FranTer

Q: Apple Personal LaserWriter 320 and OS choice?

I got this LaserWriter 320 which I've tested and it works perfectly (better than my other printer) and I was told that the toner package was nearly new. From what I've read the easiest would be to get an AsantéTalk device or something similar, but I've also got an old PowerMac G3 Beige.

 

I tested the 320 running Mac OS9 and I expect Mac OS8 will work too.

 

I'm not used to OS 8&9 and therefore I didn't manage to connect to the network. Of course with some experience I will, but I want to know about the other options.

 

The PowerMac G3 Beige will also run OSX up to Tiger 10.4 (with a twist), but will OSX 10.4 easily access the LaserWriter 320? and what about other computers on the network?

 

The PowerMac G3 Beige could also run a Linux distribution, such as Debian. Will Linux give access to the laserWriter 320? and what about other computers on the network?

Posted on Oct 27, 2011 3:54 AM

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Q: Apple Personal LaserWriter 320 and OS choice?

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  • by Appaloosa mac man,Helpful

    Appaloosa mac man Appaloosa mac man Oct 29, 2011 6:45 AM in response to FranTer
    Level 5 (4,330 points)
    Oct 29, 2011 6:45 AM in response to FranTer

    FranTer,


    I believe in using a computer with the best OS for its day rather than trying to get a later OS to struggle through.  Ethernet is the best way to connect different generations.  With G4 computers available for $25, use OS X on a G4 and connect back to the Platinum G3 running 9.2.


    We still use the 320 and 360 Laserwriters for dedicated tasks.  Great for what they do, as long as you are not in a hurry.  The 360 was rated at ten pages per minute but that did not mean that the printer could process ten different print commands in one minute.  Newer printers like the HP 1022 will spit out a page in seconds after receiving the print command.  Nice to have the best of both worlds.


    You can send files to a print server but keep in mind, newer software may assume that the printer understands newer postscript print commands.  Word 2003 crashes after talking to our HP laser printer.  If you send a file to the G3, will the G3 pass the file on to the printer without issues?  Hard to say.  You may be trying to jump one too many generations between software and printer but it is worth a shot if you want to experiment.


    You indicated a lack of practice with OS 8 and OS 9.  For sheer simplicity, I like OS 8.1 and system install CDs can still be found.  OS 9.2 will give you the best connectivity to present machines.  If you would like to learn more about legacy networking, check out this site:


     

    Carlson-document


    and this discussion:


    https://discussions.apple.com/message/2924557#2924557


    I happen to be using a Dual 1.25 Mirror Door to post this message from a 111 year-old farm house.



    Ji~m

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  • by FranTer,

    FranTer FranTer Nov 13, 2011 1:50 PM in response to Appaloosa mac man
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Nov 13, 2011 1:50 PM in response to Appaloosa mac man

    Thank you, it seems that my mistake was to put everything on automatic. I used to configure the IP-adress manually but then suddenly there was always one of the computers that would suddenly get a totally different IP-adress. Hope it stays OK for a longer time this time.