going online: summer 2000 Graphite iMac

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going online: summer 2000 Graphite iMac

My summer 2000 issue Graphite iMac on OS9.2 is NOT my main functioning computer. However, I would like to bring it online. I'm thinking I have two options:

1) install an airport card if I can find one? (this iMac, or rather this OS9.2, has the old Airport icons in the system but I remember that I didn't have the Airport card in this computer when it was my main machine)

or

I'm thinking this is more feasible????:

2) Set up an airport extreme or some such wireless modem to pick up my current wireless network and then etherwire connect frorm airport unit to computer?

Am I thinking correctly here? (I'm kind of out of touch with this old iMac so I'm looking for a confirmation that I can do this and want answers before I finish renovating my attic where it's going to go.)

Posted on Feb 9, 2013 10:45 AM

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Answer 1

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Klaus1

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Feb 9, 2013 11:09 AM in response to James Thomson

You either need a router via ethernet, or for wi-fi a USB dongle.

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Answer 2

James Thomson Author

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Feb 9, 2013 1:28 PM in response to Klaus1

Thanks Klaus:

Could you just respond to two quick question/statements regarding both options:

a) ...and a "router via ethernet" could be connected to an apple airport plugged in near the iMac that would pick up my current wireless network?

and

b) USB dongle sounds very interesting. Never heard of this. With a dongle connected usb to the iMac I could directly pick up the current wireless network in my house? That sounds the easiest and cheapest.

Do both a) and b) sound like correct responses to your suggestions?

Thanks,
James

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Answer 3

James Thomson Author

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Feb 9, 2013 1:32 PM in response to James Thomson

Something like this is all I would need?!

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Answer 4

Klaus1

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Feb 9, 2013 2:34 PM in response to James Thomson

Exactly so!

Just make sure that the vendors state that it is Mac compatible.

As regards (a) I think it should be other way round.

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Answer 5

Feb 9, 2013 2:39 PM in response to James Thomson

If you already have the Airport Express or Extreme, connecting it by ethernet is certainly possible. You may need to configure it via your main Mac if it's a recent version of AE as the Setup utility for those versions need 10.5.8 or later.

Set it to "join existing network"

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Answer 6

James Thomson Author

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Feb 9, 2013 3:21 PM in response to noondaywitch

Thanks noondaywitch:

Yes, the thing is though, that my Airport Extreme is on a different floor in the house than will be the old iMac so I'd probaby need another wireless pick up installed near the old iMac from which then to hard connect with ethernet wire.

(Doesn't that make sense Klaus? I'm not sure what you meant by "the other way around" for a). Maybe my wording is not clear, hopefully that instead of my thinking!).

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Answer 7

James Thomson Author

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Feb 9, 2013 3:22 PM in response to Klaus1

I'm hoping to just go with the dongle. It looks great. Thanks.

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Answer 8

James Thomson Author

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Feb 9, 2013 9:39 PM in response to Klaus1

Hi Klaus:

Would I still need to get an airport card installed in this old iMac, or would just getting a compatible USB wireless dong do the trick?

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Answer 9

Klaus1

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Feb 10, 2013 12:54 AM in response to James Thomson

Nope, the dongle is sufficient!

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Answer 10

Allan Jones

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Feb 10, 2013 7:29 AM in response to James Thomson

Just remember that the majority of dongles on the market DO NOT have drivers available for the Mac. Research first.

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Answer 11

Klaus1

Level 9

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Feb 10, 2013 8:02 AM in response to James Thomson

This one works!

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/MXP3802NU2C/

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Answer 12

Allan Jones

Level 9

68,594 points

Feb 10, 2013 8:14 AM in response to Klaus1

Hey Klaus, That used to be a good option--I also recommended it a lot--but last last year OWC changed the specs making it no longer appropriate to G3 iMacs:

Some of the other dongles now on the OWC site do not mention Mac support.

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Answer 13

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Feb 10, 2013 8:21 AM in response to James Thomson

As Alan indicates, finding accessories for long obsolete Macs can be tricky.

It would be worth while contacting OWC for advice and/or supply. They are extremely helpful.

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Answer 14

James Thomson Author

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Feb 10, 2013 4:04 PM in response to Klaus1

That's funny. I read those very system requirements and my mind said "perfect!'" but I was thinking about my up to date iMac, not the ancient one that I'm trying to "dongle." Yes, I'll be careful to make sure it's mac compatible and G3, old mac compatible. I'll call OWC. Thanks guys.

James

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Answer 15

James Thomson Author

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110 points

Feb 10, 2013 4:42 PM in response to James Thomson

Hey Klaus and friends:

I haven't called OWC yet, but just found on OWC only 30 bucks for G3 airport cards for the iMac. Also found old mac installation instructions which do not look difficult. Would this airport card "be" my dongle? Would the mac then pick up the network in the house with no further hardward issues?

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