USB Ports on Older Macintoshes
Older Macintosh computers, like older PCs, did not come with USB ports built in. It is relatively easy to add USB ports to any Macintosh with open PCI slots in it. If you are not sure if your computer has built-in USB ports you can find out by visiting Apple's Support page and clicking the "Specifications" link on the bar near the top of the window. On the specifications page you can find out whether or not your computer has USB ports as well as whether or not your system has PCI slots in it.
In newer systems running Mac OS X, it's usually not necessary to install drivers when installing a Mac-compatable USB card. Shut down the system, open the case, install the card, close the case and start the computer. The ports should be ready to use.
Note that Mac OS 10.3 and later will only install on Macintoshes which have built-in USB ports, not ports added later. This means that the beige G3 systems Apple sold the late 90s will not run Mac OS 10.3 or later.
Current Record: 783
Create Date: 07-12-2002
Last Reviewed: 10-07-2008
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