OS X Retrival from Seller

[QuintessentialB]

I purchased a G4 machine for my local college PSU and I forgot to ask for the disk. Since the OS is licensed to the school for my machine the school has agreed to give me a copy. Here is the thing since it's a college with literally hundreds of Apple machines they don't have an actually disk they have it saved to their network drive, the admin wants to give it to me on a formatted USB drive is that possible and how big should the USB drive be? Then once I get it on the drive if possible can I burn it to a blank DVD for safe keeping. I can provide proof that this isn't an attempt to get help pirating Apple software I can provide names and phones to the folks at Penn State.

 

[schweb]

Why not have them call Apple and have Apple send you disks? It just seems a little fishy to me honestly.

 

[louishen]

You could burn it to a blank DVD but you may not be able to boot off it, depending on how the copy has been made

 

[pigoo3]

I'm thinking (as Schweb suggests)...it's probably best to "source" your own OS install disk. Both for your needs now & in the future.

I understand what you're saying about universities having a "site license" for the Mac OS...but this may not (or probably doesn't) apply to giving individual users an "install copy" of the OS to someone who buys a used computer from the university.

Once the computer is yours...it's up to you to source OS install disc(s). Apple currently only distributes "purchasable" OS upgrades via an official CD/DVD...any other type of media (such as a USB drive or generic CD/DVD) would probably violate some sort of Apple rules.

- Nick

 

[QuintessentialB]

Why not have them call Apple and have Apple send you disks? It just seems a little fishy to me honestly.

Well I purchased the system from "Lion Surplus" at Penn State University Park (814) 865-4371 the machine is a G4 so as you can imagine it's a bit old. I suspect they don't have the time to call tech support spending hours on the phone to get me a disk for a machine that was sold as it. They are actually doing me a favor by giving me a copy from their data base. Most large companies and universities practice the same protocol, if the OS is stored several places on the data base there is less chance of the OS getting damaged by scratch and miss use, and regular backup keep it safe. If you don't know how to do it that's cool, but there is nothing fishy about this thread.

 

[QuintessentialB]

You could burn it to a blank DVD but you may not be able to boot off it, depending on how the copy has been made

I was thinking of burning it as a disc image if that's possible in OS X.

 

[QuintessentialB]

I'm thinking (as Schweb suggests)...it's probably best to "source" your own OS install disk. Both for your needs now & in the future.

I understand what you're saying about universities having a "site license" for the Mac OS...but this may not (or probably doesn't) apply to giving individual users an "install copy" of the OS to someone who buys a used computer from the university.

Once the computer is yours...it's up to you to source OS install disc(s). Apple currently only distributes "purchasable" OS upgrades via an official CD/DVD...any other type of media (such as a USB drive or generic CD/DVD) would probably violate some sort of Apple rules.

- Nick

The surplus store manager didn't have a problem with it so why would I go out and buy an OS than I already have a right to since I legally own the machine and license? Licensing is issued per machine not by site or address, if that were the case computer companies wouldn't make any money. I get it you guys are skeptical and that's understandable, but who goes through the trouble of listing all the info I did if they were trying to steal. If you guys want more Mac fanboys you gotta be more trusting and I say that with all due respect. You guys have been a great help so far during this switch, I'm a PC tech so I'm getting a little frustrated since I can't come up with my own work around as I did in the PC world.

 

[pigoo3]

The surplus store manager didn't have a problem with it so why would I go out and buy an OS than I already have a right to since I legally own the machine and license? Licensing is issued per machine not by site or address, if that were the case computer companies wouldn't make any money.

Just because the surplus store manager was willing to do it...that doesn't mean that they're aware that what they're doing is wrong or right.

Also...please don't try to apply your "PC Tech Knowledge" to Apple computers & the Mac OS. Case in point...the Windows OS requires an install/registration key...the Mac OS does not...so there are obviously differences in how the licensing of the OS for each platform is handled.

If you knew all of the licensing rules relating to the Mac OS...then you probably wouldn't have needed to start this thread.

- Nick

 

[harryb2448]

They are trying to help you,.

When you get a little more experienced with Macs you will discover that the original system install discs are very much model specific and the operating system will not load unless you have PRECISELY the exact disc that came with the machine when it was brand new.

