Customizing OS X: The Easy Way

Rob Williams · 07-06-2007, 12:04 AM

In the past, customization for OS X has been difficult, if not next to impossible! With newer software tools however, it is possible to customize this ever popular modern OS to your liking. We examine the claims of several programs that help to make OS X feel like home.

You can read the full article here and discuss it here.

linnerd40 · 07-06-2007, 10:58 AM

I wish I could actually get OS X loaded on my ancient G4 PowerMac, just kinda scared about how it will run on dual 500mhz processors and only 256MB RAM. Never have got OS X to install though, except the first version, which was utter crap. Trying to load 10.4 always gives me a kernel panic message on boot

MacMan · 07-06-2007, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linnerd40

I wish I could actually get OS X loaded on my ancient G4 PowerMac, just kinda scared about how it will run on dual 500mhz processors and only 256MB RAM. Never have got OS X to install though, except the first version, which was utter crap. Trying to load 10.4 always gives me a kernel panic message on boot

Always remember your memory and you should have no problems. Memory is pretty cheap now a days and OS X Tiger and even earlier versions like to have at least a bare 512 megabytes minimum, or preferably one gigabyte.

Jaguar should run ok on 256 mbytes, I have done it before, but again, remember to max your memory, by all means, if you can?

Dual processor Power Macs should be fine, however, with just 256 megabytes, but I wouldn't run more than one or two simple programs simultaneously. Certainly if you wish to use all of the customization programs with your PowerPC you need a gigabyte. Other-words, without it, your machine will run like a rabbit..... a rabbit with one leg that is!

If your Mac won't install 10.4 with the extra memory, chances are you have a hardware problem or a damaged install disk? I'm not a hardware type of guy, but if you know anyone who can perform diagnostics on your hardware for cheap or free.... by all means, get the thing checked out.

Best of luck with your ancient PowerPC G4, its a great machine. So, if possible, get more memory, because a Mac is a terrible thing to waste you know?

linnerd40 · 07-06-2007, 06:11 PM

Yeah, I know I need more RAM

Ram is so cheap these days, one would think that I could pick some up, but 256MB of PC100 ram costs almost 50 bucks! I could get a whole gig of good DDR2 ram for that price! And with only about $70 in cash right now... I don't see that happening anytime soon.
I want to get it set up really bad because I am good with Windows and Linux, but I still need work in OS X.

"because a Mac is a terrible thing to waste you know?"

That is the most awesome thing I have heard all day

Thanks!

07-06-2007, 12:04 AM	#1
Rob Williams Editor in Chief Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Atlantic Canada Posts: 8,921	Customizing OS X: The Easy Way In the past, customization for OS X has been difficult, if not next to impossible! With newer software tools however, it is possible to customize this ever popular modern OS to your liking. We examine the claims of several programs that help to make OS X feel like home. You can read the full article here and discuss it here. __________________ Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 @ 3.20GHz, ASUS P5K Premium WiFi-AP, OCZ 8GB PC2-6400, EVGA GTX 285 1024MB Seagate 500GB, 750GB & 1TB, Pioneer 22x ODD, Corsair 1000HX, Thermalright Ultra-120, CM Storm Sniper Dell 2408WFP 24", ASUS Xonar Essence STX, Ultrasone PRO 750, Gentoo Linux (KDE 4.3.2, 2.6.31 Kernel) "Take care to get what you like, or you will be forced to like what you get!" - H.P. Baxxter Profiles: Last.fm \| Xbox Live \| Steam

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07-06-2007, 10:58 AM	#2
linnerd40 Obliviot Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 40	I wish I could actually get OS X loaded on my ancient G4 PowerMac, just kinda scared about how it will run on dual 500mhz processors and only 256MB RAM. Never have got OS X to install though, except the first version, which was utter crap. Trying to load 10.4 always gives me a kernel panic message on boot

07-06-2007, 06:11 PM	#4
linnerd40 Obliviot Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 40	Yeah, I know I need more RAM Ram is so cheap these days, one would think that I could pick some up, but 256MB of PC100 ram costs almost 50 bucks! I could get a whole gig of good DDR2 ram for that price! And with only about $70 in cash right now... I don't see that happening anytime soon. I want to get it set up really bad because I am good with Windows and Linux, but I still need work in OS X. "because a Mac is a terrible thing to waste you know?" That is the most awesome thing I have heard all day Thanks!