Conference 7.286::macintosh

    I received my System 7.6 update on Friday (it was waiting for me when I
    got home).
    
    It contained 2 floppy disks and 2 CD-ROMs.  The floppies where a
    bootable Disk Tools for 68K Mac and a separate one for PPC Macs.
    
    The CD-ROMs were the System 7.6 installation CD and an "Internet
    Connection Kit" CD-ROM.
    
    So far so good.  The only complaints are that the custom installation
    options appear to be ignored when installing the System 7.6 bits.  I
    told it to not install a bunch of stuff that I either didn't want or
    which I knew wouldn't work on my configuration (such as a bunch of
    printers that I do not own), but it installed everything anyway.  I
    went back and did a file by file house cleaning on the stuff in the
    system folder (it helps to have the README files that describe what
    each of the files are open when doing this).
    
    The Internet Connecton kit has mostly stuff that most of us have
    already downloaded via various sources (Netscape 3.0, NCSA Telnet,
    Fetch, etc...).  [Editorial] For internet savay dudes, this doesn't
    really offer much, but I think they are a minority of the Mac user
    base.  I think that including this CD with 7.6 will make it even easier
    for the reset of the Mac world to get connected.
    
    One final note.  The kit comes with a Serial numbered Warrenty card. 
    So in the future, Apple might use this serial # to verify that someone
    requesting an upgrade is a current owner.
    
    					Bob Harris

I went to Micro Center in Cambridge tonight to buy System 7.6, but all they were
sent was 25 CD versions and 25 floppy versions.  They had sold out of the CD
version but had lots of floppy ones left.

On to CompUSA in Brighton, where I was about to head to the register with a CD
version until I noticed the price:  $119!  The floppy version was priced at
$129.

In retrospect I could have asked about the price, or about the Digital employee
discount (if it's still available) but I think I'll just call Apple and get the
$69 version.

Paul

    Don't you mean the $99 version from Apple?  The $69 version is
    the upgrade from V7.5.n.  Granted it may be physically the same
    CD (is it?  I have no idea).  The $199 in the store was the
    "non-upgrade" kit just $10 more than Apple will charge you (then
    they'll add shipping/handling onto that.)
    
    				-John

    The upgrade version will allow virgin installs (so you don't have to
    have a prior version already installed).  And it seemed to come with
    everything.  I think they are the same.
    
    Also, you might try one of the Mail Order houses.  If they have them
    and will supply the upgrade version, the cost of shipping will be less
    and the delivery will be over night.  Of course if they are out of
    stock, it is unknown which method will be faster.
    
    					Bob Harris

> Don't you mean the $99 version from Apple?  The $69 version is the upgrade
> from V7.5.n.

What are the rules for qualifying for the upgrade?  I bought System 7.5 over two
years ago.  Do I qualify?

A previous noter indicated he qualified when ordering from Apple just by saying
he was running 7.5.  I wonder if there's a rebate form in the box.

I checked MacWarehouse's Web page last night and they were selling 7.6 for $99
with no mention of a lower upgrade price.

Paul

The story I've heard is

  Upgrade if you bought a system with 7.5.5 in the last couple of months - $20

  All other upgrades from 7.5.n - $69

  Otherwise - $99

I'd love to have a few of the features; but I've got the latest OT and OT/PPP
bits sitting on my disk, just waiting to be installed if Apple will ever get
around to doing my cache replacement (the Performa 6200 hardware bug) and I just
paid $20 for the upgrade to AICK 1.2 in December, so I don't think I'd be
getting $70 worth of added value.  (If I hadn't upgraded the AICK, that probably
would have been just enough to make it worth while.)

    Re: .419 -< What qualifies as an upgrade? >-  
    
    If you own 7.5, then you can get the $69 upgrade, plus shipping and
    handling (which will bump it up to closer to $79 dollars when ordered
    from Apple).  It doesn't matter how long ago you purchased it.
    
    When I called, the guy only asked me what version I was currently
    running, but I was all ready with sales slip, invoice number, 7.5
    CD-ROM in hand etc...  They just never asked me for it.
    
    But if you have your proof of purchase, then I would have it handy.  Or
    at worse, just call and see what they want.  They can only say no and
    then you can get what you need to call back.
    
    The other possibility is that they just looked my name up in a database
    of registered owners (I do send in my registration cards so it is
    possible).
    
    As for the mail order places, they do not always list all of the stuff
    they offer.  I suggest you call them and ask if they are offering the
    $69 upgrade.  If they want proof of purchase, they will ask you for it
    at that time.
    
    Sometimes the phone order clerks are so busy, then would rather just
    get the credit card number and the mailing address and then move on,
    rather than also get supporting documentation FAXed to them which they
    then have to collect and cross check with your order.  So give a call
    and see what happens, to a few mail order house and if that doesn't
    workout, then to Apple.
    
    The other offer is if you just purchased a system (or perhaps System
    7.5 itself) in the month or so, then you can upgrade for $24.  Although
    I've thought I read in on the MacInTouch web page or the Mac Resources
    web page that the price was dropped to $10 - but consider that a rumor
    until someone verifies it.
    
    ----
    
    As for whether 7.6 is worth it, that is a more difficult question to
    answer.  A lot of the visible stuff is available from other sources as
    was mentioned by .420.  The less visible are the early reports of a
    more stable system (but it is also possible that the system just hasn't
    been out long enough to find all the good bugs :-)  There are also
    reports that it is 20% faster in the CPU benchmarks (PowerPC based
    systems).  This could be due to more native code in the OS.  The one
    other feature is that 7.6 will allow a virgin install.  This is not too
    big a deal if you don't find yourself having to install from scratch
    frequently if at all.  However, if you find that you have a room full
    of systems needing to be installed from scratch, that could be a
    justification (of course I don't see many of us reading this notes
    conference needing to perform that service).
    
