iMac G3 Internet Setup & Gaming in 2023

[@cabbitkisser2620]

years ago, i went to goodwill just bumming around. i saw a imac g3 blueberry just sitting in a cart for $25. so, i went over & grabbed it & bought it as quick as i can before someone else did. i still have it today

[@retrogameattic]

Nice score & I'm glad you held onto it! I feel like iMac G3 prices bottomed out a few years ago and have been steadily rising recently.

[@stpworld]

@@retrogameattic I have this iMac and the school made a really cool splash screen and start up screen for them to I need to preserve that.

[@retrogameattic]

@@stpworld For sure, you definitely need to preserve them!

[@stpworld]

@@retrogameattic yea its really cool they left it all and it has a cool school logo splash screen that starts up when u boot in os9! with there logo and saying for educatioanl use only as well.

[@Acer_Real]

I wanted the tangerine version but i can‘t even find one

[@cjeelde]

I'm so happy that almost all games back then was NOT online multiplayer. That makes these older Macs still useful for games! Now called "retro games". Sadly, most of internet is gone because services are shut down, most web servers will not accept older browsers, the old web browsers will get problems with modern sites because the HTML standard has a lot of new stuff, and so on. But always so nice to see these old lovely Macs still work in 2023 or later!

[@retrogameattic]

The older, non-online multiplayer games definitely have a fun little appeal of being a solo experience! Luckily the iCab browser works relatively well on accessing some modern internet sites with the iMac G3. You should definitely check it out if you ever get the chance. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@cjeelde]

I've used iCab a lot back in the days. Around 2000-2005 or 2000-2010. Those years. But never as the "daily driver browser". I got a PowerBook G3/500 with 10.4.11. Have to check if I still got iCab installed. Otherwise I can probably download it with another Mac and use file sharing. Wanna try to browse some sites and see which ones that works. Also wanna see if I got Opera installed. And other browsers. We had so many around 2005-2010! Safari Chrome (it came around 2009? 2010?) Firefox IE (was phasing out on Mac) OmniWeb iCab Opera Camino Probably forgotten some browsers. But iCab was a nice one! I have a memory that iCab supported older Mac OS versions for a very long time. I also got Apple's 17" CRT that they released in january 1999. So I can use it with older Macs :) Do you remember ClarisWorks/AppleWorks? Any idea how to open documents from these apps in modern Macs? I tried with iWork but that didn't work...

[@fleancelawrence3493]

This is so good

[@retrogameattic]

Thank you!

[@MichaelJ023]

The only way I’ve got my old G3s running os9 to connect using Airport is by using the very old Airport base station, the flying saucer one. But I can’t leave the base station running due to the security is terrible. When the G3s are booted to os 10.4 I can connect to my AirPort Extreme.

[@retrogameattic]

That like a solid alternative to the Android hotspot workaround! I don’t blame you for not leaving it running due to the lack of security either. I’ve been toying with connecting the G3 to my home network but only have success when disabling security, which is unnerving 😂. I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for an old Airport though! Thanks for sharing and for checking out the channel!

[@PROSTO4Tabal]

I love everyone who love macintosh. Peace love and macintosh

[@AnthonyChopra]

i find the emacg4 speakers are better than the imac mom has from 2017

[@retrogameattic]

I totally believe it, they are such high quality speakers!

[@tylerfrankel5374]

I’m impressed I know the speakers were high quality new but in all my g3/g4 machines the foam has disintegrated and they sound awful

[@ryanyoung6121]

Will Myst play?

[@retrogameattic]

Yes it will! I downloaded it off of macintoshgarden.org and it runs great!

[@rawmilk905]

More than any games from that era, or slightly before I really like screensaver collections like After Dark and UnderWare. Because of changes in MacOS 8 and 9, I recommend running them in System 7 using Basilisk II or SheepShaver.

[@retrogameattic]

After Dark is such a classic collection! Thanks for checking out the. vid & for the info, I'll be sure to check out those emulators!

