Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger uses less memory than Leopard, supports Classic Mode on PowerPC Macs, and, unlike Leopard, is supported on G3 Macs, so there are good reasons to install or reinstall it on your old Macs.
Why Tiger Instead of Leopard?
As Apple refines Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and moves closer to the release of 10.6 Snow Leopard, the 10.4 Tiger version of OS X seems destined to fade into computing history. However there are many compelling and unique features in Tiger that make it an ideal or necessary OS on some Macs.
On PowerPC machines, Tiger is the last version of OS X that supports Classic mode, the built-in virtualizer for Mac OS 9 applications. Using Classic mode on a Power Mac G3 or better, it is still possible to run many applications compiled for the original 680×0-based Macs as far back as the 1980s. Some older software or peripherals will only run under OS 9, and Classic mode extends their lifetime. Often a Tiger-based Mac will be a secondary machine repurposed just for this task.
How to erase all data on a Mac, how to factory reset a Mac, and how to reinstall macOS. This works for any Mac Including Macbook, Macbook Air, MacBook Pro, I. In the first window, select Reinstall macOS ➙ Continue Agree to the Terms & Conditions Select the hard drive you'd like to reinstall mac OS Catalina to and click Install The reinstallation process will start shortly and roughly take 30 minutes.
On Intel-based Macs, there are people who stick with Tiger for several reasons. This may be a budgetary decision, since upgrading to Leopard requires obtaining an installer, possibly some application updates, and often adding more RAM. Leopard's minimum RAM footprint is about twice what Tiger requires. I recommend 1 GB minimum for Leopard on PowerPC Macs and 2 GB minimum on Intel systems – these are twice Apple's minimum recommendations.
Also (not infrequently), some people just dislike the newer OS in favor of the older version.
On an original Intel-based Mac with a 2 GB RAM limit or a PowerPC G4-based Mac with a limit below 2 GB, the system will perform better under Tiger than with Leopard if you're running RAM-hungry apps like Final Cut Pro or the Adobe CS suite, because 10.4 leaves more RAM available to applications.
Obtaining an Installer
The ability to install, reinstall, or upgrade to Tiger remains important, but it is increasingly difficult. Mac OS X 10.4 install discs have been discontinued by Apple and are no longer sold at retail. Finding an installer requires buying a new or used copy from a reseller – or borrowing a copy from a friend, consultant, or other Mac user.*
To increase the challenge, there are different versions of the Tiger installer for PowerPC and Intel Macs. Apple never released a Universal Binary of the full installer, instead releasing separate PowerPC and Intel versions. Some later updates were available as Universal Binaries, but not the full OS installers.
Every Mac sold during the Tiger era came bundled with a grey Mac OS X installer DVD. These discs will reinstall the OS on that model of Macintosh, but they may not work with other Macs using the same processor. There is (I'm sure) an underlying consistency to what discs will work with what models based on system architecture, but these relations are often not user discernible. On practical level, it's usually a trial-and-error process if you don't have the right disc.
On the PowerPC side, the situation is easier. Apple sold several versions of Tiger at retail, culminating with a 10.4.6 full install DVD. These discs will work on all supported models of PowerPC Macs and are the best ones to have or try to find via resellers. The bundled install discs that came with G4 and G5 Macs do not work across the board on all models – again trial-and-error.
Upgrade Discs
Some PowerPC systems sold during the Mac OS X 10.3 Panther to Tiger transition included a Tiger Upgrade Installer for Macs with Panther already installed on the hard drive. These upgrade discs work with a wider range of Power Macs, but they require an existing Panther install to be present on the system before use. They also usually don't offer the Full Install or Archive & Install options, just the Upgrade option.
In many cases upgrading (versus replacing) isn't the ideal method to use, particularly if the older system is cranky and not performing correctly. For more info on this process, see Maintaining Your Macintosh: The Benefits and Possible Pitfalls of Software Updates.