    I can see why a lot of people might prefer to wait until 7.7 this
    summer, which has more visual candy, before spending their money.
    
    					Bob Harris

Computer Town was advertising "System 7.5.3 with free* ($9.95 for S&H) upgrade
to System 7.6" for $49.xx a while back.

The first time, they claimed the price was a "MacWorld special", and would NOT
honor it, even though they mailed the advertisement after MacWorld was over.

The second time was for real (with no mention of any trade show), and I bought
a copy.  They may still be offering this deal - at least, I saw CD-ROMs marked
with the sale/free upgrade label a week or two after the sale was "over".

There was one other place (Tidbits ??) that mentioned an Apple promotion where
people who had recently bought System 7.5.3 could upgrade for $9.95 - this was
to help keep retailers from being stuck with copies of the old product.  But I
looked on Apple's Web site and could not find any confirmation of this offer.

Called Apple/Claris today.  $79.40 including sales tax and shipping, and I'll
have it within a week.

Done.

Paul

    Re: .421

>>  The other offer is if you just purchased a system (or perhaps System
>>  7.5 itself) in the month or so, then you can upgrade for $24.

    The $24 upgrade for people who just bought a system is documented on
    one of Apple's Web pages.

At MacWorld they were selling System 7.5.3 CDs (in the box with Apple Internet 
Connection Kit) for $39.95 and a 'free' upgrade to 7.6 ($9.95 s&h)  I figured 
$39.95 + $9.95 = $49.90 < $69.00.  So, I went ahead and bought a couple of 
copies even though I already owned System 7.5 from before.  I've called Apple 
and they said...yep...and as a matter of fact they said the S&H will be less 
than 2 x $9.95 so send in the info and they will contact me for billing 
information.  Haven't heard yet...and it's been a couple of weeks.


John
JULIET::THROCKMOR_JO

    this may have already been mentioned...but, is there a simple
    list of what's in here and what's not?  I read its only OT 1.1.1
    or whatever, not the latest.

    does it already have the PowerPC Interupt Extension?

    I have several friends who have recently bought PowerPC Macs,
    and I'm wondering if they should get this (for about $10?).

    Their machines came with 7.5.3.  One machine seems to continue
    to hang.
    bob

>>  I have several friends who have recently bought PowerPC Macs,
>>  and I'm wondering if they should get this (for about $10?).

    http://www.macos.apple.com/macos/releases/fulfillment.html now shows a
    note saying "Mac OS Up-To-Date will be back online again soon".  But I
    believe the upgrade was $24 for computers bought after December 7.


>>  Their machines came with 7.5.3.  One machine seems to continue
>>  to hang.

    Have they tried upgrading to 7.5.5?  The System 7.5.3 -> 7.5.5 updater
    is available free (except for download charges) from

        http://support.info.apple.com/ftp/7.5.5.html
        ftp.info.apple.com
        Most on-line services, including AOL and CompuServe

    
    If you're upgrading to 7.5.5 on a PowerMac, don't forget to install the
    PowerPC Interupt Extension (available in MAConline). Without it some
    PowerMacs hang more with the upgrade than without (mine sure did.)
    
    Mario

    Is the system file  System 7.5.3 enabler  still useful after the upgrade
    to 7.5.5 ?   As the installer left it behind, I guess it is, but a
    confirmation would be welcome...
    
    Thanks,
    
    	-- Olivier.

    Re .429
    
    The only "Enabler" files I have since I upgraded to 7.5.5 are System
    Enabler 201 on my 68K Macs and System Enabler 406 on my Power Mac. 
    There is only one System suitcase, of course, and there are no System
    Update files that look like the Finder.

From a recent Evangelist posting.  $9.95 for MAc Up-to-date program.

Earlier someone posted that there is a performance improvement
using MacOS 7.6 on the PowerPC (due to increased Native code in the OS?).
Has anyone installed 7.6 and seen this?  What are the reviews?

(I ask this as someone who has just made the jump to PPC!!!  Hoping
it will arrive Monday)
bob
-----------------
Subject: $$ - Mac OS Update For New Mac Owners
Message-ID: <[email protected]>

This announcement is from:

David Schmitt, <[email protected]>

MAC OS UP-TO-DATE CUSTOMERS NOW ONLY PAY SHIPPING AND HANDLING 

The $24 price for the Mac OS Up-To-Date program has been reduced to a 
shipping and handling charge of $9.95 plus applicable sales tax. 
Customers who have already placed their order will only pay the new 
reduced amount. Due to order processing limitations, customers who have 
paid by credit card may be charged the original $24 plus tax, but will 
also receive a credit for the difference. Customers who have already 
placed their order by mailing a check and have provided a telephone 
number will be contacted by phone and given the option of providing a 
credit card number or sending a check for the new amount. If no phone 
number is available, their check will be sent back with a letter 
explaining their options. Customers who have already placed their order 
by purchase order will be contacted directly to obtain a new purchase 
order based on the $9.95 price.

Mac OS Up-To-Date was created by Apple and the participating Mac OS 
licensees for customers who purchase a new computer that does not come 
with the latest version of the Mac OS. Through this program, these 
customers can upgrade to the latest version of the Mac OS for only a 
shipping and handling charge.

Order forms are available via FAXback and by downloading from the World 
Wide Web.

For more information:

Mac OS Up-To-Date web site:

<http://www.macos.apple.com/macos/releases/fulfillment.html> 
Order form via FAXback: 800-462-4396 Doc ID 11438

    Re: .432
    
>    Earlier someone posted that there is a performance improvement using
>    MacOS 7.6 on the PowerPC (due to increased Native code in the OS?). Has
>    anyone installed 7.6 and seen this?  What are the reviews?
    
