Got an iMac G3

[vskid]

Today I got an iMac G3 from my friend (for free). It is revision A, 233 mhz processor, 32 MB ram, 4 GB HD, MAC OS 9.0.4. I'll likely be upgrading the ram some time. I've been fiddling around with it most of today, its the first time I've used a mac.
I've tried to upgrade the OS to a later version of 9, but couldn't get it to work. Should I get OS X, or would it not be worth it with something this slow.
I tried to network it to my PC, but couldn't get it to work, anyone have any tips?

EDIT: And don't turn this into a flame fest.

[The Earl of Sandwich]

did you go to: apple menu->control panels ->tcp/ip, set the connection to ethernet, and set the ip address?

also, remember you need a crossover cable to connect it directly to another computer

[vskid]

did you go to: apple menu->control panels ->tcp/ip, set the connection to ethernet, and set the ip address?

also, remember you need a crossover cable to connect it directly to another computer

Well, my PC's ethernet was acting up when I tried, so it was hard to test any changes, I might try with my dad's laptop tomorrow. I used a hub to connect them, and know it works because I've used it at halo parties.

[The Earl of Sandwich]

if you have broadband, you could try plugging it into the internet. that might be easier than playing with the ip's of other computers

[vskid]

if you have broadband, you could try plugging it into the internet. that might be easier than playing with the ip's of other computers

I would try that, but I get my internet wirelessly from my neighbor (its fine with him) so I can't unplug something and plug it into the imac (the wireless goes straight to my PC's wireless adapter).

[Black Six]

As far as OSX goes, unless you put in at least 256MB of RAM and a 10GB hard drive, I wouldn't try running OSX on it. As far as upgrading the current OS, if you're trying to install 9.2.2 you need to install 9.2.1 first. Also, you might was to check out here. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to ask, I'll try to help.
*Waits for his RAM for his 'new' Performa 6400/180 to come.*

[kidw/32+systems]

Cool I just got a iBook G3 graphite clamshell. I have some questions too.
Anybody know an easy way to swap HDDs? I have a 30gig to put in it.
How do I put Panther on it and what is panther's number? I'm going to get 512 ram so that won't be a problem.

I'm posting from it too.

[usbcd36]

Supposedly, the internal drive is extremely hard to change, though some companies will do it for you (back up your data first).

Panther is 10.3, and you will want to update it to 10.3.9 after you install (hook it up to a broadband connection and open Software Update).

It's graphite too, which means you have a FireWire port. This expands the amount you can do with it.

If you want, it is also possible to change the optical drive (some modding required to get the original look). This would be the best way to get a DVD drive for it.

[kidw/32+systems]

I don't think it has FireWire. There is power, USB, phone line, eternet, and sound. I ripped it apart the other day and saw the HDD was under one huge piece of metal.
I don't even care how slow it is it looks cool.

[usbcd36]

The only graphite model came with a Firewire port. The original models that didn't have Firewire were either Tangerine (orange) or Lime (green).

Edit: further research reveals that you should already have a DVD-ROM drive too.

[forrest]

An iMac with 32 MB of RAM isn't useable - even with OS9. Add at least (1) 128 MB SO-DIMM if you plan on staying with OS9.

Yes, you can install OSX 10.2 on an original 233 MHz iMac. But you'll need to add a 256MB SO-DIMM memory module and you'll need to upgrade the firmware in OS9 before installing OSX. Here's the link to the firmware updates http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86117
Lastly the 233-333 MHz iMacs have an OSX hard drive partition size limit of 8 GB. This means if you've installed a hard drive larger than 8 GB, you'll need to partition it with Disk Utility (from the OSX boot CD) and make the first partition 8 GB or less and install OSX on the first partition.

Here's a link on you to upgrade the memory and hard drive in a 233 MHz iMac http://www.macworld.com/2001/10/bc/howtoimac/

[kidw/32+systems]

This is what it is. I tried putting a DVD in but it didn't read it. Unless the ethernet is the same as firewire it is not there and I know for a fact that it does not have the AV out jack.

I'll be gone for a week so don't expect a reply.

EDIT:This clears it all up.

[Black Six]

The only graphite model came with a Firewire port. The original models that didn't have Firewire were either Tangerine (orange) or Lime (green).

Edit: further research reveals that you should already have a DVD-ROM drive too.

As kidw/32+systems found, the original iBooks were blue and tangerine. Then there was the indigo 'Special Edition' with Firewire and AV out IIRC, then there was the low end graphite and lime and the high end graphite and lime, only the high end ones had Firewire and a DVD drive.

Back to the iMac, this is the link I meant to post before but screwed up on, sorry. It's a good classic machine, you can make some good use out of it if properly upgraded. Still fine for casual uses like surfing, chatting, word processing, etc.

[vskid]

I've kinda given up on upgrading to OS X, but I think I might upgrade to 128 or 256 mb of ram, and possibly max the video to 4 mb. Anyone have a ram module they'd be willing to sell that would work in it?

[Black Six]

Unless you've seen something I haven't, I don't believe you can upgrade the VRAM on an iMac. On some older Macs you could, but I'm pretty sure for the iMac that it's soldered on the board.