Intel Macs
All Intel Macs came with their own (grey colored) Tiger install DVDs. Apple never sold a Full Installer for Tiger that was Intel-compatible. No need – if you were buying an Intel Mac, you automatically got Tiger, and if you had a PowerPC Mac, you wouldn't need an Intel-compatible installer (nor could you use it).
This makes sense – until you need to reinstall Tiger on an Intel-based Mac. The original Intel iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and Mac mini models, which came with Tiger from the factory, all use different custom install DVDs. Most systems require their own discs, again hit-or-miss will apply.
I have had luck using the 10.4.10 installer that came with my Mac Pro to reinstall Tiger onto an early MacBook, but a MacBook Pro installer from the same era didn't work. You do need the original discs – just at the moment (of course) when you can't find those little envelopes that came bundled with the snazzy Apple cleaning cloth and window stickers you safely saved for future use.
Yes, you know they're around somewhere….
DVD Copies and CD-Only Macs
Once you find (or borrow) the right installer disc(s), it's a good idea to make a safety copy for future needs. Note that Apple does not use single-layer DVDs for these discs but rather dual-layer replicated discs, which require a dual-layer DVD-R or DVD+R recorder. Fortunately these drives and media are now commonplace (this was not true in Tiger's early days). I've had good luck duplicating Tiger install DVDs using Apple dual-layer-compatible SuperDrives onto DVD+R DL media via the Copy mode in Roxio Toast software.
Another challenge: Many older G4 and G3 systems are Tiger compatible but only have internal CD-ROM or CD-RW drives. Apple did make CD copies of the Tiger installer available on a trade-in basis for a short time, but these are now very hard to find. The easiest method of (re)installing Tiger on a DVD-less Mac is to boot a DVD-equipped Mac into FireWire Target Disk Mode, connect the two systems via a FireWire cable, then insert the DVD into the newer Mac. The DVD will show up on the older Mac's desktop, and you can proceed with the install.
As a consultant, I've used my laptop in the field many times in this fashion to help upgrade older systems. It's a fantastically useful feature.
Update: A reader suggested an alternate solution to the DVD-less Mac install dilemma: Using Disk Utility on a DVD equipped Mac, he created a .dmg file of the Tiger install disk. He then restored this image across the network onto a small hard disk partition on the target Mac, selected this Installer Partition as the startup disk, and rebooted. In his own words: 'Boom! It worked, and I had a functioning emergency boot partition acting as an OS X Tiger Install DVD. The speed differences were so noticeable, it was astounding!'
This is a clever solution. Restoring to an external FireWire drive would also work, from which you could boot up and install.
Install and Update
Once you have acquired the correct install disc for your model of Macintosh, go ahead and do a Full Install or (if you want to keep your old data) an Archive & Install. Once Tiger is installed onto the Mac, boot off the hard drive and then use Software Update under the Apple Menu or the Apple Software Downloads page to grab the remaining updates to get your system as current as possible. The last release is 10.4.11; you will want this update along with any QuickTime and Security updates and all or most Java and application updates. Typically I just get everything available. Several passes and interim reboots will be required to get all patches – keep checking Software Update until there's nothing left to grab.
Eventually you will arrive at your Big Cat Destination. At the end of the process (and during), a glass or two of beer or wine may be helpful!
On PowerPC machines, Tiger is the last version of OS X that supports Classic mode, the built-in virtualizer for Mac OS 9 applications. Using Classic mode on a Power Mac G3 or better, it is still possible to run many applications compiled for the original 680×0-based Macs as far back as the 1980s. Some older software or peripherals will only run under OS 9, and Classic mode extends their lifetime. Often a Tiger-based Mac will be a secondary machine repurposed just for this task.
How to erase all data on a Mac, how to factory reset a Mac, and how to reinstall macOS. This works for any Mac Including Macbook, Macbook Air, MacBook Pro, I. In the first window, select Reinstall macOS ➙ Continue Agree to the Terms & Conditions Select the hard drive you'd like to reinstall mac OS Catalina to and click Install The reinstallation process will start shortly and roughly take 30 minutes.
