Turning the Computer On

To turn on the computer for the first time, follow these steps:

1Turn on your monitor.

See the information that came with your monitor for the location of the power switch. On newer Apple monitors, the power switch is located on the front.

You may not see the monitor power come on until you turn on the computer in the next step.

By the way: Depending on the type of monitor you have, you may only need to turn it on once. Some monitors turn off automatically when you shut down the computer and turn on automatically when you start up the computer. You turn other monitors on or off separately.

2Turn on your computer by pressing the Power key.

The Power key is marked with a triangle on your keyboard.

You should hear a tone from the computer as it starts up. If you don’t, press the Power key again and hold down the key a little longer.

As the computer starts up, a series of messages appear on the screen.

When the computer starts up, go to the section “What’s Next?” for more instructions.

If the computer does not start up, go to the next section, “Problems Turning Your Computer On?”

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Apple G3 Minitower manual Turning the Computer On
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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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