Have to admit I am not familiar with this machine. (or any of the Intel
Macs)

I was given an iMac 8.1 running OSX 10.5.8

The owner had a 10.6 upgrade DVD but when I try to run it to upgrade, I
get a message "will not run on this version."

Actually, what I really need to do is just upgrade the browser.

Safari 5 connects to very few websites...I can't even connect to the
Apple store

Any idea where I can get a browser that is better than what I have>

new version of Firefox will not run

Also:

I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them

The ONLY option is to empty the bin>

I did Google and found two answers
Either hit the command or else the option key

That gives no option to delete only that file

Thanks

On 2024-07-30 02:22:36 +0000, philo said:
>
> Have to admit I am not familiar with this machine. (or any of the Intel Macs)
>
> I was given an iMac 8.1 running OSX 10.5.8
>
> The owner had a 10.6 upgrade DVD but when I try to run it to upgrade, I
> get a message "will not run on this version."

The iMac8,1 will run Mac OS X 10.5.2 to 10.11.6

The upgrade DVD might not work for a few reasons (could be for a
specific Mac model, etc.).

You can download install disk images of older versions of MacOS direct
from Apple's website at
<https://support.apple.com/en-us/102662>
in the "Use a web browser for older versions" section.

> Actually, what I really need to do is just upgrade the browser.
>
> Safari 5 connects to very few websites...I can't even connect to the
> Apple store
>
> Any idea where I can get a browser that is better than what I have>
>
> new version of Firefox will not run

Even Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) is getting old and the version of
Safari it comes with may not work on the websites you want. Firefox or
one of the spin-offs like WaterFox may be a better option.

> Also:
>
> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>
> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>
> I did Google and found two answers
> Either hit the command or else the option key
>
> That gives no option to delete only that file
>
> Thanks

- Open the Trash (click on the Trash icon in the Dock)
- Right-click on any file to delete and choose "Delete Immediately"
- You can select multiple files by holding down the Command key while
clicking on each file, then right-click on any file to delete all the
selected ones.

On 7/29/2024 10:05 PM, BungleBob wrote:
> On 2024-07-30 02:22:36 +0000, philo said:
>>
>> Have to admit I am not familiar with this machine. (or any of the
>> Intel Macs)
>>
>> I was given an iMac 8.1 running OSX 10.5.8
>>
>> The owner had a 10.6 upgrade DVD but when I try to run it to upgrade,
>> I get a message "will not run on this version."
>
> The iMac8,1 will run Mac OS X 10.5.2 to 10.11.6
>
> The upgrade DVD might not work for a few reasons (could be for a
> specific Mac model, etc.).
>
> You can download install disk images of older versions of MacOS direct
> from Apple's website at
> <https://support.apple.com/en-us/102662>
> in the "Use a web browser for older versions" section.
>
>
>

Thanks

I did finally find an old version of Firfox on uptodown.com

>
>> Actually, what I really need to do is just upgrade the browser.
>>
>> Safari 5 connects to very few websites...I can't even connect to the
>> Apple store
>>
>> Any idea where I can get a browser that is better than what I have>
>>
>> new version of Firefox will not run
>
> Even Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) is getting old and the version of
> Safari it comes with may not work on the websites you want. Firefox or
> one of the spin-offs like WaterFox may be a better option.
>
>
>
>
>> Also:
>>
>> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>>
>> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>>
>> I did Google and found two answers
>> Either hit the command or else the option key
>>
>> That gives no option to delete only that file
>>
>> Thanks
>
> - Open the Trash (click on the Trash icon in the Dock)
> - Right-click on any file to delete and choose "Delete Immediately"
> - You can select multiple files by holding down the Command key while
>  clicking on each file, then right-click on any file to delete all the
>  selected ones.
>
>
No such option on the context menu
I need to know how to delete just a few files that I created

I do not want to delete any that were there previously...that is up to
the owner

On 2024-07-30 03:21:26 +0000, philo said:
> On 7/29/2024 10:05 PM, BungleBob wrote:
>> On 2024-07-30 02:22:36 +0000, philo said:
>>>
>>> Also:
>>>
>>> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>>>
>>> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>>>
>>> I did Google and found two answers
>>> Either hit the command or else the option key
>>>
>>> That gives no option to delete only that file
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>
>> - Open the Trash (click on the Trash icon in the Dock)
>> - Right-click on any file to delete and choose "Delete Immediately"
>> - You can select multiple files by holding down the Command key while
>>  clicking on each file, then right-click on any file to delete all the
>>  selected ones.
>
> No such option on the context menu
> I need to know how to delete just a few files that I created
>
> I do not want to delete any that were there previously...that is up to
> the owner

Maybe it was added in a newer version of Mac OS X.

