Firefox no longer works with Mac OS X 10.4 or PowerPC processors

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  • Revision id: 23275
  • Created:
  • Creator: Michael Verdi
  • Comment: 1st draft
  • Reviewed: Yes
  • Reviewed:
  • Reviewed by: Verdi
  • Is approved? Yes
  • Is current revision? No
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New versions of Firefox do not work with Mac OS X 10.4 or PowerPC processors. This article covers your upgrade options.

Note: The article only applies to Mac OS X.

Intel Processors

If you have an Intel processor and Mac OS X 10.4, your best option (secure and easy) is to upgrade Mac OS X. There is some cost involved with that so we've included some other options:

  • Option 1 (recommended): You should upgrade to the latest Mac OS X (10.7). This is the most secure option and will allow you to run the latest and greatest Firefox. Learn more at Apple's website.
  • Option 2 (not recommended): You can continue using Firefox 3.6 on Mac OS X 10.4 (it will not stop working).
    Warning: You will be using unsupported software on an unsupported operating system which poses a significant security risk.
  • Option 3: If you don't want to pay for an upgrade but want to keep your computer and information secure, you can replace Mac OS X with Linux. Linux is a free and open source operating system that will allow you to run the latest Firefox.
    Warning: This option is only for advanced computer users. Replacing Mac OS X with Linux will require you to erase your hard drive. Also, applications that you purchased for Mac OS X will not work on Linux.

PowerPC Processors

If you have a PowerPC processor you won't be able to upgrade MacOS X. For most people the best option will be to switch to a newer computer. There is some cost involved with that so we've included some other options:

  • Option 1 (recommended): Switch to a Mac with an Intel processor. Although this can involve significant cost, a newer Mac will provide a much better experience and allow you to keep Firefox and Mac OS X updated and secure.
  • Option 2 (not recommended): You can download an alternate version of the latest Firefox designed only for PowerPC from the TenFourFox home page.
    Note: TenFourFox is not affiliated with nor supported by Mozilla in any way, and is not an official build.
    Warning: You will be using unsupported software on an unsupported operating system which poses a significant security risk.
  • Option 3 (not recommended): You can continue using Firefox 3.6 on Mac OS X 10.4 (it will not stop working).
    Warning: You will be using unsupported software on an unsupported operating system which poses a significant security risk.
  • Option 4: Since you can't upgrade Mac OS X, you can replace it with Linux to keep your computer and information secure. Linux is a free and open source operating system that will allow you to run the latest Firefox.
    Warning: This option is only for advanced computer users. Replacing Mac OS X with Linux will require you to erase your hard drive. Also, applications that you purchased for Mac OS X will not work on Linux.