# Okay, I just bought an old iMac. Now what? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 20, 2001, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329 "2001-11-20T02:32:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Oldmaid85](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a9a28c/32.png) [@Oldmaid85](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oldmaid85)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/1 "2001-11-20T02:32:43Z")
I got a good deal on an original iMac–233 megahertz. (Only $100.) The original owner (a retired friend) didn’t know how to use it and accidentally deleted some of the original system files. The software she provided me doesn’t seem to include the original system files. How do I do I reinstall the system files? Did they originally come with iMacs? thank you. ---
**Author:** ![TBone2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@TBone2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBone2)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/2 "2001-11-20T02:50:57Z")
IMHO, getting a “good deal” on an iMac was done by the gal who sold you the thing. Best of luck! ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/3 "2001-11-20T02:52:30Z")
Did your friend provide you with the CDs that came with the thing? If so, pop in the one that says “System Restore” (or something like that) and boot up with it in the drive, holding down the “c” key. That will boot you into the OS installer and you can reformat and reinstall the OS. ---
**Author:** ![Dale\_The\_Bold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@Dale\_The\_Bold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_The_Bold)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/4 "2001-11-20T03:49:55Z")
Well, there’s always a [last resort.](http://www.datadudes.com/macquarium/) ---
**Author:** ![Chas.E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e99b99/32.png) [@Chas.E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chas.E)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/5 "2001-11-20T03:57:58Z")
You gotta have your friend look for the original software bundle that came with the machine. The original iMacs came with about 5 CDs of accessory software (like Appleworks, an encyclopedia, some games, etc) and the OS disk. You really need the OS installer disk. If you can’t find it, you’ll have to find a MacOS 9 CD from an alternate source. You can buy it over the counter for $100. Or find a buddy with a CDR to make you a copy. ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/6 "2001-11-20T05:45:56Z")
Does it boot? Or does it show you a flashing question mark when you try? Someone who doesn’t know how to use a computer as straightforward as an iMac may have a very, umm, interesting idea of what is meant by the phrase “deleted the system software”. If necessary, you can buy MacOS 8.6 CDs for about $79 at 800-673-6227 (first one I spotted in the back of MacWorld), cheaper if you look around. (You can also buy newer operating systems, including MacOS X 10.1 @ $119, but unless you want to buy some RAM for the little gumdrop, don’t go there. Besides, 233 MHz doesn’t “run” MacOS X, it kinda takes it for a leisurely walk. System 8.6 kicks on a machine of that vintage, and is solid as a rock, unlike, say, 9.2). Oh, and do yourself a big favor: get a better mouse. ---
**Author:** ![royjwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@royjwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/royjwood)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/7 "2001-11-20T06:24:41Z")
The answer to your question is quite simple, really. Throw it away!!! Or, if you are really lucky, you may be able to find some poor sap of a sucker who would actually buy one of those toys. Actually, I was trained on both Apple/Mac and IBM compatible. My training started as early as the early 80’s. And I must admit that the Apple/Mac does possess some uses. I use mine as a doorstop. Good Luck ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/8 "2001-11-20T08:57:55Z")
You know, I know this is GQ, but I am sick of the “helpful suggestions” to trash an iMac. It’s irritating, and inaccurate, and totally _un_helpful. Until recently, I used a 266 MHz iMac. (I have just upgraded to a brand spankin’ new iMac). My 266 MHz iMac was only slightly faster than your $100 233 iMac. I was quite productive on this old iMac. Here is an example of some of my [digital art](http://home.earthlink.net/~yosemitebabe/yosemitebabe.html), all which was made on this “useless doorstop” of an iMac. (Oh wait - I take that back. I did do one drawing on an old 66 MHz PowerMac, BTW, which I assume some of you Mac-haters would value less than Kleenex). An iMac can be a great tool, and it is great for creating many things - like artwork, writing, web sites, and on and on. Is my artwork somehow not valid because it was made on an iMac? Can you tell that my artwork is done on an iMac by just looking at it? Does artwork (or websites, or anything else) that is made on a Mac somehow _inferior?_ :rolleyes: And if not, why are you suggesting that someone throw away something that is capable of doing so much? Just because some of _you_ wouldn’t want one? What utter nonsense. Give me a frickin’ break. And getting to the OP, you got a great deal on this iMac. 233 MHz iMacs usually sell for about $300 or more. (I sold my 266 iMac for $465, but it had a lot of RAM in it.) I’m sure you can find an OS 8.6 CD, (or an OS 8.1 CD) and reinstall the Operating System. (It’s painfully easy to do, BTW!) A good place to find Mac CDs is eBay. I believe your model of iMac can run either OS 8.1 or 8.6. (I agree with others here that say that OS 8.6 is a dandy OS.) Just find go to the Apple Software section, and type in “OS 8.6” and see what pops up! I recently sold my copy of OS 8.6 for $66, but I think you can get a copy for less. Like perhaps $50. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/9 "2001-11-20T09:14:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by yosemitebabe \* > \*\*You know, I know this is GQ, but I am sick of the “helpful suggestions” to trash an iMac. It’s irritating, and inaccurate, and totally _un_helpful. > \*\* No Kidding! I love macs and stand by them. as for Imacs, I find they are PERFECT for people like my parents, who know nothing about computers. There is nothing for them to mess up. very few wires to disconnect, etc. All problems they have had can be worked out over the phone, easily. and as for that matter, art programs (“real” ones) were created for macs. they run better on macs. ---
**Author:** ![Marcus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85e7bf/32.png) [@Marcus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marcus)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/10 "2001-11-20T11:31:29Z")
You could always put a [real OS](http://www.yellowdoglinux.com/) on it. You can download it for free. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/11 "2001-11-20T11:44:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Marcus \* > You could always put a [real OS](http://www.yellowdoglinux.com/) on it. You can download it for free. Yes, it’s great that there is a version of Linux that’ll run on a Mac. (I will ignore the “real OS” reference - we are skirting around a platform war here as it is!) However, how can she download it if she can’t get the thing on the Internet? And she’ll need to make a bootable CD, I assume. So downloading doesn’t seem like a viable option. ---
**Author:** ![Geek\_Mecha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecae2f/32.png) [@Geek\_Mecha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geek_Mecha)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/12 "2001-11-20T11:45:44Z")
Jeezus, **Marcus**. Did you not read **yosemitebabe** ’s first sentence? Here’s a clue: This GQ thread asked a question about Macs. If you plan to post something even vaguely disparaging Macs, Apple, Steve Jobs, etc., go away. Just go away. Don’t turn this thread into a platform battle. We’ve had enough of those in GD. Either post something helpful in response to the OP, or don’t post at all. **royjwood** , I hope you caught that as well. My apologies to you, **Oldmaid85** , for the hijack. With luck, your friend has the software installation discs you need and you can get your iMac up and running in no time. ---
**Author:** ![Marcus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85e7bf/32.png) [@Marcus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marcus)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/13 "2001-11-20T12:17:00Z")
**yosemitebabe** , I did consider that downloading may be a problem. I decided to make my post anyway because of two points: **Oldmaid85** managed to make the OP, so she (?) has at least some access to the Internet. Downloading YellowDog is one way to get it - you can also buy CDs for US$29.95 plus shipping (but no support at this price). **AudreyK** , I don’t believe that we’ve met. It’s an odd introduction, with your first word to me being a blasphemous exclamation in GQ. “Here’s a clue” for you: my post contained no remarks even “vaguely disparaging” Macs or any of the other items in your list. What I posted was indeed “helpful in response to the OP”. You may not be aware, but running linux on PowerPC hardware can extend the useful life of the platform. 233 MHz CPUs are not the fastest game in town anymore. Linux’ system requirements are typically less than those of MacOS (or Windows), so you can get more bang for your buck. My PowerMac 9600/200 is running better for me now than when it had MacOS 9 installed. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/14 "2001-11-20T12:36:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Marcus \* > **yosemitebabe** , I did consider that downloading may be a problem. I decided to make my post anyway because of two points: > > **Oldmaid85** managed to make the OP, so she (?) has at least some access to the Internet. > > Downloading YellowDog is one way to get it - you can also buy CDs for US$29.95 plus shipping (but no support at this price). I have considered (briefly) installing Linux on my old PowerMac. I probably never will, though! The reason I questioned the possibility of oldmaid85 downloading Linux is that unless she has a CD burner on the computer she is currently using, I thought it was doubtful she’d find a way to get it to install on the Mac. Unless I am clueless (which is entirely possible) on how Linux is installed. Wouldn’t she have to boot using the Linux CD? I am assuming that she has a PC, (hence her basic Mac questions) so I am doubtful that she’d be able to burn a bootable CD for a Mac, from a Windows machine. (But what do I know?) I also would like to mention that I think Audrey had a problem with the reference to “get a _real_ OS”, which appeared (to me as well) as a dig at the Mac OS. Windows, Linux, and Mac OS are all “real” Operating Systems, in my mind. Some may be better for some things, we may prefer one over the other, but dammit, they are all REAL! ---
