iMac G3 Operating System

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Level 1

5 points

iMac G3 Operating System

Hi, I'm not sure where to post this, but, here seemed like a good idea.

I just bought an iMac G3 at a grage sale, and it works, except that it needs the operating system reinstalled. I'm trying to see if the owner still has the neccessary CDs, but it seems worth it to purchase the latest. Will this work? I only ask because this is my first apple computer. THanks in advance.

Posted on Oct 8, 2005 3:09 PM

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Answer 1

scapesuiter

Level 7

27,670 points

Oct 8, 2005 3:30 PM in response to Ian Garrett

Ian, welcome to the world of Mac! It would be necessary to determine if the iMac is a slot-loading model or a tray-loading one (the CD or DV Rom drive). If a tray-loading model you could install Mac OS X (10.3.x) and if a slot-loading model you could install Mac OS X (10.4.x) but if the slot-loader does not have a DV ROM drive you would have to exchange the Tiger (Mac OS X 10.4) Install DVD for the CD set via the Media Exchange Program. For Tiger you also need a model with FireWire ports, 256 MB RAM minimum, 3 GB free hard drive space. The requirements for Panther are here.

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Answer 2

Ian Garrett Author

Level 1

5 points

Oct 8, 2005 3:42 PM in response to scapesuiter

Yeah, it's a slot. I think I'll just upgrade it to the latest OS.

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Answer 3

Oct 8, 2005 6:02 PM in response to Ian Garrett

Ian,

I second Spacesuiters welcome to Macs but wanted to add.....

4.1.9 Firmware Update

You will need to update the firmware before installing OSX if it has not already been updated if the machine is running OS9.

Hope that helps,

littleshoulders [:-)

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Answer 4

Ian Garrett Author

Level 1

5 points

Oct 9, 2005 8:30 AM in response to Ian Garrett

Well, I'm not sure if I can update anything, because when I turn it on, I get a grey screen with a folder flashing with a question mark and a little face. And I don't think the previous owner can find anything that might have come with it when she bought it.

And this is gonna be a stupid question, but, is it possible to change out the processor? I was hoping to but at least a G4 in, since I bought it for music production.

Thanks

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Answer 5

Oct 9, 2005 10:00 AM in response to Ian Garrett

Ian,

Does this seller know what OS (X or OS 9 etc.) was being used on the computer when she resold it to you?

littleshoulders [:-)

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Answer 6

Oct 9, 2005 10:30 AM in response to Ian Garrett

Hi Ian, Here is a general link that you may find helpful: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58669 The OS listings are, I believe, outdated.

I have a imac g3 DV (400 Mhz) that can run the latest Tiger with no problems (a little slow but faster than I would have thought). What color is the iMac? Compare with the chart in above link. That will go a long way to identifing the model of slot-loading iMac.

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Answer 7

Ian Garrett Author

Level 1

5 points

Oct 9, 2005 3:28 PM in response to Ian Garrett

I entered the serial number and it gave me this:

iMac (Summer 2001)

But I'm still clueless as to what color it is.

<" alt="Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us" />

Here's a pic of it, the top link. I'm beginning to think that this only has a CD-RW, or something to that effect. I really, really want to put Tiger on this.

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Answer 8

Oct 9, 2005 3:57 PM in response to Ian Garrett

First, looks like you have a Graphite iMac. Second, since the iMac starts up and looks for an OS, the basic hardware is working. Now, it just needs that OS! Tiger is a possibility. See this page for compatibility: http://www.apple.com/macosx/upgrade/requirements.html You should have no problem running Tiger on this iMac if it has enough RAM, but you may need to order a CD (not DVD) if the mac is in deed of the CD-RW variety. You will need to purchase the Tiger DVD and send to Apple a printed copy of the "Tiger Media Exchange" form http://images.apple.com/macosx/pdf/tigermediaexchangev3.pdf along with the DVD. They will send you a CD version. If you live near an Apple store, you should ask the folks there what your options are and they may be able to tell you if the mac has a DVD drive. Regardless, if you purchase Tiger, try the DVD and if it is recognized by the iMac, you are good to go! If not recognized, then exchange for CD.

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Answer 9

Oct 9, 2005 4:08 PM in response to Ian Garrett

Ian,

If it is telling you iMac (Summer 2001) it looks as though it could be a CD-RW or a CD-ROM machine.

The color looks like my indigo machine from your photo.

Graphite

Indigo

Keep in mind that the indigo machines do not look that vibrant of blue (bad photo).

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Answer 10

Oct 9, 2005 4:15 PM in response to littleshoulders

If Summer 2001, it should be either a Snow, Graphite, or Indigo. I got to say that I think it looks more Graphite than Indigo (definitely not Snow). Too bad Tutti Fruiti isn't a choice--that would make things much easier.

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Answer 11

Ron JACKLE

Level 7

33,451 points

Oct 9, 2005 6:17 PM in response to Ian Garrett

Ian Garrett...

I would hate to see the thing messed up because of firmware issues. It also affects what Mac OS will be needed at first to install the Firmware Update should it be necessary.

The best way is to check that is to boot the computer up into Open Firmware by the instructions below. Once it displays we need the Open Firmware version and the date. Just post back the info for further assistance. ...Ron

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=30575

BTW... Command is the key with the Apple/fanlike icon on it.

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Answer 12

Oct 9, 2005 7:43 PM in response to Ron JACKLE

Sorry for next question, but it may be relevant to topic: If you acquire an older (G3) iMac and it has no hard drive at all, you must connect it to a hard drive (can't be a CD) to get the firmware updated? You can, ofcourse, start up in Open Firmware mode without a HD to check what firmware version is on the machine. Last, it seems strange to me that Apple does not note this on the OSX upgrade page http://www.apple.com/macosx/upgrade/requirements.html. Just a warning to check if firmware is up-to-date. Seems like this is as important as hardware compatibility, that is if you have a questionable or non-functioning HD.

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Answer 13

Liz Ross

Level 4

2,585 points

Oct 9, 2005 8:58 PM in response to Ian Garrett

Ian,
Looks like my iMac600 and you are right it has a CD/RW no DVD. Should run well in OSX with lots of RAM and the all important firmware update. I had to update mine shortly after I got it. Apple will send you CD's instead of DVD if you request it.
Liz

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Answer 14

Oct 10, 2005 5:37 PM in response to Ian Garrett

Here is a link to some good general info on upgrading a 2001 iMac: http://db.tidbits.com/getbits.acgi?tbart=07978. Note that this was published in Feb 2005 and refers to a Panther upgrade, but should still be relevant if you want to go for Tiger. Note also that the article cautions you regarding the firmware update: http://db.tidbits.com/getbits.acgi?tbart=06973. Hope this is helpful.

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