TITLE
    iMac: How Does the OS on iMac Differ from Mac OS 8.1?
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		30665
8/3/98
8/14/98
TOPIC

    What are the differences between the version of Mac OS 8.1 that ships on iMac and the shrink-wrapped version of Mac OS 8.1.

DISCUSSION

    iMac comes with a version of Mac OS 8.1 that differs from Mac OS 8.1 shipping with other Apple products. These differences can be placed into two categories: new hardware support and consumer extras.

    New Hardware Support
    iMac includes many firsts for Macintosh hardware. Apple has modified Mac OS 8.1 to operate with iMac's innovative hardware design. The Mac OS architecture allows new computer models to be supported through the use of software "enablers" that provide extra system functionality for new hardware models. As has been the case since System 7.1, Apple has included an enabler with the iMac to support its new hardware features. It is found in the System Folder and is called "System Enabler 462." This enabler only works on iMac and does not provide any additional functionality to other Mac OS-based computers.

    Mac OS ROM in RAM
    Unlike previous Macintosh computers, the iMac loads the majority of the ROM into RAM during the boot process. There is 1MB of ROM on the logic board of iMac which contains the code necessary to boot the computer up, from that point the remaining ROM code is transferred to a 4MB RAM space as part of system software.

    USB Support
    Several hardware devices, such as disks, scanners, and printers, can be attached to the iMac through its Universal Serial Bus (USB). Mac OS 8.1 for iMac includes the software necessary to operate this expansion hardware, as well as to communicate with the peripheral devices that can be attached to it.

    Consumer Extras
    The version of Mac OS 8.1 included with iMac has extra features that allow consumers to make it easy to personalize their iMac computer.

    Desktop Pictures and Patterns
    -----------------------------
    iMac includes several new desktop pictures and patterns designed to accent the iMac's look and feel.

    Recent Components
    -----------------
    Mac OS 8.1 for iMac also includes the most recent version of some Apple software components, such as QuickTime 3, Disk First Aid 8.2.1, etc.


    Mac OS 8.1 on CD-ROM
    Mac OS 8.1 for iMac comes in two different ways on two separate CD-ROM discs. The first disc is titled "iMac Install"; it includes an installer for Mac OS 8.1 that incorporates the changes discussed above. iMac customers may use this disc to install system software using a easy install or a custom install.

    Another disc titled "iMac Restore" includes all of the software that came with the iMac--including the system software. Customers can choose to replace the software on their computer (at least the software that came with the iMac), or they may erase the iMac's hard disk (including any data files they may have saved and additional applications they may have installed). After erasing the hard disk, the iMac is restored to its original configuration.

Document Information
Product Area: iMac
Category: iMac Support
Sub Category: Software Help

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