[FAQ]Can I install Tiger on my Mac from another Mac's DVD/CDs?

[fryke]

1.) Tiger's installation CD set/DVD is intended to be installed on _one_ computer and on _one_ computer only, whether it's the retail box you've bought or the one that came with your computer. The license does _not_ allow you to install Tiger on _any_ other Mac - unless it's the family pack, which allows the installation of Tiger on up to five Macs in the same household.

2.) Technically, the retail box allows installation on any supported Macintosh computer. (But as said in point 1, installing on more than one machine would violate the license, so DON'T do this!) Read the box' details about hardware requirements. Basically, the Mac has to have on-board FireWire as a minimal requirement, and you need an optical drive capable of reading DVDs (you can use the exchange program to get Tiger on CDs, but won't find a CD set in any of the retail boxes in stores).

[mersyone]

Okay,

A few friends of mine (5 total) in our creative dept. just pitched in to buy the FAMILY 5-PK LICENSE for Mac OSX Tiger 10.4.3. I'm curious how this works though; we just opened the retail box and there isn't 5 SERIAL NOs.in there. So I'm curious how this works;

DOES IT WORK FOR THE "FIRST FIVE" COMPUTERS YOU INSTALL IT ON?
Is that how Mac keeps a track of all these.

ALSO, BEING THAT THERE'S 5 OF US, HOW CAN WE EACH GET AN EXACT COPY OF THE DISC (bieng that it only inlcuded one)?
(how do you properly burn image/bootable install CDs?)

[mdnky]

Okay,

A few friends of mine (5 total) in our creative dept. just pitched in to buy the FAMILY 5-PK LICENSE for Mac OSX Tiger 10.4.3. I'm curious how this works though; we just opened the retail box and there isn't 5 SERIAL NOs.in there. So I'm curious how this works;

DOES IT WORK FOR THE "FIRST FIVE" COMPUTERS YOU INSTALL IT ON?
Is that how Mac keeps a track of all these.

ALSO, BEING THAT THERE'S 5 OF US, HOW CAN WE EACH GET AN EXACT COPY OF THE DISC (bieng that it only inlcuded one)?
(how do you properly burn image/bootable install CDs?)

What you're doing is still illegal (read Apple's note about it on their website and the EULA included with the OS). The 5-pack is for up to 5 computers in the same household, non-commercial use only. You use the same disc and the serial that comes with it on those computers...hence why only one copy of the disc & serial was provided. All the 5-pack does is allow the install on up to 5 computers, instead of 1 as is the usual.

mersyone, you (and your friends) need to return the 5-pack and buy the proper single-install versions.

[mersyone]

We are NOT intending on using this for our offices! "heck no!"...I wouldnt give my office the satisfaction. This is for our personal home use. However, we don't live together (just work together) which if what your saying is that in order to legitimately buy Tiger Family Pack there has to be 5 MAC COMPUTERS in one household...

...WELL I DON'T KNOW A SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS 5 MAC COMPUTERS IN THERE HOUSEHOLD (do you?) (Why would anybody even need 5 macs in one house?)

[lbj]

...WELL I DON'T KNOW A SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS 5 MAC COMPUTERS IN THERE HOUSEHOLD (do you?)
Well, no.
But 4? Yes.


(Why would anybody even need 5 macs in one house?)
Beats crack.

[Lt Major Burns]

lol!

[mdnky]

what your saying is that in order to legitimately buy Tiger Family Pack there has to be 5 MAC COMPUTERS in one household...
Yup

...WELL I DON'T KNOW A SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS 5 MAC COMPUTERS IN THERE HOUSEHOLD (do you?) (Why would anybody even need 5 macs in one house?)

I know quite a few people who do, some even have more than 5 systems. It's not uncommon for everyone in a household to have their own computer now a days, and the average family size is 3 to 4 (3.17 according to the 2000 census) in the US.

A friend has 5, soon to be 6. Him and his wife each have desktops (DP G5, g4 iMac) and each also have a laptop (g4 iBook & g4 PowerBook). They also have a G4 iMac for their two children to play games and do homework on (how 1st and 3rd graders have homework like that is a mystery to me). They'll be replacing the G4 iMac the wife uses soon with a G5 iMac, so the G4 will go to the kids and each will have their own computer.

