iMac G3 backwards compatibility

[newton]

Hi I currently have a Mac Performa 636CD with system 7.5 on it.

Today I saw an iMac DV grape for $35. The best I can tell, the DV originally had 8.6 on it. Is 8.6 backwards compatible with any system 7 programs?

I'm just wondering, as I have a whole bunch of System 7 programs. Also, even if it isn't, is an iMac DV worth $35 if it's in good working order?

 

[benjgvps]

I suppose if the programs are written for PowerPC, they should be able to run.

As for the pricing of the computer, it isn't bad. They are quite capable and the DV version, IIRC, has a Firewire and VGA port.

 

[porter]

Well written 68000 should happily run on an Power PC running Mac OS.

I have happily run 68k programs on System 9.2 under Tiger.

 

[superpantoufle]

I suppose if the programs are written for PowerPC, they should be able to run.

:?: Last time I checked, the Performa 6xx were 68k machines… and the iMac is a PowerPC G3! Beginning with System 7.1.2 on the first PowerMacs, the System uses an emulator to run 68k software, and makes it completely transparet for the user. The opposite is of course not true: you won't be able to launch software written specifically for PPC Macs on a 68k.

So newton, don't worry! You'll most certainly be able to use all your software under Mac OS 8.6, apart from some very early software written for System 1.x-3.x.

Edit: porter was quicker, and is indeed right!

 

[newton]

Thank you all for your prompt replies!

I have another question: for transferring programs on 3.5" floppies, is it possible to connect an external floppy to the iMac's USB ports to read them? I'm guessing the office big box stores still sell them.

 

[superpantoufle]

is it possible to connect an external floppy to the iMac's USB ports to read them?

Sure it is! That kind of drives is perfect.

 

[porter]

$10 on an ethernet card for the 68k would pay for itself quickly.

 

[Rodus]

^^seconded, the time taken to transfer using 3.5" floppies quickly adds up, you'll soon learn to love an ethernet card.

 

[Bunsen]

Also, $35 for a DV is pretty good. Did they mention the speed?

See here: http://www.lowendmac.com/profiles.htm

 

[tomlee59]

Thank you all for your prompt replies!
I have another question: for transferring programs on 3.5" floppies, is it possible to connect an external floppy to the iMac's USB ports to read them? I'm guessing the office big box stores still sell them.

You won't be able to read 800K floppies, unfortunately, but if that's not a requirement, you're fine.

 

[Bunsen]

To clarify: 800k floppies were used on even older Macs than the 636. They're different to PC 720k floppies and not interchangeable. The USB floppy drives will only read and write 1.44MB floppies.

The 636 can read both of them, so you'll have no problems using 1.44MB floppies to transfer between it and the iMac. And if you ever do get an older Mac in the future that only reads 800k floppies, the 636 can make them for you