Apple G3 Minitower manual Works with high-density and double-sided 3.5 floppy disks

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Floppy disk drive

Works with high-density and double-sided 3.5" floppy disks

CD-ROM drive

Works with CD-ROM discs and plays standard audio and Photo CDs

CD-ROM drive Open/Close button

Opens and closes the CD-ROM drive tray

Zip drive (optional) or expansion bay 1

Works with Zip disks. If a Zip drive is not present, then this is an expansion bay for an additional 3.5" or 5.25" internal storage device that is up to 1.625" (41.3 mm) high.

Expansion bay 2

Behind the front panel there is an expansion bay for an additional 3.5" or 5.25" internal storage device that is up to 1.625" (41.3 mm) high.

Power button/Power-on light

Turns your computer off in emergencies when you can’t use the Power key on the keyboard or the Shut Down command in the Special menu. A green light indicates that the computer is on. The light blinks when the computer is asleep.

Monitor

Your monitor may look different. An Apple display is shown here.

Power key

Turns your computer on and off

Using Your Macintosh and Connecting Additional Equipment

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Contents Setting Up Your Computer Sometimes built into the monitor Positioning and Plugging In the Computer Setting Up Your Computer230 Power cord socket Power cord plugTo connect the monitor, follow these steps Connecting a MonitorMonitor port Monitor power socketPlug the mouse cable into the keyboard Connecting the Mouse and the Keyboard to the ComputerChapter Connecting a Modem Optional internal modem port RJ-11 Modem port iconModem port icon Modem port Mini DIN-9 Turning the Computer On Problems Turning Your Computer On? Turning the Computer Off What’s Next?Using Your Macintosh Optional Your Computer’s Components and Front Panel ControlsWorks with high-density and double-sided 3.5 floppy disks Optional AV ports Your Computer’s Ports and ConnectorsConnects your Macintosh to a printer or LocalTalk network Press the Open/Close button next to the CD-ROM drive Using the Computer’s Built-in DrivesUsing the CD-ROM Drive To use your CD-ROM drive, follow these instructionsConnecting Audio Equipment Using the Floppy Disk Drive and Optional Zip DriveSound Input and Output Ports Stereo miniplug Optional Left and Right RCA-Type Audio PortsRCA plugs Left and right RCA-type ports accept this type of connectorConnecting Most Audio Equipment RCA-type plugSound Output Port Turn on the computer and the audio equipmentConnecting and Using a Microphone Connecting Video Equipment Video connectorYour Macintosh can work with two major video formats Video plug Connecting Video Equipment for Input to the ComputerVideo cable Video Input port Audio input ports Left and rightTurn on the computer and the VCR or camera ÆS-video˜ Composite Video Input port Audio Connecting Video Equipment for Output From the Computer Video connection for output from the computer Connecting a Television Video AudioOutput port Output ports Composite Video Output port Audio output TV Mirroring icon Resolution iconConnecting External Scsi Devices Before You Connect a Scsi DeviceScsi icon Scsi port DB-25 Scsi system cable External Scsi terminator Connecting a Scsi DevicePrinter port icon Printer port Mini DIN-9 Connecting a PrinterConnecting a Second Monitor Connecting an ADB Input DeviceADB port icon ADB port Mini DIN-4 Connecting to a Local Area Network Connecting to a LocalTalk Network LocalTalk adapterLocalTalk cable Printer port LocalTalk adapter LocalTalk cable Ethernet icon 10Base-T Ethernet port RJ-45 Connecting to a 10Base-T Ethernet Network10Base-T Connecting to Multiple Networks SimultaneouslyConfiguring Your Network Connection Ethernet port Wall plateSecurity lock port Securing Your ComputerAbout PCI Expansion Cards Installing PCI Cards, Memory Internal Storage DevicesFront of computer Expansion Card Power RequirementsAbout Memory Video memory expansion slot Dram Dimm slots ROM slotAbout Internal Storage Options Dram ConfigurationsVideo Memory Configurations Important Use only Sgram SO-DIMMSPin connector Connecting an Additional ATA DeviceConnecting an Internal Scsi Device Opening the Computer Back of computer Disconnect the power cord from the back of the computer Press the button and lift Remove the coverUse the handle to open the chassis Installing a PCI Expansion Card Port access cover in place Shield ConnectorRemove the screw that holds PCI slot Disconnect itInstalling an Unusually Long PCI Card Installing PCI Cards, Memory, and Internal Storage Devices Installing Dram or Video Memory Memory Installing Dram or Video Memory, nextConnectors Notches Video memory slot ConnectorsSgram SO-DIMM Your DIMM’s shape and components may vary NotchBottom chassis Installing a Hard Disk or Other Storage DeviceCarefully lift up the computer so that it sits upright Remove the plastic faceplateRaised catch Remove both screws Drive carrierScsi device Sheet metal shield Reinstall both screws Replace the plastic faceplateSnap the plastic faceplate back into place Closing the Computer Lock the chassis by rotating the locking levers Replace the computer cover panel What’s Next? Page Musculoskeletal Discomfort Health-Related Information About Computer UseEye Fatigue To prevent discomfort and eye fatigueShoulders relaxed Arranging Your OfficeSafety Instructions Avoiding FatigueWhat About Electromagnetic Emissions? Handling Your Computer Equipment Appendix Disk behind Handling Floppy Disks125 F 52 C 50 F 10 C Do not touch Keep disks away Exposed part From magnetsDo not touch Keep disks away Handling Zip DisksTo direct sunlight On discs Do not spill liquids To avoid damage to your discs, keep these points in mindHandling CD-ROM Discs Do not expose discsCleaning the Monitor Cleaning Your EquipmentPower Supply Cleaning the Computer CaseHere on your mouse Locking and Unlocking the MouseRecessed area surrounding ring Setting Up Your Power Macintosh Apple Computer, Inc Contents About Memory Connecting to Multiple Networks SimultaneouslyInstalling PCI Cards, Memory, and Internal Storage Devices Appendix Health, Safety, and Maintenance TipsCommunications Regulation Information Vi Laser Information

