SillyDog701

[iamhopeless]

I have used Macs for years but only tried to upgrade system software once years ago with floppy disks and it was a disaster. I now have an iMac G3 running OS 10.2. I want to upgrade to Panther but because of my last experience I am afraid. I have read some of the other posts about people having problems when upgrading which increases my anxiety. My local Apple Dealer will do it for $50 but I have to take my iMac in but it is heavy and I have a bad back.

So my questions are:

1. Do I have to uninstall OS 10.2 before installing Panther?
2. I don't have an external drive for backing up. I don't have a lot of stuff on my hard drive. Will a pen drive do?
3. Does the install disk have the instructions for installing?
4. Do I have to re-install my applications after upgrading?
5. Should I just have a professional do it?

Thanks for any help you can give me.
Jeanne

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[Antony]

Hello Jeanne,

Welcome to SillyDog701.

1. Do I have to uninstall OS 10.2 before installing Panther?

No. Once you insert Panther Installation Disc, the software will ask you if you want to keep your current profile/document (which is recommended) or to make a clean installation (e.g. wipe out 10.2)

2. I don't have an external drive for backing up. I don't have a lot of stuff on my hard drive. Will a pen drive do?

if it fits, it will. You can back up your files by burning to CD or DVDs.

3. Does the install disk have the instructions for installing?

Yes. Simply follow the on screen instruction will do.

4. Do I have to re-install my applications after upgrading?

If you did not wipe out current OS 10.2, you shouldn't have to re-install most of your applications.

5. Should I just have a professional do it?

Not necessary in my opinion.

Also, please make sure your iMac (hardware) is compatible for running Panther.

Antony.

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[iamhopeless]

Thanks Antony. You have relieved some of my anxiety. I may be back with more questions.

My iMac has 266 MGh processor and 256 megs of ram. I think this should be OK from what I've read.

Jeanne

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[Antony]

My iMac has 266 MGh processor and 256 megs of ram. I think this should be OK from what I've read.

Can your iMac read DVD discs?

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[iamhopeless]

Hi Antony,

No my iMac doesn't have a DVD drive. I have been searching eBay and found someone selling Panther on CD called wefixmacs. They have it for $69.98. They have a good rating and after reading their feedback everyone who has bought it seems happy. They also have it on DVD and they will supply a DVD drive that has to be returned for those customers that don't have a DVD drive. They say it is genuine Apple software. I know I am taking a chance but it seems to be my only option other that taking my iMac to a dealer and spending more money to have them do it. Thanks again for your help.

Jeanne

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[Antony]

Apple offered Media Exchange program for those who's Mac does not have DVD drive.
(US$9.95 + applicable sales tax and mailing back the original DVD). If the CDs were those discs, you shouldn't have problems installing them.

If I were you, I'd suggest you save up the trouble and get a new Mac instead.

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[iamhopeless]

Thanks for the info and all your help. I really would love a new Mac but can't afford it right now. Also the dealer told me that you can't run Classic on the new Macs.

Jeanne

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[Antony]

Hello Jeanne,

If you want to upgrade to Panther, by all means. However, I would suggest you expand the memory of your iMac first (which shouldn't be hard).
Secondly, make sure you get the CD version of Panther.

Just one more thing, I'd like to point out that the price for a new Mac is not as expensive as most people think. (Not talking about the Mac Pros.)

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