New to Mac; Getting started with used iMac

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by atlsud, Sep 3, 2008.

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  1. atlsud, Sep 3, 2008

    atlsud macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2008
    #1
    Hi all!

    I inherited a used iMac from my sister yesterday.:) This particular model does not come with an internal wireless care (Airport?). It is a 17" model with all components in the screen case. I'm trying to figure out the best method to pick up a wireless signal from my Netgear wireless router.

    I figure I will either go with Airport Extreme card or a wireless ethernet bridge, depending on the compatibility and price.

    Is there an FAQ or help topic where I can find out the OS version and the model of my iMac? My sister did not provide any of the documentation or manuals.

    Thanks in advance for your help.

    T
     
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  2. Tallest Skil, Sep 3, 2008

    Tallest Skil macrumors P6

    Tallest Skil

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2006
    Location:
    1 Geostationary Tower Plaza
    #2
    Go the the Apple menu and click "About this Mac". You'll get specs from there. "More Info" from what pops up will let you know whether or not you already have an AirPort card. I don't know how hard it was to install in the G5 iMacs, but if you have an Intel one, it's already in there.
     
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  3. Raid, Sep 3, 2008

    Raid macrumors 68020

    Raid

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2003
    Location:
    Toronto
    #3
    Hi and welcome to the wonderful world of Mac! :)

    To figure out what your system is click on the apple ( :apple: ) icon and choose "About this Mac". If you want a detailed listing you can click the "More Info" button for the system profiler (which will probably tell you more than you want to know).

    If you want to learn more about Macs, you can check out the Mac Basics and Help Forum on this site. In that forum you'll find a Mac Beginer's Guide, and if you want to go directly to the source, Apple has a Mac 101 section to answer many questions new users might have.
     
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  4. atlsud, Sep 3, 2008

    atlsud thread starter macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2008
    #4
    Ok, I have a G5 iMac running OS X v 10.4.1, no AirPort card. The CPU Type lists Power PC G5 (3.0).

    Now can anyone tell me if the AirPort Extreme card is compatible with this model? I found a pdf howto on installing the card but want to make sure it will work on this machine before ordering.

    Thanks again for your responses.
    T
     
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  5. numediaman, Sep 3, 2008

    numediaman macrumors 6502a

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2004
    Location:
    Chicago (by way of SF)
    #5
    I think this page will help you out (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2256 ). It looks like all G5 iMacs accept Airport Extreme cards. (The Airport Extreme is the faster version of the old Airport cards -- so this should be good news.)
     
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  6. jodelli, Sep 3, 2008

    jodelli macrumors 65816

    jodelli

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2008
    Location:
    Windsor, ON, Canada
    #6
    If the 10.4.1 isn't a typo you should update it to 10.4.11. Use System Preferences> System> Software Update. It's the white box in the dock with an apple on it. Use an ethernet cable if you have it until you get the Airport Extreme.
     
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