Connecting to a Local Area Network

Connecting to a local area network extends the features of your Macintosh by giving you access to the services and resources provided on the network. For example, your computer alone lets you store, retrieve, and modify information on floppy disks, hard disks, and CD- ROM discs. On a network, however, you can also store and retrieve information on the hard disks and CD-ROM discs of other computers, access information that other people have stored for you, use electronic mail, share resources such as printers and modems or other network services, and access the Internet, if the network has a link to it. (Access to the Internet over a network may be noticeably faster than access with a modem.)

You can get information about the network you want to connect to from the specialist— referred to as the “network administrator”—who oversees its operation. Before you begin, identify your network administrator.

Your computer can be connected to several kinds of networks, including the following:

mLocalTalk: To connect to a LocalTalk network, you connect a LocalTalk cable to the printer port on your computer.

mEthernet: To connect to a high-speed Ethernet network, you connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the back of the computer or to a port provided by a PCI-based Ethernet card that you install in the computer.

mAlternative networks such as 100Base-T, ISDN, or Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI): To connect to any of these networks, you need a PCI card in one of the PCI slots in your computer. For instructions on installing PCI cards, see Chapter 3.

This section describes the process for connecting your computer to LocalTalk and Ethernet networks.

mIf your computer is already connected to a network, see Mac OS Help for information about printing on a networked printer, accessing information on file servers, and sharing files on your computer with other users. Ask your network administrator for information about network software for services such as Internet access and electronic mail.

mIf you want to set up a network at your location, a book on Macintosh networking will help you select and plan a network appropriate for your organization. Many books are available, such as Planning and Managing AppleTalk Networks, an Apple book published by Addison-Wesley and available at computer bookstores.

Using Your Macintosh and Connecting Additional Equipment

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Apple G3 Minitower manual Connecting to a Local Area Network

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.