Member Avatar for Jane678

I dont know anything about computers.
I am trying to locate a download for a program which will
(a) speed up my iMac OS9, and/or suppress spyware which might be slowing my broadband speed.
I would be grateful for any suggestions.
Everything I look up is for PC, and/or is only available in USA.
Jane678

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by freeantispyware

Dani AI

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A brief, practical summary for and later posters: Mac OS 9 is a legacy, unsupported operating system (final update 9.2.2 in 2001). Modern “spyware” campaigns have focused on newer platforms, so an OS9 machine is unlikely to be the target of current spyware — it’s more common that broadband slowness is caused by the network, router/modem, or local disk/extension problems. (en.wikipedia.org)

A short diagnostic checklist (fastest way to isolate the problem):

  • Confirm whether the slow broadband is seen from another device (phone or another computer). Use a simple speed test (Fast.com or similar) to compare results. (fast.com)
  • If the whole household is slow, troubleshoot the modem/router and contact the ISP. If only the OS9 iMac is slow, boot with Extensions disabled (hold Shift at startup or use Extensions Manager) and test again; that isolates extension/control‑panel conflicts. Rebuilding the Classic desktop can also help with odd Finder behaviour. (flylib.com)
  • If filesystem or directory problems are suspected (odd slowdowns, corrupted icons, apps crashing), run a directory-repair utility appropriate for Classic Mac OS — DiskWarrior historically supports Mac OS 9-era drives and is the standard tool for directory problems. (alsoft.com)

On spyware/antivirus and next steps:

  • Classic-era antivirus packages (for example, Norton had Mac OS 8/9 editions) existed, but most modern anti‑spyware vendors no longer maintain OS9 builds or up‑to‑date signature feeds; a current, supported device is the safer place to browse and to run modern scanners. (macworld.com)
  • For older PowerPC iMacs that must stay useful, consider repurposing with a supported OS when hardware allows (booting to Mac OS X on capable machines) or, for experienced users, a PowerPC Linux distro such as Yellow Dog was historically used to extend life on that hardware — both options reduce risk from obsolete software. (en.wikipedia.org)

Actionable short list to follow now: run Fast.com from another device; if only the iMac is slow, boot with Extensions disabled and try rebuilding the desktop; if filesystem issues appear, run DiskWarrior (or similar) from media; if browsing security is needed, use a modern, supported machine. These steps follow the same themes raised by and but give concrete, safe next actions for an OS9-era iMac.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for JJ___

I would try looking up stuff for Mac OS9 only as a start.

I looked on google, and this is the first thing that came up for mac.

http://www.pure-mac.com/virus.html

Member Avatar for yellow

I don't know of any spyware for Mac OS 9.

I'd be REALLY shocked if there was any, as OS 9 has been not been installed as the Main OS on a Mac for almost 5 years.

I'd look elsewhere as the source of your broadband speed troubles. Plus, the specs on your Mac might help us determine the problem. Are you using Virtual Memory? If so, turn it off. Is your hard drive full? If so, that will severely impact the speed of the Mac.

It should be noted that OS 9 wasn't blazingly fast back in it's day..

Member Avatar for kc0arf

Hello,

Mac OS 9 has a lot faster look and feel on my 333 than OS X does. I have a feeling when I upgrade to a new laptop, that the old one will return to OS 9, or I will install YellowDog Linux on it.

OS 9 had faster video drivers than OS X did for my Lombard. Quicktime movies, and Diablo II proved that one out.

OS 9 did not have a lot of open services and that on it. I am doubting you will find anti-spyware software for it. You can still find anti-virus software for it, but I am not certain if Norton or McAfee are keeping the definitions viable for the platform.

I do remember that I was able to speed up my internet experience under OS 9 by making a 10 MB RAM disk, and placing all the temporary internet files onto the RAM drive.

Christian

Member Avatar for freeantispyware

Did you find any free anti spyware for Mac OS 9?

I dont know anything about computers.
I am trying to locate a download for a program which will
(a) speed up my iMac OS9, and/or suppress spyware which might be slowing my broadband speed.
I would be grateful for any suggestions.
Everything I look up is for PC, and/or is only available in USA.
Jane678

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