Mac OS 9

Infobox OS version
name = Mac OS 9

---

caption = Screenshot of Mac OS 9
developer = Apple Computer Inc.
family = Mac OS Classic
source_model = Closed source
first_release_date = October 23 1999
working_state = Obsolete/Historic/Legacy
release_version = 9.2.2
release_date = December 6 2001
kernel_type = nanokernel
license = Proprietary
website = http://www.apple.com/support/macos9/
support_status = Unsupported (Internet only)

Mac OS 9 is the final major release of Apple's "Classic" Mac OS. Introduced on October 23 1999, Apple positioned it as "The Best Internet Operating System Ever," highlighting Sherlock 2's Internet search capabilities, integration with Apple's free online services known as iTools, and improved Open Transport networking.

While Mac OS 9 lacks the functionality of a modern operating system, such as protected memory and full pre-emptive multitaskingCite web|url=http://lists.apple.com/archives/Mt-smp/2001/May/msg00007.html|title=Re: newbie question: What is a Blue Task|accessdate=2007-03-29] , lasting improvements include the introduction of an automated Software Update engine and support for multiple users.

Apple discontinued development of Mac OS 9 in 2002, transitioning all future development to Mac OS X. Since that time, no updates have been released. The final updates to Mac OS 9 addressed compatibility issues with OS X while running in the Classic Environment and compatibility with Carbon applications.

Features

Apple billed Mac OS 9 as including "50 New Features" and heavily marketed its Sherlock 2 software, which introduced a 'channels' feature for searching different online resources and introduced a QuickTime-like metallic appearance. Mac OS 9 also featured integrated support for Apple’s suite of Internet services known as iTools (later re-branded as .Mac, which is now known as Mobile Me) and included improved TCP/IP functionality with Open Transport 2.5.

Other features new to Mac OS 9 include:Cite web|url=http://www.macintouch.com/m90.html|title=Mac OS 9 Special Report|accessdate=2007-03-29] Cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=50100|title=MacHelp What's New in Mac OS 9|accessdate=2007-03-29]

* Integrated support for multiple user accounts without using At Ease.
* Support for voice login through VoicePrint passwords.
* Keychain, a feature allowing users to save passwords in protected keychains.
* A Software Update control panel for automatic download and installation of Apple system software updates.
* A redesigned Sound control panel and support for USB audio.
* Speakable Items 2.0, also known as PlainTalk, featuring improved speech synthesis and recognition along with AppleScript integration.Cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60519|title=Mac OS 9: What's New - Speakable Items|accessdate=2007-03-29]
* Improved font management through FontSync.
* Remote Access Personal Server 3.5, including support for TCP/IP clients over Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP).
* An updated version of AppleScript with support for TCP/IP.
* Personal File Sharing over TCP/IP.
* USB Printer Sharing, a control panel allowing certain USB printers to be shared across a TCP/IP network.
* 128-bit file encryption in the Finder.
* Support for files larger than 2 GB.
* Unix volume support.
* CD Burning in the Finder (introduced in Mac OS 9.1).
* Addition of a 'Window' menu to the Finder (introduced in Mac OS 9.1)

Mac OS 9 and Classic

PowerPC versions of Mac OS X include a compatibility layer called Classic, enabling users to run applications and hardware requiring Mac OS 9 from within Mac OS X. This is achieved through booting a full Mac OS 9 system. As a result, Mac OS 9 must be installed on the computer for Classic to function. Most Mac OS 9 applications run well in Classic, although some applications demonstrate screen redraw problems. In addition, scanner drivers and many other utilities no longer work.

In May 2002, at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, California, Steve Jobs, accompanied by a coffin, held a mock funeral [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl7xQ8i3fc0 YouTube | Apple WWDC 2002-The Death Of Mac OS 9] ] to announce that Apple had stopped development of Mac OS 9. Mac OS 9.2.2, introduced in December 2001, was the final version of Mac OS 9, and the end of the classic Mac OS.

In June 2005, Jobs announced that the Macintosh platform would be transitioning to Intel x86 microprocessors. Developer documentation of the Rosetta PowerPC emulation layer revealed that applications written for Mac OS 8 or 9 would not run on x86-based Macs. The Classic Environment remains in the PowerPC version of Mac OS X 10.4, however x86 versions of OS X do not officially support Classic.

As a workaround for Intel-based Macs, Mac OS 9 can be emulated up to version 9.0.4 by using SheepShaver, a PowerPC emulator. It cannot emulate above 9.0.4 because SheepShaver does not emulate a memory management unit. The PearPC PowerPC emulator does not support Mac OS 9. [cite web | url=http://pearpc.sourceforge.net/faq.html | title=Frequently Asked Questions | publisher=PearPC Developers | accessdate=2006-11-16]

Support for Classic in PowerPC versions of Mac OS X was discontinued as of Mac OS X v10.5.

Version history

Updates to Mac OS 9 include 9.0.4, 9.1, 9.2.1, and 9.2.2. Mac OS 9.0.4 was a collection of bug fixes primarily relating to USB and FireWire support. OS 9.1 included integrated CD burning support in the Macintosh Finder and added a new Window menu in the Finder for switching between open windows. Mac OS 9.2, which required at least a G3 processor, increased performance noticeably.

Availability

Retail copies of Mac OS 9 are still available from several Internet businesses at varying prices. Mac OS 9 is no longer available from Apple. Mac OS 9 is not yet classified as abandonware, as it is still in use by those who cannot upgrade to Mac OS X due to hardware limitations, or prefer it to Mac OS X. Mac OS 9 is also a popular choice for retrocomputing hobbyists.

References

External links

* [http://developer.apple.com/technotes/tn/tn1176.html Technote TN1176 Mac OS 9] from apple.com
* [http://www.macintouch.com/m90.html Mac OS 9 "Special Report" from MacInTouch]
* [http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75130 Apple | iMac Firmware Update]
* [http://uneasysilence.com/archive/2006/08/7352/ Run Mac OS 9 on an Intel Mac]