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eMac Q&A - Updated April 16, 2008
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What version of the MacOS is pre-installed on the eMac? Which eMac models can boot MacOS 9? Which eMac models can only run MacOS 9 applications in the "Classic" Environment?
The original eMac models and the original "Combo Drive" configuration of the eMac G4/1.0 (ATI) (M8950LL/A) are capable of booting in MacOS 9. Subsequent models are only capable of booting a version of MacOS X and running MacOS 9 applications in the "Classic" Environment provided by MacOS X 10.4.11 "Tiger" and lower ("Classic" is not supported starting with MacOS X 10.5 "Leopard").
The version of the MacOS pre-installed, as well as the degree of MacOS 9 compatibility is provided on the specs page for each system.
However, this information also is provided in this handy chart for your convenience:
eMac |
Pre-Installed |
MacOS 9 Support |
9.2.2 & X 10.1.4 (5R106) |
Boot/Classic Mode |
|
9.2.2 & X 10.1.4 (5R106) |
Boot/Classic Mode |
|
9.2.2 & X 10.2.5 (6J73) |
Boot/Classic Mode |
|
9.2.2† & X 10.2.5 (6J73) |
Boot/Classic Mode†* |
|
X 10.3.3 (7G21) |
Classic Mode Only* |
|
X 10.4 (8A428) |
Classic Mode Only* |
†Only the original "Combo" drive configuration (M8950LL/A) is capable of booting into MacOS 9.
*These models are capable of using MacOS 9 applications within the MacOS X "Classic" environment provided with MacOS X 10.4.11 "Tiger" and lower ("Classic" is not supported starting with MacOS X 10.5 "Leopard").
If you need a system capable of running MacOS 9 applications or booting MacOS 9, please check out site sponsor Operator Headgap Systems, which specializes in refurbished, and often heavily upgraded, systems capable of booting in both MacOS X and MacOS 9. Site sponsor PowerMax also sells systems capable of running MacOS 9/Classic.
For more on MacOS 9, please refer to the MacOS 9/Classic Support Q&A.
The eMac series is capable of running Windows through emulation using a program like Microsoft Virtual PC 7, but it cannot boot Windows or run Windows via virtualization like the Intel-based Macs.
If you need a system capable of running Windows, you would be best served with an Intel-based Mac or a Windows PC.
For more on running Windows on Intel-based Macs, please also check out the Windows on Mac Q&A.
YellowDog Linux v.4.x is supported on the eMac, but subsequent versions of the operating system are not.
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