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too crafty? · Jun 29, 2005, 09:07 PM

This question is probably so stupid it's never been asked, but I'll risk your wrath and try it:

I have an iMac happily running 10.2.8 since 2002. My wife just got an iBook that came loaded with 10.3.7, but with the 10.4 disc thrown in the box. So we're going to upgrade the iBook to 10.4, obviously.

But -- can I use the same 10.4 disc on the iMac? It seems like a relatively simple archive & install, but will the disc self-destruct or lock me up if I try to use it again on a different machine? Will Apple sniffers discover my crafty ploy to avoid paying for a desktop upgrade, and send me a bill for $129?

I know, stupid question, but I don't want to inadvertently screw up my system. I await your withering replies. Thanks.

timmerk · Jun 29, 2005, 09:22 PM

If it's a retail 10.4 cd, it will work. If it's an iBook OS restore cd, then you might have problems.

Then it's up to you ethically what to do.

PurpleGiant · Jun 29, 2005, 09:56 PM

timmerk's right.

If it is a standard 10.4 DVD, it will function fine on your iMac.
If it is a specific 'iBook software restore' CD, then it won't.

Assuming it is the first option (standard OS X 10.4 DVD), legally you only have a license to install this on one computer. At this stage, Apple does nothing to actively enforce this though.

dreilly1 · Jun 29, 2005, 09:57 PM

The "software install" disk that comes with any Mac will only work on another Mac that is the same model.

It sounds like you lucked out, though, and since you bought the iBook after they announced Tiger, but before they were able to pack computers with new software install disks, they just threw a new retail copy of 10.4 in the box, which means you will be able to install it on your other Mac.

Apple doesn't do any of that product activation crap. Assuming it's a retail copy, you will be able to install it on the other computer without Apple calling the Feds on you. Although that will make you a dirty filthy pirate, and you will make Baby Jesus cry.

Since I have multiple Macs in my house, I bought the "Family Pack" of Panther when it came out. It lets you install on up to 5 computers in the same household for $200, vs. the single license for $130. The funny thing is that the actual discs are identical in both packages. The only thing you get for your extra $70 is a sheet of paper which acts as an addendum to the standard license indicating your right to 5 installs.

Randman · Jun 29, 2005, 11:26 PM

This has been asked eleventy billion times. A search would have showed you that.

JHromadka · Jun 30, 2005, 08:54 AM

If you don't have a license for both machines, it's technically stealing. I bought a license for my PowerBook even though my mini came with the upgrade DVD.

Millennium · Jun 30, 2005, 09:43 AM

Legally, you shouldn't do this unless you have licenses for all the machines (you only get one with OSX, unless you by the Family Pack, which gets you five licenses). Technologically, however, there is nothing to prevent you from doing it. In fact, the aforementioned Family Pack comes with only one disc; it depends on you being able to use one disc in multiple machines.

wataru · Jun 30, 2005, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by dreilly1

The "software install" disk that comes with any Mac will only work on another Mac that is the same model.

Not true. I've cross-installed several times.

dreilly1 · Jun 30, 2005, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by wataru

Not true. I've cross-installed several times.

With recent versions of 10.x? And cross-installing across product families (like, iBook to PowerMac)?
It used to be the case that the software install CD's were only installable on the model of Mac it came with, maybe it's not anymore....

Millennium · Jun 30, 2005, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by dreilly1

With recent versions of 10.x? And cross-installing across product families (like, iBook to PowerMac)?
It used to be the case that the software install CD's were only installable on the model of Mac it came with, maybe it's not anymore....

I did an iBook-to-PowerMac install once, but that was with Panther. I don't know about the situation with Tiger.

GSixZero · Jun 30, 2005, 12:20 PM

I've never had any problems using media from one type of machine in another. Mac Mini -> PowerMac, iMac->iBook, eMac->anything

dreilly1 · Jun 30, 2005, 12:40 PM

Well then, even if you don't have the retail version of 10.4, but just the typical OS install disks, you may still be in luck. It still makes you a naughty pirate. Arrr!

cambro · Jun 30, 2005, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by dreilly1

It still makes you a naughty pirate. Arrr!

I look up on my shelf and see retail boxes for:

10.0
10.2
10.3
10.4

I don't feel like a pirate...more like a whore.

Chuckit · Jun 30, 2005, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by Millennium

I did an iBook-to-PowerMac install once, but that was with Panther. I don't know about the situation with Tiger.

The situation has been the same since 10.3, I think. Some OEM disks have the protection, some don't.

Superchicken · Jun 30, 2005, 11:33 PM

I think you can get around the cross install by using Target mode...

I always pay for OS X. That said I think once I have my G5, I'll probably only buy one copy of Leopard. Since really both are gona be an extension of each-other... yah...

Honestly I think all OS X licences should be family licenses.

Chuckit · Jul 1, 2005, 02:28 AM

Originally Posted by Superchicken

I always pay for OS X. That said I think once I have my G5, I'll probably only buy one copy of Leopard. Since really both are gona be an extension of each-other... yah...

What are you talking about?