Using my iMac to its fullest

I know the title is mainly towards my iMac, but i have OS 9 installed on it. So I was wondering, what kind of programs bring out the best of an older computer like this? Is there a list of programs somewhere that is updated that I could look at?

The programs that will make your iMac most useful to you are the programs that do whatever you need to use the computer for. No one else can guess what your needs are.
I'm not aware of any comprehensive list of OS 9-compatible software, but if there were one, it wouldn't need to be updated any more. Virtually no one is still developing or updating software that runs in OS 9, so the list today would be pretty much the same as it was three or four years ago.
Your best bet is to identify your needs and interests as clearly and specifically as possible, then search the many Mac software download and update sites for OS9-compatible applications that seem to match your wish list. You might start with these:
http://www.macupdate.com/index.php?os=macos
http://www.versiontracker.com/macos/
http://directory.google.com/Top/Computers/Software/OperatingSystems/MacOS/

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I go to use my imac and its asleep wont wake then if it does mouse is frozen

I am having an issue where if I go to use the computer for the first time say that day or having been on it earlier in the day and return to check mail a few hours later the screen has gone to sleep and I can press any or many buttons and try to wake it but eventually I have to hold down the shutdown power button to get it first to power off - then I can re start machine only to find when its started up again the mouse is frozen and cant be woken or unfrozen.
Help this was purchased only August or September 2012 and is frustrating beyond belief!

I just posted this response in another thread discussing the same problem:
Some users (me included) have had an intermittent wake from sleep problem since some point in OS X 10.6.x, right through Lion 10.7 and during some of Mountain Lion 10.8. For me the problem went away in 10.8.3, although I still see some users, like yourself, continue to experience the problem.
The 'fix' that worked for me was: System Preferences>Energy Saver and set 'computer sleep' to 'never'.

Bought a used imac but its locked by old username and password

bought a used imac but its locked by old username and password

The first thing you should do with a second-hand computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. How you do that depends on the model. Look it up on this page to see what version was originally installed.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, you need a boxed and shrink-wrapped retail Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) installation disc, which you can get from the Apple Store or a reputable reseller — not from eBay or anything of the kind. If the machine has less than 1 GB of memory, you'll need to add more in order to install 10.6. I suggest you install as much memory as it can take, according to the technical specifications.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.6, you need the installation media that came with it: gray installation discs, or a USB flash drive for some MacBook Air models. If you don't have the media, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
To boot from an optical disc or a flash drive, insert it, then reboot and hold down the C key at the startup chime. Release the key when you see the gray Apple logo on the screen.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.7 or later, you don't need media. It should boot into Internet Recovery mode when you hold down the key combination option-command-R at the startup chime. Release the keys when you see a spinning globe.
Once booted from the disc or in Internet Recovery, launch Disk Utility and select the icon of the internal drive — not any of the volume icons nested beneath it. In the Partition tab, select the default options: a GUID partition table with one data volume in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. This operation will permanently remove all existing data on the drive, which is what you should do.
After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. When the installation is done, the system will automatically reboot into the Setup Assistant, which will prompt you to transfer the data from another Mac, its backups, or from a Windows computer. If you have any data to transfer, this is usually the best time to do it.
You should then run Software Update and install all available system updates from Apple. If you want to upgrade to a major version of OS X newer than 10.6, buy it from the Mac App Store. Note that you can't keep an upgraded version that was installed by the previous owner. He or she can't legally transfer it to you, and without the Apple ID you won't be able to update it in Software Update or reinstall, if that becomes necessary. The same goes for any App Store products that the previous owner installed — you have to repurchase them.
If the previous owner "accepted" the bundled iLife applications (iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band) in the App Store so that he or she could update them, then they're linked to that Apple ID and you won't be able to download them without buying them. Reportedly, Apple customer service has sometimes issued redemption codes for these apps to second owners who asked.
If the previous owner didn't deauthorize the computer in the iTunes Store under his Apple ID, you wont be able toauthorize it under your ID. In that case, contact iTunes Support.

I purchased a used 2008 iMac. And although the previous owner said he deleted all of his information his iCloud account is still the primary. I don't have a clue about what to do about it. I signed him out and logged in with my info, but still no go.

