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How do I format a hard drive so my studio computer (system 3.5) and my laptop (system 5. can both read it? I'm planning on updating the studio computer whenever a new mac pro comes out and I'd like to be able to transfer projects easily.

Thanks
Bill

billfiler wrote:studio computer (system 3.5) and my laptop (system 5.

Do you mean OS 10.3.5 and 10.5.8?

yes,
The drives I have that work on my mac book pro OS 10.5.8 aren't recognized on my studio computer.

You really need to loose that 10.3 OS X. What was that, Panther? I know some older machines can't run Tiger or Leopard, let alone SL, but you really can't expect such an old OS to be compatible with the newer ones. Drive formats and directory routines change and are improved. You said you're planning to update soon? That won't be an issue, but there probably isn't an easy work around to transfer except maybe a thumb drive.

Yeah, that 10.3.5 machine should really go to 10.4.11.

A drive formatted for use in 10.3.5 can be read by any higher OS. This does not mean that all the files will be accessible, however. As you know, the reverse isn't always true. 10.4.11 is much better as Apple released it after 10.5 and it includes features that make it more compatible with later systems (10.5.8 likewise for PPCs that can never run 10.6)..

You don't say what machine you have running 10.3.x but, outside of the Beige G3, 1st generation iMac and a couple of laptops, any Mac that runs 10.3 can run 10.4.11. You really need to do this. There are many G4s that can run 10.5 even though, officially, they aren't fast enough (G4s under 867mHz for example).

If you have one of those few Macs incapable of running 10.4, time to his CraigsList and find one that will run 10.5 - even if it's a Mac Mini G4.

Another key is what format the older machine has.

The old machine is a dual processor G5. It is fully capable of running 10.4.x but the problem is that I have been lucky enough to be busy in the studio and I don't want to update and then find that something isn't working right. My current system is insanely stable. I run 20 to 50 24 bit audio tracks recording, mixing, etc. 6 to 10 hours a day almost every day and it crashes maybe once every 3 months and always starts right back up.

My current plan is to upgrade when a new mac pro becomes available but keep the current system as a backup since it is so stable. Also I can take my time getting the new system stable and update all my software. I hate to update and then be in a panic because I have the studio booked and something is not working correctly.

Thanks
Bill