My parents house has quite a few, 7 in total being currently used regularly. One Uncle has 4 in his house, another has 3. Another Uncle is soon to have 2 Minis (one for each kid) and a G5 iMac (for the adults). I could probably name about 10 or so more people (family, friends, neighbors) who have 3 or more systems.

You don't have to have 5 systems to see the savings though...it pays to buy the family license even if you only used it on 2 machines ($129 single, $199 for up to 5). You save $58 with 2, $188 with 3, $317 with 4, and $446 with 5.

[One Sick Puppy]

What exactly is a "household" and how long do you need to reside there to be a member? I say this, because I live at my parents place for 6.1 months out of the year. I live out of the country for the rest of the time. My medical is still covered because I'm still considered a resident cuz I live in the country for more than half the year.

?

[fryke]

Well, then you're good. You _do_ live in the same household most of the time and you're family, too. If you think about it, it doesn't really matter where you actually _use_ your Mac. A PowerBook might be used almost _only_ outside the house (if you also happen to have a PowerMac at home, for example), but still people qualify for the family pack by living there.

[guapagirl]

...so if I've installed tiger onto two machines and not one, then I should uninstall it off the second? :?

[bobw]

...so if I've installed tiger onto two machines and not one, then I should uninstall it off the second? :?

Not unless Steve Jobs is coming over :)

I wouldn't worry about it.

[chemistry_geek]

When I purchased Mac OS X Tiger, it naturally came on a DVD, and my Blue & White G3 didn't have a DVD drive from which to startup, so I installed Tiger (Installation DVD) on my iPod from my external DVD, booted from my iPod, and installed Tiger on to my hard drive from the iPod. This was not an easy task, and you have to backup EVERYTHING on the iPod, wipe it completely, install Tiger, startup from the iPod and install Tiger on to an internal HD, erase Tiger from the iPod, and get all your backed-up stuff back on your iPod. Incidentally, this only works with the 4G iPods (FIREWIRE), not the newer video iPods with USB.

[tonbo]

Under Apple Technical Info Library article no. 2615524, section 8b, paragraph 7, "Definition of Household" it says:

"Household" is defined as the equivalent of at least 2.5 persons (or more) occupying the same habitational location for at least 9 months out of the year or more. 2.25 persons (or less) do not qualify under this designation. Kids who have moved back into the home after failing exams at the local community college and are mooching off Mom and Dad are not counted as humans under this category (see "Installation for Parasitic Species," TIL artnum 76438 or "Installation on Living Room Couch for Advanced Moochers, subsection "Couch Potato iBook Etiquette", artnum 789134).

"Household" is furthermore defined as a unit of individuals possessing a minimum of twelve (12) Apple computing devices, with devices running the Windows© operating system counting as 15.5% of a computing device.

"Household" is furthermore defined as a unit of individuals none of which watches television shows such as "WWWF RAW", "Choppers" and "Desperate Housewives" or eats bag after bag of Pirate's Booty while quaffing Michelob Lights. Deduct 1.5 household units for each of these offenses.

"Household" is furthermore defined as a habitational location which possesses at least one altar, above which is positioned a recent photograph of Steven Jobs and/or Jonathan Ives (Steve Wozniak is no longer qualifiable except for users installing System 7.1 and below.)

Hope that helps.

[Ralphie Boyo]

I sure hope we don't get into "family values" in here...:D

[brianmorgan]

Two G5 desktops, G4 iBook, G3 iBook, Ruby iMac, Mac Classic II, and a PowerMac coming tomorrow for a community project - that'll be seven Macs - and believe it or not, there are four Powerbooks sometimes when putting a 40 page magazine together (community based material spread over all of them which has to be collated for the printers). All operating systems (OS7 upwards) legitimately acquired with each computer and then updated on the internet.

[fryke]

And you... want us to pat your shoulders? ;)

[brianmorgan]

er - if that's addressed to me that sounds like ... sarcasm? Not good if it is. My point only was that some households have lots of macs, whilst some may have lots of PCs. I have never owned or used a PC except rarely when forced to on location.

If you get that kind of comment back then it doesn't reflect well on some contributors.

[dmetzcher]

er - if that's addressed to me that sounds like ... sarcasm? Not good if it is. My point only was that some households have lots of macs, whilst some may have lots of PCs. I have never owned or used a PC except rarely when forced to on location.

If you get that kind of comment back then it doesn't reflect well on some contributors.
I think fryke was just kidding with you. There was a little smiley after his comments, after all.

