I was following the instructions even the url command at yaboot. The installer won't connect to my network wirelessly but will connect in mac os. when i connect the ethernet directly to the router it looks like it connects but when it gets to the part where it says, Loading Addition Components. It takes forever on the first item with no progress. Am I supposed to wait a long time or something or is that not the case?

It should not take long. It has to find an IP address almost immediately.

ok. I think it is getting on the net fine because i tried connecting directly to the cable modem and i didn't get as far as i did just as computer #1 on the router.

I also tried waiting longer and there was no luck. it just stays at loading additional components on the first one.

hope somebody knows what to do because i'm looking forward to getting this going on my old ibook. have tried multiple distributions.

I would buy a decent router, hook it up to the cable modem. Then connect the router with a cable to your Mac.

the router is a nice linksys. very nice and dependable. Why is it stopping at loading additional components?

What iso did you download? The mini.iso ?

Downloaded the Debian netinstaller located in the installation instructions for 9.3, not the mini
.iso

also
------------------------------------------------
Boot the iso and at the yaboot boot prompt type:

boot: auto url=mintppc.org
------------------------------------------------

am i supposed to type "boot:"?

no, only the text in bold.

Can you try to do an expert installation with the same iso and try to get a working internet connection? Boot like this:

I tried expert auto.... and still hangs on loading additional components. no progress. probably getting on the net because there are no errors when setting up the network and goes on to other settings before reaching loading additional component.

are you sure the iso you downloaded is ok ?