[@joshuat502]

i have a imac g3 slot loader running mac os 10.4.11 and i have wifi setup using a old mac book setup with wifi sharing so i get internet and i can easily get files and programs on there over a network, oh and i also use the internet connected to protoweb servers (it makes the old internet usable)

[@retrogameattic]

That's a nice setup! I may have to try something like that out in the future. Thanks for sharing and for checking out the vid.

[@joshuat502]

@@retrogameattic oh yeah you should anyway thank you because the vid was very good and I enjoyed it.

[@keithyakouboff8755]

I have a Rev A iMac, nothing was done except replacing its PRAM battery. Works perfectly. Monitor's not quite as sharp as I remember them being, but I think that's to be expected for a CRT. The only games I like are Skittles, Nanosaur, Asteroids, and this Galaga-type knock-off. Internet-wise, I have it connected to my modem via an ethernet cable. Modern sites will not load up unless I use Frogfind. I'm still looking for a way to get make him more compatible with the modern internet, so I can access those https sites and also get e-mail. The way things are going in the vintage computer community, I suspect somebody will be developing something soon.

[@retrogameattic]

The Rev A is a solid unit! I agree; someone is most likely hard at work developing something to make it more compatible with modern Internet. I’m still in awe that the G3 holds its own with light modern internet browsing as it is. Thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@keithyakouboff8755]

@@retrogameattic Absolutely... and it was a good presentation.

[@KOTYAR1]

Hey, do you think 3D game Oni by Bungie would work on this thing?

[@retrogameattic]

Hello! Yes, an iMac G3 can handle Oni and it runs well on it! Oni is available for download on macintoshgarden.org if you're interested in playing.

[@mattflavour2607]

Yes, I had an iMac G3 450MHz and it ran Oni just fine (I had a demo of the first few levels). It'll probably run better the more memory you can allocate to the game under OS9 (assuming that's the OS you're using). If you've got 128Mb or 192Mb installed in your iMac then it'll run Oni just fine. If you only have the stock 64Mb that came with an Indigo model iMac then you'll probably want to turn on Virtual Memory (which uses some spare hard drive space and pretends its RAM) and you can assign the extra to Oni that way.

[@KOTYAR1]

@@mattflavour2607 thanks friend, I wish you no computer problems in 2024

[@scpnoobers]

Should I buy a IMac g3 indigo slot loading for 25 bucks off of offerup?

[@retrogameattic]

Yes! I totally would pick another one up for that price. Even if for some reason it didn’t work it’s worth more than $25 in parts. Please let me know if you snag it!

[@scpnoobers]

@@retrogameattic If my parents let me I’ll definitely get it. If the logic board doesn’t work I could probably turn it into a monitor to test my soldering skills. (A reason they probably wouldn’t let me get one is I just got a IBM E74 on Tuesday)

[@retrogameattic]

I feel you on that, good luck my dude!

[@PROSTO4Tabal]

I still use power mac g3 tower 333mhz 1mb cache with game wizard 3dfx voodoo 12mb lots of fun. Classic macs are unique

[@retrogameattic]

That's a nice setup! I'm sure you're able to run some cool software/games and have a ton of fun with it. Happy gaming and thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@QUANTUMJOKER]

A very enjoyable, well-paced video. You should install an SSD in your iMac G3. :D I acquired a graphite iMac G3 a week before Christmas this year, and installed 1 GB of RAM and a 128 GB Compact Flash card for a hard-drive, the latter running through a CF-to-3.5-inch IDE adapter. With a CF "SSD", the iMac runs very well and boots extremely fast.

[@retrogameattic]

Thank you very much and glad you enjoyed! That sounds like a nice setup and a much more pleasant experience not waiting through those slow boot times. Thanks for the tip! I'll be sure to look more into it.

[@appleimacdude]

Reckless Drivin, Jazz Jackrabbit, Temple Tantrum, Bushfire, Midnight Mansion, Captain Bumper

[@retrogameattic]

I haven't tried these but I'll be sure to check them out! Thanks for the heads up!

