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TICKET ARCHIVE -> HELP I'm a new user

musquetoe - Dec 31, 2005 - 12:02 am

I have just bought my first mac and it's used. I know it's a G3, all in one desktop, and that it's running 9.1 OS, but beyond that not much else.

I'm trying to find out what model I have exactly, so that I can update it. I would also like to do some easy upgrades, OS, memory, etc. Any information would be extremely helpful!

Thanks,
Brian

skapp - Dec 31, 2005 - 2:32 am

Can you at least provide some descriptive information? Also, run the Apple System Profiler (Utilities folder) and let us know what information it reports on the machine ID and/or model. On the computer itself see if you can find the tag with the computer's serial number and model ID (usually begins with the letter "M".) The model ID would help, too.

musquetoe - Dec 31, 2005 - 11:41 am

Ok. The Model Number is M5521 and the machine ID is 406.
It's a PowerPC G3 processor with a 350 Mhz speed. It says the system is a 9.1 us. 64 MB built in memory ( PC100-22S) and 65 MB Virtual memory (?)

skapp - Dec 31, 2005 - 4:20 pm

Brian,

The tech who commented is wrong about your computer. You have a Summer iMac DV with a slot-loading optical drive. It's original configuration came with 64 MBs of RAM and a 6,10, or 13 GB hard drive. It will have either a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM optical drive depending upon the specific version.

It requires a firmware update if one has not already been installed. The firmware update must be installed when booted into OS 9.1 or higher. Apple System Profiler should report the Mac BootROM version. If the update has been installed your BootROM version should be 4.1.9.

If you visit www.everymac.com you can get a lot more information on your particular model. You can download a User Manual here.

Hope this helps.

skapp - Dec 31, 2005 - 4:25 pm

To James S.

The computer Brian has is an iMac All-In-One, not the Power Mac All-In-One which is a different model. That model does in fact support OS X through version 10.2.8. I don't know why you assumed OS X was not an option when MacTracker clearly states that you can install OS X through 10.2.8.

It doesn't do this poster much good if you provide him with the wrong information.

musquetoe - Dec 31, 2005 - 5:52 pm

I don't believe I have the DVD-Rom, so would I have to install one in order to install Tiger. Can I just update my OS with the latest and greatest or do I have to download each different update.

Thanks for all the help, It's very appreciated.

skapp - Dec 31, 2005 - 6:26 pm

You cannot install Tiger on that model. OS X 10.3.9 is the last version supported (and you must do the firmware update to install OS X.) You won't need a DVD-ROM drive for Panther because it comes on 4 CDs (www.applerescue.com is a good source for Panther.)

You can install Panther directly, but to update Panther you will need to download the Combo Updater from Apple's download site. You will also need to add RAM and possibly a larger hard drive.

OS X requires 128 MBs of RAM minimally (I recommend 512 MBs.)
You will need at least 6 GBs of free space on the hard drive for OS X but more is recommended. I would recommend at least a 20 GB hard drive if you plan to use both OS 9.1 and OS X.

You should also plan to replace the internal backup battery located on the motherboard. It's a 3.6 V, 1/2 AA size lithium cell available at Radio Shack or battery stores for around $10.00.

musquetoe - Jan 1, 2006 - 10:18 am

THANKS. But why would I run both OS's?

Thanks for all the help and Happy New Year!

musquetoe - Jan 1, 2006 - 10:40 am

A few more stupid questions that I forgot to put above and to clarify:
The system is a Summer iMac right?
Should I upgradeto a new Processor also?

And I checked out everymac, Thanks!

skapp - Jan 3, 2006 - 2:17 pm

Yes, it's a Summer 2000 iMac according to the model number. I don't know if you can upgrade the processor in those older models. Personally, I wouldn't spend any money upgrading that old a machine. I'd spend the money on a new (or at least newer) model.

musquetoe - Jan 3, 2006 - 6:48 pm

Thank You very much for all the help.