On Monday, March 24, 2003, at 08:17 AM, Michael Harvey wrote:
Could anyone decisively explain Apple's policy on backwards compatibility
regarding the new OS and older software?
I am looking to buy a current model machine but am worried about running my
older OS 9.x software. My concern is the misapprehension that the newer
machines will not run the OS 9.x operating system therefore rendering all my
old software useless.
Hello Michael,
There is good and bad news. But first you should understand that Apple has made a distinction between the earlier operating system as booted by your computer - Mac OS 9.x.x, and the same system when run from within Mac OS X - Classic.
Many, possibly most, of the currently popular Mac programs run reasonably under Classic. However, many of those do have limitations when it comes to printing, some with scanning. Some run without full functionality.
Some (an increasing number of...) newer Macs will not boot into Mac OS 9.x.x, but will however still run Classic.
From Apple's point of view, the longer the transition stage goes on, the harder it is for them to persuade Developers that Mac is a platform to develop for, because the end user is asking for both operating systems to be supported. If Developers know that they need only concentrate on Windows and Mac OS X, the situation is economically far more viable.
Some will have found that whilst operating a Classic program when a crash occurs, that other 'Native' programs are unaffected and that often the worst case is that Classic has to be restarted; whilst live data in open Mac OS X applications do not falter.
Note, I have not gone into 'Carbon' or other esoteric terms, just find out whether your specific program runs under Classic, and is Printer support on offer.
Rod Rod Wynne-Powell ____________________________________________________ Retoucher, Trainer, Consultant, Author of 'Photoshop Made Simple' Tech Editor for Martin Evening and Deke McLelland's books: "Photoshop 7 for Photographers"/"The Photoshop 7 Bible" SOLUTIONS photographic email: solphoto at dircon.co.uk 01582-725065____________________ 07836-248126 mobile___
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