    See      <http://www.wisc.edu/helpdesk/faqs/7bench.html>
    also see <http://www.macconnect.com/~jshoemaker/html/upgrade.spml>
    
    But human nature says that anything less than double will be difficult
    to detect, and you get used to double performance real fast :-)
    
    You switching from 68K to PPC will be the performance improvement you
    will see.  Anything due to going from 7.5.5 to 7.6 will be mostly
    noise.
    
    My opinion.
    
    					Bob Harris

    MacInTouch reports that you may be able to get a System 7.6 upgrade
    from Claris for $49.
        
        				Bob Harris
        
    <http://www.macintouch.com/>  1-Mar-1997 edition
    
    Monty Lee notes some Mac OS 7.6 pricing quirks: 
    
        "I just thought I'd let you know that something screwy is going on
        with the System 7.6 Upgrade pricing (in my opinion). I called the
        800 number back in January to order the 7.6 Upgrade on CD ROM.
        Since I had previously ordered system upgrades from Apple/Claris, I
        was in their database, and it reflected being a 7.5 customer. Thus
        I was charged $69 for the upgrade. This week I get a flyer from
        Claris announcing the Mac OS 7.6 upgrade for only $49. Calling
        Claris resulted in their being unable to do anything. I gave up
        calling Apple after being on hold for a long time. Perhaps you
        might want to mention to readers that if they call Claris at
        800-742-1939, they can probably get a better deal."

    MacInTouch reports that you may be able to get a System 7.6 upgrade
    from Claris for $49.
        
        				Bob Harris
        
    <http://www.macintouch.com/>  1-Mar-1997 edition
    
    Monty Lee notes some Mac OS 7.6 pricing quirks: 
    
        "I just thought I'd let you know that something screwy is going on
        with the System 7.6 Upgrade pricing (in my opinion). I called the
        800 number back in January to order the 7.6 Upgrade on CD ROM.
        Since I had previously ordered system upgrades from Apple/Claris, I
        was in their database, and it reflected being a 7.5 customer. Thus
        I was charged $69 for the upgrade. This week I get a flyer from
        Claris announcing the Mac OS 7.6 upgrade for only $49. Calling
        Claris resulted in their being unable to do anything. I gave up
        calling Apple after being on hold for a long time. Perhaps you
        might want to mention to readers that if they call Claris at
        800-742-1939, they can probably get a better deal."
    
    And update from 3-Mar-1997 edition
    
        "I found that the information on the pricing of S7.6 interesting. I
        also called Claris/Apple about having just paid $80.09 for the
        package, responding to a flyer #1433. The guy at the order desk
        asked me how I found out about the $49.00 [price]. I said that I
        read it. He told me that without a flyer # he wouldn't honor the
        pricing."

    In some web pages I was reading this morning, there were a bunch
    of notes about 7.6.1 coming out in March...fixing several bugs.
    Such as a bug in the emulator that was fixed in 7.5.5 but
    accidentally left out of the 7.6 versions.  Several other
    bugs mentioned.  Did not give me a warm feeling, but I know
    that's the way it is with software.

    they were basically the MacOS support web pages....

    In July there will be another release with a LOT of changes...with
    many of the changes that were being done for MacOS 8 but now will
    be released for (I think) MacOS7.7.  this will be 68040 or greater,
    not 68030.

I just got a mailing from Apple last night, offering the 7.6 upgrade for $49
plus shipping.

I'd do it, if I hadn't just forked over $25 for AICK 1.2 in December, which now
comes free with 7.6 :-(

	-Neil

    I am going to post an 'edited' version of the web pages
    that I referred to a few days ago...

    I recommend this web page if you are interested in following
    the progession of the Mac OS.  The web page is

    http://www.macosrumors.com/

    Here is some notes about 7.6.1

    If you really want to read this stuff, look at the site
    directly.  stripping out all the HTML stuff is a pain...and
    i may have messed something up. but you'll get a  flavor.

    The real notes have stuff I did not put in here...like the
    state of the current version, what they are working on , etc.
    bob

from:

http://www.macosrumors.com/software/76/notes.shtml

   MacOS 7.6 Release Notes

    Mac OS 7.6.1 update is the OS update to be completed by the
    end of March 1997. 

    Mac OS 7.6.1 update is an updater that will update Mac OS 7.6.
    It will include rapid response bug fixes and rolling in of new
    hardware projects enablers.

    Mac OS 7.6.1 update will support all 68030 and 68040
    Macintosh CPUs, PowerPC-based Macintosh, Mac OS-compatible.
    All Apple and OEM Mac OS-compatible CPUs introduced between Mac OS 7.6
    and Mac OS 7.6.1 introduction will also be supported.

    At present, the plan for this release is both: A floppy
    based update for Mac OS 7.6-based CPUs and a CD for
    updates or clean installs on new CPUs. The floppy update
    will only work on CPUs that are already running Mac OS
    7.6 except for PowerBooks shipping with Mac OS 7.6.

    It is based on Mac OS 7.6. It has the CPU specific
    pieces from future PowerBook and desktop models.

    CFM-68K 
    ------- 
    CFM-68k Runtime Enabler now always installed on all
    68k Macs. CFM-68K Runtime Enabler is real, b1 version.

    Type 11 Errors 
    --------------
    The biggest change is the removal of nearly all type 11
    errors. Most crashes in native code previously were
    mapped to the 'miscellaneous fatal error' code which is
    11. We now calculate the real error code and report the
    correct number.

