Will upgrading my OS be better?

Question

Hi There,
I have a iMac G5 running OS X Panther. I was looking to upgrade to OS X Leopard and was wondering if upgrading OS will make the iMac better, will my iMac be better and more compatible with new software on Leopard than on Panther? 
I am also having real issues with safari and it displaying websites incorrectly, it displays them on the left hand side of the screen in a navigation form without any pictures - How do I fix this?
Thanks - I Appreciate The Help

Answer 1

A later OS X version upgrade DVD is required for either Tiger 10.4 or Leopard 10.5,
then apply their appropriate Combo update (Tiger: 10.4.11 download / Leopard:
10.5.8 download) from Apple Software Update in the running computer...
Upgrades: cost. Updates: usually are downloads from the Software Update server.
Then, locate a compatible vintage version of Flash player from the Adobe Flash
Player support download page, the most recent will appear but will not function.
And, then look for a compatible web browser, such as TenFourFox, iCab (10.4/10.5)
& SeaMonkey PPC (for 10.5.x only) there are semi-current updates for these, for
use with PowerPC architecture. TenFourFox has its own web site. Older and no longer
supported vintage versions of FireFox, SeaMonkey, and others may be available, but
have security issues that later ones (including Mozilla-code builds TenFourFox) have
been able to overcome through use of custom builds of later code that works in PPCs.
The upgrade to a later OS X version involves buying a retail DVD for each version.
This can be hard to accomplish due to their no longer supported or sold in retail
stores; that status leads many to look online and pay a premium for clean old DVDs.
And they can't be grey label install-restore discs that were part of a specific Mac kit.
You may be able to obtain a 'Replacement OS X DVD for Tiger 10.4 ' - or, Leopard 10.5;
by calling Apple sales (main online store number, 1-800-MY-APPLE) or another support
number I don't recall, and ask for an Operating System specialist. For a time, they had
each of these separately available for a fee, only from Apple direct and not in the store
catalog so you could only order it by phone and by talking to a specialist or expert who
knows operating systems. The fee was reasonable, compared to finding an original retail
DVD that probably was previously owned (sold on ebay or maybe amazon, at times.)
You'd need to supply the computer serial number and some other information about it,
if you should be lucky enough to talk to the correct knowledgeable person to see if they
can check, to see if they still can sell you one or both of these White Label DVDs...
However outside of the US, this may be an even rarer option, though the Leopard 10.5
DVD could allow certain iDevices to function and sync with your vintage computer, so
that would let it do a few things (with vintage iDevice, not most recent iPod, iPhone, etc.)
Any retail version of Tiger 10.4 or Leopard 10.5 on DVD media should work, and may
be available from some online reseller of old-stock-new, or clean used, etc. Prices
for these original offerings with retail labels and part numbers implying such, are high.
And the computer could need a RAM upgrade, since a newer OS X will require more
system resources for it to function. And even more for a load of applications to run.
If the costs and unavailability of upgrades for the G5 PPC computer are too restrictive,
you should look into an Intel-based Mac; and read around to see which one(s) appear
to have been most durable for their vintage. Some resellers who actually repair Macs
for a living could a place to get a used model; check reputable shops with a good name.
For specs see everymac.com and if you can, see download mactracker.ca application.
And iFixit.com has info on repairing some models, not everyone does that; for ideas.
{An upgrade of software and maybe RAM, plus hard drive, etc, could be helpful
for the old PowerPC G5 computer to work better, while it lasts, but you may find
the limit to older versions of software -- and almost nothing new runs on them.}
Not sure what else to say or add, at this point...
Good luck & happy computing!
edited 3x