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Optical drive

Your computer has a Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) or a SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW). Both drives can read DVD discs, DVD movies, CD-ROM discs, photo CDs, music CDs, standard audio discs, and other kinds of media. Both drives can write music, documents, and other digital files to blank CD-R and CD-RW discs. The SuperDrive can also write on blank DVD-R discs. To open the optical drive, press the Media Eject () key on your Apple Keyboard.

Status light

A white light indicates that the computer is on; a pulsing light indicates the computer is in sleep.

Power button

Press this button to turn on your Power Mac G5, put it to sleep, or wake it from sleep. To restart your computer, press and hold this button for approximately 5 seconds until the computer turns off, then press it again to turn the computer on.

With some Apple displays, you can also touch or press the display’s power button to turn the computer on or put it to sleep.

FireWire 400 port

Connect your Macintosh to FireWire devices, including an iPod, digital videocameras, and hard disk drives. FireWire provides high-speed data transfer for them all. The FireWire 400 port supports data rates of 100, 200, and 400 megabits per second (Mbps).

Headphone jack

Connect headphones to your Macintosh through the headphone jack. When a plug is inserted into the headphone jack, the built-in speaker is muted.

USB 2.0 port

Connect your Macintosh to USB devices, such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, speakers, USB microphones, and USB hubs. Your display may also have USB ports.

Chapter 1 Setting Up

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Apple G5 manual Optical drive

G5 specifications

The Apple G5, introduced in June 2003, marked a significant advancement in personal computing with its innovative architecture and powerful performance. It was the first desktop computer to feature a 64-bit architecture, which allowed it to process larger amounts of data more efficiently than its 32-bit predecessors. The G5 was equipped with the IBM PowerPC 970 processor, which operated at speeds ranging from 1.6 GHz to 2.7 GHz, making it a formidable contender in the market for both personal and professional use.

One of the standout features of the G5 was its aluminum chassis, which not only gave it a sleek and modern look but also aided in heat dissipation. The innovative design allowed the G5 to maintain lower operating temperatures regardless of the loads it handled. The G5 was famous for its quiet operation, thanks to a temperature-controlled, variable-speed fan system that minimized noise during regular use while still providing adequate cooling during intensive tasks.

In terms of memory, the G5 could support up to 8 GB of RAM, utilizing DDR SDRAM technology that provided enhanced performance in multitasking and complex applications. For graphics, the G5 offered powerful options, including dedicated GPU support from NVIDIA and ATI, enabling users to perform demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D graphics rendering with ease.

The connectivity options on the G5 were well thought out, including built-in USB 2.0 and FireWire 800 ports, which supported high-speed data transfer for external devices. In addition, the G5 featured an Ethernet port for networking capabilities, making it suitable for both home and office environments.

The G5 also ran on Mac OS X, which was optimized to take full advantage of its hardware capabilities. With its Unix-based foundation, Mac OS X provided users with a stable and secure operating environment, complete with a plethora of software applications tailored for creative professionals, including those in graphic design, video editing, and audio production.

Overall, the Apple G5 was a groundbreaking machine that successfully combined advanced technology, stylish design, and robust performance, earning a dedicated following among professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its legacy continues to influence Apple's approach to desktop computing, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of personal computers.