windows on iMac G4

I have an iMac G4 running 10.4 and I would like to run some windows software on it. The computer only has 256 mb of RAM and a 30Gb HD. what are my best options?

What's the processor speed on your iMac G4?

- Nick

700mhz

Forget about it. I could go through a long explanation why...but suffice it to say that it would cost way too much...and your processor speed (700mhz) is too slow to get the job done.

Your profile says you have a 13" MacBook Pro...why not setup this computer to run Windows...via Parallels, VMware Fusion, or bootcamp...instead of your G4 iMac?

HTH,

- Nick

The only way to do it on a G4 is to run VirtualPC - its excruciatingly slow and will drive you nuts with frustration. Sorry that's all there is.

Cheers

ok thanks guys, i figured i might run into that...i already actually do run windows 7 via bootcamp on the mbp...i got the g4 for free via saving it from being trashed and a friend was wondering if he could have it to run windows on...oh and i would kinda be interested in hearing the explanation why, just curious...if you dont mind...thanks again

mayflyTR said:

ok thanks guys, i figured i might run into that...i already actually do run windows 7 via bootcamp on the mbp...i got the g4 for free via saving it from being trashed and a friend was wondering if he could have it to run windows on...oh and i would kinda be interested in hearing the explanation why, just curious...if you dont mind...thanks again

Click to expand...

Well the explanation is...you would be best running OS 10.5 "Leopard" on your iMac G4...then you could run Windows via bootcamp like you do on your MBP.

But...to run OS 10.5 you need a minimum of an 867mhz processor...and you need more ram. There is/are programs ("hacks") that can allow a Mac with a slower cpu than 867mhz to run 10.5. So to do this on your G4 iMac you would need:

- more ram (cost you like $50-$60 bucks)
- probably a bigger hard drive ($50 bucks)
- a legal version of Windows XP or better (at least $75 bucks)
- a legal version of Mac OS 10.5 ($100-$125 bucks)

All of this will cost you between $275-$310 bucks. BUT...after spending all this money to do this on your iMac G4...you're still going to be stuck with a SLOW 700mhz processor. So everything is going to run SLOW, SLOW, SLOW!

It's not impossible to try and run Windows on a 700mhz G4 iMac...but it's really not very practical.

- Nick

Why will Windows not run on a Power PC? Because Windows and DOS are X86. A Power PC CPU is not an X86 CPU. Totally different architecture.

Only way to run an x86 OS on a Power PC is via an Emulator. Emulators are VERY SLOW. I have tried on a 1.8Ghz modded G4 and even Freecell acted like it was on some old Pentium 75!

With Intel Macs, you are running X86 hardware, so no emulation is needed.

Boot Camp will only run on an Intel-based Mac. And VirtualPC is an emulator, which is why it's so s-l-o-w. Cheers!

SammySlim said:

Boot Camp will only run on an Intel-based Mac. And VirtualPC is an emulator, which is why it's so s-l-o-w. Cheers!

Click to expand...

Great Point "SammySlim"! I was so focused on how to get OS 10.5 running on a 700mhz iMac G4 that I forgot about that!

- Nick

Get a clue...

your right, please trash

Um, this post is years old. The OP does not even visit here any longer.