap space, Virtual Memory and other workings, are comprom-
ised by a lack of sufficient free or unused hard disk drive capacity.
Also, in addition to the above, certain cache files in the system, and other
items addressed by routine and preventative maintenance, can grow to a
point where they can slow the system. So, trying to install an upgrade over
a problem not directly related to the system, only will layer the first problem.
The symptoms you describe indicate the problem is probably due to the
hard drive being near full capacity; or perhaps it has bad sectors and a
part of the hard disk drive is not longer accessible to the Mac OS X, so the
computer is working around the lack of space needed as Virtual Memory;
and has gotten way slow in trying to find temporary work space, under load.
IF the internal drive in the computer is more than 75 to 85% full, it likely is
overdue for some clearing out; image files, music files, libraries of these
can use up plenty of hard disk drive storage capacity. So much, the Mac
may start to work very hard, and then the usual thing is hard drive failure.
So, you should consider using an external drive enclosure that can boot
the computer model you have (some can't.) If your Mac has USB 2.0
ports, and FireWire400/800, then an external enclosure sporting both
kinds of ports (FW + USB2.0) with its own power supply; and making a
complete computer drive clone, on the external drive.
Once a suitable and boot-capable copy/clone is created on an external
hard disk drive, and it is tested to see it can start and run the Mac, you
could choose to use Disk Utility from the clone's utility folder, and have
it 'repair disk permissions' on the booted clone. Then, it may be OK to
secure erase (one-pass) the hard disk drive, using Disk Utility's optional
tools, and choose a partition map (GUID-type) and reformat to HFS+.
Then, the system which was cloned to the external drive could be re-
cloned back to the internal hard disk drive. The same Clone utility can
be used to move or copy an OS X system back & forth. One that I use
is a free-running donationware/download, named Carbon Copy Cloner.
Since the computer have/had shipped with a special version of Tiger
10.4, (Intel-based Macs with Tiger) this would not be able to use a
retail copy of the Tiger DVD to do a re-install. You could call Apple
Sales/Support, and tell them the Serial Number of your Mac, and ask
about getting a replacement original software packet for your computer.
This would cost a nominal fee; or go for the $29. Snow Leopard one.
The product specialist you'd talk to about this, at 1-800-MY-APPLE
may be able to direct you somewhat, if the original Tiger 10.4 replace-
ment disc set is no longer available for your computer.
A concern, would be if you were somehow able to install an upgrade to
a later system into your computer, as it is now (with issues) the problem
could be worse, since a too-full hard disk drive can be damaged or be
a cause of software/data loss once you over-fill the drive.
Also, a portable computer, among others that see a lot of use, may need
a new/replacement hard disk drive by now; after three to five years run-
time. They do wear out, and the more they have to work to do read/write
cycles of use, such as when inadequate chip RAM is installed, to swap
files and use HDD free space as Virtual Memory, things wear out faster.
So, the system itself isn't likely the cause of the problem; but is a symptom.
And you need to have some system discs. The replacement of original discs
would give you the correct Apple Hardware Test it shipped with; this is not
on any other version OS X install disc. And the original disc set should be
included with a computer when it is sold, traded, or gifted away. Plus, any
other OS X version it may have been upgraded with. To cover all bases.
Perhaps someone else has a shorter version of this line of thinking, with a
few good web links to helpful sites? I have fielded three local interruptions
not related to computers while trying to write what I thought was a simple
reply to a question; but find it is easier to know the answer than get it out.
Some general ideas:
• OS X Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
http://www.macattorney.com/ts.html
• Maintaining Mac OS X:
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/maintainingmacosx.html
• Download Titanium Software's OnyX (note system version)
http://www.titanium.free.fr/download.php
There always are more questions, hopefully someone will help
match answers up correctly, and pair them off successfully.
Good luck & happy computing!

Upgrading from osx 10.2.8 to osx 10.4

I bought a set of 16 install disk for an emac ( they are grey ) and it came with one disk that is black with a grey x and say's xcode 2 on it. I cant get the disks to work. I put in the first disk and it tells me to click the restart button and then the computer restart and stays on the grey screen with the dark grey spinning wheel. Can some one please help?

Hi, i also have a question but it falls in the same category so didn't want to post another question.
I will be buying 512RAM so i can upgrade from OSX 10.2.8 to Tiger OSX 10.4 then I will be buying the install disks. When i go install Tiger, what will happen to all my files/music/work that i have on my emac at the moment? Will it still be on there when i fully install Tiger or will it be written over/wiped?
Seems a silly question but i want to know exactly what i am doing before i do it! Don't want to lose anything in the process.
Thanks in advance.

Upgrading from Panther 10.3.9 to Tiger 10.4.3

My brother has a 17" 1.8 IMac and wants to upgrade from Panther 10.3.9 to Tiger 10.4.3 so he can use Aperture, Apple's new software. Since I have always helped him in the past with his upadates, I prefer doing clean installs by reformatting the hard drive before doing a major upgrade like the aforementioned. Is this the preferred method or should I attempt to install over Panther without reformatting? I'm rather reluctant to go to 10.4.3 based upon the number of negative experiences reported by people who have done so, but if he wants to use Aperture, according to the system requirements needed to run it, he has to perform this update. What recommendations do any of you have for making a safe migration from 10.3.9 to 10.4.3? In other words, what is the best and safest method of updating?
G5 2.3 Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Tom,
Don't forget this forum is the hospital ward. Don't let the preponderance of bad reports make you think an update is bad. These are usually cases where people haven't taken the proper precautions while updating which should always be taken.
Mac OS X doesn't technically have a clean install option. For reasons why I say not, see this user tip:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=607614
The best method of upgrading depends on how well the machine is functioning in 10.3.9. If it has sufficient space, sufficient RAM, has not had any kernel panics, the following sequence of steps is recommended:
1. Backup your data.
2. Make sure all your hardware and software has compatible drivers for the operating system you are going to. Verify all the applications you are going to use are updated.
3. Dismount and disconnect all third party peripherals.
4. Upgrade and install to 10.4 with a retail 10.4 installer disk. Do not use a system specific disk on a different machine. Buy the box family or single user pack from an Apple software reseller.
5. Repair permissions with Applications -> Utilities -> Disk Utility
6. Run the 10.4.3 combo update:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosxupdate1043combo.html
7. repeat step 5.
Do steps 1 and 5 before and after any update as a general practice in anycase. Application installers often have a tendency to want to mess with permissions and sometimes don't put them back causing problems later on.
Now if you are having issues launching specific programs, or programs unexpectedly quitting now, or 4 language screens those need to be isolated before you update.

