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Power Macintosh: Setting up for Use Without a Monitor
This article has been archived and is no longer updated by Apple.
This article explains how to set up a Power Macintosh computer so you can use it without a monitor.
Products Affected
Power Mac
In some cases you may want to use a Power Macintosh computer without a monitor connected to it. For example, if the computer is an AppleShare IP server, running it without a monitor provides an additional level of security. Using a computer this way is sometimes called "headless" operation. Without a monitor, you can only administer the server using the remote administration software.
To use a Power Macintosh computer without a monitor connected to you it, you will need to connect a display adapter to make the computer behave as if a monitor were connected to it. You can use the monitor adapter that came with your computer if it was part of the accessory kit, or you can use a non-Apple adapter available from several third-party companies. Use the search keyword "monitor adapter" at the Macintosh Products Guide (http://www.apple.com/guide/) to find a third-party adapter. See Note 1.
For additional information on using a computer without a monitor connected to it, refer to these articles:
58186: "Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White): Video Adapter Necessary for Headless Operation"
24417: "Macintosh Server G3: Setting Up For Remote Administration"
Apple Monitor Adapters
This table outlines the Apple monitor adapters for use with specific Power Macintosh computers.
Notes
To use a Power Macintosh computer without a monitor connected to you it, you will need to connect a display adapter to make the computer behave as if a monitor were connected to it. You can use the monitor adapter that came with your computer if it was part of the accessory kit, or you can use a non-Apple adapter available from several third-party companies. Use the search keyword "monitor adapter" at the Macintosh Products Guide (http://www.apple.com/guide/) to find a third-party adapter. See Note 1.
For additional information on using a computer without a monitor connected to it, refer to these articles:
58186: "Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White): Video Adapter Necessary for Headless Operation"
24417: "Macintosh Server G3: Setting Up For Remote Administration"
Apple Monitor Adapters
This table outlines the Apple monitor adapters for use with specific Power Macintosh computers.
| Macintosh Server G3 |  | Included in accessory kit |
| Macintosh Server G3 (Blue and White) | part 922-3764 | Included in accessory kit |
| Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics) Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) See Note 2. | part 922-3764 | Purchase from Apple Authorized Service Provider |
Notes
- 1. You can also make a simple jumper plug to run a computer without a monitor connected to it. For additional information refer to article 15987: "Macintosh Monitor Sense Codes: Technical Description".
2. The Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio), Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver), Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver 2002), and Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors) computers do not require an adapter in Mac OS 9.
3. Most Power Macintosh computers not listed in the table above can be used without a monitor connected to them, and without a monitor adapter connected to the monitor port. If the computer does not work without a monitor connected to it, connect a monitor adapter to the computer's monitor port.
4. If you use the computer without a monitor connected to it, you should turn off any screen savers.
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