How do I network the iMac G3 to another Mac?

There are several ways to network the iMac G3 to another Mac using either a wireless or wired network.

Wirelessly (AirPort)

Two AirPort (802.11b) equipped iMac G3 models or one properly equipped iMac G3 and another AirPort-equipped Mac, can be networked together without the AirPort hardware access point by using "direct computer-to-computer communications" within a range of approximately 50 meters.

AirPort is supported by all slot-loading iMac G3 models -- those with 350 MHz and faster processors -- except for the iMac G3/350 (Summer 2000 - Indigo) which does not have an internal AirPort slot. No iMac G3 models had AirPort installed by default.

For Macs that have 10Base-T or 10/100Base-T or faster Ethernet installed and are capable of running MacOS 8.6 or higher, the first Mac can be added to an AirPort network via a crossover Ethernet cable between the computer and the hardware access point and the iMac G3 can be added to the same network by the wireless AirPort connection if AirPort is installed.

Wired (Ethernet)

If you're not interested in using wireless networking, or your iMac G3 does not have AirPort installed, you can just use a simple crossover cable, or Ethernet cables and a hub, to connect another Mac to the iMac G3. Although it has not been updated in quite some time, Three Macs & A Printer covers basic types of wired networking in-depth.

Also see: Which iMac G3 models support AirPort? How do you replace or upgrade the AirPort card?

What type of modem is standard with the iMac G3 models?

Although it was originally announced with a 33.6 modem -- in the US -- all versions of the iMac G3 shipped with an internal 56k modem with support for both K56 flex and v.90 standards. An external USB modem can be used as well.

In some parts of the world, at different times, iMac G3 models shipped without an internal modem.

Does the iMac G3 support LocalTalk? AppleTalk?

The iMac G3 models do not natively support LocalTalk-based networking (a wiring standard for AppleTalk), but an adapter can be used to connect the iMac to a Localtalk Phone Net Network. The iMac also supports AppleTalk (the protocol) over an Ethernet-based network.

How can the iMac G3 be physically secured without a "security" port?

Although the iMac G3 models lack a built-in port for a lock, a security cable or padded chain can be strung through or locked to the handle of the iMac and locked to a building support or other immobile object to discourage potential thieves.