Hi, I have an old Power Mac G3 (OS-8.1) I would like to know (in very simple terms please) how to upgrade to a newer system (8.6 maybe??). There are very few things that are still compatible with this old platform (is “platform” the word?) I don’t know all that much about the technical apects to these things. Thanks!

You need the 8.6 install CD. Or the 8.5 install CD and the (free) 8.6 update. Put CD in drive, restart while holding the 'c' key TILL IT BOOTS UP. Then use the installer for an "EASY INSTALL". You'll see an 'options' button. Use it, and specify "Clean Install". After the installs are over and you reboot you will find an "Old System Folder" on your HD. If you really need anything from this nows the time to move it to the new system, but i would just throw this away and if you really need anything from it (you shouldnt) you can install it fresh.

Thanks fieraci! Thanks for spelling it all out for me and making it simple. Just 3 more stupid questions. Where do I get the 8.6 install CD? Is there a link where I can go to order it? Also, will installing 8.6 effect the other software on my MAC? I have some programs on it like Photoshop & MS word. Thanks again! I promise this is my last barrage of questions :)

Try eBay: http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?MfcISA PICommand=GetResult&ht=1&SortProperty=MetaEn dSort&query=mac+os+8.6 If you are unable to use the link above, just go to http://www.ebay.com/ and do a search for "mac os 8.6". I just tried it and found several possibilities. There were a couple of 8.6 CDs and several 8.5 CDs with the 8.6 upgrade included. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $80. Apple never offered 8.6 as a separate retail package, only as an upgrade from 8.5. This means that the 8.6 discs that you see (if they are originals) are the ones that came with new computers during the 8.6 era. Be careful not to get one that may not contain everything necessary for your machine (like one from a Power Book). Some sellers advertise that they have tested on various platforms. The retail 8.5/8.6upgrade package will contain everything, but it may be a bit more confusing to install (basically, you have to do the whole process twice). Regarding the clean installation option mentioned above, be sure to scour your "Previous System Folder" after the install for any Photoshop preferences (in the Preferences folder) or anything else that the System Folder uses that is unique to you. Many things, such as software license confirmations, are stored in the Prefs folder. This can be a bit confusing. Feel free to email me if you need any tips. Your existing software should run OK in 8.6. Browse the Read Me that comes with the installer to see if there are any conflicts that Apple was aware of. Updates of just about everything are available at www.versiontracker.com. Good luck, Otto

www.poweron.com has Apple O/S 8.5 CD. 80 bucks.