Software question for MAC

[sarasota]

I have a MAC w/ operating system X, version 10.4.9. Will I be able to use the following, older version, software on this computer?

Illustrator 9.0, PageMaker 6.5 Plus, Photoshop 5.5, and Acrobat 4.0 for Mac. One source said OS 9.0 or under, and another said OS X in Classic Mode or under. I'm not sure if I have Classic Mode.

Thanks.

 

[OddSox]

Classic mode depends on the hardware you're running. If it's an Intel chip, then classic is unavailable. (Check 'about this Mac' under the Apple menu).

 

[sarasota]

Yeah, it's an Intel Core 2 Duo.

Is MAC a bit more specific than PCs? I mean, it seems that with a PC I can run a program that was put out prior to the creation of my OS (ie. when I had 98, I could run Adobe and CAD programs created for 98, 95, and NT if that was before 98.

So, even though a program was created to run on MAC 9.whatever, it migh not necessarily run on OS X?

 

[Never Compromised]

Apple has twice ditched the old for the new.

If you have software that requires OS 9 or below, you are SOL and will not be able to use it. Apple has completely abandoned the "Classic" OS.

With your hardware, you really should buy the latest software available. If you buy software that was written for the PPC chips, you will be running in emulation and not getting the full speed. Also, now that the iron is multi core and multi chip, you need to have the latest software in order to take advantage of the multi chip architecture.

Run out and buy the latest Photoshop Elements. If you thought running Photoshop 5 was fine, you should be very happy with PS E.

 

[oldjones]

Yeah, it's an Intel Core 2 Duo.

Is MAC a bit more specific than PCs? I mean, it seems that with a PC I can run a program that was put out prior to the creation of my OS (ie. when I had 98, I could run Adobe and CAD programs created for 98, 95, and NT if that was before 98.

So, even though a program was created to run on MAC 9.whatever, it migh not necessarily run on OS X?

Are you really saying your '98 PC was happy to run Windows 3.0 apps? Backwards compatibility is expensive and counter-productive for manufacturers, and even the best take it only so far. Imagine what kludgefest cars would be if we insisted they still be able to use the perfectly good carburetor from the old model we'd junked.

If you must run those OS9 apps and can't buy the new versions, there is an OS9 emulator for the Intel Macs you can d/l called Sheepshaver, but you will need to acquire a general (not machine-specific) retail copy of OS9 to run it. Since the last OS9 only Mac was long, long ago, you'll need to look on eBay or second-hand.

OS9 only machines themselves can be had for peanuts, and any Mac before the Intel ones shipped w/ Classic/OS9 installed, and they're also available cheap. So maybe a separate box for the old stuff is the way to go. You can always network the two together to share and store the files.

 

[sarasota]

Imagine what kludgefest cars would be if we insisted they still be able to use the perfectly good carburetor from the old model we'd junked.

What??? Are thses like the Pintos I have read about in history books?

Seriously, I have the opportunity to buy some programs to resell, but I would like to test them on my MAC before listing. That is why I ask. Here's a different question, do you think many people still use the older systems - especially college students?

Thanks for all help so far.

 

[shakenbake]

If you must run those OS9 apps and can't buy the new versions, there is an OS9 emulator for the Intel Macs you can d/l called Sheepshaver, but you will need to acquire a general (not machine-specific) retail copy of OS9 to run it. Since the last OS9 only Mac was long, long ago, you'll need to look on eBay or second-hand.

Doesn't Apple maintain a directory on thier website for old legacy software? I thought that they did, unles they ditched that, too.

 

[oldjones]

Doesn't Apple maintain a directory on thier website for old legacy software? I thought that they did, unles they ditched that, too.

The Apple site's vast and full of cubbyholes where legacy stuff lurks. But as far as their OSs go, they've been consistent for a long time. System 7.6.2 was the last complete OS they offered as a free d/l. OS8, through 9 and then into OS X, the only free d/ls have been updaters and such. Everything else, you pay for, and when they bring out the new version, the old is taken off the market and off the d/l pages.

Apple runs a Forum for Mac Users to discuss all sorts of Topics including one for OS9 diehards. (I'm an 8.6 dinosaur myself, no group for us). It's a good place to ask for help and pointers on OSs new and old. It's where I got what I know about running OS9 on Intel Macs.

 

[shakenbake]

The Apple site's vast and full of cubbyholes where legacy stuff lurks. But as far as their OSs go, they've been consistent for a long time. System 7.6.2 was the last complete OS they offered as a free d/l. OS8, through 9 and then into OS X, the only free d/ls have been updaters and such. Everything else, you pay for, and when they bring out the new version, the old is taken off the market and off the d/l pages.

Apple runs a Forum for Mac Users to discuss all sorts of Topics including one for OS9 diehards. (I'm an 8.6 dinosaur myself, no group for us). It's a good place to ask for help and pointers on OSs new and old. It's where I got what I know about running OS9 on Intel Macs.

I could have sworn that I saw a site that provided OS 9 downloads. However, you are right about the Mac support site. Ah, well.......