TITLE
    System 7.5 Update 2.0: FAQ - General Info (1 of 6) (8/96)
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		19458
3/7/96
12/20/96
TOPIC


    This article provides the answers to commonly asked questions about System 7.5 Update 2.0. Specifically, this article provides general information about the update.

DISCUSSION



    General Information
    ===================

    1) What is System 7.5 Update 2.0?

    Apple's System 7.5 Update 2.0 is a comprehensive set of system software enhancements designed to provide new functionality and enhanced system performance. At the same time, it significantly improves the overall reliability of Macintosh and Mac OS-compatible systems running System 7.5, 7.5.1, or 7.5.2. Some of the changes in this update affect all Macintosh computers; others are specific to certain models. For example, all Macintosh computers should see a per-formance boost while the Finder is copying large numbers of small files. More specifically, this update has additional PowerPC native system software components. With this release, Apple has also created a "standardized" version of System 7.5 (officially known as System 7.5.3) that incorporates the enhancements from our last update (System 7.5 Update 1.0, released in March 1995) and will run on every properly configured Macintosh from the Macintosh Plus to the new PCI-based Power Macintosh 9500.

    With System 7.5 Update 2.0, you can now create a System Folder that can be used on all currently supported Macintosh computers. You can set up a single external hard disk or removable-media drive that can boot up everything from a Macintosh Plus to a Power Macintosh 9500. We've also streamlined the System Folder, consolidating more than 20 files introduced in previous versions of System 7.5.

    In response to requests from customers and developers, System 7.5 Update 2.0 contains a number of system relia-bility improvements, such as a reduction in the occurrence of Type 11 errors on Power Macintosh computers; corrections to the General Controls control panel to eliminate conflicts with some third-party products; and proper handling by the Installer of control panels and extensions disabled using the Extensions Manager. System 7.5 Update 2.0 also integrates a new version of Open Transport (version 1.1) that offers better performance on high-speed networks; broader support for dial-up connectivity to TCP/IP networks and the Internet; and new support for most 68030, 68040, and NuBus Power Macintosh computers. In addition, large PowerPC native applications-running on PCI-based Macintosh computers with virtual memory turned on-will launch significantly faster than before. System 7.5 Update 2.0 also integrates the "7.5.2 Printing Update" for PCI Macintosh computers (including the 7200, 7500, 8500, and 9500), as well as the recently released update for the Apple PowerBook 5300.


    2) Why should I install this update?

    Any customer using any version of System 7.5 (7.5, 7.5.1, or 7.5.2) will realize a benefit from the installation of this update. Improvements in overall system software performance and stability should be important to all users of Macintosh computers. System 7.5 Update 2.0 delivers significant improvements in both of these areas.


    3) How does System 7.5 Update 2.0 fit into Apple's vision and strategy for the Mac OS?

    System 7.5 Update 2.0 is part of Apple's strategy to address the evolving needs of our customers with regular system updates. This update is actually the fifth that Apple has made to its system software (with the first three updates for pre-System 7.5 software), which demonstrates that Apple has an established track record for providing updates. Our intent is to provide key updates every six to twelve months, so our customers do not have to wait for major revisions of the Mac OS in order for Apple to respond to their needs.


    4) Is Apple planning any further development for System 7.5?

    Yes, we will continue to maintain and enhance System 7.5 for as long as it makes sense for our customers, our developers, and Apple.


    5) How compatible is System 7.5 Update 2.0 with existing applications and extensions?

    In addition to the extensive testing done by Apple with this update, Apple has had a very aggressive developer seeding program to get the software into the hands of many developers well before it's shipped. This effort started last summer and more than 800 developers have been actively involved. Apple has also encouraged a number of our customers to test this software and provide feedback. We don't expect any significant compatibility problems with this update. If there are problems with any particular application, extension, control panel, or driver, our developers should be prepared to assist their customers with them.


    6) Will all of the improvements in System 7.5 Update 2.0 be incorporated
    into the existing System 7.5 retail product?

