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I have a PowerMac G5 7,2 which I managed to get all the hardware working, but now I cannot get OSX to install. I have a set of 10.4.8 and 10.4.9 CDs but obviously, these only came with drivers for the Intel-based Macs.
What version of the MacOS is pre-installed on the Power Mac G5?
The first Power Macintosh G5 models shipped with a custom version of MacOS X 10.2.7, later shipped with MacOS X 10.3, and the last models shipped with MacOS X 10.4 'Tiger'.
For the specific version of MacOS X installed on particular models, including build numbers when available, please refer to the particular specs page for the Power Macintosh G5 of interest.
Can the Power Macintosh G5 run MacOS 9/Classic applications?
None of the Power Macintosh G5 models are capable of booting MacOS 9, but all can run MacOS 9 applications with the MacOS X 'Classic Environment'. Apple provides no support for the 'Classic Environment' on Macs released after the Power Macintosh G5 series.
If you need a system capable of running MacOS 9 applications or booting MacOS 9, please check out site sponsor OHS, which specializes in refurbished, and often heavily upgraded, systems capable of booting in both MacOS X and MacOS 9.
For more on MacOS 9, please refer to the MacOS 9/Classic Support Q&A.
Can the Power Mac G5 run Linux?
YellowDog offers a distribution of Linux that is largely compatible with the Power Macintosh G5. For complete details regarding supported and unsupported functions, please refer to the appropriate website.
Can the Power Mac G5 run Windows?
The Power Macintosh G5 series is capable of running Windows through emulation using a program like Microsoft Virtual PC 7, but it cannot boot Windows or run Windows via virtualization like the Intel-based Macs.
If you need a system capable of running Windows, you would be best served with an Intel-based Mac or a Windows PC.
For more on running Windows on Intel-based Macs, please also check out the Windows on Mac Q&A.
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Hi all, forgive if this is in the wrong section, I'm new here. I'm in the throws of installing Snow Leopard on a G5 Powermac. Before it all hits the fan, I'm well aware they have incompatible instruction sets. The plan is to use Microsoft's virtual PC for Mac which builds an imitation Pentium in software to run Windows on Power Mac boxes. The trick I'm trying to pull is to take this imitation PC environment and create a Snow Leopard Hackintosh in it. So far so good, I can get as far as the IBoot prompt but then run into trouble reading the Snow Leopard install DVD. Will persevere but any suggestions welcome (printable please). Martin Langley Powermac G5 running Tiger plus Virtual PC for Mac version 7. plus Snow Leopard and IBoot