    Also, previously, a type 11 error when MacsBug is not
    installed would cause a "Sorry, a system error has
    occurred" dialog and force an immediate reboot. Now most
    of these cases will instead "unexpectedly quit" the
    foreground application. We strongly advise customers to
    restart after this occurs, but they should use the
    Restart item in Finder's Special menu or the =80Shut Down
    command in the Apple menu.

    Other
    -----
    Apple CD-ROM 5.3.3 now supports 12x IDE CDROM drives. 
    This support imporves the wakeup time of the PowerBook
    3400 and also allows for detection of CD if not
    installed at boot time on the PowerBook 3400.

    The symbol name of HSetStateQ was changed back to
    BowelsOfTheMemoryMgr so that crashing in MacsBug with
    heap corruption will stop in this routine.

    There are now only two warning dialogs for PowerBook low
    battery warning.  There is one right before the 10 sec
    warning and the 10 sec warning itself.  Added two patch
    installation routines, one for old style primitives
    tables and one for new style. The patch is a tail patch
    to GetLevel that maps the value returned by GetLevel to
    a new level.  This affects ALL PowerBooks except the
    original portable.

    Apple video player is now scriptable.

    "Monitors & Sound" is now installed on all 68040 and PDM
    PowerMacs.

    "Monitor & Sound Guide Additions" is replaced by
    "Monitors & Sound Guide"

    CPU Support
    -----------
    Added power management software changes for (an upcoming
    PowerBook), PowerBook 3400, 1400, 5300, 2300, and
    PowerPC upgrades for the 500 and Duo series.

Bug Fixes 
    Fixed Mac OS 7.6 VM problem (evident MacroMind Director)
    that caused an Error 112 due to tasks being continually
    reintstalled.  This is fixed by detecting them as
    duplicate and not allowing them to be installed.
	    
    ObjectSupportLib 1.2 now always installed.  It features
    CFM Support Library for scriptable applications (Claris,
    Apple Guide, AOL, Video apps).  These applications will
    not run properly without ObjectSupportLib 1.2.

    Change __HGetStateQ to actually return the handle flags
    instead of throwing them away if they are !=3D 0.  Fixes
    QuickTime crashes in Mac OS 7.6.

    Fixed a problem in very low brightness/contrast levels
    on some PowerBook 1400 computers. A gradiant pattern
    would appear on some models in the lowest setting. This
    change adjusts the range of allowed settings so the
    problem does not appear.

    Applications which had a Debugger or DebugStr
    instruction would cause a type 12 error and force an
    immediate restart. Now this will unexpectedly quit the
    application.

    Mac OS 7.6 did not include one bug fix made in 7.5.5
    in the DR emulator. This 7.5.5 version of the
    emulator is now back in the A8 enabler.

    We turned off the ability to write to 400K single sided
    floppy disks. Previously a crash could often occur
    trying to write to these disks, also called MFS disks.
    Now these disks are read-only.

    We now reserve some memory (300K) in the Process Manager
    heap when available memory is between minimum and
    preferred launch sizes to give such things as QuickTime
    some breathing room when applications would otherwise
    have occupied all of memory.

    On PowerPC upgrade cards for 680x0 CPU's the SCSI
    Manager was changed to poll for interrupts when the
    current interrupt mask was level 1 or higher, instead of
    level 2 or higher.

    Problem with camera and modems off on boot was fixed.
    This fix was completed by adding a reset when the serial
    driver detects a frame error.

    Added GetPort and SetPort calls for the startup screen
    during the boot process to allow password dialogs in
    disk drivers to work properly.

    Added a gamma fix to the video driver on the 7200, 7500,
    8500, and an upcoming PowerBook.

    Energy Saver settings were not being saved if the
    shutdown and start up time were more than 24 hours
    apart.  This is now fixed.

    And comeing soon.....MacOS 7.7.

    also from www.macosrumors.com are some notes on 7.7 and a short
    review (that makes it sounds pretty good) in the next note.

from:

http://www.macosrumors.com/software/77/notes.shtml

MacOS 7.7 Release Notes

Tempo a2 Developer Seed Release Notes

    Tempo Seed Release Notes Errata
    -------------------------------
    (none)

    Tempo a2 Fundamentals
    ---------------------
    Tempo a2 is the second alpha build. There are two future
    build stages: beta and final candidate. Apple will
    provide details of the build plans for these stages with
    later seeds.

    Tempo Fundamentals
    ------------------
    Tempo, scheduled for July 1997, is next in a series of
    regular Mac OS releases.  Tempo will support all 68040
    and PowerPC based Mac OS compatible computers.

    IMPORTANT: It is still possible there are significant
    bugs in this build of Tempo. DO NOT risk critical data
    by exposing it to this build of Tempo. DO NOT install
    this build of Tempo on a machine which is critical to
    your business.

    A Note on Component Versions
    ----------------------------
    Some of the components in Tempo may be earlier versions
    than those shipping at the time of Tempo's release. This
    is because of the extensive, time-consuming integration
    quality assurance that is required to achieve the
    quality goals for such a large project. Integrating
    later versions of components after alpha would impact
    testing and compromise the quality of the Tempo release.
    In Apple's OS release strategy, the latest version
    possible of any given component will integrate into the
    next OS release, but those components will continue to
    improve and be distributed as appropriate in parallel to
    the OS releases.

    Distribution
    ------------
    In addition to a single multi-megabyte archive file,
    Tempo is also available in roughly megabyte-sized
    archive segments to ease downloading. Distribution of
    the seed is conducted via the Developer Seeding CD as
    well as two dedicated authenticated FTP servers in
    Cupertino, California, USA. These servers will be used
    to seed core system software releases only. Connectivity
    is provided by Apple's primary corporate internet feed.

