On Sunday, February 24, 2002, at 01:44 PM, Neil Ludban wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I'm attempting to install NetBSD (from official 1.5.2 ISO)
> on a recently acquired Bondi Blue iMac.  The previous owner
> didn't do much with it (it's still running MacOS 8.1), and
> the original software CDs were lost


> 1) The OpenFirmware identifies itself as version 3.0.f8.
> The latest update (4.1.9 from Apple website) wants MacOS
> version 9.(?) or better to run.  Is a new version
> (firmware) required?  Is there an older version
> (installer) that can read and program the latest image?
>
I don't think the 3.x.x would be a problem.

> 1b) The readme with the 4.1.9 firmware shows a
> "programmer's button" that's supposed to be held down to
> actually get the new firmware loaded - but the button
> isn't there on this iMac?
>
It's accessed with a paperclip like device in the little door.  There's 
also a reset "button."

> 2) The install notes and FAQ assume dual-boot configur-
> ations.  I'd prefer to have NetBSD only.  Can this be
> done on a single disk iMac?  Would it be likely to cause
> grief later (eg, if MacOS were required for firmware
> updates)?  If not a good idea, what partition size would
> be good for a minimal install of MacOS (assuming I can
> acquire CDs)?
>
You do need to have at least a small MacOS partition to hold 
ofwboot.xcf.  Having MacOS around is also useful in case your video mode 
gets lost.

> 3) If I repartition without MacOS, is it then possible
> to write ofwboot.xfc using NetBSD?

The iMacs can't boot entire FFS partitions...  If I remember correctly, 
it can load bootloaders from HFS, HFS+, ISO9660 and FAT.  I'm not sure 
if that answers your question, but I don't know why you want to *write* 
ofwboot.xcf.

> 4) According to the FAQ, the Bondi Blue may have USB
> keyboard problems.  What's the status of this bug?  What
> is the simplest way to see if this machine has it?  (I
> don't have a problem with using 1.4.3 until it's fixed.)
>
I have a Rev. D, and I just have to press the shift key a few times 
before logging in.  Using xdm will correct this, too.

I made a stupid little web page dealing with the iMac so that you don't 
have to netboot, cd boot ofwboot.xcf, etc.  It's 
http://snowball.mrs.org/imac_netbsd.  Hope you find it useful.

Matt