[@sanekibeko]

If you have a Raspberry Pi with wifi you could use that as a pass through to get wifi on the iMac G3 instead. I plan on cracking open my Bondi Blue this summer and replacing the hard drive. That thing is on it's last legs taking forever just to open a jpg.

[@retrogameattic]

Thanks for the heads up! I may try to tackle that at some point. Best of luck on the hard drive replacement! That should breathe new life into it for sure.

[@dbtech4562]

I tried installing a small SSD that cost me $25 dollars on my iMac G3 but was not successful. I identified a IDE to SATA cable but couldn't get it to recognize it. I have an IDE 80 GB replacement drive and it works fine. It is still fast with iTunes, iMovie and viewing photos. Just not SSD fast.

[@retrogameattic]

@dbtech4562 bummer about the SSD, but glad you at a solid IDE drive going on it. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@n00bpwner36]

Where can I find one now I know there’s eBay but a lot of them are pretty expensive

[@retrogameattic]

I would set up alerts on your local craigslist and FB Marketplace. It's kind of the luck of the draw but if you're patient some people just want to unload them and you can snag a good deal. Best of luck!

[@SenileOtaku]

You could also use one of those ethernet-to-wifi adapters that are readily available, and connect through the iMac's ethernet port. I had a blue rev.D iMac in the mid-late 2000's, but lost it in a house fire.

[@retrogameattic]

Sounds like a cool/easy workaround, thanks for sharing! Bummer about your iMac and the fire, I hope all is well now. Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@foodtalk4099]

I am considering getting a iMac g3 for my birthday to try different old games, do you think it is worth buying?

[@retrogameattic]

If you can find it with the keyboard, mouse, and power cable for less than $100, I say go for it! You should have a ton of fun messing around with it. Thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@ChaoticTempleKnight]

Pretty cool video. I remember playing Bugdom on these in elementary school at the school's computer lab. 0:18 _shout-out to the eMachine eOne_

[@retrogameattic]

Bugdom is surprisingly fun! Thank you very much and glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@nickperri6322]

Thinking about buying a G3, how hard is it to get a decent browser on it and update it to the last possible update?

[@retrogameattic]

I personally use iCab browser on my G3. iCab and other browsers are available for download on both macintoshrepository.org and macintoshgarden.org. I've also read that the Tenfourfox browser runs well but have not tried it myself. Good luck!

[@amdintelxsniperx]

macintosh garden is better and free

[@retrogameattic]

Thanks for the heads up! I'll be sure to check it out!

[@Kq4hcuDan]

I would love to see this g3 running haiku OS, Linux and freebsd.

[@retrogameattic]

Sounds like a solid idea! Maybe I'll make that video at some point.

[@Kq4hcuDan]

@retrogameattic that would be sweet cause I wouldn't mind having a g3 running Haiku OS and Freebsd. I'm currently running q4os Linux on my Lenovo laptop been so for three years

[@Jiraiya_Sage]

Do you have any tips for using an Ethernet cable? I saw a few people on youtube just using those but I cant get mine to work.

[@retrogameattic]

I haven't tried in some time but I know the DHCP settings need to be messed around with. This thread might help: discussions.apple.com/thread/3794034. Good luck!

[@Mythical6255]

I thought the Graphite color was the most consistent for the iMac G3’s life. It lasted from late 1999 to early 2001

[@retrogameattic]

I'm no expert on the G3 but I believe both the Indigo and Graphite colors spanned from 2000 through late 2001.

[@oofingberg]

you should try aim Phoenix on the Mac.

[@retrogameattic]

I just checked out AIM Phoenix, seems pretty cool! Thank you for the heads up, sounds like a great video idea!

[@thaisara]

able to connect internet with LAN port or RJ45?

[@retrogameattic]

I wish it was that easy for me but I tried connecting via the LAN port and couldn’t get a connection.