    Printing and Graphics Architecture Update
    -----------------------------------------
    Prompted by our new dual OS strategy -- Mac OS 7.x and
    Rhapsody -- Apple has re-evaluated the graphics and
    printing architectures of Mac OS 7.x. Beginning with
    Tempo, Apple will be simplifying the user experience of
    printing by unifying the architecture and standardizing
    on the classic Printing Manager. The new implementation
    of QuickDraw GX will continue to offer our developers
    the advantages of superior graphic and typography
    features for Mac OS. For details, please find a document
    "Print/Grfx Architecture Update" enclosed in the seed
    archive which accompanies this message.

Improvements and Other Major Changes
====================================
    A report of versions of all components will be enclosed
    in the seed archive. Hereafter we will attempt to
    provide under this heading a list of new versions of
    existing components. New or significantly improved
    components include:

        Appearance Manager
        (Color and WindowShade control panels retired)

        CFM-68K

        Collection Manager

        Color Picker panels

        Connect to... Apple Menu Item and scripting addition

        Contextual Menu Manager

        Desktop Pictures

        (Desktop Patterns retired)

        File Sharing control panels unified with improved
        interface

        Finder 8

        (Labels and Views control panels retired)

        (Clipping Extension and PC Card Extension retired)

        Find File extension removed

        FireWire (high-speed serial) support

        InfoCenter

        Install Mac OS

        Internet access unified

        Location Manager

        Mac OS Setup Assistant

        Mac OS Runtime for Java

        MacLinkPlus 9

        Open URL scripting addition

        Personal Web Sharing

        Software MPEG

        Text Encoding Converters

    Note that some of these new components are accessible
    only programatically. We are producing Inside Mac style
    documentation for these components, and this
    documentation will be made available as soon as
    possible. Draft documents will appear in the seed
    archive as they become available.

Bug Fixes
=========
    We are preparing a list of bug fixes and hope to have it
    in the next seed release notes.

    Here is a review (by someone?) using 7.7.
    I messed up some of the editing....check the actual
    page if you really want to read this...
    bob

from:

http://www.macosrumors.com/software/77/review.shtml

Tested on a Performa 6200/75MHz with 32megs RAM

   Well, so far Tempo is looking absolutely
   awsome. It will be made for PPC and 040 machines. Expect the final
   release in July 1997. First I'll tell you about the ups I've found
   in the prerelease system, then I'll tell you the downs:
   
    Speed - Most of Tempo is PPC native.  MacOS 7.7 has some zoom!

      Multitasking/Multithreading - You can
      copy and delete and do many other tasks all at once. So far, I
      have yet to recieve a crash while multithreading. I have had
      multiple trashing and copyings of files at the same time! It's
      great.
   
      Spring Open Folders - Drag and icon
      on a folder, wait awhile, the folder automatically opens. Keep
      dragging the icon into folder within folder without ever
      clicking. Then, when you finally go deep into the roots of all
      your folders with your icon, release the mouse button. All
      folders close behind you except for the one you dropped the
      icon in. Excellent idea by Apple.
      
      Sticky Menus - Exactly like Windows.
      No more draging your mouse through menus and menus. With one
      soft click on a menu, it stays down for you to scroll through
      without pressing the mouse. Finally! You can also drag through
      the menus like regular though if you don't like the Windows
      (and now Mac) way.
   
      Finder Preferences - Now in the Edit
      menu is an option called "Finder Preferences". Instead of using
      all those pesky control panels to control simple one time
      things, this menu option is easy to access and controls many of
      the new Finder features you'll find in Tempo. For example, one
      of the settings allows you to get rid of many of the non-used
      features in the menubar (such as the "Put Away" command) so
      beginning Mac users can have a easier understanding of exactly
      what they're doing.
   
      View As... - This is a great new
      feature for experianced and new users. Instead of the plain old
      "View by date", "View as large icon" or "View by small icon",
      you now have some extra options. You can "View by button" which
      makes every icon in a certain folder (or on the desktop) turn
      into a button, such as Apple's At Ease program. You only need
      to click the button once to open the file/folder. Also, when
      viewing by date, size, etc. now, you get a full view of every
      icon in a smaller form, smililar to small icons.
   
      Only Four Menus - That's correct. To
      make things simpler, there are only 4 menus now. They are File,
      Edit, View, and Speedy (a code name for Special).
   
      Moving Items - Now when moving more
      than one item into a place where an item with that same name
      already appears, it gives you the options of replacing them
      all, keeping them all, and many other options.
      
      Clean Up Command - The clean up
      command now has many options. You can clean up by Grid, Date,
      Size, etc. now. Cleaning up by grid is like the regular clean
      up command, except much faster. Cleaning up by Date, Size, etc.
      organizes the icons by what you picked.
      
      Active Scrolling - Now, when holding
      on the little scroller (not the arrows) and dragging somewhere,
      it automatically updates. Unfortunately, this only works in the
      Finder windows, not on other programs (unless otherwise
      programmed that way, like Netscape Navigator)
      
      Appearance Manager - The interface
      now looks almost identical to the old Copland/MacOS 8. If you
      were to compare Aaron 1.5, the system extension that creates a
      Copland look, and Tempo, the only differences you'd find would
      be that the WindowShade and Zoom box has been
      flip-flopped.
   
      Pop-up Windows - Drag an open window
      to the bottom on the screen and it instantly turns into a tab
      at the bottom of your screen. Click on the tab and that window
      opens instantly. Click on the tab again and it closes. Drag the
      tab up and it becomes a regular window again. Drag and icon to
      the tab and the window slowly opens, allowing you to place your
      icon where you want. Let go of the icon and the window goes
      back to a tab. It's that easy....
   
