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lazerweb · Feb 23, 2007, 04:28 AM

Hi everyone. I am scared. As a computer technician for windows I have been given a mac. I can build a windows machine from the ground up, but I don't even understand how to use a mouse with Mac! Can I please ask some silly newbie questions?

The Mac I'm being given is called G4 466. Is this a reasonably fast/new Mac?
Someone else is also giving me an operating system called Mac Os X 10.4.6. WIll this op system work with the G4 466?

Extra question but not as important!
I have also been using LInux (suse suite) for a year and have XP running inside Suse using vmware. Would it be possible to put mac OS inside linux through VMWARE?

pcguy1 · Feb 23, 2007, 06:56 AM

Since you are a computer technician for window.

1. A G4 466 is similar to a Window p3 500 cpu machine, you tell me if that is reasonable fast in today dualcore 2ghz/AMD 64x2 4000 world.
it will run system X if you put at least 1G ram, just don't expect too much.

2. You can run Parallels and have Linux/Suse/window inside, but you will get a huge hit in performance since it is a old machine to begin with.

Visualize · Feb 23, 2007, 07:12 AM

^pcguy1, sadly I don't think he can run Parallels since it's not an Intel Mac. maybe something like VirtualPC will do the trick. But it will still be slow. I imagine he would have to run Linux in its purest form on boot with a boot selector if he still wants to keep OS X.

to lazerweb, I think 10.4.6 might run on your Mac albeit slow until more RAM is given to it. I'm not too sure but I think OS X 10.4 requires an USB or FireWire port - i'm not that into what the different Macs,such as yours,has in form of ports.

angelmb · Feb 23, 2007, 08:17 AM

Sure you can run Mac OS X Tiger on it, I know people doing that with even older G3 models. Just do what others say, add RAM and maybe a newer, faster hard disk. But be honest with it, it is a 2001 model, so don't expect it being blazing fast…

To know more about such Power Mac, read here:
apple-history.com

mitchell_pgh · Feb 23, 2007, 09:38 AM

I would just like to say that the system isn't junk, but it's a far cry from new. I think it's a good way to sample OS X, but keep in mind that you are only seeing a glimpse of what the OS has to offer.

It would be a good system for simple surfing, iTunes, and you might even be able to play movies on it (I can easily play Divx movies on my 733 tower with 512 of RAM).

You can't run windows on the system unless you have an old version of Virtual PC (and I'm not even sure if that would do it). You should plan on it running VERY VERY slow.

If someone gave me the system, I would take it. If nothing else, it could be a great media system. Throw a few HDs in there and you would be ready to go.

Big Mac · 03:52 PM

You have a fine computer there. It is around six years old now, so moderate your expectations based on its age. Although I gave my younger brother my iBook 466, I still use it every so often and it's still fine for productivity apps and web surfing. Your G4 has a more capable processor than that, so you should enjoy your experience with it.

Chuckit · Feb 23, 2007, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by Big Mac

G4/466? Didn't they only come in 50MHz increments - 400, 450, 500?

Up through the Sawtooth, yes. After that, the speeds were usually *00, *33 or *67.

Big Mac · Feb 23, 2007, 03:50 PM

Oh, you're right Chuckit. How quickly I had forgotten. He must have a G4 (Digital Audio).

JKT · Feb 23, 2007, 03:58 PM

MacTracker X 4.1 - MacUpdate

If you download that freeware app, it will provide you with info on your model Mac (which is a PowerMac G4 (digital audio)):

Thinine · Feb 23, 2007, 04:49 PM

You'd get a much better experience with even the bottom Mac mini than you would with that fossil.

SVass · Feb 23, 2007, 04:50 PM

You are getting silly misinformation. Your machine can run all versions of OSX including 10.4.8. 512 megabytes of ram are sufficient as I have 448 in a 400MHz unit. As long as you are not using it for gaming or movie production, it will work extremely well.

Running Firefox, Microsoft Office, and Graphic Converter simultaneously does not stress the system. It has both Firewire and USB ports. Using an external Firewire harddrive will allow you to expand your disk capacity inexpensively as it can boot from such a drive. Yes any pc that old would not function well; but, that is a Windows problem. sam

olePigeon · Feb 23, 2007, 05:50 PM

I am also a computer technician, and to answer your questions:

No, the machines is not recent.
Yes, OS X 10.4.6 will run fine on the machine, even with 512MBs of RAM.

To answer a few other questions:
Yes, you can get Microsoft Office for it.
Yes, it will authenticate over an ActiveDirectory domain.

jalal · Feb 23, 2007, 05:59 PM

I'm another PC/Windows guru that has just defected from the dark side and am finding it a bit confusing using a Mac. The thing that is giving me the most trouble is intalling MSN messenger

I'm going to visit a hard core Mac user tomorrow to seek help.

seanc · Feb 23, 2007, 06:27 PM

You get a disk image for msn messenger, double click the app inside, microsoft for some reason has to be annoying and include an installer. When you've finished the installer, look in your applications folder.

jasong · Feb 24, 2007, 01:49 PM

Oh, and the mouse? It should work pretty much the same as you are used to.

jalal · Feb 25, 2007, 12:42 AM

Thank you for the reply guys. I will give it a try and report back.

Visualize · Feb 25, 2007, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by seanc

You get a disk image for msn messenger, double click the app inside, microsoft for some reason has to be annoying and include an installer. When you've finished the installer, look in your applications folder.