[dmetzcher]

Not unless Steve Jobs is coming over :)

I wouldn't worry about it.
When Steve (he hates being called "Stevie" or "The Jobs Man") comes over my place, I make sure that I hide all my Windows machines. That's what really upsets him. You can pirate the hell out of the Mac OS, but legit copies of Windows will not be tolerated. You have been warned. :D

[brianmorgan]

Do accept my apologies please if I misunderstood.:o

B

[chemistry_geek]

When Steve (he hates being called "Stevie" or "The Jobs Man") comes over my place, I make sure that I hide all my Windows machines. That's what really upsets him. You can pirate the hell out of the Mac OS, but legit copies of Windows will not be tolerated. You have been warned. :D

Ya know, what if Steve Jobs had an account here on MacOSX.com? What would you say to that? How would you recognize him if he did? You think he'd actually use an alias associated with Apple? HA! Perhaps, just maybe, you may have had an unknown conversation with him....maybe, and maybe NOT. You just never know. You never know who you're going to meet on the big blue marble. The world is a very small place, be careful how you joke about CEOs whom you know nothing about....you just may get WHACKED!...or NOT!

I got whacked once, the Vulcan Mind Meld brought me back...haven't been quite the same since....but close is good enough.

[Ralphie Boyo]

Hmmm...as a newbie, can you tell me the original question?

TIA

[g/re/p]

I probably should keep this to myself, but i have 2 Macs
and one copy of Tiger - and there is no way in hell that
i will pay for two copies. Call me a pirate, i don't care!

-i am politically incorrect as hell, and i approve this message :D


g/re/p

[mersyone]

Yup

that sucks,...and is kinda,...well,.... *IS* stupid!

yeah i own 3 comps myself )1mac, 2 pcs0
and you know what;...sorry to say this but we don:t live in a disney world with magic faries and unicorns that make rainbows. This is reality and EVERYONE has cut corners!

If you can tell me the full name of a single person who has lived his life fully legitimately then I will gather back the software, return it, and buy the single users for all 5 of us so that the richer can get richer )while the poorer get poorer0.

...Can you tell me that every single MP3 file on YOUR HD is bought and/or licensed properly?
...Can you tell me you have accounted for every single dollar you:ve earned when doing yourt taxes?
...Can you tell me you have always driven the SPEED LIMIT and never exceeded over?

I am not religious but I believe the saying is,...
*Let he who has not sinned, cast the first stone.*

so anyway,
...get my point?

wow this topic has REALLY gotten off subject, lol!!!

[perfessor101]

...WELL I DON'T KNOW A SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS 5 MAC COMPUTERS IN THERE HOUSEHOLD (do you?) (Why would anybody even need 5 macs in one house?) Actually we do. There is my G4/1.25 MDD, my wife's G4/733 Quicksilver, our shared G4/1.25 iBook, our daughter's G3/600 iBook, and our son's G4/1.25 iMac. So now you know at least one person who does have five Mac computers in a single household. Even if there were only two Macs in the same family the Family Pack license would be a bargain and the additional licenses are gravy.

But no matter how you want to justify it, what you and your buddies are proposing is a violation of Apple's End User License Agreement.

[fryke]

@brianmorgan: Sorry to be so late with answering... I didn't really mean it seriously (hence the "don't take me seriously right now" smiley), but when I read your post, I just found it funny how you mentioned Macs that would never run Tiger, anyway. I maybe should've answered differently - or not at all. Sowwy. :)

To all of those discussing how to circumvent the legal issue or how not to care etc.: Let's just not. I agree that I probably know no-one who's ALWAYS been correct in his/her life. And that, of course, includes myself. But I must say that I find it particularly dumb to buy a family pack and use it in violation of the agreement, since you could just as well buy the normal retail version for less money, as the crime would be the very same, so those people are neither doing Apple nor their conscience a favour.

g/re/p: If you want to, you can forward your message directly to Apple's legal department. ;)

[brianmorgan]

It wasn't me! to quote a popular song. Not about Tiger anyway. Though as it happens the two iBooks and iMac don't have Tiger, only Panther, as I would have to buy a family edition of the former.

The G3 powermac is here now, with 10.3.9 - ready for use on the community project. It has firewire and USB, but there is a puzzle - the earlier Apple bus connection doesn't seem work - not that this is a great problem but I could use redundant keyboards and mice with it. Maybe people have an idea what's going on - is the socket perhaps just not connected?

