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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Desktops > iMac G3: Wireless internet?

iMac G3: Wireless internet?
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Annorax
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Oct 3, 2009, 08:18 PM
 
Hi all,

I have an old iMac G3 233mhz running OS 8.6. Is there any way I can get it to use my wireless router's internet signal, via some sort of USB device or the like?

Thanks for any help.
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ibook_steve
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Oct 3, 2009, 08:35 PM
 
Sure. Get a wireless ethernet bridge. I recently got a Buffalo bridge (WLI-TX4-AG300N) for my non-wireless devices. Works great though it's not cheap ($80 at Newegg).

Steve
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P
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Oct 4, 2009, 07:04 AM
 
There are USB wireless adapters that are much cheaper, but I'm not aware of any with drivers for OS 8.6. You can also buy certain wireless routers and load them with a custom firmware to make them work as a wireless bridge. This is usually cheaper, if you don't mind some hacking. Finally, Apple's Airport Express works as a wireless bridge, although of course that is more expensive than the bridge option ibook_steve suggested.
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ghporter
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Oct 4, 2009, 09:32 AM
 
Easiest: purpose-built wireless bridge-more expensive but quicker and less setup time.
Cheapest: some other route to a bridge, such as using an older Linksys WRT54G router and loading certain firmwares (including the one P linked to: read up on this at LinksysInfo.org)-more technically challenging and time consuming, but potentially less expensive if you can find the right router.

My choice would be to go with a purpose built bridge. Unless you really WANT to play with firmwares and/or have a WRT54G sitting around collecting dust, you'll get connected way faster and with less of a potential to make a mistake in setting things up.

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Annorax  (op)
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Oct 4, 2009, 11:13 AM
 
Thank you all for the replies. You've all been very helpful.

I have a Linksys WRT54GS wireless router, but I'm not sure I'm comfortable hacking it such, but if I ever get a spare wireless router someday, I'll keep this in mind. I think the ethernet bridge linked above may do the trick for me so I'll give it a try.
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olePigeon
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Oct 5, 2009, 01:24 PM
 
AirPort Express would also work. It also doubles as a wireless print server.
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