Positioning and Plugging In the Computer

Place your computer on a sturdy, flat surface near a grounded wall outlet. Your computer is designed to be placed on the floor to conserve desk space, but you can place it on any stable, flat surface.

Before you plug your Macintosh into a wall socket, carefully read all the setup instructions in this chapter. Then, before you connect any other equipment to your Macintosh, follow the instructions in this section to plug it in. The plug grounds the computer and protects it from electrical damage while you set up. When you are ready to begin setting up, follow these steps:

1Make sure the voltage switch on the back of the computer is set for the kind of voltage system to which you will be connecting.

The voltage switch must be set correctly to avoid damaging your computer. An adhesive label showing how to set the voltage may partly cover the voltage switch and power socket. Remove the label. If you don’t know the voltage used in the country you’re in, look at the table “Voltage Switch Settings for Different Locations” on the next page.

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.

Setting Up Your Computer 3

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Apple G3 Minitower manual Positioning and Plugging In the Computer, Setting Up Your Computer
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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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