I purchased a used 2008 iMac. And although the previous owner said he deleted all of his information, his iCloud account is still the primary. I don't have a clue about what to do about it. I signed him out and logged in with my info, but still no go. Is there any way to eliminate his iCloud account and make mine the primary without rebooting it back to factory settings? There was an update, I believe, that I couldn't install because i didn't have his password that is what made me aware that his acct. was still active. I don't know what to do. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Before buying a second-hand computer, you should have run Apple Diagnostics or the Apple Hardware Test, whichever is applicable.
The first thing to do after buying the computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. You—not the original owner—must do that. Changes made by Apple over the years have made this seemingly straightforward task very complex.
How you go about it depends on the model, and on whether you already own another Mac. If you're not sure of the model, enter the serial number on this page. Then find the model on this page to see what OS version was originally installed.
It's unsafe, and may be unlawful, to use a computer with software installed by a previous owner.
1. If you don't own another Mac
a. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, you need a boxed and shrink-wrapped retail Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) installation disc from the Apple Store or a reputable reseller—not from eBay or anything of the kind. If the machine is very old and has less than 1 GB of memory, you'll need to add more in order to install 10.6. Preferably, install as much memory as it can take, according to the technical specifications.
b. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.6, you need the installation media that came with it: gray installation discs, or a USB flash drive for a MacBook Air. You should have received the media from the original owner, but if you didn't, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
To start up from an optical disc or a flash drive, insert it, then restart the computer and hold down the C key at the startup chime. Release the key when you see the gray Apple logo on the screen.
c. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.7 or later, you don't need media. It should start up in Internet Recovery mode when you hold down the key combination option-command-R at the startup chime. Release the keys when you see a spinning globe.
d. Some 2010-2011 models shipped with OS X 10.6 and received a firmware update after 10.7 was released, enabling them to use Internet Recovery. If you have one of those models, you can't reinstall 10.6 even from the original media, and Internet Recovery will not work either without the original owner's Apple ID. In that case, contact Apple Support, or take the machine to an Apple Store or another authorized service provider to have the OS installed.
2. If you do own another Mac
If you already own another Mac that was upgraded in the App Store to the version of OS X that you want to install, and if the new Mac is compatible with it, then you can install it. Use Recovery Disk Assistant to prepare a USB device, then start up the new Mac from it by holding down the C key at the startup chime. Alternatively, if you have a Time Machine backup of OS X 10.7.3 or later on an external hard drive (not a Time Capsule or other network device), you can start from that by holding down the option key and selecting it from the row of icons that appears. Note that if your other Mac was never upgraded in the App Store, you can't use this method.
3. Partition and install OS X
a. If you see a lock screen when trying to start up from installation media or in Recovery mode, then a firmware password was set by the previous owner, or the machine was remotely locked via iCloud. You'll either have to contact the owner or take the machine to an Apple Store or another service provider to be unlocked. You may be asked for proof of ownership.
b. Launch Disk Utility and select the icon of the internal drive—not any of the volume icons nested beneath it. In the Partition tab, select the default options: a GUID partition table with one data volume in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. This operation will permanently remove all existing data on the drive.
c. An unusual problem may arise if all the following conditions apply:
          OS X 10.7 or later was installed by the previous owner
          The startup volume was encrypted with FileVault
          You're booted in Recovery mode (that is, not from a 10.6 installation disc)
In that case, you won't be able to unlock the volume or partition the drive without the FileVault password. Ask for guidance or see this discussion.
d. After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. If you're installing a version of OS X acquired from the App Store, you will need the Apple ID and password that you used. When the installation is done, the system will automatically restart into the Setup Assistant, which will prompt you to transfer the data from another Mac, its backups, or from a Windows computer. If you have any data to transfer, this is usually the best time to do it.
e. Run Software Update and install all available system updates from Apple. To upgrade to a major version of OS X newer than 10.6, get it from the Mac App Store. Note that you can't keep an upgraded version that was installed by the original owner. He or she can't legally transfer it to you, and without the Apple ID you won't be able to update it in Software Update or reinstall, if that becomes necessary. The same goes for any App Store products that the previous owner installed—you have to repurchase them.
4. Other issues
a. If the original owner "accepted" the bundled iLife applications (iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band) in the App Store so that he or she could update them, then they're irrevocably linked to that Apple ID and you won't be able to download them without buying them. Reportedly, Mac App Store Customer Service has sometimes issued redemption codes for these apps to second owners who asked.
b. If the previous owner didn't deauthorize the computer in the iTunes Store under his Apple ID, you wont be able to authorize it immediately under your ID. In that case, you'll either have to wait up to 90 days or contact iTunes Support.
c. When trying to create a new iCloud account, you might get a failure message: "Account limit reached." Apple imposes a lifetime limit of three iCloud account setups per device. Erasing the device does not reset the limit. You can still use an iCloud account that was created on another device, but you won't be able to create a new one. Contact iCloud Support for more information. The setup limit doesn't apply to Apple ID accounts used for other services, such as the iTunes and Mac App Stores, or iMessage. You can create as many of those accounts as you like.

I recently moved and had to disconnect my WD My Pro Edition II 2TB external drive I had been using for backup. Its been several months and now when i try to reconnect the external dire (Use a firewire cable) it does not recognize the drive is there. I a

I recently moved and had to disconnect my WD My Pro Edition II 2TB external drive I had been using for backup.
Its been several months (many upgrades to the iMac software during this time), and now when I try to reconnect the external dire (Use a firewire cable) it does not recognize the drive is there. I also tried "reloading" software from the Western Digital site, but after following all the instructions, it looks like my iMac doesn't support this software (I can't even locate it after I follow all the instructions.
Thnaks, for anyones ideas on how I can get this working again.....

