Allyson:

Based on the information you've given us, it looks like you've probably got the iMac 600 or 700 - the fastest, most recent graphite iMacs (earlier ones actually had the DVD-ROM instead of the CD-RW). These were released in early or summer 2001, depending on the exact make, so the computer is technically a bit less than 5 years old.

Still, based on the specs, I really think you can run Tiger fine. The iMac is much like my poor iBook that just died, which loved Tiger. So here's what I'd recommend, if you really don't want to upgrade instead.

1) Up the RAM. It looks like it can handle up to a GB, and I'd suggest putting at least 768 MB in there. This will be, by far, the best, most significant hardware upgrade for that computer. (You can find out how much you have now by going into the Apple Menu and selecting "About this Mac" - if you have at least 512 MB, this step is not a necessity, but if you have less, it is.)

2) Call Apple and bitch at them enough that they send you Tiger on CD.

3) Install Tiger. Preferably after backing up and wiping your hard drive clean, as an upgrade from 10.1 -> 10.4 would likely cause more problems than it fixed unless it was a clean install.

4) Be happy that you've pulled another year or so out of a very old (but still pretty!) machine.

A final word: I think ND is right. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can get a low-end Mac Mini AND decent LCD monitor for about $600 (either through Apple+craigslist, craigslist alone, ebay, or whatever). This will be about 2-3 times as fast as the iMac, so you could use it for another 3-4 years or so. Now, upgrading the RAM on your iMac to max and installing tiger will probably only cost about $200, so it's cheaper in cash now, but the time, effort, and hassle involved may make it worth the extra cost to upgrade now.

And that's all the advice I have.

Nah. I can't afford all that.

I got this when ita was here. Has it really been that long?

Nah. I can't afford all that.

I'm running OSX 10.3.9 on an old Power Mac with a G3 upgrade card and only 576MB of RAM, and it runs much faster than it did on 10.1, so if you were to get a used copy of 10.3 cheap somewhere, it might be all you need to perk it up a bit. (Craigslist? eBay?)

OWC has 512MB PC100 for the iMac G3 350-700 models for around $75, with lifetime warrantee.

2) Call Apple and bitch at them enough that they send you Tiger on CD.

No need to call and bitch, they even have a form and everything. Go here and look in the right sidebar for "Media Exchange Program." Download the PDF and Apple will happily send you CDs.

I think I'm all good to get Tiger, I have 512 MB of RAM, and almost all 60 gigs of my hard drive in tact. I mostly use this for writing, occassional artwork (Illustrator, Photoshop) and until the great wipe of 06, iTunes.

And of course, internet. I was having all sorts of problems burning CDs, and the Mac dude said to wipe the disk and reinstall because something went sour.

I was saving files to my server for awhile, but then was all mad because I couldn't burn data and felt cheated.

Tiger will behave quite well with 512 MB as long as you don't keep a load of programs running at the same time. My G5 is actually currently at 512 MB because I just keep forgetting to order an additional 2 GB to put in this thing.

I wish I could borrow your brain, ND.

Well, I'm usually attached to it, but if you ever need help with the computer or anything else just let me know. I'm always happy to help out.

cancel query.

folks, I need free firewall recommendations. I think the Windows Firewall after their "security enhancements" is fucking with some key software programs.