Why does Apple ship Performa computers with a special version of system software instead of standard Macintosh System 7.1? Will regular System 7.1 run on the Performa?

Performa System 7.1P contains several enhancements designed to make the Performa products especially easy to use, particularly for first-time users and families with children. These enhancements are not part of standard Macintosh System 7.1 software.

Performa System 7.1P enhancements include:

* Launcher. Allows users to locate and launch applications easily while retaining full Finder access.

* Default Document Folder. Documents are automatically saved and stored in this location.

* Layer Hiding. Allows users to switch to the Finder or another program by clicking on the application menu.

* At Ease. Makes it easy for users to launch applications and open documents while protecting system settings, files and folders, and the hard disk.

Because Performa computers are likely to be shared by more than one person in the family, At Ease prevents multiple users from inadvertently erasing valuable files.

* Backup and Restore. Provides a simple interface for users to create a set of backup disks and restore the contents on their hard disk.

If you prefer to run System 7.1, it works fine with Performa computers, though the above enhancements will not be included.

Since most Performas have a CPU equivalent in the traditional Macintosh product line, it is possible to use traditional System 7.1 in many cases, provided the appropriate enabler is installed. Apple's official policy however, is that use of a non-Performa operating system on a Performa is not tested, recommended, or supported by Apple. For that reason, the following chart is provided for informative purposes only.

How to use this chart: If you want to use a traditional Macintosh OS on a Performa, find the Performa on the left. If this Performa has a traditional Macintosh equivalent (as shown in the 3rd column), then you can use regular system 7.1 with the enabler listed in the 4th column. For example, to use traditional 7.1 on a Performa 600, use enabler 001, which is the enabler for the IIvx. Remember: this is not tested, recommended, or supported by Apple.