System 7.5 Update 2.0: FAQ- System Requirements (5 of 6) (1/97)
Article ID:
Created:
Modified:
19462
3/7/96
1/23/97
TOPIC
This article provides the answers to commonly asked questions about System 7.5 Update 2.0. Specifically, this article provides information about the system requirements for and the availability of the update.
DISCUSSION
System Requirements
===================
1) What are the system requirements for System 7.5 Update 2.0? Have they changed from the original System 7.5?
Apple is very sensitive to the fact that many of our customers want to continue to evolve with our system software, but do not want to upgrade their systems in order to do so. The hardware requirements to run System 7.5 are not changing with this update. The current system requirements for System 7.5 are an Apple Macintosh or PowerBook with at least 4MB of RAM (8MB required for PowerTalk and QuickDraw GX); or a Power Macintosh computer with at least 8MB of RAM (16MB required for PowerTalk and QuickDraw GX). Open Transport requires an Apple Macintosh or PowerBook with at least 5 MB of RAM; or a Power Macintosh computer with at least 8MB of RAM. In order to install System 7.5 Update 2.0, System 7.5, 7.5.1, or 7.5.2 must already be installed on the system being updated.
2) When I install System 7.5 Update 2.0, will the system software use more
RAM than previous versions of System 7.5, as indicated in the "About This Macintosh" box?
Generally speaking, yes. However, the amount of RAM will vary greatly depending on which Macintosh system you are up-dating, and what your system configuration is. The two areas that will affect the additional amount of RAM being reserved by the system software are updated system components and a new system technology that is included with the installation of System 7.5 Update 2.0.
A number of system software components are being updated with System 7.5 Update 2.0. Many of these new components must reside completely in RAM. This accounts for the increase. The new components include important improvements in stability and/or performance, which should outweigh the RAM impact. Most of the new components being delivered with System 7.5 Update 2.0 that require more RAM affect Power Macintosh systems only, including native versions of QuickDraw, SCSI Manager, Resource Manager, and SerialDMA. Tests indicate that the RAM reserved for system software for some 680x0-based Macintosh systems will increase less than 100K as compared to System 7.5.1, while the RAM reserved for system software for some Power Macintosh systems will increase 300K-850K as compared to 7.5.1. The results you will see may vary.
The other factor that may affect the RAM reserved for system software is Open Transport, one of the new technologies included with the System 7.5 Update 2.0. For information on this, please see the question above, Does Open Transport require more RAM than classic networking? in the section on Open Transport.
Apple recognizes that customers may be concerned that the system software requires more RAM with the latest release. Reducing the RAM footprint for system software is something that Apple will consider for future system software releases.
3) Do I need System 7.5 Update 1.0 in addition to System 7.5 Update 2.0?
No. System 7.5 Update 2.0 includes all of the improvements made in System 7.5 Update 1.0. Therefore if you are plan-ning on installing System 7.5 Update 2.0, you do not need to install System 7.5 Update 1.0. Apple will discontinue the fulfillment program for System 7.5 Update 1.0 when System 7.5 Update 2.0 starts shipping.
Availability and Distribution
=============================
1) Where can I get System 7.5 Update 2.0 in the United States? This update can be obtained in many different places, including:
* CompuServe: Use the shortcut "GO APLSUP" to take you to the Apple Support Forum
* Order the update on a CD or a floppy disk set for $13 from Apple. Call 1-800-293-6617, ext. 984
2) How can I obtain a localized version of System 7.5 Update 2.0 if I live outside the United States?
Many countries will be providing this update via on-line services and the Internet, and most are expected to provide a program where customers can obtain System 7.5 Update 2.0 on a CD-ROM or floppy. Customers will want to contact their local Apple Assistance Center for information on how to get the update. In Europe, most of the localized versions will be posted on the Apple European ftp mirror site (ftp.info.euro.apple.com).
Article Change History:
03 Dec 1996 - Corrected spelling.
12 Aug 1996 - Changed distribution status.
20 Mar 1996 - Added keywords.