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Apple pre-announces System 7.0



Author: Len Massaro
Date: June, 1989
Keywords: system 7 announcement features finder
Text: (The following information is excerpted from a Developer Conference Q&A sponsored by Apple and is dated April 28, 1989.) Q: What's in System 7.0? A: Although the complete feature set of System 7.0 will not be announced until later this year, the following projects will be a part of the release: * Virtual Memory/32-Bit Addressing * IAC Architecture * Outline fonts * New Print Architecture * Layout Manager * Database Access Manager * Finder 7.0 In addition, System 7.0 will integrate 32-Bit QuickDraw (introduced in April) and the Communications Toolbox [shipping in third quarter]). Apple is also discussing with developers other projects currently under development: * Sound Manager Enhancements * File System Enhancements * International Text Support * Installer 3.0 The complete feature set of System 7.0 will be announced later this year. Q: When will System 7.0 be made available to customers? A: Apple will announce customer availability this year. Q: What Macintosh computers will be able to run System 7.0? A: System 7.0 is being designed to run on all Macintosh Plus, SE, SE/30, II, IIcx and IIx computers.System 7.0 will require two megabytes of RAM. The 68030-equipped Macintosh computers and Macintosh II computers with PMMU will have the additional benefit of Virtual Memory. Q: Apple says that eventually all Macintosh computers will run System 7.0. Does that mean that all Macintosh computers will eventually be shipped with two megabytes of RAM? A: Not necessarily. Apple is exploring various configurations of RAM, ROM, processor and hard disk that will support System 7.0. The total amount of memory that a Macintosh uses for system software is a combination of RAM and ROM. In general, when more software is put into ROM, a Macintosh requires less RAM. In addition, for Macintosh computers with PMMUs, the hard disk can be used to extend RAM with virtual memory. These technologies provide for many alternative configurations in the future. Q: What are Apple's plans for System 7.0? A: Apple will move the entire Macintosh product line to System 7.0. During this transition, Apple will offer both the System 6.0 series and System 7.0 CPU configurations. Q: How many current applications will be compatible with System 7.0? A: Application software that conforms to the Inside Macintosh guidelines will be compatible with System 7.0. As System 7.0 is still in development, it is impossible to determine which applications will be 100 percent compatible. When System 7.0 ships, Apple plans to make a compatibility report publicly available. Q: What should customers do to prepare for System 7.0? A: There is nothing that users need to do now. In making new purchase decisions, customers should buy the Macintosh configuration that suits their current needs. Users and businesses that need to make long range decisions now may want to purchase machines with two megabytes or more of RAM today. Q: Isn't Apple now putting Macintosh users through an OS/2 experience? A: Absolutely not. System 7.0 is an extension of today's Macintosh system software. Apple is designing System 7.0 to provide for upwardly compatible applications which is a fundamental part of the Macintosh System Software strategy. System 7.0 will allow developers to create even more innovative Macintosh software and hardware that extends the power of today's Macintosh. Q: Does Apple have plans to add new capabilities to the System 6.0 series? A: No. Users of the System 6.0 series can continue to use their systems. The upgrade path for System 6.0 series users is System 7.0 with more RAM. Q: Why not? A: Apple believes in providing consistency across our products for our users and developers. This consistency can only be achieved by focusing on one system software platform. That platform is System 7.0. Q: Does this mean all users need to upgrade to System 7.0? A: No. Users can continue to use the System 6.0 series and their current applications. System 7.0 and new applications software will provide many new capabilities that many users will want. System 7.0 offers users an opportunity to add more functionality to the Macintosh computers they own today. Q: Why is Apple talking about System 7.0? A: Apple is informing the press to explain what we're working on in our labs, why we've chosen the paths that we have and how these technologies will affect users and developers. Apple is discussing with developers the core technologies under development for inclusion with the next major Macintosh system software release, System 7.0. Q: Is Apple announcing System 7.0? A: No. Apple is making a directional statement to third-party developers about new technologies that will be included in a future version of Macintosh system software. Apple's goal in talking about System 7.0 is to shorten the amount of time necessary to bring a new generation of powerful application software to Macintosh users. (Additional information regarding System 7.0 is available by asking Ralph or me for the complete 16-page ''Apple System Software Directions Q&A.'' I have also given a copy to Howard for dissemination to SMUG -- Len)

Copyright © june, 1989 by Len Massaro


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