The easiest way would be to move the files you want to KEEP out of the
Trash, empty the Trash to delete your files, then put those original
files back in the Trash again.

Terminal can be used to delete files via a Unix command line, but it is
not something you should play around in if you don't really know what
you are doing.

On 7/30/24 01:49, BungleBob wrote:
> On 2024-07-30 03:21:26 +0000, philo said:
>> On 7/29/2024 10:05 PM, BungleBob wrote:
>>> On 2024-07-30 02:22:36 +0000, philo said:
>>>>
>>>> Also:
>>>>
>>>> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>>>>
>>>> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>>>>
>>>> I did Google and found two answers
>>>> Either hit the command or else the option key
>>>>
>>>> That gives no option to delete only that file
>>>>
>>>> Thanks
>>>
>>> - Open the Trash (click on the Trash icon in the Dock)
>>> - Right-click on any file to delete and choose "Delete Immediately"
>>> - You can select multiple files by holding down the Command key while
>>>  clicking on each file, then right-click on any file to delete all the
>>>  selected ones.
>>
>> No such option on the context menu
>> I need to know how to delete just a few files that I created
>>
>> I do not want to delete any that were there previously...that is up to
>> the owner
>
> Maybe it was added in a newer version of Mac OS X.
>
> The easiest way would be to move the files you want to KEEP out of the
> Trash, empty the Trash to delete your files, then put those original
> files back in the Trash again.
>
> Terminal can be used to delete files via a Unix command line, but it is
> not something you should play around in if you don't really know what
> you are doing.
>
>

Thanks again>

I am familiar with the command line probably will check out that option>

I thought of taking the files out that I did not want to delete>

Maybe I'll just check with the owner though and see if it's ok to just
empty it

BTW: The older version of Firefox installed OK but it does not work very
well.

The machine is dual booting with XP ...of all things>
Maybe I can just dump that and install Linux

Machine does not have the specs for Win10

On 30/07/2024 12:40, philo wrote:
> On 7/30/24 01:49, BungleBob wrote:
>> On 2024-07-30 03:21:26 +0000, philo said:
>>> On 7/29/2024 10:05 PM, BungleBob wrote:
>>>> On 2024-07-30 02:22:36 +0000, philo said:
>>>>>
>>>>> Also:
>>>>>
>>>>> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>>>>>
>>>>> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>>>>>
>>>>> I did Google and found two answers
>>>>> Either hit the command or else the option key
>>>>>
>>>>> That gives no option to delete only that file
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks
>>>>
>>>> - Open the Trash (click on the Trash icon in the Dock)
>>>> - Right-click on any file to delete and choose "Delete Immediately"
>>>> - You can select multiple files by holding down the Command key while
>>>>  clicking on each file, then right-click on any file to delete all the
>>>>  selected ones.
>>>
>>> No such option on the context menu
>>> I need to know how to delete just a few files that I created
>>>
>>> I do not want to delete any that were there previously...that is up
>>> to the owner
>>
>> Maybe it was added in a newer version of Mac OS X.
>>
>> The easiest way would be to move the files you want to KEEP out of the
>> Trash, empty the Trash to delete your files, then put those original
>> files back in the Trash again.
>>
>> Terminal can be used to delete files via a Unix command line, but it
>> is not something you should play around in if you don't really know
>> what you are doing.
>>
>>
>
>
>
> Thanks again>
>
> I am familiar with the command line probably will check out that option>
>
> I thought of taking the files out that I did not want to delete>
>
>
> Maybe I'll just check with the owner though and see if it's ok to just
> empty it
>
> BTW: The older version of Firefox installed OK but it does not work very
> well.
>
> The machine is dual booting with XP ...of all things>
> Maybe I can just dump that and install Linux
>
> Machine does not have the specs for Win10

Hi Philo 🙂

FWIW, in addition to my 27 inch Apple iMac running macOS Ventura, I have
an old 24 inch Apple iMac (2007) on which I run Linux Mint 22. It works
satisfactorily, so you might like to try that.

