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Updated 09 May 2003
Responsible Author: Mister 3D

Summary
Macintosh OS X (pronounced OS Ten) is a totally new direction for the Mac community. It is a UNIX based system, and many vast changes have been made, both to the OS itself and to the user interface. When long term users of Macs switch to OS X this is the first phrase that should come to mind: "What the heck happened to my OS?"

There will be a steep learning curve and frustration factor when you do switch. It would be best for you to attend a migration workshop and/or buy a OS X reference book. I recommend Mac OS X: The Missing Manual, Second Edition (make sure it is the second edition, which covers 10.2). It is available at many fine book stores or online.

Several people on campus have gone ahead and attempted to upgrade their machines from OS 9 to OS X on their own. Can it be done by the end user? Of course. But there are several "geek factor" gotchas that could cause you problems or catastrophic loss of data. This has happened.

If you must upgrade, it is highly recommended that Technical Support Services assist you with you migration efforts.

Minimum Supported Requirements
  • G3 processor
  • 256mb of RAM (you will be very unhappy with less than 512mb. the more RAM the better)
  • 20gb hard drive with 3gb of free space
  • Apple-supplied video card

Apple's system requirements/compatability summary page

Recommended Minimum Requirements
  • G4 processor
  • 512mb of RAM (you will be very unhappy with less than 512mb. the more RAM the better)
  • 20gb hard drive with 3gb of free space
  • Apple-supplied video card

Potential Issues with a Mac OS X Upgrade on Marginal Equipment
  • Software Obsolescence

    OS X will not run software designed for OS 9. However, it will launch "Classic Mode" (OS 9 running within OS X) and your old applications will work. This gets a little confusing at times because you could be bouncing between OS 9 and OS X when switching between applications. Since many controls and functions have been moved, changed or eliminated, this could cause confusion and frustration. It is recommended that you build the cost of software upgrades into your budget.

  • Hardware obsolescence

    • Major problems can occur if you have peripherals that need OS 9 running the machine. Including, but not limited to equipment like digital video decks and other multimedia equipment. Check the manufacturers web site before upgrading.

  • Minimal Gain

    At this moment in time, if you are happily running on OS 9.x, and have no compelling reason to upgrade...don't. The nifty features will still be there, and most likely improved when you finally need to upgrade to OS X.

  • TSS provides limited support OS X

    • We have a few people who are struggling, just like everyone else, to come up to speed on OS X, but we cannot fix everything. We will help you in any way we can, but it it is in your best interest to back up your data often. This is a good idea in general. It is unlikely that your hard drive will self-destruct, or that we will not be able to get to your data. However...you never know what is going to happen. Please, back up your data often.

    Technical Support Services
    (360-867) x6627

Contact the Site Manager

 

Last Updated: September 21, 2007


The Evergreen State College

2700 Evergreen Parkway NW

Olympia, Washington 98505

(360) 867-6000