Broadband on an iMac G3

Hi,

I want to upgrade my Mum to broadband - she's been on dialup with her iMac G3 since 1999 or 2000 but that's running out of steam now.

I know very little about Macs (Windows user), not even how to install software although I could learn. I think it's running OS 9 - definitely not OS X.

Is it going to be simple to choose any broadband provider, accept their recommended choice of DSL modem for Macs, and plug & go, or is the age of the machine going to be a problem?

Thanks for any help, we really appreciate it.

It *should* be straightforward. But don't let them give you a USB modem - far too many driver problems - and she prob hasn't got a wireless card. Her current dialup provider might be the best step? - then she wouldn't need to change too many connectivity settings etc or her email address. From what I understand most providers now give guidance on setting up macs, but perhaps not back to OS9.

It's nearly Christmas - you could always treat her ...

See "Steps to connect" and use DHCP.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA20782

Most broadband modems are combined with wireless and ethernet ports making it pretty easy to connect depending on the practicality i.e. does the G3 have a wireless card, is the iMac situated near to the modem making a straightforward ethernet cable connection possible. In that respect they are no different to a PC.

The only caveat is that, depending on how savvy you are, you may need another computer to set up the modem.

Ideally, you would upgrade the iMac to OS X panther or tiger ( can't remember if/when G3 support was dropped ) and then there would be little or no problems.

I don't think it should be a problem from the computer hardware side, and with OS9 it should be a case of making sure she's got the latest version which I think is 9.2.2--that will make it most likely that it will run with recent OS9 applications. Finding them will be a little more difficult, but there are still web browsers for OS9, e.g. icab, and you should be able to find applications, depending on what she wants to do with it.

I think the average router supplied by an ISP should be OK. Better use ethernet than USB if possible.

If you do want to go to OSX, you won't be able to go the very latest versions, as they won't run on G3 processors.

The machine should be fine for her, as I presume she won't be making movies etc etc...

Good luck, Nigel

My old G3 was not wireless , ran Panther and worked well connected by Ethernet to a Virgin Cable Modem .

I would also add try and make sure the Memory is maxed out .

It'll work perfectly fine with any ISP so long as the router the ISP provides has ethernet. Just set the system to use Ethernet and DHCP and follow the instructions to set up the router using a web browser. Do not accept a USB modem.... And buy your mother a new Mac mini for christmas. It'll change her online life completely. You know you want to

Aargh - belated thanks for all the replies and PMs, they're very helpful.

I think a new computer is in order, possibly a Mac Mini. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction(s).