Most of what is on your Mac can be stored in the Apple iCloud nowadays,
so it can be retrieved at any time.

HTH

On 2024-07-29 22:22, philo wrote:
> Have to admit I am not familiar with this machine. (or any of the Intel
> Macs)
>
> I was given an iMac 8.1 running OSX 10.5.8
>
> The owner had a 10.6 upgrade DVD but when I try to run it to upgrade, I
> get a message "will not run on this version."
>
> Actually, what I really need to do is just upgrade the browser.
>
> Safari 5 connects to very few websites...I can't even connect to the
> Apple store
>
> Any idea where I can get a browser that is better than what I have>
>
> new version of Firefox will not run

Your 8.1 iMac is sufficiently ancient that I personally would not waste
time on it other than perhaps as a file server or backup browser.

My own 2012 iMac i7 is relegated to back bench duties and is the only
machine that I can run Windows (XP, 7, 10 - under Fusion) on if needed.
I would not give it away or even sell (except maybe for parts if someone
was desperate).

Try Chrome?

>
>
> Also:
>
> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>
> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>
> I did Google and found two answers
> Either hit the command or else the option key
>
> That gives no option to delete only that file

Move the 'not delete' files to a folder. Empty the trash.

Files in the trash that are not for emptying should not be in the trash.

--
"It would be a measureless disaster if Russian barbarism overlaid
the culture and independence of the ancient States of Europe."
Winston Churchill

On 2024-07-30 07:40, philo wrote:

> Maybe I'll just check with the owner though and see if it's ok to just
> empty it

If he gave it to you, you are the owner.

> BTW: The older version of Firefox installed OK but it does not work very
> well.
>
> The machine is dual booting with XP ...of all things>
> Maybe I can just dump that and install Linux

May not be too late to find a version of Fusion or Parallels that will
allow you to run Windows and Linux in VM's.

>
> Machine does not have the specs for Win10

Win 7 perhaps. And might run Win10 in a VM.

All that said, I would not invest time in a machine that old except to
relegate it to some functional duty such as a file server.

--
"It would be a measureless disaster if Russian barbarism overlaid
the culture and independence of the ancient States of Europe."
Winston Churchill

On 7/30/24 07:04, David Brooks wrote:
> On 30/07/2024 12:40, philo wrote:
>> On 7/30/24 01:49, BungleBob wrote:
>>> On 2024-07-30 03:21:26 +0000, philo said:
>>>> On 7/29/2024 10:05 PM, BungleBob wrote:
>>>>> On 2024-07-30 02:22:36 +0000, philo said:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Also:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I did Google and found two answers
>>>>>> Either hit the command or else the option key
>>>>>>
>>>>>> That gives no option to delete only that file
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks
>>>>>
>>>>> - Open the Trash (click on the Trash icon in the Dock)
>>>>> - Right-click on any file to delete and choose "Delete Immediately"
>>>>> - You can select multiple files by holding down the Command key while
>>>>>  clicking on each file, then right-click on any file to delete all the
>>>>>  selected ones.
>>>>
>>>> No such option on the context menu
>>>> I need to know how to delete just a few files that I created
>>>>
>>>> I do not want to delete any that were there previously...that is up
>>>> to the owner
>>>
>>> Maybe it was added in a newer version of Mac OS X.
>>>
>>> The easiest way would be to move the files you want to KEEP out of
>>> the Trash, empty the Trash to delete your files, then put those
>>> original files back in the Trash again.
>>>
>>> Terminal can be used to delete files via a Unix command line, but it
>>> is not something you should play around in if you don't really know
>>> what you are doing.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks again>
>>
>> I am familiar with the command line probably will check out that option>
>>
>> I thought of taking the files out that I did not want to delete>
>>
>>
>> Maybe I'll just check with the owner though and see if it's ok to just
>> empty it
>>
>> BTW: The older version of Firefox installed OK but it does not work
>> very well.
>>
>> The machine is dual booting with XP ...of all things>
>> Maybe I can just dump that and install Linux
>>
>> Machine does not have the specs for Win10
>
> Hi Philo 🙂
>
> FWIW, in addition to my 27 inch Apple iMac running macOS Ventura, I have
> an old 24 inch Apple iMac (2007) on which I run Linux Mint 22. It works
> satisfactorily, so you might like to try that.
>
> Most of what is on your Mac can be stored in the Apple iCloud nowadays,
> so it can be retrieved at any time.
>
> HTH

