Q: Getting on the internet without ethernet or internal modem?

The computer does not have a modem.  You can purchase an external modem such as a Zoom that runs off a serial port which the computer does have.  However, getting the necessary TCP/IP software, script, etc. to use it on the internet might prove quite difficult.  Apple did not provide such software, but there were third-party utilities.  Now, if you were to install OS 9.1 then the required utilities will be included, if I remember correctly.

*IF* you can even find an external modem with a serial port connector (that's what it would need) and you could install the max RAM (64MB) and you could find OS 9.1, you could probably get online. Just don;t count on any help from an ISP setting up this modem.  *IF* you can accopmlish that, you'd  still be fighting an obsolete Mac running an obsolete OS running obsolete web browsers. They would choke on a lot of web sites that are designed for modern browsers - and let's not forget that most web sites are designed for high speed connections, not dial-up. Email would probably be fine, as POP and SMTP haven't really changed.

I think it could be done, but it would take a lot of time and effort, and I don't think the outcome would be pleasing in the best case.

Kristy,

A customer came into the store in 1999, yes, before Y2K, and they were sending email to Germany on a Mac SE or Plus.  I meant to copy the configuration.  It was crazy but worked.  A Power PC will get on the web with OS 8.1 but as others have said, it will not be a satisfying experience. 

Years ago, we were using a G3 and could not set up a Google gmail account because the hardware was too dated.  Our son set up the account on his G5.  Once the account was established, we could access the classic page for gmail.

Our first internet machine was an 030 Mac IIsi with 17 meg of RAM.  Those days are gone.  If your friend was just wanting to visit a bulletin board for messages, non-graphical (no pictures) mail options are available.

As for price and economy, you can buy a very capable G4 that works just fine on the internet for less than we pay per month for the internet.  The cost is not in the equipment.  The cost is in the monthly ISP bill.

Post back with the name of a large city near you and maybe we can find a recycler or user group.  In Spokane, WA, USA, computer recyclers are throwing away G4 towers.  Location, location, location.

Jim~

The 5320's motherboard matched that used in the (desktop) Performa 6320 and has Apple's "COMM I" slot, which was designed to accommodate their ethernet card or modem card.  If the computer was purchased from a school, it would likely have an ethernet card in the slot.  Otherwise, the internal modem card (if so equipped) would have been a Global Village 14.4 (possibly the 28.8) - which was really intended for the fax capabilities it provided the computer.  I think Apple started including the "Internet Connection Kit" software CD with OS 7.6/7.6.1, and the computers that shipped with that OS version had a 28.8 modem.  If you look at the rear of your 5320, you'll notice a modem port (next to the printer port), which is typically covered by a small plastic disk when an internal modem card is installed.  I used a couple of very good external modems - the US Robotics 56K/x2 and the Global Village 56K v.90 - with more capable Macs than the 53xx/63xx models.  Having a decent external modem on hand is the tip of the iceberg.  Even if you connected to the internet years ago, it was the internet at that time.  As has already been stated, so much has changed since then.  The roadblocks to decent web usage for a 5320:  An incredibly slow 120 MHz 603e processor, the very limited 1 MB of DRAM for display support on the built-in screen, and a lack of really good pre-OS X browsers.  A slightly newer Power Mac, like the 1998-vintage beige G3 series, would be a much better choice.  The last one I bought at a thrift store about 4 years ago only cost $20.

Kristy,

I will give it a shot.  University surplus sales are also a nice place to watch.  Washington State University music department got rid of their G4 towers for $30.  I did not need the computers.  I wanted the custom rack mount adapters.  They were worth the money.  Then gave the computers away.  Look at my profile and find my email.  That is a good way to remind me.

Jim~