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Some background first. I do graphic/web design part time, some game design/editing at times as well, wanting to get into programming (c,c++, php, python, java, etc) down the road. I own a Windows machine (P4 2.4Ghz, 1gig mem) for all my designing, a Linux machine (XP2800, 512MB mem) for all other functions, and I just aquired a second hand G4 450 (OSX 10.2 832mb mem, 60gb hdd+ 160 sata waiting to be installed) a few months ago (and random other systems). OSX has peeked my interest enough for me to puchase a Mac. Now the next steps...
Now I am debating on whether or not to upgrade my G4 or get a dual G4/G5 or go with a cheaper AMD dual core X2 setup (X2 3800, 2GB mem, etc). I need a few questions answered, that I have to searched but have not found a good answer.
1.I want to move to a possibly one machine or two machine setup (Mac/Windows). Can I still use my Windows programs/fonts/etc on my Mac or do I have to get all new software/fonts/etc. This raises a big financial cost that I want to estimate before I make a decision for a new Mac.
2.If I do move to an all Mac setup, I will be getting rid of my Linux boxes. Can I run Linux programs on OSX? I have not compiled a list yet, so I have no programs in mind yet. I know about Fink, but is it stable?
3.If I upgrade my G4/450 I will want to add a upgraded processor (1-1.2Ghz) and a SATA PCI card to utilize my 160GB SATA drive. But the system is still a 100mhz bus, will I notice the responsiveness as my PC's?
4.If I add more hardware to the G4/450 including peripherals (external drives,etc), I will be concerned about the power supply. Would the PSU of the G4/450 able to handle everything I thow at it or what are my upgrade options?
5.At the G4/450, there is the video upgrade that I have been also contemplating. It currently has the default ATI Rage. I did flash a Nvidia Geforce 2MX but it cause instability in the G4. I wanted a low cost solution with the best bang, but in the Mac world there doesn't seem to be much of that. What would be a good card for me to handle a lot of 2d work? I have seen words like 'core image' 'quartz' bu I am not sure what that is and how it relates. Note I will not be gaming with the G4/450.
6.Why am I not seeing many programs (Fink, latest versions of Safari, etc) compatable for OSX 10.2? Is my Mac compatable with 10.4? I also do not have a classic mode, how important is that and if it is, how do I aquire it?
For now that is pretty much it. I appreciate everyone's responses. On paper everything about the Mac looks good (except the price) and can be the solution for me.
Now I am debating on whether or not to upgrade my G4 or get a dual G4/G5 or go with a cheaper AMD dual core X2 setup (X2 3800, 2GB mem, etc). I need a few questions answered, that I have to searched but have not found a good answer.
1.I want to move to a possibly one machine or two machine setup (Mac/Windows). Can I still use my Windows programs/fonts/etc on my Mac or do I have to get all new software/fonts/etc. This raises a big financial cost that I want to estimate before I make a decision for a new Mac.
2.If I do move to an all Mac setup, I will be getting rid of my Linux boxes. Can I run Linux programs on OSX? I have not compiled a list yet, so I have no programs in mind yet. I know about Fink, but is it stable?
3.If I upgrade my G4/450 I will want to add a upgraded processor (1-1.2Ghz) and a SATA PCI card to utilize my 160GB SATA drive. But the system is still a 100mhz bus, will I notice the responsiveness as my PC's?
4.If I add more hardware to the G4/450 including peripherals (external drives,etc), I will be concerned about the power supply. Would the PSU of the G4/450 able to handle everything I thow at it or what are my upgrade options?
5.At the G4/450, there is the video upgrade that I have been also contemplating. It currently has the default ATI Rage. I did flash a Nvidia Geforce 2MX but it cause instability in the G4. I wanted a low cost solution with the best bang, but in the Mac world there doesn't seem to be much of that. What would be a good card for me to handle a lot of 2d work? I have seen words like 'core image' 'quartz' bu I am not sure what that is and how it relates. Note I will not be gaming with the G4/450.
6.Why am I not seeing many programs (Fink, latest versions of Safari, etc) compatable for OSX 10.2? Is my Mac compatable with 10.4? I also do not have a classic mode, how important is that and if it is, how do I aquire it?
For now that is pretty much it. I appreciate everyone's responses. On paper everything about the Mac looks good (except the price) and can be the solution for me.