Thanks
My friend says she does not need anything that's on the machine, so I
think I will give Linux a try on it.

Otherwise maybe I'll keep it for experimenting and give her one of my
spare Win10 or Win11 machines

On 7/30/24 07:39, Alan Browne wrote:
> On 2024-07-30 07:40, philo wrote:
>
>> Maybe I'll just check with the owner though and see if it's ok to just
>> empty it
>
> If he gave it to you, you are the owner.
>
>> BTW: The older version of Firefox installed OK but it does not work
>> very well.
>>
>> The machine is dual booting with XP ...of all things>
>> Maybe I can just dump that and install Linux
>
> May not be too late to find a version of Fusion or Parallels that will
> allow you to run Windows and Linux in VM's.
>
>>
>> Machine does not have the specs for Win10
>
> Win 7 perhaps.  And might run Win10 in a VM.
>
> All that said, I would not invest time in a machine that old except to
> relegate it to some functional duty such as a file server.
>

OS 10.5.8 and XP are kind of useless on this dual boot machine

Will see if I can install Linux

At any rate, she said it's ok for me to experiment with.

On 7/30/24 07:34, Alan Browne wrote:
> On 2024-07-29 22:22, philo wrote:
>> Have to admit I am not familiar with this machine. (or any of the
>> Intel Macs)
>>
>> I was given an iMac 8.1 running OSX 10.5.8
>>
>> The owner had a 10.6 upgrade DVD but when I try to run it to upgrade,
>> I get a message "will not run on this version."
>>
>> Actually, what I really need to do is just upgrade the browser.
>>
>> Safari 5 connects to very few websites...I can't even connect to the
>> Apple store
>>
>> Any idea where I can get a browser that is better than what I have>
>>
>> new version of Firefox will not run
>
> Your 8.1 iMac is sufficiently ancient that I personally would not waste
> time on it other than perhaps as a file server or backup browser.
>
> My own 2012 iMac i7 is relegated to back bench duties and is the only
> machine that I can run Windows (XP, 7, 10 - under Fusion) on if needed.
> I would not give it away or even sell (except maybe for parts if someone
> was desperate).
>
> Try Chrome?
>
>>
>>
>> Also:
>>
>> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>>
>> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>>
>> I did Google and found two answers
>> Either hit the command or else the option key
>>
>> That gives no option to delete only that file
>
> Move the 'not delete' files to a folder.  Empty the trash.
>
> Files in the trash that are not for emptying should not be in the trash.
>

\

I agree,

I have some better machines in my work shop . I will give her one

Any browser I've tried for legacy machines has not been good enough

On 7/30/24 01:49, BungleBob wrote:
> On 2024-07-30 03:21:26 +0000, philo said:
>> On 7/29/2024 10:05 PM, BungleBob wrote:
>>> On 2024-07-30 02:22:36 +0000, philo said:
>>>>
>>>> Also:
>>>>
>>>> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>>>>
>>>> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>>>>
>>>> I did Google and found two answers
>>>> Either hit the command or else the option key
>>>>
>>>> That gives no option to delete only that file
>>>>
>>>> Thanks
>>>
>>> - Open the Trash (click on the Trash icon in the Dock)
>>> - Right-click on any file to delete and choose "Delete Immediately"
>>> - You can select multiple files by holding down the Command key while
>>>  clicking on each file, then right-click on any file to delete all the
>>>  selected ones.
>>
>> No such option on the context menu
>> I need to know how to delete just a few files that I created
>>
>> I do not want to delete any that were there previously...that is up to
>> the owner
>
> Maybe it was added in a newer version of Mac OS X.
>
> The easiest way would be to move the files you want to KEEP out of the
> Trash, empty the Trash to delete your files, then put those original
> files back in the Trash again.
>
> Terminal can be used to delete files via a Unix command line, but it is
> not something you should play around in if you don't really know what
> you are doing.
>
>

