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iMac G3 Q&A (Original iMac G3 FAQ)
With the iMac G3 Q&A you can get answers to all of your questions about the original "colorful" all-in-one iMac models that have a 15-inch CRT display. Questions range from "Which iMac G3 models were offered in which colors? How many colors were available in total?" to "How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the iMac G3 models? Do these models support 'big drives'?" and cover everything in between.
Please note that the iMac G3 series was discontinued on January 7, 2002, and the iMac G3 Q&A was largely rewritten and "archived" on February 23, 2009.
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The answers to some of these questions may no longer be up-to-date. Please refer to the date published, updated, or revised.
Most Frequently Asked iMac G3 Q&As:
Which iMac G3 models were offered in which colors? How many colors were available in total?
How do you upgrade the RAM in the iMac G3 models? How much RAM of what type do these systems support?
Does the iMac G3 run the MacOS? Can it run MacOS X or just MacOS 9?
How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the iMac G3 models? Do these models support "big drives"?
What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the iMac G3 models? How do you replace or upgrade the optical drive?
Is the CPU on the iMac G3 upgradable? How is it mounted? Are third-party processor upgrades available?
Which iMac G3 models support AirPort? How do you install or replace the AirPort card?
Which iMac G3 models have Firewire "400" ports?
What are the major differences between the iMac G3 and the iMac G4 "Flat Panel" models?
Can the iMac G3 run Windows?
Software Compatibility Q&As:
What version of the MacOS is pre-installed on the iMac G3 models?
Does the iMac G3 run the MacOS? Can it run MacOS X or just MacOS 9?
Is any Mac software incompatible with the iMac G3 models?
Can the iMac G3 run Windows?
Can the iMac G3 run Linux?
Does software that requires an ADB-based "dongle" work with the iMac G3?
Comparison Q&As:
Which iMac G3 models were offered in which colors? How many colors were available in total?
What are the differences between the original "Bondi" iMac G3 models?
What are the differences between the second generation "Fruit Colors" iMac G3 models?
What are the differences between the third generation "Slot Loading" iMac G3 models?
What are the differences between the fourth generation "Summer 2000" iMac G3 models?
What are the differences between the fifth generation "Early 2001" iMac G3 models?
What are the differences between the final "Summer 2001" iMac G3 models?
What are the major differences between the iMac G3 and the iMac G4 "Flat Panel" models?
Expansion, Function, & Technical Q&As:
Is the CPU on the iMac G3 upgradable? How is it mounted? Are third-party processor upgrades available?
How do you upgrade the RAM in the iMac G3 models? How much RAM of what type do these systems support?
How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the iMac G3 models? Do these models support "big drives"?
What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the iMac G3 models? How do you replace or upgrade the optical drive?
Is the iMac G3 PCI-based? Does it have a PCI slot?
Is the iMac G3 CHRP-based?
Does the iMac G3 have a ROM?
Which iMac G3 models support AirPort? How do you install or replace the AirPort card?
What type of video processor is provided by the iMac G3? Is it upgradable?
Do the iMac G3 models support a second display in "mirroring" or "extended desktop" mode?
Peripherals Q&As:
Why did Apple remove the floppy from the iMac G3? Why not include a Zip disk?
What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the iMac G3 models? How do you replace or upgrade the optical drive?
What ports are provided by the iMac G3?
Which iMac G3 models have Firewire "400" ports?
Why USB? What advantages does USB have over earlier connectivity standards?
Will all USB peripherals work with the iMac G3?
When will I need a USB hub? Why?
Networking & Communication Q&As:
How do I network the iMac G3 to another Mac?
What is AirPort?
Which iMac G3 models support AirPort? How do you install or replace the AirPort card?
What is Bluetooth? How can I add Bluetooth to an iMac G3 model without internal support?
What type of modem is standard with the iMac G3 models?
Does the iMac G3 support LocalTalk? AppleTalk?
How can the iMac G3 be physically secured without a "security" port?
Design Q&As:
Who designed the iMac G3?
Why did Apple choose to make the original iMac "Bondi" blue rather than some other color?
Which iMac G3 models were offered in which colors? How many colors were available in total?
Was the iMac G3 the first translucent Apple hardware?
Purchasing Q&As:
What are the default configurations of the iMac G3?
What was the intended target audience for the iMac G3?
Where can I buy an iMac G3?
What are the "pros and cons" of the iMac G3 models? Is one right for my needs?
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