Should I upgrade from Panther to Tiger or Leopard?

Many are considering upgrading their existing Mac to 10.4 (Tiger) or Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) because of iPhone or iPod compatibility, or other software compatibility. This makes sense, but you have to realize there are both pluses or downsides to doing this.
If you have an application that is only Tiger or Leopard compatible, it makes sense to upgrade.
Unless you are able to completely migrate away from Classic, it doesn't make sense to upgrade to Leopard. Leopard no longer offers Classic support. Though a Firewire external hard drive with Tiger on it on a PowerPC Mac, or on a separate partition (which requires erasing your hard drive), will allow you to maintain Classic. Booting into Mac OS 9 if it was possible with Panther, is still possible with Tiger and Leopard on the same machine. Erase and installing Tiger or Leopard will not preserve the Mac OS 9 system folder needed to use Classic. That will either have to come from your backup, or your original Mac OS 9 installer discs which installed 9 on your Mac. Mid 2002 through late 2005 Macs used a restore utility to restore Mac OS 9 system folders from those original discs. Macs which shipped with 9.2.1 and 9.2.2 can't use the 9.2.1 retail disc to install Mac OS 9, and must use the disc that came with them to install 9 or Classic.
Upgrading to 10.4 and 10.5 introduces a new find file system called Spotlight.
It is much weaker than 10.3.9 for locating files quickly by name. Though if you find files mainly by content, then it is better to have Spotlight. See this thread on how difficult it is to work with Spotlight based systems. Launchbar offers limited Spotlight like features without losing the 10.3.9 and earlier Find File systems on 10.3.9 and earlier.
If Dashboard Widgets are your reason to install 10.4 or 10.5, consider the third party utility Amnesty

Many are considering upgrading their existing Mac to 10.4 (Tiger) or Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) because of iPhone or iPod compatibility, or other software compatibility. This makes sense, but you have to realize there are both pluses or downsides to doing this.
If you have an application that is only Tiger or Leopard compatible, it makes sense to upgrade.
Unless you are able to completely migrate away from Classic, it doesn't make sense to upgrade to Leopard. Leopard no longer offers Classic support. Though a Firewire external hard drive with Tiger on it on a PowerPC Mac, or on a separate partition (which requires erasing your hard drive), will allow you to maintain Classic. Booting into Mac OS 9 if it was possible with Panther, is still possible with Tiger and Leopard on the same machine. Erase and installing Tiger or Leopard will not preserve the Mac OS 9 system folder needed to use Classic. That will either have to come from your backup, or your original Mac OS 9 installer discs which installed 9 on your Mac. Mid 2002 through late 2005 Macs used a restore utility to restore Mac OS 9 system folders from those original discs. Macs which shipped with 9.2.1 and 9.2.2 can't use the 9.2.1 retail disc to install Mac OS 9, and must use the disc that came with them to install 9 or Classic.
Upgrading to 10.4 and 10.5 introduces a new find file system called Spotlight.
Spotlight does improve with Leopard. There are some of the new features of Spotlight on Macworld and Wikipedia. It is however, much weaker than 10.3.9 for locating files quickly by name. Though if you find files mainly by content, then it is better to have Spotlight. See this thread on how difficult it is to work with Spotlight based systems. Launchbar offers limited Spotlight like features without losing the 10.3.9 and earlier Find File systems on 10.3.9 and earlier.
If Dashboard Widgets are your reason to install 10.4 or 10.5, consider the third party utility Amnesty
Message was edited by: a brody

Why upgrade from Panther to Tiger on G4 iMac?

I have two iMacs. I use a G5 recently upgraded from Panther to Leopard 10.5.5. My wife has a G4 with Panther 10.3.9.
Now that I have Leopard I have a Tiger install license available.
Are there good reasons to upgrade my wife's G4 to Tiger?
She uses it heavily for e-mail, internet, and MS Word.
She's networked to my G5 through Airport and we use printer sharing and file sharing.
Her G4 works great, but I'm wondering about security issues.
Comments?
-Bob

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think Apple is still releasing Security updates for Panther too, isn't it?
I think some of the Panther software is starting to show its age limitations for Internet capabilities, and things like iTunes for all the new iPods, etc. On one hand if you're not actually having problems then my feeling is an old computer best runs software designed for it. On the other hand I am not sure you would lose any functionality if you did upgrade. I think most Panther applications run on Tiger, the system requirements are pretty similar. It's not like when you upgrade to Leopard that you suddenly lose Classic support and it requires (demands?) a faster processor. From my personal perspective upgrading to Leopard really makes a big difference in capabilities both ways and may even be a negative upgrade if you run old software the way I do. Upgrading from Panther to Tiger didn't have any downsides and had several upsides in terms of software is still being brought out for Tiger.
[Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger system requirements|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301341]
[OS 10.3 Panther requirements|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106163]

Upgrading from 10.2.8 Panther to Tiger

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