Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!ames!oliveb!apple!mjohnson
From: mjohn...@Apple.COM (Mark B. Johnson)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.programmer,comp.sys.mac,comp.sys.apple
Subject: System 7.0 Disclosure (LONG)
Message-ID: <30351@apple.Apple.COM>
Date: 9 May 89 15:13:43 GMT
Organization: Apple Computer Inc, Cupertino, CA
Lines: 455
System Software Directions Overview
On May 9, 1989, Apple will disclose future system software plans
to third-party developers attending the annual World-Wide
Developer's Conference. The disclosures will cover the core
technologies under development for inclusion in the next major
Macintosh System Software release, System 7.0.
The purpose of the disclosure is to ensure that developers have
the time and information necessary to capitalize on the new
features and functionality of System 7.0. By doing this, we
believe that many new, more powerful applications will be
available at the time System 7.0 is introduced. We will also take
this opportunity to hold an informal press seminar to begin
educating the media on Macintosh System Software.
Below is an overview of the core feature set planned for System
7.0. While it's still too early in the development cycle to
announce a customer availability plan or introduction date, we
will begin seeding developers with code in the fall. As we make
further progress on System 7.0, we will provide additional
details.
System Software Release Strategy
In early 1989, Apple announced a new system software release
strategy to accommodate the varying needs of current users, new
customers and Macintosh developers. We now break our system
software into two release categories: Product Support Releases and
Feature Releases.
Product Support Releases are developed to support a new CPU,
peripheral or networking product. Generally, these releases are
for buyers of newly introduced products and should not concern
current owners.
Feature releases are major enhancements to the system software
foundation that we encourage all users to adopt. They
significantly enhance the capabilities of the Macintosh and add
substantial value to the installed base. System 7.0 will be a
Feature release.
System 7.0 Goals
The primary goal of System 7.0 is to extend the user's reach.
System 7.0 demonstrates Apple's commitment to add value to the
installed base and to create new reasons to buy Macintosh. The
new System 7.0 features will extend the capabilities of the
Macintosh using the consistent and intuitive techniques with which
users are already familiar.
System 7.0 Core Technologies:
Virtual Memory and 32-Bit Addressing
Virtual Memory extends the user's available memory by
transparently treating the hard disk as additional RAM. This
allows users to run more and larger applications with less RAM.
Because Virtual Memory requires a memory management unit, it will
only benefit 68030 Macintosh systems (SE/30, IIcx, IIx), and 68020
systems with a PMMU (Macintosh II systems with optional 68851
PMMU).
32 Bit addressing will allow Macintosh computers to access 4
gigabytes of memory. Combined with Virtual Memory, 32 Bit
Addressing will enable customers to take full advantage of more
sophisticated, memory intensive applications.
InterApplication Communication Architecture (IAC)
The IAC architecture is an integrated application-to-application
communications framework that will allow applications to exchange
data and instructions on a single Macintosh or over a network.
Outline Fonts
Outline Fonts will provide users with sharp text at any size on
any Macintosh display, printer, fax modem or other graphics
peripherals. Further, leading type manufacturers have already
announced that they will support Apple's technology; this means
that users will be able to select from thousands of new typefaces
in the future.
Layout Manager
The Layout Manager will provide typographic quality text layout
for all applications. The layout manager will allow any
application to offer advanced text positioning features including
kerning, ligatures and contextual forms.
New Print Architecture
The New Print Architecture will result in a wider variety of high-
quality printing devices for the Macintosh. In addition, the New
Print Architecture will provide background printing for all types
of printers, improved color and halftone printing, and better user
control over printing.
Database Access
Database Access will provide Macintosh applications with access to
remote databases so that users can integrate host data into their
documents.
New Finder
A new version of the Finder that will make system operation
easier, more intuitive and more powerful.
Runs on all Macintosh Computers!
System 7.0 will run on all Macintosh systems from the Plus to the
IIx. It will however, require a minimum of 2 megabytes of RAM.