      Most Extensions and Utilities Work -
      RamDoubler 2 works. QuickTime 2.5 works. FreePPP 2.5v2 and 2.6
      works. Most things work.
   
      Contextual Menus - Hold down the
      control key and click the mouse button anywhere and a menu pops
      up with different options of cleaning up the window. Do it on a
      hilited icon, and you now have the option to put it in the
      trash, change the label, duplicate it, etc. Do it on a disk and
      you can eject it.
   
      New Icons - Everything has new Icons,
      even the disks and CD's and Hard Drives. 
   
      Copy and Trash progress - Now you can
      see how long it will take to copy and trash a file and where
      the file is going to and coming from within the copying dialog.
      It updates in real time so you know exactly how much time you
      have left until the copy/trash is done.
   
      New Files - QuickTime VR 2.0, Apple
      Video Player 1.6, OpenDoc 1.2 are all included
   
      New/Redone Control Panels
    	(many...)
      
      MacOS Setup Assistant - The
      "Assistant" helps new users setup a number of options without
      ever having to go to the control panels or chooser. A number of
      dialog boxes come up asking such questions as "What time is
      it?" and "What printer do you have attached?". Press the
      "Return" key and the computer does the rest.
   
      Integrated Web Server - You now have
      the option to install a web server on your computer. It's very
      easy to setup and works with the File Sharing control
      panel.
   
      Connect to... - Apple now has a
      "Connect to..." file in the Apple Menu. Once opened, it allows
      you to enter a URL and connect directly to the Internet from
      there. I tried it and it automatically opened Internet Explorer
      and went straight to the URL I asked for.
   
      Installer - The installer is very
      similar to MacOS 7.6 with a few changes. It's very easy to
      use.
   
   Mini Icons - Windows now have tiny icons
   in the upper left hand corner. As you can see from the picture
   below, the disk is locked. Other icons include a trash can
   (emptying trash) and a pencil with a red slash (folder not
   writable).

    Rebuilding the desktop...
   faster than it ever has been. It's so fast, it doesn't even show
   you a progress bar anymore. It just shows a barber style bar
   turning for a few seconds and then it's done.

DownSides...
   
   Some Extensions and Utilties Don't Work
   - After Dark 4.0 doesn't work. Speed Doubler 2 doesn't work. Other
   small things don't work.
   
   Memory Hog - Tempo uses 5 megs of RAM
   with just the basic extensions. 8-12 megs with all my other stuff
   installed.
   
   Clean Up Command - When cleaning up by
   the "Grid" command, it sometimes doesn't grid the icons
   correctly.

   View as... - When viewing items in the
   "List as name", etc. type commands, you can't resize the name,
   size, date, etc. bars like you could in Tempo d2.

   No V-Twin Find Search Engine - V-Twin
   search engine probably won't appear until MacOS 7.8 or 7.9. It
   used to be in the development versions of Tempo.

   Virtual Memory - Virtual Memory is still
   slow even though it is now on as a default. I keep it off on my
   Performa 6200. On a faster machine it may work better.

   Apple Video Player Crash - The Apple
   Video Player crashes when opened. You cannot use any version of
   the Video Player with Tempo a2.

      Multitasking - You can only duplicate
      one file twice at the same time. If you try to go over that
      amount, it will tell you the file is busy. This probably won't
      be fixed, as it's not a glitch. It's just too much for the
      computer and hard drive to handle with the same file.
   
    (?)
   using the multithreading features. For now though, it looks like
   Apple is headed towards a great start in finally getting MacOS 8
   type features around. Look for Tempo in July 1997 (Hint: Also look
   for a small upgrade to MacOS 7.6 in the Spring called MacOS
   7.6.1).

    What's this about dumping the Desktop Patterns control panel and
    standardizing on the classic Printing Manager (the one that does
    not support desktop printer icons)?

    
    The Classic Printing Manager (as opposed to the QuickDraw GX Printing
    Manager??) Does support desktop printer icons. I have LW8.4.2 installed
    with classic printing and I have desktop icons.
    
    Mario (I hope that's what you meant?)

    OK ... When I installed 7.5.3, I immediately installed QuickDraw GX,
    because I had heard/read somewhere that this was how you got desktop
    printer icons.

    
    That's still true for some printer drivers and it was true for a while
    for all drivers, but it's not the case anymore. If you use a postscript
    laser printer and you only use GX for the desktop icons, you're a lot
    better off with the new LaserWriter driver...uses far fewer resources.

    My main printer is a StyleWriter II.  I sometimes use the LaserWriter
    driver to produce documents for printing/uploading elsewhere, but for
    that, I'm using System 7.1.

    (I heard that the System 7.5 LaserWriter doesn't work unless you have
    a real one, and that LaserWriter 8.4 requires CFM-68K on 68K machines
    such as mine.  If it wasn't for System 7.1, I'd be caught between the
    proverbial rock and hard place...)

    HP 500 and 600 series drivers support desktop printer icons (and the
    associated extra-menu to handle jobs/print queue) only in their GX
    versions... (sigh!)  They're resources-greedy in either version, anyway :-(
    And this seems to have absolutely no chance to evolve.
    
    My advice: stick with Apple's printers, if you can...  This is the only
    way to avoid deceptions on the software support aspect.
    
    	-- Olivier.

    	I just read the README file that comes with Adobe PageMaker 6.5. 
    They insist that the user back up to LaserWriter 8.3.x and not to use
    LaserWriter 8.4.1 specifically (the one I have been using for months).
    I'm disappointed.  I'm not sure the benefits of PM 6.5 outweigh the
    daily utility of the really nice features of LW 8.4.1.  Adobe offers to
    install their laser printer driver (upon which, I imagine, Apple based
    its LW 8.3.x).  So far I have not installed the new PageMaker.  Does
    anyone have an idea as to what is "wrong" with LW 8.4.1?  I imagine
    the newer LW versions are "mandatory options" with System 7.6 and
    projected newer releases.
    
