Question

BlueMak · Oct 23, 2009, 11:39 PM

I know how it goes for Windows, but what's the deal with Apple software for older versions of the OS? How back does the compatibility go, if at all? I am talking about non system software and games.

**dj_stick** · Oct 24, 2009, 11:43 PM

it's actually pretty decent - unless a program is specifically written for the latest OS (usually pro/cpu intensive apps), there should be no issues

most apps out these days are compatible from OS X 10.4-10.6

SeraphicSorcerer · Oct 24, 2009, 11:58 PM

Well Anything written in Cocoa, is pretty much 10.x and up.

Anything Written in Carbon is only compatible up until 10.3, Because 10.4 Was for the new Mac G5s/Intels ( I am sure some diehard apple fan has exact dates etc.)

, which completely changed the coding process for Apple. (they started to get rid of classic, for example)

Also it gets REALLY fun for applications pre intel. *MOST* apps work alright emulated to intel, but obviously any new software won't work backwards. So you gotta pay attention, there are lotsa tweaks however that can get software to work, for instance, I ran EV (classic) all the way up til they killed Classic.

As Mr Stick said, 10.4-10.6 Are *almost* the same app support wise. With some weird issues arriving in-between.

**dj_stick** · Oct 25, 2009, 02:40 AM

just make sure the application is a "Universal Binary"

BlueMak · Oct 25, 2009, 11:18 AM

I don't have any Apple system.
Thanks for the replies.

I completely forgot about the change to Intel and how that would affect software. It kinda makes my question worthless.
Thanks anyway.

**dj_stick** · Oct 29, 2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeraphicSorcerer

but obviously any new software won't work backwards.

Actually almost all software released these days is a Universal Binary, meaning it's designed for both the PPC and Intel architecture

Zardon · Oct 29, 2009, 11:35 PM

There is also a great tool for stripping out binaries you don't need for your specific CPU - Xslimmer. can save quite a few gigs on a loaded system and sometimes helps apps to load faster too.

Xslimmer - Your Mac, on a Diet!

BlueMak · Oct 30, 2009, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_stick

Actually almost all software released these days is a Universal Binary, meaning it's designed for both the PPC and Intel architecture

That's impressive. I wasn't expecting any such devotion for the older systems (customers).

I guess games are not included in this, but still, impressive!

**dj_stick** · Oct 30, 2009, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

There is also a great tool for stripping out binaries you don't need for your specific CPU - Xslimmer. can save quite a few gigs on a loaded system and sometimes helps apps to load faster too.

Xslimmer - Your Mac, on a Diet!

I love that app, gets rid of any PPC code on an intel system (and vice versa) aswell as any language packs you don't use or need - really handy on a system with little space, like my Macbook Air

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueMak

That's impressive. I wasn't expecting any such devotion for the older systems (customers).

I guess games are not included in this, but still, impressive!

I think it was designed to make the transition to the Intel architecture alot smoother - iirc there's no extra work to code for both systems (I think the compiler(s) do it automatically) making it an attractive option for developers to continue to do so - however Apple have started dropping support for the PPC platform with OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) and their "Pro" applications - Logic 9 no longer officially supports PPC, but is still a UB, so there's a few users running it on older G5 machines

as for games, simple "casual" games are UB, but graphically intensive games (which are probably ported from Windows or x86 Linux) would probably be Intel only

Oct 23, 2009, 11:39 PM	#1
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,453 Rep Power: 345 System Specs	Question I know how it goes for Windows, but what's the deal with Apple software for older versions of the OS? How back does the compatibility go, if at all? I am talking about non system software and games. __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Oct 24, 2009, 11:58 PM	#3
SeraphicSorcerer HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,295 Rep Power: 156 System Specs	Re: Question Well Anything written in Cocoa, is pretty much 10.x and up. Anything Written in Carbon is only compatible up until 10.3, Because 10.4 Was for the new Mac G5s/Intels ( I am sure some diehard apple fan has exact dates etc.) , which completely changed the coding process for Apple. (they started to get rid of classic, for example) Also it gets REALLY fun for applications pre intel. MOST apps work alright emulated to intel, but obviously any new software won't work backwards. So you gotta pay attention, there are lotsa tweaks however that can get software to work, for instance, I ran EV (classic) all the way up til they killed Classic. As Mr Stick said, 10.4-10.6 Are almost the same app support wise. With some weird issues arriving in-between. __________________

Oct 25, 2009, 11:18 AM	Thread Starter #5
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,453 Rep Power: 345 System Specs	Re: Question I don't have any Apple system. Thanks for the replies. I completely forgot about the change to Intel and how that would affect software. It kinda makes my question worthless. Thanks anyway. __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Oct 29, 2009, 11:35 PM	#7
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	Re: Question There is also a great tool for stripping out binaries you don't need for your specific CPU - Xslimmer. can save quite a few gigs on a loaded system and sometimes helps apps to load faster too. Xslimmer - Your Mac, on a Diet!