Very new to Mac with an older iMac G3 CRT OS 9.2 Qwest Modem connection issues

I am familiar with Windows and need some help here with my (very new to me) older iMac G3 CRT running OS 9.2...we are trying to set up a net connection through a brand new Qwest modem. When the ethernet cable is plugged in the imac is supposed to detect automatically the modem, this didn't happen. While on the phone with a tech (btw Qwest is so not helpful with Mac, no disc, nothing) he asked me to bring up 'safari'...there is no such file in this computer. I can see this program is older, maybe it is missing components, (the Boot ROM is V $0003.24f1 and Mac OS ROM file V 8.7 in Sys Profile) do I need to update/upgrade at all and safely?? Where do I begin if I am accessing the net from a laptop running Windows Xp and need to download and install programs and such to the iMac? :Blushing: If someone can educate me a bit about Mac and assist me with troubleshooting the net link Quick please that would be super. ~|~ Tracie

The tech people can not help you. The easiest, most reliable and recommended solution is always a broadband router. Place between the modem and your Mac. You will not need any software. Make shure apple talk is on.

Apple talk installed and active, now does file...

...sharing need to be on? and I'm assuming a router is an external device :Blushing:?? is there one specifically for iMac? Thanks for helping

Sharing is to share files with other computers. The Mac sees the Hub as a network and the broadband connection. Apple Talk is want makes the connection work. You shouldnt need drivers for the modem as most likely they never existed for OS9 anyways.

This ia all hit and miss..One brand of modem may work fine,another not at all.

Routers and such

Are routers just for broadband connect for more than one computer to modem or is this just to go between the modem and the system? this should get the iMac to detect the net connection and IE will work? What is Safari, can you tell me? Mozilla work on mac? tytyty

No Safari will not work in OS9. You my have trouble with IE. Im using Netscape 7 right now in OS9.1. You need something like a Netgear hub or switch. Use Cat5 cables for now,maybe wireless later if you get it to work. You have to go into Remote Access and Tcp/Ip setup Automatic. Open Apple Talk make shure its on.
Macintosh Web Browsers Software at The Mac Orchard



This the same way you connect networkable printers in OS9 throw an Appletalk network. I just saw a nice Linksys hub today at the thrift store..new never out of the box . $5.00

If youre new to mac and trying to consider switching, I wouldn't be running OS 9. It's mad old. Get a newer Mac and put some variant of OS X on it.

What DarkestRitual is trying to say is that the last machine Apple sold with Mac OS 9 on it was from 2001. Yours sounds like its even older, which would date it from the late 90s.

As you are probably aware, +10 years = several eons in computer age.

There is NO practical use for OS 9, and the internet has moved on to a point where you will be very hard-pressed to do ANYTHING useful with this machine until you at least upgrade the hard drive, max out the RAM and install some old version of OS X on it.

You could probably manage to use it for email without too much difficulty, but I can't imagine actually spending any money on such an old machine since your return on investment will be incredibly limited.

As much as I love the Macintosh and want you to experience the pleasure of a vastly superior (to Windows generally) operating system (not to mention its reliable hardware), this machine's time has LONG passed and you would actually get more of a "Mac like" experience by buying a $200 iPod Touch than you would this machine. I owned two of these very machines (a gray one, then a white one) so it pains me to say this, but for all intents and purposes that machine is utterly worthless. You can't really even give them away.

Much more recent used Macs are often available at modest prices and I would encourage you to make your first Mac experience a good one and get something at least a little more modern. A used or refurbished Mac mini or iMac made anytime in the last five years makes for an excellent and inexpensive "starter Mac" for those on a budget and the experience will be quantum orders of magnitude more satisfying.

Hi Steph here with Qwest,

I am not sure if you already got your problem resolved, however, feel free to email me at [email protected] with your billing phone number, billing address and best contact number and I'll see if one of my technical support specialists can give you more assistance.

thank you



Steph Lake
Manager - Talk To Qwest Team

[email protected] - attention Steph
TalkToQwest (TalkToQwest) on Twitter

"At Qwest your account information is confidential and protected by law, so I need your permission to access the account.”

TalkToQwest said:

Hi Steph here with Qwest,

I am not sure if you already got your problem resolved, however, feel free to email me at [email protected] with your billing phone number, billing address and best contact number and I'll see if one of my technical support specialists can give you more assistance.

thank you



Steph Lake
Manager - Talk To Qwest Team

[email protected] - attention Steph
TalkToQwest (TalkToQwest) on Twitter

"At Qwest your account information is confidential and protected by law, so I need your permission to access the account.”

Click to expand...

Did that just really happen....?

While you're still using OS 9, there is a browser that works effectively with it, named iCab. You need version 2.9.9, and it's available from iCab - Downloads.

I still use OS 9 occasionally, but more for nostalgic (those wonderful icons and games) than practical reasons, so I have to agree with those who are urging you to upgrade your OS to Panther (maximum); maybe your hardware to a G4, even a G5.

In respect of getting your iMac connected to the internet with OS 9 via ethernet, see if this article helps you: Mac OS X: Connect to the Internet, troubleshoot your Internet connection, and set up a small network.