Because System 7.0 will significantly increase the functionality
and usability of all Macintosh computers, we will strongly
encourage all customers to upgrade. Apple will move the entire
product line to System 7.0.
During the transition, Apple will continue to ship one megabyte
configurations with System 6.0. Apple expects to continue to
offer an attractive low-end product with System 7.0. Apple will
provide technical support for both System 6.0 and System 7.0.
Applications Compatibility
System 7.0 is an upward compatible extension to Macintosh system
software. Applications that follow Apple's Inside Macintosh
guidelines will continue to run under System 7.0. By providing
developers with early details concerning System 7.0, Apple expects
a smooth transition to the new software.
What Should Users Do Now
Nothing! System 7.0 will run on any Macintosh Plus, SE, SE/30, or
Macintosh II family member. In fact, because System 7.0 will
offer substantially improved functionality, it will add
significant value to the entire installed base.System 7.0 will be
instrumental in extending the capabilities of the Macintoshand the
reach of the user.
Summary
Concerning this announcement, the key messages are:
* Apple is disclosing information about the core technologies
under development for inclusion in the next major Macintosh
System Software release, System 7.0. Apple is doing this to
enable developers to take advantage of the System 7.0
functionality as soon as System 7.0 is released.
* Later this year Apple will announce the complete System 7.0
feature set and customer availability plans. Developers
will begin receiving seed software in the fall.
* System 7.0 demonstrates Apple's commitment to add value to
the installed base and to create new reasons to buy
Macintosh. The new System 7.0 features will extend the
capabilities of the Macintosh using the consistent and
intuitive techniques with which users are already familiar.
Part II - Feature Notes
Outlined below are the core features under development for
inclusion in System 7.0. The Core System 7.0 features are those
which we have committed to including when System 7.0 is shipped.
In addition to the Core features, there are several other
technologies under development. Apple will announce the complete
System 7.0 feature set later this year.
Core System 7.0 Features
Virtual Memory
Virtual Memory allows users to extend available memory by treating
their hard disk as a "virtual" extension to RAM. This will allow
users to run more and larger applications under MultiFinder with
less RAM than would otherwise be required.
For example, running a word processor, presentation package,
spreadsheet, drawing program and HyperCard might ordinarily
require four megabytes, but this same set of applications could be
run in two megabytes on a Macintosh with virtual memory.
To take advantage of Virtual Memory, customers must have a
Macintosh computer with a memory management unit. Currently, this
includes the Macintosh SE/30, IIcx, IIx (the 68030 CPU has a built
in memory management unit), and Macintosh II when equipped with
the 68851 PMMU (currently available).
32-Bit Addressing
32-Bit Addressing allows Macintosh computers to extend their
memory capacities beyond 8 megabytes to 128 MB of physical RAM and
up to 4 Gigabytes of virtual address space. This will be
particularly important to users of advanced graphics applications
that use large color images, advanced sound applications,
artificial intelligence programs and other software that is memory
intensive.
The combination of Virtual Memory, 32-Bit Addressing, and
MultiFinder will enable Macintosh computers to support the memory
necessary for users to run more applications and larger
applications.
InterApplication Communications Architecture (IAC)
IAC Architecture will support four types of application-to-
application communication: 1) program-to-program communication -
a low level tool used to send data between applications, 2) Live
Copy/Paste - a mechanism which supports the dynamic linking of
documents, 3) AppleEvents(TM) - a standard set of messages that
applications can use to request actions of one another (e.g.,
"open document"), and 4) Clipboard Copy/Paste - supports the
copy/cut/paste tools that are currently available.
Here are some examples of how these will benefit users:
* A user could "live paste" a chart into a word processing
document and have changes in the chart automatically passed
on to the word processing document. This powerful
feature allows the system to manage tedious updates for
the user automatically.
* Groups of users sharing an AppleShare file server
could cooperatively develop a presentation. Each
user would "live paste" his individual work into
the master document so that the master always
represents the current collaborative work.
