New policy on Mac OS content
by
zen
As of this post we will no longer be covering Mac OS PowerPC when it comes to any internet related activities. With it being 4 years since the last meaningful security update, Leopard or older versions of Mac OS simply cannot cut it anymore to keep you and your system/data safe.
When it comes to internet based activity we will only be covering Linux and maybe even a bit of BSD.
My (our) stance is even if you truly do prefer Mac OS on your PowerPC system, you should still use Linux for internet based tasks. Mac OS is still fine for browsing trusted sites where you know 100% there is nothing to worry about but other than that and email I don't recommend using it any longer.
Just because your hardware is several years old doesn't mean it needs to be stuck in a prison of old non-secure software. I will keep using OS X PowerPC for offline tasks like content creation and video playback for years or even decades to come. Having my small army of PowerPC hardware helps.
Use each OS for it's strength. Linux dominates on security so use it online. Mac OS X PowerPC dominates with content creation, multimedia playback and gaming.
We will do all we can to help ease the transition for those who are awake to the reality and take the plunge. If you're in denial, and many are, we can't help you.
Remember, adopting Linux does not equal abandoning Mac OS.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Although I love MacOS and I think you (Zen) too, it is very nice to see this blog moving into the future.
ReplyDeleteFor me, Linux is the future, that is the only way we can have security, and new versions of software for powerpc.
keep on going, love to read your posts about linux on powerpc =)
It's good to see more people who understand and accept the reality of security and modern capability via software.
ReplyDeletePeople who still use Mac OS PowerPC for all their levels internet use are either ignorant or in denial. There is no possible third option in that.
Computers are one thing that even people who already use them are afraid to learn or rather learn more advanced capability. Then there are organizations like LEM who actually encourage these devolved non-advancement methods.
Lots more reality about PowerPC and computing in general is coming to this blog. A new and more direct approach than people are used to here. People need to be woken up and that takes a direct and brutally honest approach.
> People who still use Mac OS PowerPC for all their levels internet use are either ignorant or in denial.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you expanding your potential audience by insulting them.
If people are insulted by the truth then they should be angry at themselves for not realizing something that is right in front of their face.
DeleteI am not here to stroke ignorant egos. Is that what you thought?
The senseless Apple fanboy types don't really ever come here already.
If you have issue with the reality of the software situation PowerPC users are in and don't like how I point it out then I strongly encourage you to stop visiting here.
We don't make money here and are only motivated by forward thinking methods for PowerPC hardware so "expanding" our audience is meaningless.
If you have issue then don't visit. We would love not to have you. Everything we ever write about is something that advances an old architecture with new secure software. We do everything we do with technical morality. Most tech writers talk down to people in a friendly way. We talk up to our readers in a realistic no BS way. If you prefer polite devolution then you won't find it here.
Anything else?
Docky is the closest thing I know of on Linux. I have taken to using the middle of the taskbar and kupfer for all my launching.
ReplyDeleteTo install Docky open the Root Terminal and type:
apt-get install docky
For some screens of docky look here:
http://wiki.go-docky.com/index.php?title=Screenshots
I stumbled upon your site while googling for PowerPC Leopard security advice. Since Apple announced the end of security updates for the PPC, ... I feel insecure online. I already switched off plugins in Safari, so no flash and Java security issues. I often block Javascript too in the Develop menu of Safari. I've used TenFourFox, but don't like the look, and miss the beauty and simplicity of opening PDFs directly in the browser window (which I use a lot).
ReplyDeleteI only have one PowerBook G4 (1.67GHz, 2 GB DDR2 RAM) bought in November 2005, just before Apple announced its big move to Intel chips. This is my main computer for my home and home office activities.
I come from the Unix world (DEC, HP, SUN workstations for my research work in computational physics. I loved the HP-UX CDE GUI), so switching to Linux wouldn't really bother me. But I love the Mac OS X GUI, its applications and several little details of the OS I use every day.
Zen, what would you advise me to do? Install a Linux or BSD distro onto my Mac and forget Mac OS X?
Is it possible to have dual boot? But that would not be very convenient to switch each time I want to browse for some info online.
Are Linux or BSD on the Mac stable enough to work peacefully?
Can we keep some look and feel of OS X?
Except for the iWork suite of Apple, I mainly use opensource software: Gimp, latex, gnuplot, smultron, R, sage, perl, macport, fortran95, VLC, handbrake, things like that.
To put it simply, if security is any type of concern at all for, as it should be for all, you then you should abandon Mac OS completely for internet use. Even the newest and most updated Mac and Windows OS cannot compete with BSD or Linux.
ReplyDeleteOpenBSD is the most secure BSD and Debian would be the secure choice on Linux. Gentoo is very capable also.
Another reader here, Alberto Mi, has had a very good experience with Debian 7 on a similar PowerBook.
Since you're already familiar with UNIX you will feel right at home with BSD or Linux. BSD is the evolution of the original AT&T UNIX, and Linux was created by UNIX people who wanted a very UNIX-like OS that was their own code from the ground up.
BSD is true UNIX and Linux is extremely similar. Linux will generally hold your hand a bit more than BSD also.
For day to day use you can't go wrong with Debian 7. It runs beautifully and even screams if you use a light GUI like LXDE, Openbox or Fluxbox.
My G4 1.0 GHz running Debian is virtually an equal performer in most areas with my G4 1.8 GHz running Mac OS. I do very little internet tasks on the Mac OS system. Pretty much just coming here and other trusted sites.
If I had more time I could say more, but what I have written in this comment and article pretty much sums it all up.