First of all, you do not really want to use their software; if you want a bootable clone, use either Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper. If you simply want to drag and drop some files, you don't need software to do that. The important thing on any external drive is that you format/partition it correctly (Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and using GUID partition scheme).
Unfortunately, I don't know anything about WD drives or their software, so I don't have any idea what kind of backup you did. Having said that, it should still recognize the external even if it's outdated. Have you tried mounting it manually in Disk Utility? If you can get it to mount, you could (worst case scenario) just drag your stuff off onto your internal and then reformat the external.

I currently use a iMac OS X 10.6.8 and I cannot open iPhoto. Every time I click on iPhoto the coloured wheel comes up and lets me go no further, leaving me with no other option but to force quit the application. HELP!!

i currently use a iMac OS X 10.6.8 and I cannot open iPhoto. Every time I click on iPhoto the coloured wheel comes up and lets me go no further, leaving me with no other option but to force quit the application.
it is showing all my existing photos but will not let me click on any of them, nor will it allow me to import any new photos into iPhoto.
I am really worried that I cannot access all of my photos and even more worried as I need to back them up!!
HELP!!

Try repair the Library:
Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Repair Database. If that doesn't help, then try again, this time using Rebuild Database.
If that fails:
Option 2
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. (In early versions of Library Manager it's the File -> Rebuild command. In later versions it's under the Library menu.)
This will create an entirely new library. It will then copy (or try to) your photos and all the associated metadata and versions to this new Library, and arrange it as close as it can to what you had in the damaged Library. It does this based on information it finds in the iPhoto sharing mechanism - but that means that things not shared won't be there, so no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your events, albums and keywords, faces and places back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.
Regards
TD

When connecting Macbook Air to iMac, have to keep Macbook Air open in order to use the iMac as a display.

When I connect my Macbook Air to my iMac with Thunderbolt, I have to keep my Macbook Air open or else the iMac does not sense it. I've tried closing it to just use the iMac as the display, but then the iMac goes back to its regular screen. Also, I have to control everything from the MBA keyboard and touchpad- my iMac mouse and keyboard suddenly won't work. How do I fix this?

Hi there,
Apple outline the steps to do so in the link I've posted below. If you need help with any of them, just shout.
Using Mac in Clamshell
Have a nice day,
Regards,
Nathan

Requirements to Make a Windows PC Use the iMac?

Hi. There are many that have great graphics, tweakable (mod and such) games on the PC now; until extreme gaming GPU grade thunderbolt external boxes come, If you want to assemble a very powerful Windows 7 64-bit but minimal (no case, no drive, it may just be integrated onto/into the table) PC and use the iMac with it's nice LED LCD as your monitor to max out the games' resolution so you can see the graphics in all its glory while your Apple Wireless Keyboard and mouse (nothing intense, it's more for the graphics) to relax and explore the game after a hard day's work with option to use 3D glasses (the depth/3D will done by the card and software for sure) to make the games even more immersive and thus more relaxing- what hardware and software would you need?
Thank you.
Gbu.

2011 ThunderBolt iMac only accept other ThunderBolt Macs as source.
The Intensity Extreme http://www.blackmagic-design.com/uk/products/intensity/ might be helpful once it is released.
For the 2009 and 2010 27" iMacs there is the Kanex XD http://www.kanexlive.com/xd but it is not compatible with ThunderBolt iMacs as Kanex states in their Product FAQs.
Plus it maxes out with 720p input with the iMacs.
Stefan

Using a iMac to bridge ATV and TC

Hi all,
I am after a bit of advice.. My current network set up is a TC in the office connected to an ADSL router for the internet. My iMac is in another room and has a strong signal to the TC.
I have just purchased a ATV and where my TV is situated the Wifi signal is very poor.. In fact to poor for the ATV to connect to my network.
My iMac is in a room between the ATV and the TC and I was wondering if there was anyway I could use the iMac as an access point to the network?
If not is there any suggestions of a cheep way of extending the range of my network without having to buy an AEBS?
Thanks
Dan

You can purchase apple express for $99 to act as an extension to your network. Good news that it should work as requested! You can set it up to append onto the existing network. Bad news, its 99 bucks

Want to learn how to use the imac. is there tutorials or something that can start me off?

is there places that can help me to learn how to use the imac to the best of its ability?

This has tutorials http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/

Is it possible to use my iMac as a display monitor ?

I'd like to use my iMac as display monitor but I don't know if its possible. Anyone knows how it works ?