I did manage to delete some of the files from the command line

Of note: The trash bin on the GUI shows a few files the command line did
not see>

Anyway...it's fun to experiment with this

On 2024-07-29 19:22, philo wrote:
> Have to admit I am not familiar with this machine. (or any of the Intel
> Macs)
>
> I was given an iMac 8.1 running OSX 10.5.8
>
> The owner had a 10.6 upgrade DVD but when I try to run it to upgrade, I
> get a message "will not run on this version."
>
> Actually, what I really need to do is just upgrade the browser.
>
> Safari 5 connects to very few websites...I can't even connect to the
> Apple store
>
> Any idea where I can get a browser that is better than what I have>
>
> new version of Firefox will not run
>
>
>
> Also:
>
> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>
> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>
> I did Google and found two answers
> Either hit the command or else the option key
>
> That gives no option to delete only that file
>
> Thanks

I don't know when the option was added, but I think it's been in macOS
for quite a while.

Open the Trash, select the files you want to delete, then hold down the
Option key and in the File menu of the Finder, you should find "Delete
Immediately..."

On 7/30/24 10:53, Alan wrote:
> On 2024-07-29 19:22, philo wrote:
>> Have to admit I am not familiar with this machine. (or any of the
>> Intel Macs)
>>
>> I was given an iMac 8.1 running OSX 10.5.8
>>
>> The owner had a 10.6 upgrade DVD but when I try to run it to upgrade,
>> I get a message "will not run on this version."
>>
>> Actually, what I really need to do is just upgrade the browser.
>>
>> Safari 5 connects to very few websites...I can't even connect to the
>> Apple store
>>
>> Any idea where I can get a browser that is better than what I have>
>>
>> new version of Firefox will not run
>>
>>
>>
>> Also:
>>
>> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>>
>> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>>
>> I did Google and found two answers
>> Either hit the command or else the option key
>>
>> That gives no option to delete only that file
>>
>> Thanks
>
> I don't know when the option was added, but I think it's been in macOS
> for quite a while.
>
> Open the Trash, select the files you want to delete, then hold down the
> Option key and in the File menu of the Finder, you should find "Delete
> Immediately..."

I already tried that

I had to delete from the command line

Now a moot point as I am installing Linux on the OSX partition.

If the user wants to go on-line, they will be able to.

The machine is dual booting with XP

All their apps are on the XP section and they will be able to keep using
them.

Then boot over to Linux if they need to go on-line.

Will know in 45 minutes or so if this works.

Thanks

On 7/29/24 21:22, philo wrote:
> Have to admit I am not familiar with this machine. (or any of the Intel
> Macs)
>
> I was given an iMac 8.1 running OSX 10.5.8
>
> The owner had a 10.6 upgrade DVD but when I try to run it to upgrade, I
> get a message "will not run on this version."
>
> Actually, what I really need to do is just upgrade the browser.
>
> Safari 5 connects to very few websites...I can't even connect to the
> Apple store
>
> Any idea where I can get a browser that is better than what I have>
>
> new version of Firefox will not run
>
>
>
> Also:
>
> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>
> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>
> I did Google and found two answers
> Either hit the command or else the option key
>
> That gives no option to delete only that file
>
> Thanks

She said I could do anything I want so I tried Linux SUSE but CPU is
just too slow and the performance was poor

I looked through the box of software that she gave me and there was a
Snow leopard install CD.

Though it would not allow me to upgrade Leopard, I decided to erase the
entire drive and then perform a clean install>

I then used a 10.8 dmg to further upgrade and next installed Foxfire legacy

I'll be darned, it actually does a decent job so I think the machine
will be good enough . I seriously doubt if she's going to use it form
much more than looking at photos>

So far I installed GIMP and will probably look for some simpler software

Libre Ofice is next and her printer/scanner installed easily

It probably would not have worked with Linux anyway

and I did not like the idea of her having to dual boot with XP which is
now gone

On 2024-07-30, philo <philo@privacy.net> wrote:
>
> I thought of taking the files out that I did not want to delete>
>
> Maybe I'll just check with the owner though and see if it's ok to just
> empty it

The first thing you should do with any used computer or computing device
is wipe it and install a fresh operating system.