G3 Minitower specifications

The Apple G3 Minitower, released in 1997, marked a significant evolution in Appleā€™s desktop computer lineup. As part of the G3 series, it was geared towards both professional users and creative enthusiasts, showcasing powerful performance in a compact form factor. This machine was notable for its distinctive design, featuring a sleek, gray plastic enclosure that was both stylish and practical.

At the heart of the G3 Minitower was the innovative G3 processor, which featured a 250 MHz initial speed, and eventually models offered up to 500 MHz. The G3 architecture utilized a combination of RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) technology and sophisticated software optimizations, allowing for increased performance, especially when handling multimedia applications. The system's performance was complemented by the inclusion of the latest technologies at the time, such as PCI expansion slots, enabling users to add graphics cards and other peripherals to enhance functionality.

The standard configuration came with 32 MB of RAM, which was expandable to a maximum of 1 GB. This capacity made it suitable for demanding tasks such as graphic design and video editing, common uses for the target market. Storage options were generous as well, with the G3 Minitower typically coming with a 4 GB hard drive, upgradeable to larger capacities. This component played a vital role in the machine's ability to efficiently store and manage large files associated with multimedia projects.

In terms of connectivity, the G3 Minitower included USB ports, which were becoming increasingly popular in the late 1990s, as well as a built-in modem and Ethernet port for internet connectivity. The Minitower also supported Apple's innovative FireWire technology, allowing for faster data transfer rates, which was especially advantageous for connecting external devices like digital cameras and external hard drives.

The G3 Minitower ran on the Mac OS 8 operating system, giving users access to a user-friendly, robust interface that was ideal for both new and experienced users. With support for a wide range of software applications, it appealed to educators, designers, and developers alike.

Overall, the Apple G3 Minitower represented a significant leap in desktop computing for Apple and firmly established the G3 architecture as a cornerstone of their product offerings for years to come. Its powerful performance, expandability, and design made it a beloved choice among Mac enthusiasts of the era, embodying the spirit of innovation that Apple was known for.