Connecting a Second Monitor

You can install an expansion card that provides a second monitor port, if one monitor doesn’t provide enough screen space.

To connect a second monitor, purchase a video card and install it in one of the computer’s PCI expansion slots, or have an Apple dealer install it for you. (If you are installing the expansion card yourself, follow the instructions that came with the card and the instructions in Chapter 3.) Then connect the second monitor to the port provided by the card.

Make sure that the ventilation openings on the monitors are clear and unobstructed. If there is interference on your screens or on a television or radio near your computer, separate or reposition the affected equipment. You may need to move the monitors farther apart so that they don’t interfere with each other.

For additional instructions on using two monitors together, open Mac OS Help (available in the Help menu) after you have connected both monitors to your computer; click the Index button, and choose “monitors” from the index.

Connecting an ADB Input Device

Your computer has an Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) port, which connects the mouse and the keyboard to your computer. You can add other input devices, such as a bar-code reader, graphics tablet, or joystick.

The ADB port is marked with the V icon. You can connect up to three ADB devices in a chain to a single ADB port. The exact number depends on how much power the devices require.

ADB port icon

ADB port (Mini DIN-4)

Before you attach or remove an ADB device, turn off the computer. Attaching or removing an ADB device while the computer is turned on could damage the ADB device or your computer.

Important The total current used by all ADB devices connected to your computer must not exceed 500 milliamperes (mA). Before attaching another ADB device, check the Technical Information booklet that came with your computer and the information that came with the ADB device for power requirements.

36Chapter 2

Page 35 Page 37
Page 36
Image 36
Apple G3 Minitower manual Connecting a Second Monitor, Connecting an ADB Input Device, ADB port icon ADB port Mini DIN-4
Page 35 Page 37

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.
Top Page Image Contents