[@thaisara]

@@retrogameattic yes, I think Ethernet would able to connect if we use with Air card

[@leylandlynxvlog]

Awesome video. As for game suggestions, try Darby The Dragon.

[@retrogameattic]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the heads up, I'll check it out!

[@Alberttolife]

I've never seen an Apple computer in Brazil, it must be a very expensive computer

[@retrogameattic]

I did a little dive into the subject and it seems that Brazil heavily taxes Apple products...super interesting. It seems that Macintosh clones from the likes of TK and Unitron were popular alternatives in Brazil. Have you come across any of those? Thanks for the insight and for checking out the video!

[@Alberttolife]

@@retrogameattic Everything in Brazil is taxed, a Mac studio here can cost around R$21,000,000

[@NoobixCube]

Obligatory Australian comment: "Bondi" in "Bondi Blue" is named after Bondi Beach. Thanks to Steve, Americans all say it with the i as in igloo, but it's supposed to be said with the i as in pie. Bon-dye, not bon-dee.

[@retrogameattic]

That widespread mispronunciation was Steve Jobs’ greatest contribution to society

[@Jiraiya_Sage]

No American pronounces "igloo" as EEgloo 😂. Its ihgloo as in ick or icky.

[@retrogameattic]

@@Jiraiya_SageThat was very EEnlightening.

[@mikec4178]

Just keep the encryption low and it will join many routers

[@retrogameattic]

I did and it still couldn't detect any local routers for some reason.

[@krautwagongti284]

mine works fine with ethernet and clasilla

[@retrogameattic]

Nice! That makes things much easier. I’ve heard some people have success with directly plugging into the Ethernet port.

[@froggboy]

Play Silhouettes by Saint Pepsi on it.

[@retrogameattic]

I just checked it out. It’s a solid tune that would be right at home on an old G3!

[@MarSAttK]

Macintosh Garden >>>>>>>>> Macintosh repository

[@retrogameattic]

Totally! Luckily I discovered Macintosh Garden from a few other commenters as well. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@appleimacdude]

And of course Nanosaur

[@retrogameattic]

Nanosaur rules!

[@keremqwehd]

Please send me one I live in turkey bursa

[@retrogameattic]

I would if I had an extra one 😎

[@keremqwehd]

@@retrogameattic ok no problem

[@fenixlolnope361]

Macintosh repository is pretty bad though

[@retrogameattic]

I’ve discovered Macintosh Garden since making the vid and it is so much better! Do you have any other suggestions I should check out?

[@mattflavour2607]

@@retrogameattic I used Macintosh Garden the whole time I had a G3 iMac. You've already got Monkey Island 1 so I'm sure you've got 2. Indiana Jones & the Fate of Atlantis is also available at Macintosh Garden. I'd also recommend Worms, Age of Empires II, Airburst. The iMac had a great SNES emulator called SNES9X that I used a lot, and there was a piece of software called 'Bleem' which emulated a Playstation One (and you could assign Virtual memory cards so there was no problem with saving game progress). It looks cool seeing a Playstation game on an iMac!

[@poppovy]

Do you think an airport cd would do the same? I can only find that online and its $100 🥲

[@retrogameattic]

I can't say for sure, but I don't think just the CD would work. There are AirPort adapters and cards currently on eBay for $37 and $26.50, respectively. Hope this helps! Adapter: www.ebay.com/itm/335384737989?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=6dAT51dET-K&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY Card: www.ebay.com/itm/365098957537?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=wh_Ev1L1Rnm&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@poppovy]

@@retrogameattic Thankyou!!! I'm in Australia so it's going to cost me more 🥲 I did find that my iMac G3 has an airport app installed, but when I try to open it, it says that the version I have (9.2 - classic) doesn't support the app - I think it's saying I need to update the computer? I'm not sure, I'm really new to it all and haven't had the time for intense research yet 😅

[@retrogameattic]

@poppovy You might have some luck with G3 forums or Reddit! Good luck!