* A telecommunications program multitasking in
the background could, using AppleEvents(TM), send
data from a remote host computer to a
foreground database program or charting
program. This cooperation among applications
allows users to get more out of the combination
of applications than they could from the
individual components.
* A user programming tool could allow users
to create custom application command scripts
that would automatically control other
applications using AppleEvents(TM) as
the communications vehicle.
Outline Fonts
Outline fonts are mathematical descriptions of text that can be
scaled to any point size or resolution. This will provide sharp
type on all Macintosh displays, printers, fax modems, etc without
having to install specific size bitmaps into the system.
This means that Macintosh applications will be able to use any
type size that the user wants (not just the few found in typical
Font menus). In addition, Apple's outline fonts will be supported
by all the major type manufacturers which means there will be
thousands of type styles to choose from in the future.
Outline fonts will provide better WYSIWYG and will dramatically
improve the quality and flexibility of non-PostScript printers
like the LaserWriter IISC, ImageWriter and ImageWriter LQ.
Outline fonts will also make applications more flexible. For
example, a typical drawing program allows users to arbitrarily
scale the size of a drawing. Frequently though, imbedded type
does not scale properly. With outline fonts, users will be able
to scale text as easily as the graphics which will allow users to
create better documents. Outline fonts will also allow
applications to present more legible "print previews" and zoom-in
or zoom-out functions.
Layout Manager
The Layout Manager will provide typographic quality text layout
for all applications. The layout manager will allow any
application to offer advanced text positioning features including
kerning, ligatures and contextual forms.
New Print Architecture
The new print architecture is designed to make it much easier to
support output devices like printers, fax modems, film recorders,
or plotters on the Macintosh. The result will be higher quality
output and a wider range of output device choices.
In addition, the new print software will provide background
printing for all types of printers, improved color and halftone
printing, and will allow applications software to control printers
in more sophisticated ways. The new software will provide
applications with more flexibility such as the capability to print
documents that include both landscape and portrait oriented pages.
The new print architecture will require that users have new print
drivers, but will allow users with System 6.0 and 7.0 to
transparently share LaserWriter printers.
When System 7.0 ships, Apple will provide new print drivers for
all Apple printers. In addition, Apple will be working closely
with third-parties to ensure that a full complement of drivers are
available immediately.
Database Access
With the new Database Access capabilities, users will be able to
integrate data from remote host computer databases into their
Macintosh applications. Apple's standard interface will allow
applications developers to provide access to many different types
of databases from many different vendors that may be running on
many different types of computers. This will give users maximum
flexibility to access the data that they need.
The design of the database access facility will allow users to
integrate host data using the "live" copy/paste capabilities also
to be available with System 7.0. Once the appropriate links are
created by the database administrator, users with no knowledge of
how to access the remote database will be able to use its data
using the most familiar of Macintosh techniques.
With Database Access, users will not be limited to stand-alone or
local area network databases as found in other systems. Instead,
Macintoshes will have standard access to local area and
enterprise-wide databases that are central in larger computing
environments.
New Finder
The Finder is the most visible piece of Macintosh System Software.
All Macintosh users interact with the Finder to copy files, launch
applications and to manage system resources. The new Finder will
provide users with more intuitive system management capabilities
as well as additional power. The new Finder will also be
extensible so that functions like electronic mail and disk backup
can be integrated into the intuitive desktop metaphor.
Highlights of the New Finder
* Integrated System Utilities like Font/DA Mover - Allows users to
install fonts and desk accessories by dragging into the system
folder.
* Help on any desktop icon or menu item.
* Integrated Find - Locates and retrieves any file from any folder
and brings that file to the front-most window.
* Aliases- Allows the creation of multiple icons for a single
file. This would allow documents to be filed in different
folders. For example, a budget spreadsheet for project ABC
might be simultaneously filed in a "budget" folder and a project
ABC folder.