    						Rich

    They may be trying to prevent 680x0 Mac users from running across the
    nasty bugs in the Code Fragment Manager (which LaserWriter 8.4 uses).
    System 7.6 won't even install some programs on a 680x0 Mac because of
    the potential for trouble.

    If you're on a PowerPC, I can't think of anything "wrong" with 8.4.1.
    That just means "I haven't heard of anything", not that "I've run it,
    and it works."

    Thomas,
    
    	Thanks for the response.  I plan to run PM 6.5 on the PowerPC, but
    had thought of installing a copy on my PB520 (a FPU-less 68040).  Due
    to how much I switch network printing environments (HLO, PKO3 and home)
    on the PowerBook, I can't imagine wanting to go back to LW 8.3.x. 
    Maybe I'll leave PM 6.0 on the PowerBook and give it a whirl on the
    6115.
    
    	I noticed a mention of LW 8.4.2 somewhere here in the notesfile. 
    The archives don't seem to contain anything newer than LW 8.4.1.  I
    suppose I could rummage around in Apple's web page for the newer
    version.  Maybe that would be OK for the Adobe PM 6.5 on all Mac
    platforms (well, 68040 and PPCs anyway).
    
    						Rich

    the news today is that MacOS 7.7 (Tempo) will be called MacOS 8.0

    I guess Copeland wont be needing that name.

    Rhapsody is now MacOS 9.0
    bob

    I have a neighbor who recently bought a 6400/180.
    Its been great....they signed up with a service provider and
    jumped right on the WEB.  great machine.

    They ordered 7.6 and it came yesterday.  So they installed it.
    Not a clean install, just 'normal'.

    After the installation, when they try to use their modem
    (GeoPort internal 28.8) it says the modem is busy...in use...
    something like that.  They cant find what is taking the modem
    or the modem port.

    I suggested they do a clean install and then reinstall the
    ISP software (iincludes freePPPand netscape) and they did that
    and say the problem remains the same.

    any suggestions?
    bob

    I'm unsure about internal Geoport, but the error message you mention
    looks familiar to me... and is usually worked around using the CommCloser
    shareware or alike.  It seems that many communication software just don't
    release the serial port properly, and you have to do that manually
    afterwards, before you can reuse it for any other purpose.
    
    	-- Olivier.

    Re: .450 <7.6 and modem in use>
    
    I did some searching on the MacFixIt web page
    <http://www.macfixit.pair.com/searchengine.shtml> for problems relating
    to serial port busy or in use and here are some of the responses. 
    Note, that none of them seem to relate directly to your neighbor's
    problem but it is a starting point.
    
    Good luck
    
    					Bob Harris
    
    <http://www.macfixit.com/archives/october96-a.html#anchor1042581>

        Global Village Faxing and System 7.5.5 Colt West reports that, after
        installing System 7.5.5, he had intermittent problems using his
        GlobalFax software.  Various problems occurred including reports
        that the serial port was "busy" on his internal modem.  When he
        called Global Village about this, they told him that "there was a
        problem witht the 7.5.5 Installer not recognizing the GlobalFax
        driver properly and that they were "working on the problem" with
        Apple." In the meantime, simply resinstalling System 7.5.5 cleared
        things up, at least temporarily. 

    <http://www.macfixit.com/archives/december96-b.html#anchor276655>
          
        GV SpeakerPhone modem glitches Two related reports:  a.  Kent
        Richardson writes that the telephone management extensions of the
        new Global Village TelePort 33.6 Speaker Phone has a conflict with
        Quicken 6.0 and 7.0.  Without the new GV extensions loaded (GV Phone
        Engine, etc.), Quicken can access CheckFree and the stock quotes
        through CompuServe.  With these extensions, Quicken cannot find the
        modem or access the port.  b.  Joe Kriz reports that the same GV
        extensions caused "port in use" error messages to appear when trying
        to access the modem port in several different instances. 

    <http://www.macfixit.com/archives/february97-a.html#anchor4124537>
          
        Global Village PC Card modem software/firmware update .  Chris
        Bailey informs me that "Global Village has released an updated
        version of their software for Platinum PC Cards and Platinum Pro PC
        Cards.  It's version 2.5.8, and it includes support for and a
        flashROM updater to boost the modem cards from 28.8 to 33.6. 

        Bryan Goldstein notes that it appears to fix a previously identified
        OT/PPP "serial port in use" bug. 

    <http://www.macfixit.com/archives/february97-b.html#anchor4547877>
                      
        Platinum PC Card upgrade and "serial port in use" bug:  follow-up . 
        Last week, at the end of the item about a new version 2.5.8 of the
        software for Global Village's Platinum PC Cards and Platinum Pro PC
        Cards, I noted a reader report that said the upgrade "appears to fix
        a previously identified OT/PPP 'serial port in use' bug."

        This generated a lot of mail.  One reader (Jan Rune Holmevik)
        confirmed this for his PowerPort PC Card in her Powerbook 5300cs
        running Mac OS 7.6.  However, many more readers (including Joel
        Sass, Dana Rasmussen and David Webb) said that it definitely did not
        fix the problem for them.  One reader said it was never intended as
        a bug fix anyway, but only to provide the 33.6 bps feature.  None of
        the standard work-arounds (changing the loading order of the Toolbox
        extension etc.) had any effect on the bug.  more readers (including
        Joel Sass, Dana Rasmussen and David Webb) said that it definitely
        did not fix the problem for them.  One reader said it was never
        intended as a bug fix anyway, but only to provide the 33.6 bps
        feature.  None of the standard work-arounds (changing the loading
        order of the Toolbox extension etc.) had any effect on the bug. 

