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[kahuna]

Hello everyone!
I just introduced myself in the "welcome board".

As the topic says, I've an iBook 'clamshell' I'm working on. I was able to install a 128GB MSATA to IDE drive that is working great with a fresh installation of MacOS 9.2.2. I used this ISO image I downloaded from "Macintosh garden": https://macintoshgarden.org/apps/mac-os-922-universal

The other upgrade I purchased was 512MB of RAM from OWC. Unfortunately, this extra memory is not being recognized, so I have contacted OWC support about it. In the meantime, I've tried to reset NVRAM and PRAM, as well as reseat the memory module. No luck, I'm afraid.

My "clamshell" is an "special edition" graphite M7716LL/A, 64MB of onboard RAM, G3 at 366 Mhz and PC100-300S memory (according to "system profiler").
I saw my "Mac OS ROM file version" is 9.2.1. Should I upgrade it? If so, what and where can I get a better one? Is it possible that this upgrade will help with the memory issue?

It's fair to say that I'm not familiarized with MacOS 9 at all, I used it a little bit back in my Uni days, but that was many moons ago. Apologies, if I'm slow getting certain things about it.

Thanks all!

[Jubadub]

Hi kahuna, welcome!

One thing that might be worth trying is to use this image:

https://macintoshgarden.org/apps/mac-os-922-universal-install-2014

Unlike the one you have, this has all OS components updated to their true latest versions, thanks to the efforts of the members of MacOS9Lives.

With that said, I'm not sure if it will fix your RAM issue, but at this point, the only other recommendation I have is to get new RAM from OWC or seek a refund.

[kahuna]

Thanks Jubadub!

I see Mac OS ROM 10.2.1, sounds "scary" at first glance 
I thought the version of the ROM and the OS should be the same. Will it work on my Clamshell? I don't want to brick the poor thing or something like that... Sorry I'm new! 

[Jubadub]

"Brick"... Nothing like that, at least not from this. At most a system reinstall, but nothing beyond.

The Mac OS ROM file is unrelated to the Mac OS version number, don't worry.

I'm more concerned about the RAM behavior, though... More important than reinstalling OS 9 is to sort things out with OWC first, I'd say.

[teroyk]

My "clamshell" is an "special edition" graphite M7716LL/A, 64MB of onboard RAM, G3 at 366 Mhz and PC100-300S memory (according to "system profiler").

from everymac.com: "Apple officially reports that the maximum memory capacity of this system is 320 MB with 64 MB of onboard memory. However, third-parties have been able to upgrade the RAM to 576 MB with a single 512 MB memory module."

So 256 MB memory module might be better choise if problems come?
I have Powerbook G3 that officially supported only max one 64 MB small SO-DIMM and one big 128 MB SO-DIMM. It support unofficially two 256 MB SO-DIMMs, but funny (or not so funny) thing was that I get small place to work with 256 MB So-DIMM, but big place not...I don't know if it's problem with connector or some where in PCB in that particular Mac.

Anyway with MacOS9 even 128 MB memory is enough to put virtual memory off.

[kahuna]

Thanks all.
I installed the MacOS 9.2.2 upgraded version Jubadub recommended today, working great! I think it's indeed better thant the first one I tried. Saw the ROM version is now 10.2.1.
In regards to the memory module, I placed another order with OWC as their replacement process requires that I have to ship the faulty module back to them, and that's going to be more expensive than just buying another module.

In other news, I've created an AFP shared folder on my Debian home server, now it's quite easy to copy files around.

Another question if I may, I understand that "Macintosh Garden" is the best place to get software for our classic Macs. But, is there like a dump or compilation with all the best and the essential software (and perhaps games) everyone should have somewhere?

Thanks again.

[teroyk]

Another question if I may, I understand that "Macintosh Garden" is the best place to get software for our classic Macs. But, is there like a dump or compilation with all the best and the essential software (and perhaps games) everyone should have somewhere?

It would be nice if somebody start make DVD-ROM sized alphabetical best of compilations with nice installation and information menus.
But there is some problems to that sometimes it is not easy decide what is best version in some softwares...older version can be faster or more compatible with older Macs and file saving type is openable with all version...sometimes they even have features that later doesn't have. And games many people likes 2d-strategic games more than isometric 3d games.

[Jubadub]

In other news, I've created an AFP shared folder on my Debian home server, now it's quite easy to copy files around.