* Stationery - Provides for the creation of custom document
templates, such as a memo template or a newsletter layout
template.
* Custom Views - Allows users to configure desktop windows to show
standard or custom file displays.
* Configurable Apple Menu - Allows users to install any
application, document or desk accessory into the Apple menu.
This allows users to get at documents and applications as easily
as they can access desk accessories with today's Finder.
* Extensible - New capabilities can be added in the future such as
mail and backup.
Additional Software Under Development
File System Enhancements
System 7.0 will provide several new file system enhancements
including a feature called the File System manager which
developers will use to give users desktop access to alternative
file systems like MS-DOS, OS/2, Unix, ProDos, etc. By integrating
these files into the desktop metaphor, users will be able to
manipulate non-Macintosh files with the same intuitive techniques
that they use on Macintosh files.
Other file system enhancements will allow applications to find and
manage files faster and more flexibly.
New Sound Capabilities
System 7.0 will also provide capabilities that will make it easier
for developers to use sound features. These new capabilities
include a standard MIDI manager to provide a standard means to
communicate with electronic musical instruments. In addition a
new sound compression utility will reduce the amount of disk space
for sound files. A sound sequence manager will help multimedia
applications to synchronize sounds with other activities like
animation.
Communications Toolbox (Available Q3 1989 for System 6.0.3)
The Communications toolbox raises the standard capability for
applications to communicate with other computers by modem, local
or wide area networks. The toolbox provides a standard way for
developers to support communications hardware as well as file
transfer and terminal emulation capabilities.
32-Bit QuickDraw
(Ships separately in Q2, 1989 for use with System 6.0.3)
The new extended capabilities of QuickDraw will vastly enhance the
color capabilities of the Macintosh. With 32-Bit color, users
will no longer be limited to 16 or 256 colors, but with new high-
performance graphics interface cards, users can see up to 16
million colors simultaneously. This capability, previously seen
on only higher-end computers will provide users with photo-real
image quality on their displays, color slide makers and projection
devices.
International Utilities
At Apple, we believe that is important to have internationalized
systems that can be customized to different languages and
character sets. Already, the Macintosh is the most international
of personal computers. The new utilities will make it easier for
Macintosh to support other languages as well as it does English.
One-Button Installer
The One-Button Installer will make it easier for users to install
new Macintosh System Software on their machines. The new
installer will provide for a one-button automatic installation for
most users and a custom installation facility for more advanced
users.
System 7.0 will provide a broad range of new capabilities. These
capabilities will make users more productive and will enable the
development of many new and innovative applications.
Mark B. Johnson AppleLink: mjohnson
Developer Technical Support domain: mjohn...@Apple.com
Apple Computer, Inc. UUCP: {amdahl,decwrl,sun,unisoft}!apple!mjohnson
"You gave your life to become the person you are right now. Was it worth it?"
- Richard Bach, _One_
From: mjohnson@Apple.COM (Mark B. Johnson)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.programmer,comp.sys.mac,comp.sys.apple
Subject: System 7.0 Q & A
Message-ID: <30353@apple.Apple.COM>
Date: 9 May 89 15:22:31 GMT
Organization: Apple Computer Inc, Cupertino, CA
Lines: 841
System Overview
Q: Why is Apple talking about System 7.0?
A: Apple is discussing with developers the core technologies under
development for inclusion with the next major Macintosh System
Software release, System 7.0. 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.
Q: Why is Apple telling the Press?
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.
Q: What is Apple's message to users?
A: System 7.0 will extend the user's reach through an expanded set
of capabilities that utilize the same consistent, intuitive techniques
that users already know.
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 Q3).
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 later 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.
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.
Q: What does that mean?
A: 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: 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.
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% 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 purchases machines with two
megabytes or more of RAM today.
Q: Why will System 7.0 need two megabytes of RAM?
A: The new features of System 7.0 will require more memory than is
available in a one megabyte system to operate effectively.
