[X-Newbies] Multiple versions of OS X

[Vincent Cayenne]

At 12:27 PM -0400 10/15/04, Raoul Armfield wrote:
>Is it possible to have OS 9, Jaguar and Panther to all exist on the same
>machine?

Yes.

[Assuming a new or already-backed-up OS 9-bootable target machine for 
the following rough guide...]
For the purpose you describe, you might want to maintain separate 
bootable partitions for each as well as perhaps even another for your 
own normal usage. So you'd boot from the Panther installer CD/DVD, 
use Disk Utility to partition the drive into four partitions 
(choosing the "Install OS 9 disk drivers" option), and install 
Panther onto the first partition for your own use. After bringing it 
up to date (OS updates, Security Updates, etc.), install your 
3rd-party applications, copy/import/migrate data and all else to 
bring things to your desired working configuration. Then boot from 
the Panther CD or DVD once more and do a clean install of Panther 
onto the second partition. Then boot from the Jaguar CD and do a 
clean install of Jaguar onto the third and, finally, install OS 9 
onto the final partition. Bring each of the three "test" environments 
to the desired stable setup - OS version & updates, 3rd party 
applications and utilities, connectivity, multiple user accounts, 
etc. Then back it all up.

On boot or restarting, holding down the option key should present you 
with the opportunity to choose any of the environments.
-- 
'tis as said. [Reality is defined by being described]