Art,
Yes upgrade your firmware if you want to run OS X properly, but it only helps NetBoot client environments for OS 9. You don't have to download it though it's on the OS 9 CD under CD Extras/Firm Ware Updates/iMac Firmware Updates/For iMac.
I would highly recommend moving to OS X though. I started out with a 2nd hand iMac (Rev. A) a number of years ago and have slowly upgraded it over the years. I've had fun making the following upgrades (which is remarkable for a computer without "open architecture"):
I changed the processer from the G3 233MHz to the Sonnet Harmoni G3 600MHz with Fire Wire
160MB RAM to 512MB RAM (after Harmoni upgrade)
2MB VRAM to 6MB VRAM
4GB HD to 120GB HD (with 1st 8G partitioned for the OS)
24xCD-ROM to the MCE 24xCD-RW
the little "puck" mouse to the Macally Optical mouse
OS 8.5 to OS 10.3.7
After the Analogue/Video board started acting up I got my hands on a Rev. D iMac and moved everything over, but I also put a new case fan in to improve airflow and keep everything cooler. It's important to keep the top, bottom and sides of the iMac clear so air can flow through it. So far no problems with the display (I'm tempted to replace it with an LCD if the flyback transformer does die). The new HD (Seagate) and fan (I forget the make) also made the iMac quieter than 50dB (before it was closer to 60dB from where I sat with an ear piercing whine from the Quantum Fireball drive). I also highly recommend getting a internet office UPS power bar to prevent surges and line noise affecting your computer.
I love the groundbreaking design of the first generation of iMacs, plus the fact they are an icon for the 90s and Apple's resurrection. That said my next computer will be a powerbook, but I think I'll hold onto my iMac for some time to come.
dg
Question:- should I leave well alone plus the upgrades or should I go ahead
and install the download firmware?
thanks
Art
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