On Intel-based Macs, there are people who stick with Tiger for several reasons. This may be a budgetary decision, since upgrading to Leopard requires obtaining an installer, possibly some application updates, and often adding more RAM. Leopard's minimum RAM footprint is about twice what Tiger requires. I recommend 1 GB minimum for Leopard on PowerPC Macs and 2 GB minimum on Intel systems – these are twice Apple's minimum recommendations.
Also (not infrequently), some people just dislike the newer OS in favor of the older version.
On an original Intel-based Mac with a 2 GB RAM limit or a PowerPC G4-based Mac with a limit below 2 GB, the system will perform better under Tiger than with Leopard if you're running RAM-hungry apps like Final Cut Pro or the Adobe CS suite, because 10.4 leaves more RAM available to applications.
Obtaining an Installer
The ability to install, reinstall, or upgrade to Tiger remains important, but it is increasingly difficult. Mac OS X 10.4 install discs have been discontinued by Apple and are no longer sold at retail. Finding an installer requires buying a new or used copy from a reseller – or borrowing a copy from a friend, consultant, or other Mac user.*
To increase the challenge, there are different versions of the Tiger installer for PowerPC and Intel Macs. Apple never released a Universal Binary of the full installer, instead releasing separate PowerPC and Intel versions. Some later updates were available as Universal Binaries, but not the full OS installers.
Every Mac sold during the Tiger era came bundled with a grey Mac OS X installer DVD. These discs will reinstall the OS on that model of Macintosh, but they may not work with other Macs using the same processor. There is (I'm sure) an underlying consistency to what discs will work with what models based on system architecture, but these relations are often not user discernible. On practical level, it's usually a trial-and-error process if you don't have the right disc.
On the PowerPC side, the situation is easier. Apple sold several versions of Tiger at retail, culminating with a 10.4.6 full install DVD. These discs will work on all supported models of PowerPC Macs and are the best ones to have or try to find via resellers. The bundled install discs that came with G4 and G5 Macs do not work across the board on all models – again trial-and-error.
Upgrade Discs
Some PowerPC systems sold during the Mac OS X 10.3 Panther to Tiger transition included a Tiger Upgrade Installer for Macs with Panther already installed on the hard drive. These upgrade discs work with a wider range of Power Macs, but they require an existing Panther install to be present on the system before use. They also usually don't offer the Full Install or Archive & Install options, just the Upgrade option.
In many cases upgrading (versus replacing) isn't the ideal method to use, particularly if the older system is cranky and not performing correctly. For more info on this process, see Maintaining Your Macintosh: The Benefits and Possible Pitfalls of Software Updates.
Intel Macs
All Intel Macs came with their own (grey colored) Tiger install DVDs. Apple never sold a Full Installer for Tiger that was Intel-compatible. No need – if you were buying an Intel Mac, you automatically got Tiger, and if you had a PowerPC Mac, you wouldn't need an Intel-compatible installer (nor could you use it).
This makes sense – until you need to reinstall Tiger on an Intel-based Mac. The original Intel iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and Mac mini models, which came with Tiger from the factory, all use different custom install DVDs. Most systems require their own discs, again hit-or-miss will apply.
I have had luck using the 10.4.10 installer that came with my Mac Pro to reinstall Tiger onto an early MacBook, but a MacBook Pro installer from the same era didn't work. You do need the original discs – just at the moment (of course) when you can't find those little envelopes that came bundled with the snazzy Apple cleaning cloth and window stickers you safely saved for future use.
Yes, you know they're around somewhere….
DVD Copies and CD-Only Macs
Once you find (or borrow) the right installer disc(s), it's a good idea to make a safety copy for future needs. Note that Apple does not use single-layer DVDs for these discs but rather dual-layer replicated discs, which require a dual-layer DVD-R or DVD+R recorder. Fortunately these drives and media are now commonplace (this was not true in Tiger's early days). I've had good luck duplicating Tiger install DVDs using Apple dual-layer-compatible SuperDrives onto DVD+R DL media via the Copy mode in Roxio Toast software.
