I’m running OS 8.5.1 on my pretty purple iMac and just bought an OS X update on eBay. No manuals or documentation other than what’s on the disks and that mostly refers me to the manuals I don’t have. I can’t install OS X until I install OS 9 (which came with the X) and I can’t install OS 9 until I update my firmware, whatever that even is. The install disks come with a folder called “CD Extras” and according to an error message the firmware updates are there, but othing I can find is called “firmware update” or anything like it. I went to the Apple website but the only firmware updates I can find either give me a message after trying to install of “your system is already updated” or require that I have OS 9 installed. Which of course I can’t do until I update the frippin’ firmware. Apple will apparently try to charge me either $50 or $120 if I call them for technical assistance, and so, dear Dopers, I turn to you.
What the hell is firmware?
How do I update my firmware to allow me to install OS 9 and then, God willing, OS X?
Answer me these questions thre…um, two and I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll be assumed bodily into Heaven come the Rapture.
As it pertains to computers, firmware is commonly referred to as the BIOS, Or Basic Input/Output System). Firmware is just like software except it resides on a programmable chip. If you have a flash BIOS is means that the firmware resides on a flash memory chip and can be updated, which is what you’re trying to do.
I’m not familiar with Mac firmware updating, but most PC’s are updated with a floppy disk program that flashes the BIOS. IIRC, iMacs don’t have a floppy disk drive so I’m guessing you either flash by booting from CD or run the firmware update within the O/S itself. Oh, never mind, Apple answers that question. If you still run into problems you might try a Mac-centric message board like theMac Night Owl Discussion Board.
If you can bodily assume me into the rapture of Winona Ryder I would be most appreciative.