pre-owned mac, should I reformat?

L

lilypad

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I'm very savvy with PCs, but I've never owned a mac.
I bought one for my mother thinking it would be easier for her to use.
If I had bought her a PC, I would wipe it clean by reformatting it.
However, I'm not sure if this is necessary with a mac, though I would assume so not knowing its history.

How do I go about doing this? Do I need install disks and serial keys? Is mad software included on OSX10.5.7? Are there any other options?

Thanks for helping this noob to macs out.

In truth, I had planned on playing with the mac myself, but my mom called today all excited because she heard you can do more creative things with it (though I doubt she'll use it more than once a month) so I have to give it up. Oh well, maybe I'll find another deal someday.
 
There are two ways:
  • Each Mac ships with a System Restore disc that is specific to that model. These discs are gray in color. You may use the System Restore disc for your model to reformat the hard drive and return the computer to its as-shipped state.
  • Use a retail OS installation disc for an OS that is newer than the one that shipped with your computer. The dominant color of retail OS distribution discs is black. The retail disc may be used to reformat your hard drive.
MacOS X is not serialized. It does not require activation.
 
Im not sure what OS it has on it now, because you didnt really mention anything about the system, but Leopard 10.5 Requires 512mb of Ram, and at least an 867Mhz processor, anything under, and its Kernel Panic.
 
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