On occasions the same model machine will have different system discs, if an update to the OS was made during the manufacture run of a particular G4.

There are literally dozens of different G4 models and trying to match the one disc to your model is extremely difficult. That is why the suggestion was made about sourcing your own disc, a full retail install version of Tiger or Leopard, depending on the specs of the G4.

 

[dtravis7]

The only OSX Install DVD/CD that will install on every model is a full retail black CD/DVD.

 

[schweb]

The surplus store manager didn't have a problem with it so why would I go out and buy an OS than I already have a right to since I legally own the machine and license? Licensing is issued per machine not by site or address, if that were the case computer companies wouldn't make any money. I get it you guys are skeptical and that's understandable, but who goes through the trouble of listing all the info I did if they were trying to steal. If you guys want more Mac fanboys you gotta be more trusting and I say that with all due respect. You guys have been a great help so far during this switch, I'm a PC tech so I'm getting a little frustrated since I can't come up with my own work around as I did in the PC world.

Well I'm sorry you don't like the answers you've been getting, but no, this is not common, and no, I don't think this is how it's usually done with Macs.

Just because you don't like the answers you're getting, doesn't mean you should write off what you're being told or assume we're telling you the wrong thing.

No where is anyone saying they're purposely trying to steal, that's you making your own assumptions. What you're being told is that this is not normally how Macs are handled. The tech at the college could very well just be ignorant of how this is supposed to be done.

Since you say this is common for Macs at large corporations and colleges, I'm curious, can you give some examples because this is the first I've heard of this approach (i.e. giving away Macs without properly licensed OS disks).

Oh and by the way, it doesn't take "hours on hold with tech support" to order an OS install disk. Just saying.

 

[QuintessentialB]

Just because the surplus store manager was willing to do it...that doesn't mean that they're aware that what they're doing is wrong or right.

Also...please don't try to apply your "PC Tech Knowledge" to Apple computers & the Mac OS. Case in point...the Windows OS requires an install/registration key...the Mac OS does not...so there are obviously differences in how the licensing of the OS for each platform is handled.

If you knew all of the licensing rules relating to the Mac OS...then you probably wouldn't have needed to start this thread.

- Nick

Let me start off by saying that I meant no disrespect to anyone on this thread and if you were offended I apologize deeply. I just got off the phone with Apple tech support and they are going to send me OS X 10.5.6 for a small fee of $16.00 US the machine came with 10.4 so get an upgrade for 10%-15% of the cost to buy a retail version for $100-$150 US. So for future reference we can refer anyone who needs a copy of their OS back to Apple where they can obtain a copy for a very small fee. Thanks for all your input you Mac guys are alright with me!

 

[QuintessentialB]

Well I'm sorry you don't like the answers you've been getting, but no, this is not common, and no, I don't think this is how it's usually done with Macs.

Just because you don't like the answers you're getting, doesn't mean you should write off what you're being told or assume we're telling you the wrong thing.

No where is anyone saying they're purposely trying to steal, that's you making your own assumptions. What you're being told is that this is not normally how Macs are handled. The tech at the college could very well just be ignorant of how this is supposed to be done.

Since you say this is common for Macs at large corporations and colleges, I'm curious, can you give some examples because this is the first I've heard of this approach (i.e. giving away Macs without properly licensed OS disks).

Oh and by the way, it doesn't take "hours on hold with tech support" to order an OS install disk. Just saying.

Please read me reply to pig003 since I hadn't talked to Apple I only had the school's word as to how the whole thing worked apparently they we're too lazy to help me out by calling Apple. It's not that I didn't like the answers I didn't like having my honesty in question one of the posters stated that my thread sounds fishy so I guess I got a little bent out of shape. I know all about piracy and I didn't want you guys to think I was trying to pull a fast one. With that said I will never again try to apply my knowledge of PC's to the Mac world although I was able to use my PC Tech skills to change the super drive! So again I apologize! The best thing out of this whole situation is that user now have a reliable resource to this solution.