Another challenge: Many older G4 and G3 systems are Tiger compatible but only have internal CD-ROM or CD-RW drives. Apple did make CD copies of the Tiger installer available on a trade-in basis for a short time, but these are now very hard to find. The easiest method of (re)installing Tiger on a DVD-less Mac is to boot a DVD-equipped Mac into FireWire Target Disk Mode, connect the two systems via a FireWire cable, then insert the DVD into the newer Mac. The DVD will show up on the older Mac's desktop, and you can proceed with the install.
As a consultant, I've used my laptop in the field many times in this fashion to help upgrade older systems. It's a fantastically useful feature.
Update: A reader suggested an alternate solution to the DVD-less Mac install dilemma: Using Disk Utility on a DVD equipped Mac, he created a .dmg file of the Tiger install disk. He then restored this image across the network onto a small hard disk partition on the target Mac, selected this Installer Partition as the startup disk, and rebooted. In his own words: 'Boom! It worked, and I had a functioning emergency boot partition acting as an OS X Tiger Install DVD. The speed differences were so noticeable, it was astounding!'
This is a clever solution. Restoring to an external FireWire drive would also work, from which you could boot up and install.
Install and Update
Once you have acquired the correct install disc for your model of Macintosh, go ahead and do a Full Install or (if you want to keep your old data) an Archive & Install. Once Tiger is installed onto the Mac, boot off the hard drive and then use Software Update under the Apple Menu or the Apple Software Downloads page to grab the remaining updates to get your system as current as possible. The last release is 10.4.11; you will want this update along with any QuickTime and Security updates and all or most Java and application updates. Typically I just get everything available. Several passes and interim reboots will be required to get all patches – keep checking Software Update until there's nothing left to grab.
Eventually you will arrive at your Big Cat Destination. At the end of the process (and during), a glass or two of beer or wine may be helpful!
* If you are borrowing the install disc, we are assuming you are legally entitled to have Mac OS X 10.4 on your hardware but don't have or can't locate your original installer. Low End Mac does not condone software piracy.
This article was originally published on Adam's Oakbog website. It has been adapted and reprinted here with his permission.
Keywords: #osxtiger #installosxtiger
Short link: http://goo.gl/549bCA
searchword: installosxtiger
Apple Silicon Macs are here! Apple Silicon Recovery has changed and the rules and interface are new! I will show you everything you need to know.
Apple Silicon Macs started to arrive in customers hands on Tuesday November 17th, 2020. One of the first things we need to understand is how to reinstall or factory erase macOS on Apple Silicon. All the old rules that you had to follow with Intel Macs has now changed. I will show you 3 different ways to reinstall macOS Big Sur on a Apple Silicon Mac.
If you are looking for more information on Apple Silicon Macs, I've wrote an article going over everything you need to know.
Internet Recovery is DEAD on Apple Silicon.
Right off the bat, we need to understand that Mac Internet Recovery on Apple Silicon is DEAD! Finally you don't have to worry about IR errors and the problems that come with them.
Internet Recovery will still remain for Intel based Macs. For Apple Silicon we now have 4 different ways to reinstall macOS.
- 1. macOS Recovery = First line of recovery.
- 2. System Recovery = Hidden partition for when normal macOS recovery is not available.
- 3. macOS Big Sur USB Installer Drive. = Boot to a createinstallmedia based Big Sur full installer.
- 4. macOS System Restore via DFU mode + Apple Configurator 2.
Reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon Table of Contents
- 1. macOS Recovery
- 2. macOS System Recovery
- 3. Both macOS Recovery and System Recovery are not available?
- 4. macOS Big Sur USB Install Drive
- 5. How to Use Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon
- 6. Apple Silicon Security Policy
- 7. Apple Silicon Compatible Versions of macOS
- 8. Can I downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon?
- 9. Where can I get macOS ISPW Firmware files?
- 10. Signed? What does that mean?
1. Apple Silicon macOS Recovery
Apple Silicon macOS Recovery is almost exactly the same as it is on Intel Based Macs. One of the major things that has changed is the way that you get into macOS Recovery. Instead of having to remember a bunch of keyboard commands you can now use the power button to get right to the boot picker macOS recovery menu!
