Sweet Willi

Q: Power Mac G5 - how to make wireless?

My baby has been in cold storage (closet) for 2 years and I'm bringing her back out..!!!   Since my G5 has no internal airport card I am unable to access internet unless I hard wire/direct. How can I connectg to my home wireless?

 

I also want to add more memory, upgrade my OS. But I'm thinking getting hooked up to internet is my first step, but how?  If I purchase an Airport, does that take care of my internet issue or do I need to do something else first.

 

I don't want to crawl around from the bsmt to main floor putting cable wiring in rooms. I am reading all the notes and discussions here and getting myself confused.  What comes first, the upgrade or the wireless??

Power Mac G5, Mac OS X (10.4.11), 512memory, dual processor 1.8, 2cpu

Posted on Feb 22, 2014 8:40 AM

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Q: Power Mac G5 - how to make wireless?

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  • by Ralph Landry1,

    Ralph Landry1 Feb 22, 2014 8:43 AM in response to Sweet Willi
    Level 8 (41,782 points)
    Feb 22, 2014 8:43 AM in response to Sweet Willi

    An AirPort Extreme card installed will give you wireless access as long as you also have a wireless router.

     

    For memory upgrade, see sources like OWC, http://www.macsales.com where they are Mac specialists and have great support.

  • by Sweet Willi,

    Sweet Willi Sweet Willi Feb 22, 2014 8:52 AM in response to Ralph Landry1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 22, 2014 8:52 AM in response to Ralph Landry1

    I was trying to avoid showing my ignorance, but HERE goes!!!

     

    so, installing the AirPort Extreme card is the key to wireless, not purchasing the Airport Extreme?  and since I have wireless in my home already the installed card will be the light switch?

  • by Ralph Landry1,Solvedanswer

    Ralph Landry1 Feb 22, 2014 8:58 AM in response to Sweet Willi
    Level 8 (41,782 points)
    Feb 22, 2014 8:58 AM in response to Sweet Willi

    Yes, the AirPort Extreme is a wireless router so that is not needed if you already have wireless installed.  All you need is the interface for the Mac...the AirPort card that gets installed inside the body of the computer.  If memory serves me correctly, the G5 Power Mac has a connector inside that you simply plug into the AirPort card and then the antenna for the wireless is already builtin to the Power Mac.  Check your owner's manual or user guide as they should show you how to connect the card.

  • by Jeff,

    Jeff Jeff Feb 22, 2014 10:32 AM in response to Sweet Willi
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    Feb 22, 2014 10:32 AM in response to Sweet Willi

    "I also want to add more memory, upgrade my OS. But I'm thinking getting hooked up to internet is my first step, but how?  If I purchase an Airport, does that take care of my internet issue or do I need to do something else first."

     

    Given that 10 years have passed since your G5 was manufactured, I wouldn't buy a 2004-vintage AirPort Extreme 802.11/g card.  Instead, I'd recommend something newer/faster with warranty — and probably less expensive than a used AirPort card.  Check out this nano-sized USB wireless 802.11/b/g/n adapter for $12.99 at Other World Computing.  It plugs into an available USB port, which makes installation as simple as it gets.  According to the product description:  "(it) can increase your wireless coverage up to 3 times as much and greatly help reduce 'dead spots' compared to your 802.11g adapter. Data transmission rates can now reach up to 150Mbps when connected to a 802.11n network, with signal travel further and a lot more stable connection as compared to previous generation 802.11g networks."  As with any manufacturer's product hype, all of this depends on having optimal conditions where used.  There are a number of Mac-compatible products from which to choose, so you can do a web search.  As for the OS upgrade, you're limited to Leopard, which won't provide support for the OS 9.2.2 Classic environment, if needed anymore.  Memory isn't expensive, so you can compare prices at OWC with Data Memory Systems.  If the G5 has sat in storage for two years, I'd replace the internal 3.6-volt, ½AA lithium battery on the motherboard, which is probably very weak or dead by now.  An incorrect date/time setting every time the G5 is unplugged will indicate the need for a new battery, which can eliminate future problems.  Keep in mind that even when upgraded, your G5 will still have inherent hardware limitations that can affect its overall performance.