By the way, just bought a used Nikon Coolscan 8000 to get old negs and trannies digitised. That'll be fun.

[mersyone]

But no matter how you want to justify it, what you and your buddies are proposing is a violation of Apple's End User License Agreement.

Corporations like Walmart can generate $3 million dollars in 7 minutes,
while some of us consider "Red Lobster" fancy dining.
That is their (...or our) rational.

(sorry to have brought up the subject one last time)

[fryke]

What does the money Walmart makes have to do with your situation? You're five different persons, aren't you. Each wants a Tiger license but each hasn't got the money? Then stay with Panther is the easy answer. But to abuse a family pack ... Well, read my above comment again: It just makes no sense to buy a family pack _intending_ to break the license agreement.

[g/re/p]

g/re/p: If you want to, you can forward your message directly to Apple's legal department. ;)

Ha ha! I was waiting for someone to address that - i actually left out crucial info - my Tiger disk is a NFR version that i recieved via the ACN (Apple Consultants Network) and i am allowed to install it on both of my macs (for non-commercial use)
:D

[fryke]

Ooh, funny. :P

[rei1974]

The question is: is worth installing Tiger? (I'm just asking, I still use Panther because I've heard of many problems with it)

[fryke]

wrong thread, but short answer: if you don't need Tiger's features and Panther's running okay, why not stay there and save 129$. but 10.4.3 is stable.

[perfessor101]

The question is: is worth installing Tiger? (I'm just asking, I still use Panther because I've heard of many problems with it) Yeah, I head about a lot of problems with Panther too. :D

Seriously, you will hear this about any new OS release until the next version is released at which point the previous version magically becomes the best and most stable version ever. Most of the problems with any new release fall into one of the following categories:
Previously marginal hardware (usually RAM) that cannot handle the additional stresses imposed by the new and faster OS
Out of date third party apps that must be updated or replaced
non-mainstream hardware devices
User hacks
A file system that was compromised before the new OS was installed
Murphy's Law

I am supporting nine Macs, all running OS X 10.4.3, and scattered from Dallas to Orlando and there has not been a problem yet.

[mdnky]

Seriously, you will hear this about any new OS release until the next version is released at which point the previous version magically becomes the best and most stable version ever.]

Couldn't have said it better.

[rei1974]

Ok, sorry for the OT, and thanks for the replies :) seems the 10.4.3 isn't so bad after all!

[fotodad]

After doing a search this seems to be the closest relevant thread to address my situation.

I am a school teacher with 10 iMacs (no dvd) and 10 eMacs (no dvd). I do have a newer flat screen iMac which does have a dvd player so I was able to purchase and install Tiger. I use iMovie a lot in my classroom. After playing around with iMovie in Tiger on my flat screen iMac I noticed immediately that iMovie is much better version in Tiger than it is in Panther. So, how do I LEGALLY get Tiger on my other 20 machines that do not have dvd players without spending money I don't have?

[bobw]

Legally, you would have to buy 5 family packs for 20 machines. then exchange the DVD's for CD's. Apple has an exchange program.

Since this is for a school, I would call Apple directly. They have an education program.

[mdnky]

Call Apple's education department (http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/routingpage.html) and ask about getting registered to become an authorized purchaser for the school (or find out who already is for your school). The discounts they give institutions is pretty nice, particularly on their software.

[perfessor101]

Legally, you would have to buy 5 family packs for 20 machines. then exchange the DVD's for CD's. Apple has an exchange program.

Since this is for a school, I would call Apple directly. They have an education program.
The family pack license explicitly excludes its use in that kind of environment. Besides that it is cheaper to get a multi-seat license directly from Apple. They sell them all the time for schools, corporations, etc.

[fryke]

And iMovie's version has nothing to do with Tiger/Panther - unless you mean it simply performs better in Tiger, which could theoretically be. But if you look at the about boxes, you'll probably notice that you have iLife '05 on your iMac, whereas the others are using iLife '04 or earlier.

[meowerr]

so.... ** Can I install Tiger on my Mac from another Mac's DVD/CDs? **

if yes, then, how??

thx!

[Lt Major Burns]

no.

[fryke]

meowerr: Have we *NOT* made it clear it's illegal? Read the board rules.

[meowerr]

woops... sorry, newbie here... misunderstood the topic with bias that the legal issues were off-topic cuz i was trying to install new OS to my mac with my other mac's dvd-rom as in the drive itself, not the shiny disc...

i DO have the legit copy which i couldn't boot from the drive on the machine that i wanted the OS installed... couldn't figure out how else i could do it... have started a new thread... if anyone could help... :P thx!