There is a feature in OS X called target display mode that may allow you to do what you are looking for.
Take a look at this article as it explains it in detail pretty well http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4469
The main thing is that it is Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt or mini-display to mini-display/Thunderbolt. So if you are looking to hook a PC up to your iMac then you are out of luck as to my knowledge there are no VGA to mini-display adapters
Also look out for what OS you are running and what model of mac you have.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3775 This article discusses a particular model of iMac that cannot use the Target display mode.
Hope that Helps!

Dear I am using iphone 4s now its connected with pc to create contact group. I have 750 contacts in phone but pc showing only 36. How can i solve this? How can I see all contacts in pc?

Dear I am using iphone 4s now its connected with pc to create contact group. I have 750 contacts in phone but pc showing only 36. How can i solve this? How can I see all contacts in pc?

HI,
It may pay to bookmark this page.
http://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/
8:40 PM Wednesday; April 10, 2013
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.3)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

Can I use my iMac as Monitor for "dead" iBook Screen

Help
My severely aged iBook G3 seems to have lost its visuals. The screen is dead. I hear the hd spool up and everything seems to be working I just can't see... I have a G5 iMac. Can i use the iMac as a monitor so that I can see to back up my iBook HD or can i share so that my iMac can see the iBook??? My banking/scheduling are on the iBook so I'm a bit stressed. HELP!

That's a terrible way to do an emergency shutdown, and it could cause hard drive damage. The proper way to do a forced shutdown is to hold down the power button for 5 to 10 seconds. Even that can cause problems for the hard drive.
If the Host computer has the same or newer operating system as the iBook, use Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility) to select the hard drive of the iBook and repair it. Then open Disk Utility from the hard drive of the iBook and repair permissions on the iBook's hard drive.
If the Host computer has an older operating system than the iBook, use the Host's computer optical drive and Disk Utility from the Install disc for the OS of the iBook in order to repair the hard drive. Then open Disk Utility from the hard drive of the iBook and repair permissions on the iBook's hard drive.

Can I use my iMac with Mac mini?

Can I use my iMac (PowerPC G5 2.1 GHz, Build 9L31a, Serial # W855104UTAR, VERSION 10.5.8) as a monitor with new Mac mini.
If yes, how to do it?

Qalaska wrote:
Can I use my iMac (PowerPC G5 2.1 GHz, Build 9L31a, Serial # W855104UTAR, VERSION 10.5.8) as a monitor with new Mac mini.
If yes, how to do it?
YES!
You either must use a monitor to initially set up the Mac Mini, or use Target Mode to boot into its hard disk, and create these settings, but:
You turn on Screen Sharing in the Sharing panel in System Preferences in the Mac Mini. In my case I also give my Mac Mini a fixed IP with DHCP with Manual Address in the Network panel.
Then you boot your iMac and in the Finder in the GO menu to Connect to Server... and enter: "vnc://192.168.0.148" but replace 192.168.0.148 with your Manual Address for your Mac Mini. You log in with your name and password for the Mac Mini and your Mac Mini will now appear in its own window.
Go to Full Screen and now you can running your Mac Mini with your iMac's keyboard, mouse and monitor.
I have been using my mid-2011 Mac Mini in this fashion since I purchased it.
As a backup, I have an HDMI cable connected from my Mac Mini to my HDTV to allow for "monitor viewing" when and if needed.
I have an older Mac Mini running Snow Leopard as part of my home entertainment center, and with its own IP, I also control it in this fashion without a monitor (although I can "view" it on my HDTV through its component video input, when needed).
This is known as a "headless" mac mini.
In my case, instead of an iMac, I use my MacBook Pro.

TS1367 Is there are a way to use my imac as a display for my macbook pro? I have a thunderbolt cable but it doesnt seem to do anything

Is there are a way to use my imac as a display for my macbook pro? I have a thunderbolt cable but it doesnt seem to do anything

Hello eassic,
Thanks for the question, and welcome to Apple Support Communities.
It sounds like Target Display Mode may be what you are looking for:
Target Display Mode lets you use a Mac as the external display for another “primary” Mac. In some cases, you can also play the sound from your primary Mac on the speakers of the external Mac. For example, a MacBook Pro could use a 27-inch iMac as the display and play its audio on the iMac as well.
OS X Mountain Lion: Use another Mac as a display
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11302
Use an iMac with Thunderbolt as a display
If you have an iMac with Thunderbolt, any other Mac with Thunderbolt can use it as a display. The iMac will play both the video and audio from the other Mac.
1. Connect the Thunderbolt cable to the Thunderbolt ports on each computer.
2. Make sure both Mac computers are turned on and awake.
3. Press Command (⌘)-F2 on the keyboard of the external display Mac.
4. If you want the external display Mac to play audio as well as video from the primary Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Sound, and then click Output. Select the external display Mac from the list of devices.
Thanks,
Matt M.

Using my iMac to its fullest

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