**Author:** ![Geek\_Mecha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecae2f/32.png) [@Geek\_Mecha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geek_Mecha)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/15 "2001-11-20T12:47:33Z")
Blasphemous exclamation in GQ, huh? I don’t ordinarily introduce myself so rudely. I apologize if I’ve offended you. But your “real OS” comment was completely unnecessary, and unhelpful in solving the problem described in the OP. Your information on Linux is not going to help **Oldmaid85**. The reason is simple: she was asking how to get her iMac up and working. She was **not** asking about getting optimal performance out of her computer. **yosemitebabe** posted two posts ahead of you, so you either didn’t read her post (which I don’t think I’m alone in considering rude), or you ignored her hint that any anti-Mac remark, vague or not, would be unnecessary and unwelcome. Contrary to what you believe, the inclusion of the word “real” in your “real OS” remark can indeed be taken as a slam against the Mac OS. (Upon preview, I see that **yosemitebabe** has posted and backed me up on this.) Granted, your remark wasn’t as obnoxious as **royjwood** ’s, but it still has no place in this thread. I don’t mean to single you out. And I admit I’m a little sensitive on this OS issue-- years of being the only Mac user in a group will do that to you. But I’m not alone. And as there have been some wars on this issue on this board, I cringe whenever a Mac/PC thread seems to be heading the way of war. I just wanted to snuff the fire out before it started. ---
**Author:** ![Marcus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85e7bf/32.png) [@Marcus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marcus)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/16 "2001-11-20T12:52:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by yosemitebabe \* > \*\* > Wouldn’t she have to boot using the Linux CD? > \*\* Yes, this is the most common way (and by far the easiest way) to do it. But where there’s a will, there’s a way! There’s usually someone around with a CD burner - if not, ordering the CD from the company is an option. One night when you have nothing to do, why not give it a go? The worst you can do is destroy your machine. 🙂 > [@](#): > > \*\* > …which appeared … as a dig at the Mac OS.\*\* Yes, rereading it could well have been taken as that - I meant it in a humorous way! For me, it’s close as to whether OSX or linux is the better OS - Aqua may be the clincher. It’s a work of art. ---
**Author:** ![Marcus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85e7bf/32.png) [@Marcus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marcus)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/17 "2001-11-20T13:08:21Z")
Sorry, missed your reply with my previous reply. No, **AudreyK** , you haven’t offended me (I was a little suprised at your emphasis), but thanks for the apology anyway. > [@](#): > > Your information on Linux is not going to help **Oldmaid85** … I would have to respectfully continue to disagree with you on this point. I think **OldMaid85** has the final call on this one. I agree that most people asking questions like the OP would be looking for a “return it normal” response - I saw it as an opportunity to provide an alternative solution. I’m not trying to slam MacOS or start another platform war - I was engaging in some nudge-nudge type humour, which I guess doesn’t come across in the cold hard world of HTML. I’m not an operating system zealot - I run OSX, Linux and Windows, and there’s a purpose for all of them. I’m sorry if my comment came across as a slam - I’ll be a little clearer in future if I can. ---
**Author:** ![Marcus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85e7bf/32.png) [@Marcus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marcus)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/18 "2001-11-20T13:14:40Z")
Of course, that should be “return it _to_ normal”. ---
**Author:** ![Geek\_Mecha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecae2f/32.png) [@Geek\_Mecha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geek_Mecha)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/19 "2001-11-20T13:34:14Z")
Nudge-nudge type humor’s my favorite kind. 🙂 But sometimes the intent behind things doesn’t come across clearly. That’s what the smileys are for. 🙂 Anyway, I’m glad to have this pretty much cleared up. I hope there are no hard feelings. And if no one’s yet done so, I’d like to welcome you to the SDMB. [sub]Now, I better get me off to sleep! It’s freakin’ 3:30am here!\*\* ---
**Author:** ![ACoverOfNoise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a3d4f5/32.png) [@ACoverOfNoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ACoverOfNoise)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329/20 "2001-11-20T14:04:59Z")
Check with your local Goodwill store. I have a friend that picked up a copy of MacOS 8.5 for under 10 bucks. Alternatively, just find a friend that has an iMac and borrow their installation disks. Since the iMac shipped with an OS installed, there are no licensing issues. Chances are that unless you do something stupid (which your retired friend apparently did), you’ll never need the disks again. The only time I ever plug in installation disks on my Macs (I have several) is when I’m upgrading. Macs don’t seem to have the need to reinstall the OS frequently like some other platforms… (no dig intended - I have several PCs as well). Hope that helps. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i-just-bought-an-old-imac-now-what/94329.md?page=2)