        However, Joel found that if he simply added a space in front of the
        file name "Open Tpt AppleTalk Library," the problem went away. 
        Deleting this file (as well as "OpenTptAppleTalkLib") also helped -
        but you then lose AppleTalk access. 

        Speaking of PC card 33.6 bps upgrades, there now one for the TDK
        Global Class 2814 Apple Powerbook Data/FAX Modem PC Card.  Get it at
        the TDK web site. 

    <http://www.macfixit.com/archives/november96-a.html#anchor539925>
                       
        OT/PPP 1.0 and Global Village software Several readers reported a
        conflict between Global Village Toolbox (and/or GlobalFax) and
        OT/PPP 1.0.  In particular, when trying to make a connection, you
        get an error message that says that the serial port is "in use." The
        problem does not occur if you shift to FreePPP.  Joel Sass claims he
        isolated AOL Link is a critical contributing factor.  The error
        message only appeared when all three sets of files (OT/PPP, GV and
        AOL Link) were active at the same time.  Update:  As is often the
        case in these matters, a few users have reported that they do not
        have this problem, even with all three extensions active. 
        contributing factor.  The error message only appeared when all three
        sets of files (OT/PPP, GV and AOL Link) were active at the same
        time.  Update:  As is often the case in these matters, a few users
        have reported that they do not have this problem, even with all
        three extensions active. 

    <http://www.macfixit.com/archives/november96-b.html#anchor384479>
                    
        OT/PPP and Global Village We previously mentioned a conflict between
        Global Village Toolbox and OT/PPP, which can cause a "serial port in
        use" error message to appear when trying to make a connection (which
        may or may not also involve AOL Link).  O'Grady's PowerPage covers
        this issue specifically as it applies to PowerBook 5300s.  He
        writes:  "Apple and Global Village are reportedly working on a fix."
        On the other hand, Ilan Melnick got an email on this subject from
        Global Village that claims that there is no Global Village conflict
        here.  Problems are seen as due to an "improper setup or a
        third-party conflict."
    

    I've been on the phone with my neighbor off and on all morning,
    and looking around both the Performa documention and this
    notes conf....I'm SO glad to have this resource.

    I've been reading about GeoPort Modems.  I think that something
    in the 7.6 installation has trashed the Apple Telecom Software,
    so the GeoPort Modem is not working correctly.  The Express Modem
    Control Panel appears greyed out during the boot sequence.  When
    you click on it, it says it does not work with this computer.
    when you click on 'telecom status' it says files are missing.
    When you click on the Fax software it says its not installed properly.

    Although we've copied the Apple Telecom Software folder from the
    Performa CD, the machine did not come with the real installation
    disks for the Apple Telecom Software (version 3.0).

    So right now I we need to find these installation disks and reinstall
    it.  If its true that 7.6 is trashing this stuff, that feels pretty bad.
    bob

    
    bob;
    
    for what it's worth department. On the newest MacAttack Disk, there
    is some new GeoPort bits. Two diskimages for V3, if I remeber right??
    Maybe Mac/OS 7.6 needs new GeoPort bits, I am going to try these myself
    to get the ??33.6?? speed for mine. Don't know if these have made the
    MacOnline arcieve yet though.
    
    Excuse the rambling if it's not relative.
    
    Dave Y.

    An update...we got my neighbor back to 7.5.3 by copying the
    System Folder from the Performa CD, and he manually moved
    stuff from the old one to the new one (or reinstalled things).

    After using it for a few days, he did the upgrade again.

    He started by rebooting from the CD.
    He ran the DiskFirstAid tool included in the upgrade.  Says
    this time it 'repaired' something.  He then did the easy install
    and everything was fine...he's back using the modem.

    He also was REAL excited...he had downloaded something from the
    Apple Site that does speech recognition...So now he can
    say 'open Myst' and it does it.

    this kid is one Happy Mac user.
    bob

    The MacOS System 7.6.1 update is now available, but there are
    apparently 3 separate versions.
    
        PowerBook 3400	- not currently avaialble
    
    	PowerBook 3400  - need to order it from Apple (800-335-9258)
    	Performa 4400     and/or see 
    	PowerMac 4400     <http://www.macos.apple.com/
    	         5500        macos/releases/fulfillment.html>
    	         6500     ''
    	         7300     ''
    	         8600     ''
    	         9600     ''
    
        All other Macs.
    
    Only the English version is currently available.  International
    versions will be avaialble within 90 days (or so they say)
    
    The English version of MacOS 7.6.1 can be down loaded from 
    
    	<http://support.info.apple.com/ftp/7.6.1.html>
    
    also try the mirror sites
    
    	<http://support.info.apple.com/ftp/mirrors.html>
    
    Because of the rush to get the update, the Apple web sites maybe
    difficult to access or get any acceptable download bandwidth.  I have 
    copies of the 4 floppies images and the DiskCopy 6.1.2 utility that
    will be needed to access the floppy images on my Mac at work.
    
    You can access my Mac via anonymous FTP at the following URL
    
    	<ftp://juggl4.zk3.dec.com/FTPd_Pub/pub/>
    
    I'll keep a copy on my Mac for a week or so, until the rush at the
    Apple sites dies down.
    
    Besides the floppy images, I'm also trying to download a copy of the
    6.5MB Network image from Apple, but I'm only getting around 100 to 200
    bytes per second.  It will take awhile at this rate.
    
    					Bob Harris