Using FireWire Devices

To use a FireWire device with your computer, connect the device to the computer and install any software that came with the device. Your computer automatically detects newly connected devices.

FireWire Devices and Battery Power

FireWire devices, such as certain external hard disks, can get power from the PowerBook FireWire connection instead of a separate power adapter. However, these types of FireWire devices will cause your PowerBook battery to become depleted faster. If a device will be connected for an extended period, it is a good idea to connect the PowerBook power adapter.

Note: The FireWire ports are designed to support power for FireWire devices (up to

7 watts maximum). You can connect multiple devices to each other and connect the “daisy-chain” of devices to a FireWire port on your computer, but only one device should get power from the computer. The rest of the devices in the daisy-chain should be powered by separate power adapters. Connecting more than one FireWire device that gets power from the port may cause problems. If a problem occurs, shut down the computer, remove the FireWire devices, and restart your computer.

FireWire Target Disk Mode

If you want to transfer files between your PowerBook and another FireWire-equipped computer, or you have a problem that prevents your computer from starting up, you can use FireWire Target Disk Mode to connect to another computer and access your files. When you start up your computer in FireWire Target Disk Mode, the other computer can access your PowerBook as if it were a hard disk.

Note: When using FireWire Target Disk Mode, it’s a good idea to connect your power adapter to the PowerBook.

To connect your PowerBook to another computer in

FireWire Target Disk Mode:

1Make sure that your PowerBook is shut down.

2Use a FireWire cable to connect your PowerBook to another FireWire-equipped computer. You can use a FireWire cable with any combination of 6-pin and 9-pin connectors.

3Start up your PowerBook and immediately hold down the T key. Your PowerBook display shows the FireWire logo. The other computer’s display shows the PowerBook internal hard disk icon. You can now drag and drop files between the computers.

4When you are finished transferring files, drag the PowerBook hard disk icon to the Trash.

5Press the Power button on the PowerBook to shut it down, and then disconnect the FireWire cable.

Chapter 3 Using Your Computer

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Apple G4 17-inch manual Using FireWire Devices, FireWire Devices and Battery Power, FireWire Target Disk Mode