There is no installer with the latest Messenger for Mac version 6.0.2 - just to be clear if that's the one the person you were helping is trying to use. If it's the latest Messenger you just drag the application to the Applications folder on your Mac. I haven't checked with MSN Messenger, it might include an installer.

seanc · Feb 25, 2007, 02:27 PM

Oh ok, I'm sure it used to have an installer in the previous versions.

jalal · Feb 27, 2007, 05:22 AM

Hi,

There is no disk image with the latest MSN. I tried what Visualize suggested but that doesn't work for me. I had MS Office installed when I got my Mac and that came with MSN Messenger. Now since downloading the latest version I can't log on to the older version. The message I get is that a newer version is available and that I should download it. OK that done I still can't get MSN to log on. Despite all this I love Mac OS and will never go back to buying a PC with Windows.

hookem2oo7 · Feb 27, 2007, 06:57 AM

When you are launching the old version, are you clicking its icon in the dock? What happens if you go to your Applications folder and double click the latest messenger application?

jalal · Feb 28, 2007, 05:35 AM

I'll try that, Hookem2oo7. I'll post what happens when I get home. Thanks for the repy

shifuimam · Feb 28, 2007, 01:06 PM

Just a sidenote - as a self-proclaimed computer technician and Windows guru, I'm surprised you can't even intuitively figure out how to do things like "use a mouse" in any version of the Mac OS.

OS X frustrated the hell out of me the first few times I used it (things like needing to use a keyboard key to eject a disk from the CD drive were unnerving), but I was able to find my way around adequately enough.

If you really are skilled at using both Windows and Linux, you *really* shouldn't have any problems adapting to OS X.

You can also get the full system requirements for OS X 10.4 (Tiger) from Apple's website...

voiceofra · Feb 28, 2007, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by shifuimam

Just a sidenote - as a self-proclaimed computer technician and Windows guru, I'm surprised you can't even intuitively figure out how to do things like "use a mouse" in any version of the Mac OS.

I've known lots of self-proclaimed "Windows gurus" that didn't know squat about the operating system or computers in general.
It's the 'click-and-go' syndrome.
One of my former bosses, the IT manager for the company, could do just about anything if there was a point-and-click GUI for it.
But when our consultant mentioned anything Linux or CLI (i.e. anything that was a better solution than what MS had to offer), HE was the one that got that "deer in the headlights" look in his eyes.
Having spent most of my computer-related life with Linux AND Windows AND Mac, the consultant and I got along famously, as we laughed at my boss while sharin' beers and hotwings

- - e r i k - - · Feb 28, 2007, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by jalal

Hi,

There is no disk image with the latest MSN. I tried what Visualize suggested but that doesn't work for me. I had MS Office installed when I got my Mac and that came with MSN Messenger. Now since downloading the latest version I can't log on to the older version. The message I get is that a newer version is available and that I should download it. OK that done I still can't get MSN to log on. Despite all this I love Mac OS and will never go back to buying a PC with Windows.

Try Adium - Download instead. Much better than the crap official client.

Sub · Feb 28, 2007, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by JKT

MacTracker X 4.1 - MacUpdate

If you download that freeware app, it will provide you with info on your model Mac (which is a PowerMac G4 (digital audio)):

That is cool, thanks.

shifuimam · Mar 1, 2007, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by voiceofra

I've known lots of self-proclaimed "Windows gurus" that didn't know squat about the operating system or computers in general.
It's the 'click-and-go' syndrome.
One of my former bosses, the IT manager for the company, could do just about anything if there was a point-and-click GUI for it.
But when our consultant mentioned anything Linux or CLI (i.e. anything that was a better solution than what MS had to offer), HE was the one that got that "deer in the headlights" look in his eyes.
Having spent most of my computer-related life with Linux AND Windows AND Mac, the consultant and I got along famously, as we laughed at my boss while sharin' beers and hotwings

Hahaha...even if you can just use GUIs, I would imagine most "computer gurus" know how to use Google to figure out things like Tiger's minimum system requirements, Pentium equivalents of PowerPC processors, and "how to use the mouse on a Mac"...

jalal · Mar 7, 2007, 06:14 AM

Eric,

Thanks will try that.

Guys,

You're picking on us poor former Windows users. Now that we have seen the light you should make it easier for us and not make us run away from asking questions and learning. Other then that my progress in learning is coming along nicely and I'm enjoying my Mac much more everyday.

Big Mac · Mar 7, 2007, 06:18 AM

I don't think the negative post(s) about Windows gurus referred directly to you or any of the other former Windows gurus participating in this thread. But in any case, we're a pretty welcoming bunch here on MacNN - don't take any one comment too personally.

jalal · Mar 7, 2007, 06:56 AM

Hey Big Mac,

No offence taken at all. I'm pretty used to forum banter that is why I like to join in also to learn and help if possible.

danbrew · Mar 9, 2007, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by voiceofra

I've known lots of self-proclaimed "Windows gurus" that didn't know squat about the operating system or computers in general.
It's the 'click-and-go' syndrome.
One of my former bosses, the IT manager for the company, could do just about anything if there was a point-and-click GUI for it.
But when our consultant mentioned anything Linux or CLI (i.e. anything that was a better solution than what MS had to offer), HE was the one that got that "deer in the headlights" look in his eyes.
Having spent most of my computer-related life with Linux AND Windows AND Mac, the consultant and I got along famously, as we laughed at my boss while sharin' beers and hotwings

The problem, of course, is that the guy that looked like the deer in the headlights situation has one word going for him. Damn, ain't that a mother ****?