Old Apple gets new Friend

[stoid]

I am setting up an old Performa 6320CD computer for my aunt who has never used a computer before in her life. She will probably only be using it for internet, word processing, and hopefully to text chat at least with my brother in Taiwan. I want to set the computer up for her without spending any funds but am wondering what the best method would be. I have the 7.5.3 restore disc that came with the machine, as well as the few other discs that it came with. What software should I install for her and where can I get it?

Thanks tremendously for the all the help.

The computer's specs are:
120Mhz 603 PowerPC
64MB of RAM
1.2GB internal HD
Complete specs can be found here. (http://www.apple-history.com/frames/body.php?page=gallery&model=6200)



PS I remember seeing on the Apple website awhile back where you could download some old Apple legacy software for free and I think that a thread on the boards here even talked about it once. However, both searches were futile :( I don't remember exactly what software they had or if any of it would be useful.

[GeeYouEye]

I'd upgrade to OS 8, 9 if the computer will support it.

[stoid]

The computer supports up to 9.1 but I think that OS 8.1 or 8.6 should do it...

[ingenious]

The computer supports up to 9.1 but I think that OS 8.1 or 8.6 should do it...


if you're going to only go up to 8.x, i would go with 8.6. most carbon software will run on 8.6 if it has carbonlib installed... that would be your best bet.

[ingenious]

i have a similar sitch. there's an older woman that i know that has purchased a used computer from a friend that I'm supposed to help her with ("cleaning it off"). I'm assuming that it will be windows 98, and as much as id like to, i dont think it's possible for me to get her a mac (used or otherwise, unless someone can point me in the right direction >$100). So i guess what I'm saying is, (LOL this is funny) is there ANY way at all to make her win98 experience any better? any way to make 98 more *stable* :rolleyes: ?

[blue&whiteman]

I say go with 8.6. it won't be much slower than 8.1 or 8.5 and its more stable. I think for her needs the setup should lean more toward stability. plus with 8.6 she would be able to run virtually any classic os app.

a friend used to have a 6200. good systems for their time and still fine for mild tasks.

[blue&whiteman]

i dont think it's possible for me to get her a mac (used or otherwise, unless someone can point me in the right direction >$100).

a site called mac of all trades has beige G3's very cheap. as low as 75 bucks.

http://macofalltrades.com

[Doctor Q]

Apple hasn't released more recent versions of Mac OS as free downloads, which I find odd. After all, they can't be making money selling Mac OS 8 anymore, can they!? In any case, if you need a new copy, System 7.5.3 can be downloaded free from here:

http://download.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Apple_Software_Updates/English-North_American/Macintosh/System/Older_System/For_System_7.5.2_and_7.5.3/System_7.5.3_Revision_2/

For newer versions, some Mac stores sell 'em or you can look on eBay. Quite often, a computer, including Mac OS, is as cheap as what somebody else wants for the OS alone!

[stoid]

Ok, so the OS has pretty much been nailed down to 8.6.


Now, what word processing and internet browsing apps are going to be the best for ease of use, speed, compatibility?

[Doctor Q]

I recommend AppleWorks for your aunt. It runs on Mac OS 7, 8, 9, X (probably System 6 too). Straightforward application for word processing, spreadsheet, drawing, painting, database, good enough for typical uses. A bargain for what you get.

Disadvantages: not free. Not up to date with features of today's word processors and especially old-fashioned if you move to Mac OS X.

[abc123]

a free mac: http://www.macofalltrades.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=3&pf%5Fid=POWERPC1&mscssid=0SKV89JU8MX69K5J3GAM1AVBA6XP986B

[7on]

I've seen B&Ws near $150 on ebay (tower only and usually OS9) but they can be a good deal.