Myrna wrote: This indicates that the computer will take two internal hard drives. However, the guy at the repair shop didn't say that. He sounded like, if I had him do it, he would just put in a larger hard drive.
Is there hope that I can learn what I need to know about computers to make sense of the workings?
"The Power Mac G4 uses 3.5" IDE ATA/100 hard drives from manufacturers such as Maxtor, Western Digital, and Seagate"
by rtm808 on Jan 05 2007
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All Power Mac G4 models can accommodate two internal hard drives using the dual drive bracket and cable that's included. The hard drive you choose needs to be a 3.5" IDE ATA hard drive. See this article for a step-by-step installation guide:
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/IDE/Add_2nd_drive/index.html
Which brand you choose will probably depend on which model is on sale. I usually choose Seagate drives since they offer a 5-year warranty (versus 3 year and 1-year on other brands). See Other World Computings list of available drives for pricing (and other brands too):http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/3.5-IDE-ATA/
In terms of reliability, most modern hard drives are very reliable. Some people claim that certain brands are more reliable than others, but I think the warranty support is just as important.
Keep in mind that certain G4 models do not support drives larger than 120GB. Power Mac G4 models prior to the 2004 Quicksilver series will recognize a maximum of 120GB, even if the drive you've purchased is larger than 120GB. Only the 2002 Quicksilver and newer models will support the full drive if it's larger than 120GB.
Refer to this article to determine which G4 model you have: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58418
Sources: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/3.5-IDE-ATA/
Todd wrote: All of the machines since 1990 will accept two hard drives.
Shawn wrote: hey cost less than $60 with shipping and handling.
I was more wondering what your other computer was, and if we could move its hard-drive over to your empty slot.
Myrna wrote: The old computer is a Power PC Macintosh Performa 6400/200. It is a 1997 model.
I found my computer purchase date. It was in 2004.
Todd wrote: Tear one apart and put it back together again. I find that solves most knowledge issues. If you know what the parts are and know how they play together, that's just hardware.
