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dcinbc
User

Posts: 2

iMac Computer Lab - 2007/11/01 21:45 Hi,

I have a lab of many iMacs from First Gen up to 500MHz. The lab was on 9.2, most with little RAM (ie 32, 64). I have just received a boost of 10 iMacs from a High School.

I now have the ability to have a computer lab of 24 iMacs with Firewire (400-500)(important for cloning and processing speed).

I installed OS X.1 on ten of these and things seem OK.....

What I am trying to decide is:

What operating System is Best to put on these 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 ...I have access to all through our School District tech.....I can get RAM for 40 per 256 (Canadian).

The lab will be used mainly by Primary (younger) kids for Kids Pix, a bit of net browsing.... no heavy graphics.

I have several 350 MHz range as well as 333, 266, 233......at what point do I send them out of the school as OS X is so much easier for managing....

Thanks,
DC

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swordbreaker55
User

Posts: 102

Re:iMac Computer Lab - 2007/11/02 00:30 That depends.

Just about all of those Macs can (and by all means should) safely run 10.3 if they have 256 MB or more. Would max the tray-loaders out at 512MB and bring the slot-loaders up to the same before continuing.

Though the slot-loaders can use Tiger, they're going to be extremely poky if you go that way; the video chips aren't geared for Tiger's Quartz Extreme effects.

If you have not applied the firmware updates listed in Apple Support KB #86117, do so before continuing to upgrade. These updates are mandatory for proper operation under Jaguar or later.

It should be noted that Panther and Tiger are eligible for updated Daylight Saving Time definitions. Other versions must have automatic clock adjustment turned off and be updated manually.

If you are using Panther, you may wish to replace Safari 1.3 with another, more current browser. Tiger's browser should be OK

Good luck,

Nate

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dcinbc
User

Posts: 2

Re:iMac Computer Lab - 2007/11/02 16:28 Hi, I can't update the firmware......

Okay ....here's what I did ....
Put OS X.1 on the 11 iMacs...... then tried to Install 10.3.......it said that I have to update the Firmware (4.1.9 I downloaded)......installed 9.2 The Firmware wouldn't update.....okay, thought maybe it had to be 9.1 so wiped teh HD totally, installed 9.1 and tried the Firmware.......no luck....

When I restarted the computer and held the Programers button down it gave the screen "Welcome to Open Firmware" and asked me to enter commands...

I restarted again and waited a few seconds until hitting the programmers button and I heard the tone, let go and it restarted....

It gave me the polite message (Macs are always polite) that the Firmware was not updated successfully.....

What can I do now? Have I created a real mess, or do you have a magic wand for me?

Thanks,
DC

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swordbreaker55
User

Posts: 102

Re:iMac Computer Lab - 2007/11/02 22:26 I'm not a purveyor of prestidigitation, but here's the deal. You're not hosed if you got the "no go" message. It simply means you need to try again.

Run the updater one more time and let it shut down the iMac. Then do the following:

1. Find the Programmer's/Interrupt switch on the side of the iMac. Its icon looks like a circle with a broken circuit, as opposed to an arrowhead (the latter represents Reset) Hold it in using a pen or other small, blunt object.

2. Power on the iMac from the main power switch.

3. Continue holding the Interrupt switch until you hear a long tone (one long "A" note). When this tone STARTS, release the Interrupt switch.

If you did this correctly, the screen may change colors for a second or two. A progress bar should show up shortly thereafter. If you don't see this, the updater has failed.

The progress bar will advance to indicate that the firmware is being updated. When it is done, the firmware will be updated to 4.1.9f1, and the computer's NVRAM will be zeroed out, resetting all hardware preferences to new default settings.

Be aware that after the update, some third-party RAM may be disabled. If this happens, switch out the RAM until you have a combination of sticks that works.

Nate

Post edited by: swordbreaker55, at: 2007/11/03 00:28

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