I'll try to help.

[mikedougherty@home.com (W. Michael Dougherty)]

Hi,

It's too bad there aren't more bi-lingual (with respect to computers)
folks on this board.  If you look on any of the mac boards you'll find
that they are not a well used as this one.

At any rate, you don't say what your mac model is.  If it runs on a
68040 processer (or any 68xxx series) you can't run any OS higher than
OS8.1.  If it is a PowerMAC, with a power PC chip you might be able to
run OS9, but check at the Apple corporate site to find out for sure.

Now for your question of how to get OS8.5 (or 8.6 would probably suit
your needs) try eBay under Computers-Apple Software-Operating Systems.
Not only will you find whatever system you want for auction but also
(by clicking on the item) some actual outlets to purchase outright
rather than bidding.

Hope this was helpful.

Mike
Mike Dougherty
e-mail: mikedougherty@home.com