Just inherited a G3 - Can I still use System 9?

[Brusco]

I recently inherited a Mac G3 and believe I won't be able to run OSX on it. I'd like to get started recording but fear that every interface and software on the market requires OSX.
Any suggestions until I have the money for a G5? I wouldn't mind starting with something real simple just to get my feet wet. If someone had something for sale I may be interested if I knew I could run it on system 9.

 

[covert]

When I bought Bias Peak, it included the last system 9 revision. It'll only get you two tracks, but they can be imported into most other software.

 

[Chiba]

You can use OS9 and ProTools 5.x on a G3, I have a pal in NC who does exactly that and another up here who runs his entire recording studio/business off OS9/PT5.2.

--chiba

 

[melondaoust]

Depending on how powerful the G3 system is (RAM and other things) you can install OSX on it.

 

[MichaelK]

As stated, you might be able to run OSX. But G3s covered a long stretch of time... I *think* (and I could be wrong) that the early G3s were not even able to run the latest versions of OS 9.

Try this link if Apple's support site doesn't answer that question.

 

[Unburst]

If the G3 has USB ports you can put OSX on it.

However, OSX is a lot greedier than OS9 and will not way more ram and cpu to run.

 

[Chiba]

Originally posted by MichaelK
As stated, you might be able to run OSX. But G3s covered a long stretch of time... I *think* (and I could be wrong) that the early G3s were not even able to run the latest versions of OS 9.

Mmmm...yeah, MK's right. I forgot that once upon a time there were beige G3s! Your G3 has to be that cool looking semi-transparent tower case to be new enough to run OS9, and you have to have built-in USB ports to be able to run OSX on a G3 (otherwise the system architecture can't handle it).

--chiba

 

[Brusco]

My G3 is running OS9.2 and it is the light blue colored version. I think it's called "Yosemite" or something like that according to the Accelerate your Mac link Michael posted (thanks Mike). My G3 Does have two USB ports in back, one being used for the keyboard at the moment.

I'm planning on getting a G5 in a month or two and just wanted to make use of this hand-me -down G3 until that time. I really don't want to put more into it until that time. I thought maybe I could use an older interface and software on the G3 until I have a G5 running OSX.