Power Macintosh G5 Q&A - Revised December 4, 2006
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Power Macintosh G5 Q&A - Revised December 4, 2006. The Power Macintosh G5 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.
What version of the MacOS is pre-installed on the Power Mac G5?
![Power mac g5 specs Power mac g5 specs](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Apple_Power_Macintosh_G5_Late_2005_01.jpg/640px-Apple_Power_Macintosh_G5_Late_2005_01.jpg)
The first Power Macintosh G5 models shipped with a custom version of MacOS X 10.2.7, later shipped with MacOS X 10.3, and the last models shipped with MacOS X 10.4 'Tiger'.
For the specific version of MacOS X installed on particular models, including build numbers when available, please refer to the particular specs page for the Power Macintosh G5 of interest.
Can the Power Macintosh G5 run MacOS 9/Classic applications?
None of the Power Macintosh G5 models are capable of booting MacOS 9, but all can run MacOS 9 applications with the MacOS X 'Classic Environment'. Apple provides no support for the 'Classic Environment' on Macs released after the Power Macintosh G5 series.
If you need a system capable of running MacOS 9 applications or booting MacOS 9, please check out site sponsor OHS, which specializes in refurbished, and often heavily upgraded, systems capable of booting in both MacOS X and MacOS 9.
For more on MacOS 9, please refer to the MacOS 9/Classic Support Q&A.
Can the Power Mac G5 run Linux?
YellowDog offers a distribution of Linux that is largely compatible with the Power Macintosh G5. For complete details regarding supported and unsupported functions, please refer to the appropriate website.
Can the Power Mac G5 run Windows?
The Power Macintosh G5 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.
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