Author Topic: Help!Know Nothing-given a Mac  (Read 103175 times)

Offline MrsLop

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Help!Know Nothing-given a Mac
« on: June 10, 2003, 10:46:35 AM »
I am new to everything computer.  I was given a mac powerpc 6100/60av 7.5.3,complete with 320
LaserWriter.  It came with no instructions for use, no manuals, no floppy or cd for startup. I am limited by my current WebTv that I use now for email and surfing the net.  I would like to get started using my mac. I am afraid I will hurt the system if I try to use high speed internet. I cannot download using WebTv.  Where can I get hardcopy manuals? What do you suggest for a starting point.  I have a good mind but not technical one. I am seriously ill and needed this computer to help me learn and access more information  about my illness. Thanks for your help.

Offline kelly

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« Reply #1 on: June 10, 2003, 11:14:29 AM »
MrsLop. Welcome to the Forum. welcome.gif

We'll be more than happy to help.

That's a very old computer.

http://new.lowendmac.com/ppc/6100.shtml

Newer ones can be had for under $100 if you're interested.

Can you see if your Library has a Copy of Macs for Dummies by David Pogue.

Ignore the title. It's a very good book for beginners.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/076...6437911-4384739

http://www.davidpogue.com/

Here's some more information on the 6100.

http://www.erf.net/~brd/mac/6100faq.html

Ask away. smile.gif
« Last Edit: June 10, 2003, 11:15:22 AM by kelly »
kelly
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Offline MrsLop

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« Reply #2 on: June 10, 2003, 11:35:52 AM »
Hi and Thanks Kelly.
I was beginning to get discouraged when I didn't get a reply.  I am so new that I don't even know what questions to ask.  If I could, I would have bought a brand new system with all the bells and whistles. Having been diagnosed with Cancer and paying for all medical costs, drains funds. That's how I wound up with this "old mac."As it is, I just don't know where to begin.  My daughters insisted that I needed to go online, as they rarely use the telephone to call and were more likely to keep in touch with via email.  Sooo, that's why I got WebTv(now owned by MSN.  That is why I know so little about real computers.  I don't even have a printer attached to it. Thanks again for the information.

Offline kelly

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« Reply #3 on: June 10, 2003, 12:16:21 PM »
Ok. Do you have an ISP. Internet Service Provider for your webTV? smile.gif

I'm not sure how that works.

What do you mean by High Speed internet service?

That machine can connect on Dial Up using an External modem.

Do you have one of those?

Here's an example of a better computer.

G3 All-In-One $195

http://www.baucomcomputers.com/aio.htm

Others.

http://www.baucomcomputers.com/

No problem you not knowing stuff. That's why we're here. smile.gif
kelly
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Offline beacher

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« Reply #4 on: June 10, 2003, 12:58:15 PM »
Mrs. Lop, you've come to the right place for help, and you're in darn good hands, there with Kelly!  I can't imagine anybody with more knowledge, or at least, the ability to steer you to answers for almost any problem.  Once you're up and running, you're going to discover a whole new world, and probably make a lot of new friends.

 welcome.gif aboard!

Offline MrsLop

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« Reply #5 on: June 10, 2003, 12:59:08 PM »
Hi Kelly, WebTv is a box which attaches via any Cable Box to their Companys lines and comes with a wireless keyboard  It uses your television screen as a monitor.  You sign up for service through MSN and they are my ISP. After hooking up the box to my cable box, I just plug in my telephone line to the WebTv Box to access the Web. As for the Mac and modem, I am ashamed to say that without further information about what those empty holes in the back of my PC are, I haven't got a clue. What I meant by high speed internet is: any cable company which provides internet access using their cable lines (fiber optic)  I have heard that it connects faster to the Web than use of a regular telephone line.  Since I don't know much about my computer,I didn't know if I could even access high speed internet service.  I really need to get the Mac for Dummies book you told me about. Thanks!

Offline MrsLop

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« Reply #6 on: June 10, 2003, 01:08:39 PM »
Hi beacher, Thank you for the Welcome.  Kelly responded with some links and a book that might help me to learn about my mac.  You are right - I am in good hands!

Offline CyberPet

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« Reply #7 on: June 10, 2003, 02:12:32 PM »
Welcome to TS Lady! smile.gif

If you might be able to find out if there's a Mac User Group (also called MUG) you might get a lot more hands-on help from friendly people. They might have hardware you can buy/borrow or software you can buy/borrow to get started.

I know that Apple has had a listing of MUG:s around the world, that could be a good start to look for other people living near you for help.

Good luck and hope you'll soon be able to play with your new toy! smile.gif
/Petra

Offline RHPConsult

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« Reply #8 on: June 10, 2003, 02:33:08 PM »
MrsLop:

Check your e-mail, please.

RHPConsult

Offline MrsLop

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« Reply #9 on: June 10, 2003, 03:43:48 PM »
RHP,I did.  Please check your email. thanx.gif

Offline Gary S

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« Reply #10 on: June 10, 2003, 04:56:31 PM »
Welcome to TS MrsLop! welcome.gif

Remember there are no stupid questions. biggrin.gif

I wish I knew the answer to the high speed question on Web TV but i don't.

Someone will though.
Gary S

Offline MrsLop

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« Reply #11 on: June 10, 2003, 05:25:12 PM »
Hello All, Lest I be misunderstood this is what I am currently using: WebTV/MSN hooked up to a local Cable company. 2) I have not connected my Mac 6100/60AV because I don't know what I need to do so as yet.  3)I was musing about hooking up the Mac to high speed internet service which my cable company can provide (and which I can receive a discount for) Until I get the Macup and running, I am stuck with WebTV which will not allow me to read or download anything from Apple.com concerning manuals available for my mac. WebTV is not a computer.  It allows me limited functions ie. I can surf the Web and get email.  If I had a printer attached to it I could print from it.  The printer would have to be compatible with WebTV and the printer types are limited in functions and the quality of print poor.  So I decided to forego the printer for WebTV. It has been a vicious circle.  I have a Personal LaserWriter 320 which came with the 6100/60AV, but I have not hooked up to anything because I don't know what I need to get started.  etc..etc..  I hope that I have clarified my situation.     thanx.gif

Offline CyberPet

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« Reply #12 on: June 10, 2003, 07:09:09 PM »
I found the link where to search for user groups (MUG's) on Apple's site (not easy to find stuff on that site). Hope this helps!

http://www.apple.com/usergroups/find/
/Petra

Offline SnowWitch

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« Reply #13 on: June 10, 2003, 08:05:28 PM »
Mrs. Lop, assuming this Mac has a modem, and until you decide on the high speed internet, you can get on the MSN One Plan, which allows MSNTV and any other computer to use the one ISP for the $21.95 price.....call MSNTV to get on that plan....I have MSNTV, 2 p.c's. and an Apple iBook and use MSN as my ISP for the one price. MSN has a Mac Support Tech division as well and they could help in setting up the dial up on the Mac......Good luck...trish

Offline iGuy

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« Reply #14 on: June 10, 2003, 09:47:25 PM »
Mrs. Lop, a Mac is a very good computer and would do very well for you, but I have to agree with Kelly, the one you have is very and would make it harder to get up and running the way you are wanting.  Most likely is doesn't even have USB connections.  I am with kelly on purchasing a newer Mac if you can.  Something with a G3 running 8.6 would make things much easier for you.

Good Luck,
Ryan