    Apple plans on updating our retail product with this latest version of our system software in the U.S. in the spring of 1996. This software release is expected to be localized by most countries within months after the U.S. introduction.


    7) Why is System 7.5 Update 2.0 so large?

    At 14 disks, System 7.5 Update 2.0 may surprise customers because it is significantly larger than previous system software updates. There are good reasons for this. This update delivers several hundred stability improvements based upon customer and developer feedback. It also provides a number of performance improvements and includes all of the enhancements from System 7.5 Update 1.0. Finally, System 7.5 Update 2.0 includes updates to many Apple technologies, including Open Transport, PlainTalk, QuickTime, Apple Guide, and Desktop Printing.


    8) What will System 7.5 Update 2.0 replace within my System Folder?

    Generally speaking, any component in your System Folder will be replaced if a newer version is being delivered with this update (assuming you use the "Easy Install" option when you update your system). Since system components vary depending on the computer you're using, the components that are replaced with the update will also vary. If you're interested in the details of what this update is changing in your System Folder, you'll want to read the New In This Update documents that ship with the update. Since System 7.5 Update 2.0 is delivering so many changes, you'll find that most of the components within your System Folder will be updated.


    9) Is System 7.5 Update 2.0 an Apple response to Microsoft Windows 95?

    No. System 7.5 Update 2.0 is a response from Apple to requests received from customers and developers for improvements to System 7.5. It is expected to significantly improve our customers' experience using our operating system. The Mac OS has many advantages over competitive operating systems such as Windows 95 (see the document titled Top 10 Macintosh Advantages), and any enhancements we make to System 7.5 will only improve this position.


    10) Can this System 7.5 Update 2.0 be installed on Mac OS compatibles?

    Yes. Should any telephone support be needed after System 7.5 Update 2.0 is installed, however, the customer or user must contact the company that manufactured their Mac OS compatible computer for support-related questions.


    11) Which Macintosh computers will ship with System 7.5.3?

    Apple will begin shipping some computers with System 7.5.3 domestically in the spring of 1996. From that point forward, we'll increase the types of computers that ship with this system software release, and start shipping computers with it in other countries.


    12) Which countries are expected to introduce System 7.5 Update 2.0, and when will this occur?

    Generally speaking, within 60 days after the update is released in the U.S., a localized version will be available in most major languages in North America, Europe, and Australia. Other regions will provide the improvements that are delivered in this update at a later date. Please contact the Apple Assistance Center in your area for details.


    13) After installing this update, which version number of System 7.5 will I have?

    Once you've completed the installation process, go to the About This Macintosh item on the Apple menu. When the window appears, you should see System Software 7.5.3 with System 7.5 Update 2.0 directly beneath it.


    14) I have a PCI-based Macintosh running System 7.5.2 and am connected to a Novell Netware network. Is there anything I should be aware of before installing System 7.5 Update 2.0?

    System 7.5 Update 2.0 contains the Ethernet Compatibility extension version 1.0.3, which fixes a problem in the system shutdown code. A side effect of this fix is a two-minute delay in shutting down the computer. It may appear that the machine has hung, however after two minutes, the machine will resume the shut down process. This delay can be avoided by logging out of the Netware tree before shutting down or restarting.

    Without the Ethernet Compatibility extension, when a PCI-based machine (including the 7200, 7500, 8500, and 9500) running System 7.5.3 selects Shut Down or Restart, the machine would crash.

    To use the Ethernet Compatibility extension, you must custom install the Ethernet Driver Update. This can be done by opening the System 7.5 Update 2.0 Installer, selecting Custom Install in the upper pop-up menu, and selecting the Ethernet Driver Update. This selection is at the very bottom of the list of custom install options.


    Article Change History:
    12 Aug 1996 - Changed distribution status.
    20 Mar 1996 - Added keywords.




Document Information
Product Area: Mac OS System Software
Category: System 7.5.x
Sub Category: System Updates

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