 

[pigoo3]

I just got off the phone with Apple tech support and they are going to send me OS X 10.5.6 for a small fee of $16.00 US the machine came with 10.4 so get an upgrade for 10%-15% of the cost to buy a retail version for $100-$150 US. So for future reference we can refer anyone who needs a copy of their OS back to Apple where they can obtain a copy for a very small fee. Thanks for all your input you Mac guys are alright with me!

Good job giving Apple a call and ordering some OS install disks...this is really the best way to go in the end. Plus like you said...getting the 10.5.6 disks for 10-15% of what they cost on e-Bay ($100-$150) is a GREAT deal!

What you may also not realize is...those disks should come with a "hardware test" program...that can come in real handy in the future if you should run into problems with that iMac G4. This is something you probably would not have gotten from the surplus store.

As a couple folks mentioned in this thread...there are "black" OS install disks & "gray" install disks. The black disks will install the OS on any Mac computer that meets the minimum requirements...the gray disks will only install the OS on the specific Macintosh model they were designed for. With this said...I'm curious...when you get the disks you ordered from Apple...if you could post an update to this thread regarding which disks you received...I for one would be VERY interested in what they (Apple) sent you.

Congrats again on purchasing that iMac G4 (they are a pretty cool design)...and if you happen to have any additional questions about the hardware or software...please post away!

Thanks,

- Nick

 

[QuintessentialB]

Good job giving Apple a call and ordering some OS install disks...this is really the best way to go in the end. Plus like you said...getting the 10.5.6 disks for 10-15% of what they cost on e-Bay ($100-$150) is a GREAT deal!

What you may also not realize is...those disks should come with a "hardware test" program...that can come in real handy in the future if you should run into problems with that iMac G4. This is something you probably would not have gotten from the surplus store.

As a couple folks mentioned in this thread...there are "black" OS install disks & "gray" install disks. The black disks will install the OS on any Mac computer that meets the minimum requirements...the gray disks will only install the OS on the specific Macintosh model they were designed for. With this said...I'm curious...when you get the disks you ordered from Apple...if you could post an update to this thread regarding which disks you received...I for one would be VERY interested in what they (Apple) sent you.

Congrats again on purchasing that iMac G4 (they are a pretty cool design)...and if you happen to have any additional questions about the hardware or software...please post away!

Thanks,

- Nick

Thanks Nick! I kind of flew off the handle I'm pretty good with PC's so I had no idea how different PC's and Mac computer really are. When I called Apple I opt for the tech support department, and I had to give him my serial number and register the machine in my name. I suspect I'll get a disk specific to my machine, but I'll let you know. My thinking is that if they gave away a full retail version every time someone lost there disk they could stand to lose quite a bit of money. If they provide the disk specific to the machine that will minimize piracy and monetary loses.

 

[pigoo3]

I suspect I'll get a disk specific to my machine, but I'll let you know. My thinking is that if they gave away a full retail version every time someone lost there disk they could stand to lose quite a bit of money. If they provide the disk specific to the machine that will minimize piracy and monetary loses.

Yes I agree with everything you mentioned. Since I haven't actually gotten an install disk from Apple in this manner...I was leaving open the possibility that you might get more than a model specific disk...although logically (like you mentioned) it seems doubtful.

Enjoy that iMac,

- Nick

 

[QuintessentialB]

Yes I agree with everything you mentioned. Since I haven't actually gotten an install disk from Apple in this manner...I was leaving open the possibility that you might get more than a model specific disk...although logically (like you mentioned) it seems doubtful.

Enjoy that iMac,

- Nick

We were right Apple sent my the grey disc specifically for my machine! I can't wait to install 10.5.6 so I can sync my Blackberry!

 

[pigoo3]

We were right Apple sent my the grey disc specifically for my machine! I can't wait to install 10.5.6 so I can sync my Blackberry!

Wow...you got the disks already...that was pretty darn fast! Apple really has great customer service!!!

Thanks a bunch for updating the thread & confirming that you got the "gray" 10.5 install disks from Apple!

- Nick

p.s. FYI...I'm a Penn State grad.

 

[QuintessentialB]

Wow...you got the disks already...that was pretty darn fast! Apple really has great customer service!!!

Thanks a bunch for updating the thread & confirming that you got the "gray" 10.5 install disks from Apple!

- Nick

p.s. FYI...I'm a Penn State grad.

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