ralink wireless utility wont open (ibook g3, mac os x 10.4.11)

For your information, the requirements for WPA security:

AirPort Card: When You Can Join a WPA Network - Apple Support

According to this, an iBook G3 with an AirPort card should, in principle, be capable of using WPA (but not WPA2).

If that model iBook G3 has the optional wireless AirPort card installed, you may

have to remove it; in order to disable it so the Ralink can be seen by the Mac.

Raink Utility Installation Guide for MAC OS X

I'd suspect their product would not be exactly compatible with the old G3

(if clamshell, or even early 'snow' model) however if the unit is USB1 it may.

Working Wireless (USB and Ralink) - InsanelyMac Forum

I've not studied this and at the moment am doing offline chores. Thankfully

the local temps have warmed up to -8°F from -19°F ~ without any winds.

So I'm not sure what the deal is. My early G3 iBook model (ran 10.3.9)

had the original wireless card and worked fine for the next owner after me.

Didn't try Tiger in that because I did not have the 4-CD install set. Only DVD.

Good luck! 🙂

There may be another way to go, if you could locate a vintage Belkin or other

early 802.11a/b USB1 wireless dongle that was supported by Mac OS X 10.3.9

or 10.4.11 through 10.5.8 & the drivers may be available online from an archive.

IF the USB port is recessed, a USB extension cable may need to be used

to make a connection -- if the plug on the wi-fi dongle doesn't fit snugly.

The software drivers for the newer 802.11/n (even if it should be a/b/n)

USB wireless dongle won't work in the PPC versions of OS X if the

maker did not supply PPC drivers. x86 is an intel designation that

would imply later Macs after 2005 running Intel hardware.

• Did you see if the iBook G3 includes the optional wireless AirPort card?

These would likely provide no better than WPA; or base WEP security.

For best performance, an Ethernet cable is suggested, to ISP router.

If that model is a 'Clamshell' model see if the wi-fi card is inside...

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iBook+G3+Clamshell+Airport+Card+Replacement/105

...or white 'dual-USB' it's easy check or add card: {see amazon to buy Airport Card}

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iBook+G3+12-Inch+Airport+Replacement/120

The USB wireless adapter you have (aka dongle) doesn't appear compatible.

With recessed USB port, an extension cable may be needed for connection.

Doubtful a backward compatible driver would be available from maker.

A part number for an AirPort card (optional) is p/n 1001454; see amazon or

ebay resellers for best price. Also the original AirPort Express or Extreme

base stations may be a workable solution for separate wi-fi for vintage items.

A look back to when the 'clamshell' G3 was considered old:

http://newtonpoetry.com/2008/03/02/sunday-project-airport-on-a-g3-ibook-clamshel l/

Sorry to not be of more help. I used to have spare original AirPort wi-fi cards;

& still have few spare later AirPort 'extreme' cards & matched base stations.

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