The video above shows you how to factory restore / erase your Apple Silicon Mac and reinstall macOS.
2. Apple Silicon System Recovery
Internet Recovery Mac Os
Apple Silicon System Recovery is a new hidden recovery option in addition to macOS Recovery. If for some reason macOS Recovery becomes corrupt, System recovery will load which is the same as macOS recovery. You can use it to reinstall macOS and macOS Recovery.
3. Both macOS Recovery and System Recovery are not available?
If something serious goes wrong with your Mac and it can't boot into macOS you will see a new startup screen. (The blinking folder icon has been retired). You will now see a screen like this
This screen has a new Apple Support URL support.apple.com/mac/restore which will tell you that you need to restore macOS firmware via Apple Configurator 2 and a 2nd mac running 10.15.6 or newer. Restoration will now work the same on the Mac as it does on iOS iPhones and iPads.
4. Apple Silicon External Boot Options – USB Installer
Download metatrader 4 for mac free. On Apple Silicon external boot remains, but has changed.
External Boot for the macOS installer is now enabled by default
You no longer need to enter Security Options to enable External Boot!
Now you can build out an USB Installer of macOS Big Sur and boot your Apple Silicon Mac to it.
5. How to Use Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon
If all options to reinstall macOS fail you can now use Apple Configurator 2.
- 1. Revive = Will restore macOS Recovery Only. (User data remains)
- 2. Restore = Will will download macOS and macOS recovery and reinstall them (THIS WILL ALSO ERASE YOUR HARD DRIVE)
- 3. Reinstall macOS = Reinstall macOS Recovery / System Recovery / macOS
This will help with rapid deployment in lab / school situations.
My Mac T2 BridgeOS Restore article will show you this process. It has not changed except for one thing. In the future the 'RESTORE' option will automatically download the newest macOS ISPW file for you and install it. For now you will need to download it and and drag it over to the DFU icon.
I've also written an article that goes over the entire new DFU + Apple Configurator 2 Apple Silicon Restore process below.
6. Apple Silicon Security Policy
New Apple Silicon Macs now have 2 Security modes. Adobe premiere pro rutracker mac.
1.Full Security = 'iOS Security' – Only the latest signed version of macOS can be installed on an Apple Silicon Mac.
Mac Update With System Preferences Reinstall
Full Security
Ensures that only your current OS, or signed operating system software currently trusted by Apple, can run. This mode requires a network connection at software installation time.
WWDC 20202. Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple.
Reduced Security
Allows any version of signed operating system software ever trusted by Apple to run.
WWDC 2020With the new Apple Silicon Security Policy, you can set a security policy for each container! On an Intel based Mac the security policy would be set on the entire system.
7. Apple Silicon Compatible Versions of macOS
Will you be able to install older versions of macOS? A quick review;
- Full Security = iOS based security, only the latest signed version of macOS can run on the system.
- Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple can run on Apple Silicon
- Note: The shipping OS version will be the oldest OS available to install
8. Can I downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon?
Yes! But only with your Macs M1 Security Policy set to 'Reduced Security'.
Caveats
- 1. The 'Shipping version' of macOS on Apple Silicon is the lowest older OS that can be installed.
- 2. You can only use a USB Installer disk with an older version or Apple Configurator 2 to install an older ISPW File.
9. Where can I get macOS ISPW Firmware files?
I started a new database page that will keep track of all macOS Apple Silicone IPSW Firmware files.
The article will include
- 1. Full ISPW Files from Apple
- 2. Date when released
- 3. Is the ISPW File still signed?
- 4. Size of the macOS ISPW download.
- 5. Build Version of the macOS ISPW file.
10. Signed? What does that mean?
Starting with Apple Silicon, macOS OTA (Over The Air) Firmware will be signed by Apple. This means that they control which version of macOS can be installed on your Mac. The difference this time around is that Apple gives us the option to turn Signed Checking OFF. So you will still be able to install older versions of macOS.
Apple Silicon macOS Reinstall