[BkynPlague]

Another question:

I have purchased unregistered Tiger install discs for an eMac setup (fresh out of the box), and I was wondering if it was possible to install them on my Powerbook G4?

I'm getting the message from the Installer program that the software "can't be installed on this computer", but I'm wondering if there is a work around somehow, since the "read me first" text file is the standard one talking about installing on portables and desktops...

Please note: this is not a legality question- simply a technical question.

Thanks!

[perfessor101]

Please note: this is not a legality question- simply a technical question.
Strictly as a technical answer -- you wasted your money, there is no workaround to make the installer work on your PowerBook.

[nixgeek]

Folks, if the CD/DVD doesn't say "Mac OS X Install Disc" on the disc or doesn't have a huge "X" plastered across the disc (whatever the design for it's particular version of OS X), then it's not an official retail version of the installation discs. Any disc that you see sold that has either a colored background and doesn't have the "X" plastered on the disc is a disc that came SPECIFICALLY FOR THE SYSTEM IT SHIPPED WITH. People are selling these discs on eBay and other places and they are not meant to be sold without the Mac that it belongs to. THEY WILL MOST LIKELY NOT WORK ON ANY OTHER MAC OTHER THAN THE ONE THE DISCS ORIGINALLY CAM WITH!! If you see such discs, STAY AWAY! Only get the retail versions of the full installation or the upgrade if that's all you need. Not to difficult to grasp, folks.... :rolleyes:

Maybe this way people will pay attention and understand... :rolleyes: Common sense, people. If it looks too good to be true, it most likely is.

[BGprinting]

I dont want to post for or against any comments on this post. I just want to say those who access the internet are never completely safe from the prying eyes of corporate enterprise and their far reaching quest for personal users data. and serial numbers!

[BGprinting]

I guess I do have more to say. I have bought many many products at full retail price that I used once or twice and never used again. I have also installed some apps loaned by a friend, ended up buying them and buying upgrades for the following 10 years. Maybe apple should consider changing the name to friends and family pack. I own a couple hundred shares of "appl" in one of my IRAs they aint hurtin. And anyone who thinks big business plays by all the rules and develops business models that are fair for all consumers rich and poor alike. Well I dont care what the rules say. Lighten up man Its so funny, usually the guys that cry foul the loudest....well we all know that story.

[BGprinting]

And another thing. I use Tiger on most of my machines approx 53. It aint all that and a bag of chips. Yeah it works good in many situations but apple is aware of many problems that consumers should be made aware of that may change their decision about purchasing that product. And since I brought up apple again I bought 5 of the first series dual G5 all with the same monitor card problem Yeah many many of you know what I am talking about. Contacting apple you would think it was the first time they ever heard of it sure after 6 months they finally started posting that their could be an issue on it. I had replaced all of them by then. Dont get me started. I cant even remember how many times I have been down that road since 84. Will just call it even with apple 1 family pack vs 5 monitor cards they did not have to replace!

[fryke]

( This is not, and should not be, an opinion thread about these things. You'll find one of those here: http://macosx.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=268618 )

[dmetzcher]

And another thing. I use Tiger on most of my machines approx 53. It aint all that and a bag of chips. Yeah it works good in many situations but apple is aware of many problems that consumers should be made aware of that may change their decision about purchasing that product. And since I brought up apple again I bought 5 of the first series dual G5 all with the same monitor card problem Yeah many many of you know what I am talking about. Contacting apple you would think it was the first time they ever heard of it sure after 6 months they finally started posting that their could be an issue on it. I had replaced all of them by then. Dont get me started. I cant even remember how many times I have been down that road since 84. Will just call it even with apple 1 family pack vs 5 monitor cards they did not have to replace!
What does this even have to do with the topic at hand? If you have a gripe with Apple, there are other threads, believe me.

[BGprinting]

I have never posted in an forum before if this is a hugh issue. Let me know And I will not return. Posting this in any other forum would make no sense at all. The reply only makes sense when used within the context of this thread. I have no gripes with apple. Ask them they dont even know who I am. Macs dominate my network, although SGI IRIX OS2 AIX UNIX and a dozen or so plane old windows machines also have their place. Why do people have to post about letters of the law. When its obvious this group of users have purchased this apple product with good faith. Its one of those 5 new users that turns into a poweruser and buys millions in apple products in the course of their lifetime!

