Q: Questions about Power Macintosh G3 (need a helping hand, please)

The missing word is probably Open Host Controller Interface (OHCI) .

Your Blue & White G3 should provide support for devices that seem to meet the OHCI specification. It also has a round ADB port at the top of the i/O panel which will support an ADB keyboard (used on previous Macs) if you prefer.

If it won't let you proceed, unplug the keyboard and just use the mouse. Once the software is up and running and connected to the Internet, you may be able to download a driver for your keyboard.

A CD ROM will not go in a Spare drive bay, because they are either too small (the Zip drive slot) or not accessible AND too small (the slots on the bottom shelf. If you want to REPLACE your current CD drive with a better one, the blue faceplate covering the CD and Zip/Blank panel below is removed by pushing inward on the tabs inside the side door, then hinging to the left and removing. This exposes the screws that secure the CD drive in the chassis.

riversofmilk,

"I'm trying to install Mac OS 8.6"

Is there some specific reason you are wanting 8.6 instead of 9.2? OS 9 gives better USB support which will solve multiple problems for you.

"I got this error message: The software needed to use USB device / compliant keyboard cannot be found . Please refer to the device documentation to install the necessary software"

"is it possible to install this without mac keyboard? I tried to install through USB keyboard Logitech. Does it have to be a mac keyboard obligatory?"

Short answer, no. The more features your keyboard has, the less likely the early OS options are going to recognize your hardware. The keyboard does not have to be a Mac keyboard. It does need to be a simplistic keyboard. Side note: We bought a $10 generic USB keyboard for our Mini. It only took a week for us to decide that the convenience of an apple keyboard was worth the extra $15.

As for using the spare bay, unless you are handy with a hack saw, why not use the convenience of USB and have external devices that can move from computer to computer, old machines to new machines?

For hobby projects, you can get most any combination of things to work. That is the educational side. For productivity, find replacement hardware. When G4s can be found for $35, tricking out ANY B&W G3 is of educational value only. If you want to find cheap G4s, email me. It is not my livelihood, just a passion for recycling and minimizing waste. Using PC parts may be cheaper for millions but the experience is less than satisfying. Just my Mac bias surfacing again. C:heers.

Jim

I don't see where can I install

Mac OS X Leopard DVDs are Installer-only DVDs. Mac OS 8.6 CDs are combination System/Install CDs. When you boot from the 8.6 CD, System 8.6 is loaded and running from the CD, and your Hard drive is available to be Initialized or Installed upon..

When you boot from the CD, the Installer is not running (until you double click on the "Install Mac OS" or similar-named Icon). The Mac OS 8.6 Installer is an Application that runs under the System 8.6 on the CD. When you launch the Installer, it will Open (without Restarting).

In most cases, only a mouse is required to do most operations, including Install.