G4 running 10.2.8: need help with upgrad

[ecstewart]

I have a PowerPC G4 (867 MHz; 512 MB) running Mac OS X 10.2.8 (6R73). Clearly the OS is very old and lots of things don't work on it any more. I would like to upgrade the OS so that I can get a more up-to-date web browser and such-like. I have two questions:
1. Do you have any advice about whether I would be able to upgrade to the most recent OS or if my computer is not good enough? (!)
2. If/when I upgrade, will I have to wipe my hard-drive? ie wil I have to save all my files and folders elsewhere?

Sorry if these are rather basic and stupid questions, I just don't do much with my computer any more and I am feeling very clueless.

thanks,
Elspeth

 

[ElDiabloConCaca]

1) You can upgrade all the way to Leopard, Mac OS X 10.5 -- which is the newest Mac OS X thus far. Your machine just barely meets the minimum requirements -- I would recommend installing more RAM (memory), but you can get by with what you have.

2) You can perform an "upgrade install," but coming from such an old version of Mac OS X, I would highly recommend a clean and fresh install (erase hard drive, install Leopard fresh). This would require that you back up any files you don't want destroyed.