Unable to update Safari on my old iMac with error "Safari can't open the page, because Safari can't establish a secure connection with the server."

Thanks again, John. I understand the iMac 7,1 is a relic and really not worth restoring for future use. I enjoy the challenge of bringing old computers back to life, and am finding I need to know more about the Apple products than I do, so your advice is appreciated. When I get the El Capitan install disk, I hope to be able to restore the iMac and update Safari as the native browser.

Thanks again, John. I understand the iMac 7,1 is a relic and really not worth restoring for future use. I enjoy the challenge of bringing old computers back to life, and am finding I need to know more about the Apple products than I do, so your advice is appreciated. When I get the El Capitan install disk, I hope to be able to restore the iMac and update Safari as the native browser.

Thanks, John. I have a Ebay order for a bootable flash drive for OS X 10.11 El Capitan Operating System. I'm hoping it resolves my inability to access the internet with Safari. If not, I will pursue one of the FireFox alternatives. Thanks.

John, I've tried these links before, and they didn't work. I tried again using yours, and copying the link into Firefox browser, and it worked! I downloaded the El Capitan .dmg file. It's not clear how I create a bootable drive from that to update the Mountain Lion version. I did try the steps suggested, and the bootable USB drive does not show when I start up with the Option key pressed. Any help appreciated.

Thanks. I didn't know about the bootable USB restriction with Mountain Lion. I downloaded the El Capitan .dmg file using a Windows computer. Can I put it on a USB drive and copy it to the iMac? Or must the .dmg file be downloaded on another Mac?

Thank you, John. I am blessed that you would take the time and effort to help me through this challenge, that my son (who is a Windows networking expert) would say "why are you doing this?" For me, it's the challenge of making something work that should, or at the very least, bring it up to the best it can do, and understand why. So...thank you, and yes, I would very much like to proceed. I'd be happy to ship you a Windows laptop (old, but restored better than new) if you are interested....my gift to you for caring.

For now, I will look into installing Snow Leopard, and look for the software update. It would give me great satisfaction to restore this iMac 7,1 to be a usable computer again. Again, thanks!

Progress! John, thanks to you, I have made some significant progress with the old iMac 7,1. I found a legitimate Apple DVD for OSX 10.6.3, installed it, and used Software Update to get it to 10.6.8. I then applied the Software Updater fix you mentioned. All seems to be OK, but Safari still will not open websites, with same error. Next, I will try installing El Capitan again, but not sure I have a legitimate copy...it's a bootable USB I purchased on Ebay. Will let you know how it goes...if it goes. Thanks again for all your help...I'm almost there.

Thanks, John. Do I understand you to say that even with El Capitan, I cannot use Safari as the browser? Just want to make sure I understand. I do have El Capitan 10.11.6 now installed (using the USB drive I bought on Ebay) and running updates. It appears to be running A-OK, albeit slow. (I had to add 1Gb memory to get it to install). I have also downloaded El Capitan from the website you advised. Should I try installing it over the one already installed?

Got it! Thank you so much. Safari is now working after the software updates that came after El Capitan was installed. Perhaps I'll download a version of Firefox as well. I think I will max the memory and if that takes care of the performance, I may abandon replacing the HD with a SSD.

John, I can't say enough how much I appreciate your help through this adventure bringing life back to an old iMac 7,1. I now have it upgraded to El Capitan 10.11.6 and Safari 9.1.2 is working A-OK. In addition, I replaced the HD with a SSD and it now runs better than when it was brand new, I expect. I'll close this exchange with a big THANK YOU. I learned a lot about Apple with your help.

Blessings.

Ron

Thank you again, John. I'm a Windows diehard, and took on the Apple iMac challenge to learn more about Mac. I learned a lot, and will be donating the iMac 7,1 to a local 501c3 Technical School (along with a restored Dell All-In-One) to use in their computer classes. The Dell (Inspiron 23 5348) is about 11 years old and it, like the iMac, performs better today than it did when new, with the Solid State Drives.

Thank you John and Neil....your replies appreciated. I will try updating the OS to El Capitan per your advice.

Thanks. I will search for a legitimate Apple DVD for Snow Leopard.