Apple G3 Minitower manual Opening the Computer

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Installing a PCI Expansion Card, Memory, or an Internal Storage Device

Follow these instructions to install a PCI expansion card, memory, or an internal storage device.

Important Before installing any of these items, carefully read “About PCI Expansion Cards,” “About Memory,” and “About Internal Storage Options” earlier in this chapter.

Opening the Computer

1If your computer is turned on, turn it off by choosing Shut Down from the Special menu. Then wait 5 minutes.

Before proceeding with these instructions, you need to allow the computer’s internal components to cool.

2Unplug all the cables from the computer, including the power cord.

Important If your computer has an internal modem, unplug the phone cord from the modem.

3If the cover is locked shut, unlock it by removing the security cable or padlock from the cover latch.

Do not remove the cover yet.

4If you have never plugged in your computer, make sure the voltage switch is set correctly for the voltage system to which you will be connecting the computer.

If you don’t know the voltage used in the country you’re in, refer to “Voltage Switch Settings for Different Locations,” in Chapter 1, “Setting Up Your Computer.”

Check to see that the voltage switch on the back of your computer is properly set before you plug it in. If you need to change the setting, insert a small screwdriver in this slot and slide the switch.

Set the switch to show “115” for AC voltages in the 100–120 V range. Set the switch to show “230” for AC voltages in the 200–240 V range.

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Contents Setting Up Your Computer Sometimes built into the monitor Setting Up Your Computer Positioning and Plugging In the ComputerPower cord socket Power cord plug 230Connecting a Monitor To connect the monitor, follow these stepsMonitor power socket Monitor portConnecting the Mouse and the Keyboard to the Computer Plug the mouse cable into the keyboardChapter 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? What’s Next? Turning the Computer OffUsing Your Macintosh Your Computer’s Components and Front Panel Controls OptionalWorks with high-density and double-sided 3.5 floppy disks Your Computer’s Ports and Connectors Optional AV portsConnects your Macintosh to a printer or LocalTalk network Using the Computer’s Built-in Drives Using the CD-ROM DriveTo use your CD-ROM drive, follow these instructions Press the Open/Close button next to the CD-ROM driveConnecting Audio Equipment Using the Floppy Disk Drive and Optional Zip DriveSound Input and Output Ports Optional Left and Right RCA-Type Audio Ports Stereo miniplugLeft and right RCA-type ports accept this type of connector Connecting Most Audio EquipmentRCA-type plug RCA plugsTurn on the computer and the audio equipment Sound Output PortConnecting and Using a Microphone Connecting Video Equipment Video connectorYour Macintosh can work with two major video formats Connecting Video Equipment for Input to the Computer Video plugVideo Input port Audio input ports Left and right Video cableTurn 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 TV Mirroring icon Resolution icon Composite Video Output port Audio outputConnecting External Scsi Devices Before You Connect a Scsi DeviceScsi icon Scsi port DB-25 Scsi system cable Connecting a Scsi Device External Scsi terminatorConnecting a Printer Printer port icon Printer port Mini DIN-9Connecting 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 Connecting to a 10Base-T Ethernet Network Ethernet icon 10Base-T Ethernet port RJ-45Connecting to Multiple Networks Simultaneously Configuring Your Network ConnectionEthernet port Wall plate 10Base-TSecuring Your Computer Security lock portInstalling PCI Cards, Memory Internal Storage Devices About PCI Expansion CardsExpansion Card Power Requirements About MemoryVideo memory expansion slot Dram Dimm slots ROM slot Front of computerDram Configurations Video Memory ConfigurationsImportant Use only Sgram SO-DIMMS About Internal Storage OptionsConnecting an Additional ATA Device Pin connectorConnecting an Internal Scsi Device Opening the Computer Back of computer Disconnect the power cord from the back of the computer Remove the cover Press the button and liftUse the handle to open the chassis Installing a PCI Expansion Card Port access cover in place Shield ConnectorRemove the screw that holds Disconnect it PCI slotInstalling an Unusually Long PCI Card Installing PCI Cards, Memory, and Internal Storage Devices Memory Installing Dram or Video Memory, next Installing Dram or Video MemoryConnectors Notches Connectors Sgram SO-DIMM Your DIMM’s shape and components may varyNotch Video memory slotInstalling a Hard Disk or Other Storage Device Bottom chassisCarefully lift up the computer so that it sits upright Remove the plastic faceplateRaised catch Drive carrier Remove both screwsScsi 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 Health-Related Information About Computer Use Musculoskeletal DiscomfortTo prevent discomfort and eye fatigue Eye FatigueArranging Your Office Shoulders relaxedSafety Instructions Avoiding FatigueWhat About Electromagnetic Emissions? Handling Your Computer Equipment Appendix Handling Floppy Disks 125 F 52 C 50 F 10 C Do not touch Keep disks awayExposed part From magnets Disk behindHandling Zip Disks Do not touch Keep disks awayTo avoid damage to your discs, keep these points in mind Handling CD-ROM DiscsDo not expose discs To direct sunlight On discs Do not spill liquidsCleaning Your Equipment Power SupplyCleaning the Computer Case Cleaning the MonitorLocking and Unlocking the Mouse Here on your mouseRecessed area surrounding ring Setting Up Your Power Macintosh Apple Computer, Inc Contents Connecting to Multiple Networks Simultaneously Installing PCI Cards, Memory, and Internal Storage DevicesAppendix Health, Safety, and Maintenance Tips About MemoryCommunications Regulation Information Vi Laser Information

G3 Minitower specifications

The Apple G3 Minitower, released in 1997, marked a significant evolution in Apple’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.
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