Will G4 iMac run PB?

[dhouston]

Now that I have my app running on a new Intel Mac Mini, I would like to be able to test on the PPC version. Will this G4 be adequate?

• http://www.powermax.com/parts/show/c-u69844

[Rook Zimbabwe]

I use a PPC G4 for MacPB and haven't really had any issues yet that were not specific to MAC code!

Have NOT attempted to write GAME code though so beware my answer!!!

[dhouston]

I use a PPC G4 for MacPB and haven't really had any issues yet that were not specific to MAC code!

Have NOT attempted to write GAME code though so beware my answer!!!

Thanks. I don't write game code.

[dhouston]

OK. I got a used iMac G4 with OSX 10.4 (I think) for $180.

Can I install PB to a USB drive and, if so, how do I do this?

I only need the iMac occasionally to test my app on it and would like to lend it to an acquaintance when I do not need it. I would prefer to have PB and my source on a removable drive so I don't have to uninstall/reinstall it.

[Vera]

Hello dhouston,

I suppose it should be quite easy to install a PureBasic-version on an USB-drive for any OS. Either install it the classical way or simply place a copy of your favorite version (whole app-folder) onto it.
Then copy the prefs into the new PB (or compiler) folder, adjust the paths inside of them and use the portable switch. (or do the first run /portable and newly apply your settings). In case you don't mind the prefs to stay on the MAC you could even ignore the portable switch.

But one thing you can't ignore: although the prefs could even be setup with relative paths PureBasic will corrupt these when rewriting them and replace all entries by absolut paths.
And with a removable drive you might not know what root-address (mountpoint) it gets assigned to on next connection.

To solve this I would think of a small routine to run before or after the session to check all prefs (including addon settings, in case there are) and reset or update all paths.

I hope I didn't amiss what you meant

greetings ~ Vera

[dhouston]

I use a PPC G4 for MacPB and haven't really had any issues yet that were not specific to MAC code!

What version of OSX and what version of XCode are you using? My code runs fine on Windows, Linux and OSX 10.6.2 (Intel) but has major problems on OSX 10.4.11 (PPC) and XCode 2.5. All 15 of my child windows crash with "#Gadget not initialized" or "#Window not initialized" error message. From my research, my iMac cannot run later versions of OSX (800MHz is too slow) and newer versions of XCode require newer versions of OSX.

[PureLust]

From my research, my iMac cannot run later versions of OSX (800MHz is too slow) ...

Your PPC Mac should be able to work fine with OSX up to 10.5 (Leopard).
10.5 is the latest Version of OSX wich supports PPCs - SnowLeopard (OSX 10.6) doesn't support PPCs anymore.

[dhouston]

Your PPC Mac should be able to work fine with OSX up to 10.5 (Leopard)

From http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3759...

• Requirements for Mac OS X v10.5
  A Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or Power PC G4 (867 MHz or faster) processor

My G4 is only 800 MHz. The difference seems small but messages on several Apple forums indicate it is a real limit. I'm too much of a Mac neophyte to make an independent judgment. I may email the dealer where I bought it to ask their opinion.

EDIT: Further research revealed some hacks and a freeware app meant to fool the installer about the CPU speed. However, my reason for buying the G4 was so I could compile/test my app on it - upgrading it to OSX 10.5 really doesn't fit that purpose. And, PB's OSX page says it runs on G3, G4 & G5. Anyway, I already have an Intel Mini running OSX 10.6. So, I am still trying to determine why my code works under OSX 10.5.2 but crashes under 10.4.11.