How do you know there isn't malware, spyware, or child porn on it?

Answer: You don't know. So you should find or make a bootable macOS
installation CD/DVD, boot on it, erase the startup drive completely, and
install a fresh OS on it before using it.

--
E-mail sent to this address may be devoured by my ravenous SPAM filter.
I often ignore posts from Google. Use a real news client instead.

JR

On 7/30/24 16:41, Jolly Roger wrote:
> On 2024-07-30, philo <philo@privacy.net> wrote:
>>
>> I thought of taking the files out that I did not want to delete>
>>
>> Maybe I'll just check with the owner though and see if it's ok to just
>> empty it
>
> The first thing you should do with any used computer or computing device
> is wipe it and install a fresh operating system.
>
> How do you know there isn't malware, spyware, or child porn on it?
>
> Answer: You don't know. So you should find or make a bootable macOS
> installation CD/DVD, boot on it, erase the startup drive completely, and
> install a fresh OS on it before using it.
>

Yep. that's what I did

Drive is now totally erased and re-loaded

On 7/30/24 15:40, philo wrote:
> On 7/29/24 21:22, philo wrote:
>> Have to admit I am not familiar with this machine. (or any of the
>> Intel Macs)
>>
>> I was given an iMac 8.1 running OSX 10.5.8
>>
>> The owner had a 10.6 upgrade DVD but when I try to run it to upgrade,
>> I get a message "will not run on this version."
>>

<snip>

Ok . machine all setup and running quite well .

The only Windows app I wanted was Irfanview so I installed Wine>

It works great.

The only problem I had was I had to specify where I wanted it installed.
First time I tried, it sort of disappeared on me as I was not paying
attention to where it was going.

On 2024-07-30 20:40:19 +0000, philo said:
> On 7/29/24 21:22, philo wrote:
>> Have to admit I am not familiar with this machine. (or any of the Intel Macs)
>>
>> I was given an iMac 8.1 running OSX 10.5.8
>>
>> The owner had a 10.6 upgrade DVD but when I try to run it to upgrade, I
>> get a message "will not run on this version."
>>
>> Actually, what I really need to do is just upgrade the browser.
>>
>> Safari 5 connects to very few websites...I can't even connect to the
>> Apple store
>>
>> Any idea where I can get a browser that is better than what I have>
>>
>> new version of Firefox will not run
>>
>>
>>
>> Also:
>>
>> I wanted to empty SOME files from the trash bin NOT all of them
>>
>> The ONLY option is to empty the bin>
>>
>> I did Google and found two answers
>> Either hit the command or else the option key
>>
>> That gives no option to delete only that file
>>
>> Thanks
>
>
> She said I could do anything I want so I tried Linux SUSE but CPU is
> just too slow and the performance was poor
>
> I looked through the box of software that she gave me and there was a
> Snow leopard install CD.
>
> Though it would not allow me to upgrade Leopard, I decided to erase the
> entire drive and then perform a clean install>
>
> I then used a 10.8 dmg to further upgrade and next installed Foxfire legacy
>
> I'll be darned, it actually does a decent job so I think the machine
> will be good enough . I seriously doubt if she's going to use it form
> much more than looking at photos>
>
> So far I installed GIMP and will probably look for some simpler software
>
> Libre Ofice is next and her printer/scanner installed easily
>
> It probably would not have worked with Linux anyway
>
> and I did not like the idea of her having to dual boot with XP which is
> now gone

That iMac will officially run Mac OS X 10.11.6, which would be better,
being three version newer.

Unofficially you could probably install Mac OS X 10.12 (maybe 10.13)
using a patcher to fool the installer into thinking it's a newer model
- sometiems it works fine, sometimes it can be a bit flakey, just
depends on the software you try to run on it and what features they
expect but are missing.

The newest install media I have is 10.8

It will be plenty good for the owner who is only going to use the
machine on a limited basis.

What I thought interesting was 10.6 was able to connect to the update
site but 10.8 cannot.