Re: I'm a mac newbie. please help.

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

xix writes ...
> 
> I just got my first Mac. A second hand Performa 5200. There is no
> manual  that came with it.  Upon installing it, I found that my there
> is only one port that support either the keyboard or the mouse.  I
> find it very confusing as the computer need both to run, but there is
> only one that it supports.  The other ports are not compatible with
> the mouse or keyboard's connector.    Please help, I dont know where
> else to turn to. ....


     Instead of having separate sockets on the case for keyboards,
mouses, trackballs, etc., the GS and newer Macs employ something called
the "Apple Desktop Bus".

     Usually, this means that a single cord (from, say, the keyboard)
plugs into the computer; another device (maybe a trackball) plugs into
the KB, etc.. Your mouse will be at the end of the line because it has
no ADB socket. (No one would want to use a mouse with two cables
connected to it.)  This idea is something PC models are just starting to
copy.

     My guess is that, being a Mac, your Performa will have an ADB
keyboard with a place to plug in the mouse.


Rubywand