Just a little heads-up, AFP has (usually) a limitation of 2GB per file. So if you copy, say, a DVD image over AFP, it might truncate it at 2GB. Before Mac OS 9, 2GB used to be the max file size, that's why (which is why I find Mac OS 8.6 and earlier "unusable", so to speak). Because of this, I like using FTP instead (FileZilla Server on Windows and Fetch 4.0.3 on Mac as the client). Just beware that FTP and most other protocols (unlike AFP) do not recognize anything other than what is known as the "data fork". For some file types (not all), a data-fork-only file is a broken file. To preserve all forks and data, FTP etc. files are usually encoded (.bin, .hqx) or "Mac-compressed" (.sit, .cpt, special types of .zip etc.).

As for what programs are "essential", people often discuss that. The Mac Garden is the defacto go-to place for Mac software, although discussion boards are many. Anyway, generally, most seem to agree with at least these:
- StuffIt Expander, to decode and/or decompress 99% of files out there (v6.0 comes with Mac OS 9.2.2 usually. The latest version is 7.0.3, although many like and use 5.5.1 for certain archives)
- Classilla 9.3.4b, the most up-to-date browser, although not ready for "regular" web use (outdated). I often am using that when writing here.
- USB Overdrive 1.4, utility that allows you to use the "right-click" as you would in Windows etc., plus the scrolling wheel. Else they don't function (without taking special action, anyway).

After that, it's more up to you to walk the journey, and see what you like at first, then you will discover even better things later, and so on. For starters, I really like also FinderPop and DefaultFolder, and never use Mac OS without them. It is all in the Garden.

[teroyk]

- USB Overdrive 1.4, utility that allows you to use the "right-click" as you would in Windows etc., plus the scrolling wheel. Else they don't function (without taking special action, anyway).

I prefer mouse-driver from Logitec. It also support even 4th mouse button.

[Jubadub]

- USB Overdrive 1.4, utility that allows you to use the "right-click" as you would in Windows etc., plus the scrolling wheel. Else they don't function (without taking special action, anyway).

I prefer mouse-driver from Logitec. It also support even 4th mouse button.

I saw that driver the other day, and it made me wonder if it could replace USB Overdrive... I might give it a go with some of my mice.

[kahuna]

Duly noted, the 2GB file size is something that also happened in FAT16 volumes, so it's not a surprise. Although, in Linux you can pretty much could have whatever file size you want, even when I was using a 486
I have an FTP server running on my Debian Linux machine at home. I use it to transfer data to and from my Amiga, I guess I can use it for large files as well if needed

Thanks a lot for the software suggestions. I'm gonna start with Toast Titanium, I saw there are some software that come as ".toast" CD images.
I believe you can mount those using Toast Titanium, that will avoid me for having to burn several CDs.

See you around!

[kahuna]

Thanks again for the recommendations.
I'm writing this post on my "clamshell" using Classilla. It works really well considered the restrained resources I have on my iBook. Love the Mozilla look and feel, brings memories for sure!
I'll continue to learn and investigate

[kahuna]

Hello again everyone!

Time flies! I've done a lot of things with my Clamshell 
I do have now a working extra module of 512MB of RAM. The first one I've got was faulty and I had to wait over a month to get another one. As mentioned, I also replaced the original spinning (and noise) drive with a 128GB M-SATA on an 2.5" IDE enclosure. With these two upgrades, it really "flies" now.

On the non-MacOS 9 news, in case anyone cares  , I was able to run Debian Sid in my Clamshell. As a Linux guy myself, it was really nice to see it booted up even with an LXDE up and running, but it was extremely slow. Very difficult to use unless you restraint yourself to the console.
Also tried Adelie Linux, it seemed a really good & lightweight implementation of Linux for the G-series of Macs (based on MUSL). Problem is it doesn't support the ATI Rage on the Clamshell.

Back to the MacOS 9, I have a very nice set up now with a bunch of Applications and games that I love. Still learning and hunting for stuff though. The next step will be MIDI, first I want to hear those MT32 games, then perhaps play around with a MIDI keyboard I have. I'm just waiting for some hardware to arrive.

I do have a question if I may. Currently, I'm using a Logitech USB wireless mouse (M505, unify). It works like a charm with USB Overdrive.
The thing is I saw new-old-stock wired (with USB cable) Mighty-Mouses on eBay, so I couldn't resist it... Problem is, it doesn't work with USB Overdrive. I can move the mouse and do a single/main click, but the right click nor the wheel work.
Has anyone been able to use this mouse by any chance? if not with Overdrive with another software perhaps?

Thanks!

[IIO]

But there is some problems to that sometimes it is not easy decide what is best version in some softwares

sharing ones own favorites to make others happy usually fails.

my philosophy is generally to have the latest and "best" of all stuff installed.

but of course... when i think about it... there are exceptions. for exampe i prefer PS 6.5 over PS 6.5 Elements (carbon) or PS 7.x

best seems to be to keep different version and then only share upon request.