[lightsabre]

just off the record, i have two macs, and TWO legit copies of tiger! I also have over 4000+ Mp3's which are ALL LEGIT owned and licenced and paid for... But my real pirating is elsewere on the macs....hrmfffbasdasdaksd

[fryke]

What, are you trying to tease here? Read the board rules. Really...

[stizz]

this thread makes me sad

[izi]

We are NOT intending on using this for our offices! "heck no!"...I wouldnt give my office the satisfaction. This is for our personal home use. However, we don't live together (just work together) which if what your saying is that in order to legitimately buy Tiger Family Pack there has to be 5 MAC COMPUTERS in one household...

...WELL I DON'T KNOW A SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS 5 MAC COMPUTERS IN THERE HOUSEHOLD (do you?) (Why would anybody even need 5 macs in one house?)

Well.. If you think that maybe 5 students sharing apartment or something... And its "Up to five" You dont HAVE to have five macs at home...

[fepjr]

We are NOT intending on using this for our offices! "heck no!"...I wouldnt give my office the satisfaction. This is for our personal home use. However, we don't live together (just work together) which if what your saying is that in order to legitimately buy Tiger Family Pack there has to be 5 MAC COMPUTERS in one household...

...WELL I DON'T KNOW A SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS 5 MAC COMPUTERS IN THERE HOUSEHOLD (do you?) (Why would anybody even need 5 macs in one house?)

Hello, I am fepjr and have more than five Macs in my home. Four that are capable of using Tiger and six old ones that are not capable for it. They pile up over the years! Some of them come in handy though for various things.
Like linking it up to my Dish TV and being able to watch the news while working.

[studio1031.org]

We are NOT intending on using this for our offices! "heck no!"...I wouldnt give my office the satisfaction. This is for our personal home use. However, we don't live together (just work together) which if what your saying is that in order to legitimately buy Tiger Family Pack there has to be 5 MAC COMPUTERS in one household...

...WELL I DON'T KNOW A SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS 5 MAC COMPUTERS IN THERE HOUSEHOLD (do you?) (Why would anybody even need 5 macs in one house?)

Lets see.. I have a B&W G3.. A Beige G3.. A 5500.. A Powerbook 1400 and a Powerbook G3 (mainstreet).. that's 5, and they are all in use.. there's also as many PC's in the house, but those collect dust most of the time ;)

Sorry.. just thought I'd share that as my first post..

[Sophist]

Mac OSX works fine regardless of where it comes from, including other computers, regardless of colors or X's!! Three of us in our family have done this, and it is easy, folks.

[Sophist]

We have three laptops and two desktops, thank you very much!! Two children and one adult can easily use this many in my household!! We love our Macs. Down with Bill Gates.

[fryke]

I'm not entirely sure what you want to say. Are you urging people to illegally use OS X from another computer? I think you got this thread wrong - and are ignoring the board rules, kinda...

[Sunnz]

I have a question: if the OSX that came with your Mac is optimised for 'your Mac', does it means the retail one isn't as optimised as the one came with the Mac?

[nixgeek]

I have a question: if the OSX that came with your Mac is optimised for 'your Mac', does it means the retail one isn't as optimised as the one came with the Mac?

Actually, the retail disc optimizes for any Mac out there. Apple makes the discs shipped with a Mac (basically OEM discs) to only optimize for the Mac it ships with. While it will work on an infinite number of Macs of the same model (but would be illegal if using the same disc....I think), you can't use it on another model Mac. Think of it as using the OEM WIndows XP disc from a Dell PC on a Compaq PC. It won't work. However, you should be able to use it on another Dell (although in this case, I don't think it matters what model Dell you're using).

[Sunnz]

Actually, the retail disc optimizes for any Mac out there. Apple makes the discs shipped with a Mac (basically OEM discs) to only optimize for the Mac it ships with.

I don't get it.

Does the retail disc checks the model of Mac you have and selects an optimised kernel for it or something along those lines?

Is the retail one 'as optimised' as OEM one's?

[nixgeek]

I don't get it.

Does the retail disc checks the model of Mac you have and selects an optimised kernel for it or something along those lines?

Is the retail one 'as optimised' as OEM one's?

I think you hit the nail on the head. And I do believe that they are just as equally optimized, except that the one in the OEM disc has the optimized kernel for only that Mac.