Apple Posts UMA Board Mac Firmware Updates v2.4
iMac (SL) (699 KB .bin) "This update addresses issues that, in rare cases, prevented iMac from starting up correctly, and better handles temporary AC power fluctuations where iMac may have shutdown unexpectedly. On iMacs running Mac OS 9.0.4 or later, it also allows a FireWire mass storage device to be used as the startup disk."
PowerMac G4 (694 KB .bin) "The Power Mac G4 Firmware Update 2.4 fixes a startup issue with some third-party memory modules and a problem recognizing when more than one gigabyte of memory is installed. On some early Power Mac G4 models, this update also allows a USB or FireWire storage device such as an external hard drive to be used as a startup disk."
iBook (687 KB .bin) "The iBook Firmware Update 2.4 features support for 256 MB memory expansion modules and improved support for using a USB storage device, such as an external hard drive, as a startup disk."
PowerBook 2000 (FW) (686 KB .bin) "The PowerBook Firmware Update 2.4 improves support for using a USB storage device, such as an external hard drive, as a startup disk. For PowerBooks with built-in FireWire ports using Mac OS 9.0.4 or later, this update also allows you to use a FireWire storage device, such as an external hard drive, as a startup disk. There is also improved support for FireWire target disk mode."
In each case, except for the iBook, the installation consists of 1) launching the installer, 2) choosing "Shut Down" on the dialog box, 3) pressing the "programmers button", 4) starting the computer and 5) releasing the programmers button after a long tone sounds. The iBook installation replaces steps 3) and 4) with holding down the command (Apple) key and power button simultaneously. After the tone, a progress bar appears, when it finishes an automatic restart occurs and a dialog box appears when the desktop is complete. The dialog box hopefully says that Firmware Update v2.4f1 was successfully installed.
I downloaded the firmware updates and installed them without a hitch on an iMac DV SE, PowerMac G4 (S, Rev. A) and iBook (Rev. A). However, Dana Baggett used the Mac OS 9 Software Update control panel with his iMac SL 350 and encountered some scary weirdness:
"I downloaded the iMac SL firmware update via the Software Update control panel. I'm not sure this is the best technique.
What I got was a folder on my desktop - which is my preferred location for downloads - that looked like it was ready to implement, as if I had downloaded it directly as an installer application. So, I read the Read Me and tried to print it. The iMac locked up. Hmm.
So, I rebooted and - lo and behold, the firmware installer was activated. So, apparently, by downloading it via Software Update it deployed without my being aware of it. I was offered an opportunity to print the Installation Instructions which I did successfully. I followed the instructions to the letter, holding the programmer button until I heard a long tone, whereupon I released it.
A progress bar did appear as advertised and completed normally. Then, three tones and the screen went blank while the lighted button remained green on the iMac. Hmm again. There is nothing about three tones in the installation instructions. "Oh Sweet Mother of God, " I thought, realizing that updating firmware is not trivial. There was no "Your iMac firmware has been successfully updated message." There was no message at all. Lovely.
I tried the restart button. Three more short tones. Nothing else. I pushed the restart button on the keyboard, on the iMac and I tried the three key restart. Nothing.
Finally, with a sense of foreboding, I pulled the power plug. Then, after a few seconds to let the hard disk spin down, I pushed the plug back in and hit the keyboard start button. The usual chord was heard - yeah! - and a message appeared "Your firmware has been successfully updated to v. 2.4f1." I was glad to click the OK button whereupon the start up proceeded normally and I am back in business.
Scary stuff."
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