I've got an original tray loading bondi blue iMac G3. It's got Mac OS 8.6 on it. The only disks I have for it are System Restore 8.6 and OS Install 8.6 disks. How would I update this iMac to Mac OS X 10.2 (from what I've heard thats the stablist that runs on it), and how would I aquire/burn any disks I would need? And how would I go about installing it?
iMac, Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier, Bondi Blue, Tray Loading iMac G3
The highest version of OSX a tray-loading G3 iMac can run is 10.3 Panther. It us MUCH more stable than OS 10.2 so I recommending that you consider it instead.
Proper full installation disks are getting hard to find and are expensive, sometimes more than the value of a used G3 iMac. When I looked, there are a number of sites offering a pirated version for download. DO NOT fall for this. These seldom work and may give you a case of some computer illness you don't want. Look for Full Retail Install disks, black with a silver X:
Grey system install/restore disks from another Mac model will probably fail to work. Avoid them.
Amazon offerings for Panther disks--note the prices:
This link may prove helpful:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2356
Panther is supposed to run on 256MB RAM but, in my experience, its "happy" minimum RAM is 512MB. There's an additional expense (about US$35 from my trusted RAM vendor) if you don't already have that much.
I've heard I need to update the firmware in order to update to Mac OS X. How would I do that, if I actually need to?
I believe the requirement to update the firmware before installing OSX is restricted the the slot-loading imacs, not the tray-loaders. I tried to research that issue when I posted before but Apple has pulled too many old articles instead of archiving them. I hope someone with a longer memory will add their take on this matter.
The only firmware update for the tray-loaders I can find referenced was 1.2 and it was only required to netboot.
Is the iMac running now? If so, find Apple System Profiler under the Apple menu and launch it. There are disclosure arrows that, on being clicked, expand each section on a tabbed page. Your firmware version should be on the first tab/page. Try to find it and post what it says.
Regarding updates, see also the following article:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2560
The web pages below could perhaps contain additional information of interest to you:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac_ab.html
http://lowendmac.com/1998/imac-rev-b/
You may find that Mac OS 8.6 in fact is the most suitable system for this iMac. Your choice of browsers will be limited, so do not expect all web pages to work. However, the iMac works well with many other applications. It could even be used as an FTP (or a web) server through the now free NetPresenz. The operating system includes a web sharing function, too. More RAM is always good.
Jan
The latest firmware was required for slot loading iMag g3's. Some folks recommned the latest firmware for the tray's too.
I do not think you have to worry for tray loading iMac g3's.
Robert
How to update iMac G3 to Mac OS X from 8.6?
