Okay, this will be long as I've put this off a long time. My first PC, which I am still using, is a Macintosh--not even a Mac Plus, it's a Mac Enhanced--bought new in 1985. It must go soon, as I can't even buy disks for it! It takes 3" floppy disks, double density only, and I can't get anything that isn't high density! I'm running low on the old disks. If they quit before I get a new machine, I do have a higher-grade Mac which will take HD disks but still won't get me online, etc. It must go, too, because my printer, an Apple Laserwriter, takes 85A cartridges which are getting both expensive and difficult to find. My main worry/problem is: I have thousands of files with all kinds of information done in a very early version of Microsoft File-- File 1.0 or 1.1 at the very most. The only way to retrieve the information would be to print it, and I explained about the printer. Also, that would only save "most" of the information, omitting hidden fields not included on the printout forms. (These are command forms records must be put into a mergefile and printed from.) I DON'T want to have to retype all this information, and what's more, I LIKE the Microsoft File format, so my first, main, and most important question is:
1. IS THERE ANY WAY ON THIS EARTH to copy those files in some format coherent to modern, currently-available software? That is, so that data still comes out in fields of name, number, or date, and can still be read and sorted as such? Or, if I want a new system, do I have to start from scratch, with all-new forms, retype all information, then make new printout forms for it as well? Oh, the pain!
2. Since I want to save information entered on a Macintosh, am I ABSOLUTELY STUCK buying a Macintosh, or can I buy some other system? I'm running two systems now--Web TV for the internet and the Macs for PCs. Running three is out of the question! Even two--one for online and one for my files--would be a pain, especially with the questionable printer situation.
3. This is what I want to be able to do:
--Everything on the internet my Web TV does plus fancy stuff (like Java) that Web TV won't.
--Be able to store information on CD or disk as well as in the computer.
--Be able to print both my own PC work and documents from the internet.
--Use Photoshop to store, edit, and send pictures in digital form.
Is there any hope for my situation? Any answers are welcome! Thanks.
Grant
PwrMac G4,5500,iMac,LC 577,Mac IIfx
Mac OS 8-8.5
AppleTalk LQImageWriter, LW IIg, iPrint, DSL The platinum/beige G3 machines, Desktop, Tower and All-in-One will do every Web task you ask, use all the old peripherals, are very expandable, accept cards to talk to the new peripherals, and do not have to have complex upgrades added to do all that stuff.
Lately, they have been selling in the $300 to $500 range on eBay, with "not D.O.A." warranty only. You may pay a little more for one from a Used computer dealer (with a 90-day warranty).
The one thing available ONLY from a dealer is the ability to slam your whole system down on a counter and scream, "FIX IT!"
Elizabeth
After following this thread for a while I'm in agreement with those who have suggested an "intermediate" used system for you, Cornelia. Grant's post gives you a great option with the beige G3.
You would face a lot of hurdles & frustrations trying to get programs and information from your old computers onto a brand spankin' new iMac. Purchasing a used computer is always a bit of a gamble--but if you can find a source you're comfortable with, it will be the easiest transition for you.
Ann
One thing you might look into is an older version of MacLinkPlus (version 9 or lower) from Dataviz. I had to convert a bunch of DOS documents created in Wordstar 2 or 3, on floppies, over to Appleworks 5.0.3, and it worked like a champ. I can't vouch for it in your situation, but it may save you a lot of hassle. It used to come bundled with Mac's in the beige G3 days (that is how I discovered it), but Apple soon stopped including it to save money. The newer versions have phased out some of the older conversions, which is why I suggest looking at an older version (try eBay or a Macintosh User Group). Or, if you do go for an older Mac, insist on getting the original bundled software discs which should have it.
Cornelia Shields
Thanks for all your suggestions. I have two more questions.
1. Is there some sort of directory of stores nationwide specializing in used Macs, where I could find a store in my area to drive to and talk to an actual person, rather than simply contacting EVERY used computer store within driving distance, where they might not understand the Mac?
2. What I'd like to ask them (but if anyone here knows, feel free) is what is the newest system to which I can convert old files? I'd like to get something new enough to use a "fairly" advanced version of Photoshop. Thanks.
Doug
Cornelia,
I'm popping up here too.
Look in your local papers or consult the Apple database for the nearest Mac User Group to you. They will know the local (and reliable) stores selling second-hand Macs.
If you do choose a beige G3, partition your drive (INSIST you get the original disks) and install OS 8 on one. Then you could install OS 8.6 or 9.2 on another and OS X on another. With a reasonable processor and up to 768 MB RAM, you can then choose the operating system so you can gradually upgrade your data with more up-to-date programs. Although that system would not be that quick, it would still be very fast compared to what you have. Also, for the size of your investment, you would be able to be very productive. Any HD you install could be put into a later desktop (but not a current iMac) and you could look for other peripherals so they could also be carried over.
Also, with OS X on, you could use the programs on later machines as well if you then change to a modern machine within the next year or two.
The pace of change has increased dramatically since the days of the original Macs with long lifespan and long manufacturing runs (in terms of time). As you can see, with all my machines I can transfer anything with only one intermediate step from a 400 kB floppy to a Zip or new laptop.
Cori
To get a bit more specific about my needs: I need the most advanced system possible still primitive enough to handle files transferred through the hard drive of a Macintosh Plus. Besides saving all my old files, hopefully to CD, and going online, I want to be able with the same machine to operate Photoshop and print what I produce! I don't have a digital camera but have been getting all my images put on CDs I'm told are "writable but not rewritable." In other words, if I edit one of these images or combine one or more of them, I'll need to store them elsewhere, like on another CD! Obviously I need something that will create CDs as well as read them. A friend just showed me his printer, on which with photographic paper he prints pictures of near professional quality. For a color cartridge he pays maybe a half to a third of what I pay for one of those 85A dinosaurs, when I can find them, that is. With a black-and-white cartridge he can also print on regular paper. It seems to me this is what I need to be doing. So, can anyone here kindly point me to
--best equipment available for these tasks
--where and how to get it
Thanks for any answers!