Q: Where is the multitasking Macintosh Operating System?
A: The Macintosh operating system has been multitasking since the
introduction of MultiFinder. Many applications take full advantage
of MultiFinder by allowing concurrent printing, recalculating
spreadsheets, sorting databases, and downloading files.
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: Can a Macintosh II-class machine running Apple's Virtual Memory
operate with 1 megabyte of physical RAM?
A: While this configuration may work, Apple will recommend 2
megabytes of RAM when running System 7.0.
Q: I own a Macintosh II computer with one megabyte of RAM and
I want to upgrade to System 7.0. Should I buy more RAM or an MMU?
A: RAM. The least expensive way to upgrade a one megabyte
Macintosh II to System 7.0 is to add another megabyte of RAM.
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 that 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.
Core Technologies for System 7.0
Virtual Memory
Q: What is Virtual Memory?
A: Virtual Memory (VM) extends the user's available memory by
transparently treating the hard disk as additional RAM.
Q: Why is Virtual Memory important?
A: Virtual Memory allows users to run more applications at
once and work with larger amounts of data than they can today.
Q: Will Virtual Memory be compatible with application software?
A: Yes. Virtual Memory is backward compatible with all
applications that adhere to Inside Macintosh.
Q: Which Macintosh computers can use Virtual Memory?
A: Macintosh IIx, IIcx, and SE/30 are ready to use Virtual
Memory--no additional hardware is needed. Macintosh II can
take advantage of Virtual Memory by adding the 68851 PMMU
coprocessor onto the Macintosh II logic board (a socket is
provided on the board for this chip). This coprocessor chip
is on the Apple price list. This is the same co-processor
needed to run A/UX, Apple's version of AT&T's UNIX operating system.
Apple's 68000-based systems--Macintosh Plus and Macintosh SE--cannot
take advantage of the Virtual Memory capability of System 7.0.
Macintosh SE owners have the option of the Macintosh SE/30 logic
board upgrade to gain Virtual Memory capabilities.
Q: Why can't Macintosh Plus and Macintosh SE use Virtual Memory?
A: The 68000 microprocessor used in the Macintosh Plus and
Macintosh SE does not have the memory management hardware
necessary for Virtual Memory. This memory management
capability is one of the primary differences between the 68000 and its
successor chips.
32-Bit Addressing
Q: What is 32-Bit Addressing?
A: 32-Bit Addressing enables the Macintosh to use up to 4
gigabytes of memory. The basic software and hardware of the
Macintosh already supports the 32-Bit Addressing model.
However, Macintosh currently is limited to 8 megabytes of
memory because 32-Bit Addressing is not yet fully implemented
throughout the system.
Q: Why is 32-Bit Addressing important?
A: Macintosh users want more memory for a variety of uses.
Some just want to run more applications under MultiFinder.
Some want to use graphics software that creates multimegabyte
images. Some want to use enormous databases. And some want to
manipulate even larger word processing documents. More memory
has endless uses.
Q: So does the transition to 32-Bit Addressing mean lots of
application incompatibility?
A: No. Applications that conform with 32-Bit Addressing
guidelines ("32-Bit Clean") already run on all Macintosh
computers. These applications will immediately benefit from the
enlarged memory space with System 7.0. Applications that are
not 32-Bit Clean will continue to run under System 7.0 but will
not have the benefit of additional memory space. Apple has been
working with its third-party developers to make sure that all
application software abides by 32-Bit Cleanliness rules.
Q: What Exactly is "32-Bit Clean"?
A: Applications that follow Apple's memory manager guidelines
in Inside Macintosh are 32-Bit Clean. 32-Bit Clean applications
are both upwards and downwards compatible with 24-Bit and 32-Bit
Addressing modes. These guidelines are repeated in Technical Note #212
"The Joy of Being 32-Bit Clean."
Q: What if my existing software is not 32-Bit Clean?
A: Applications that are not 32-Bit Clean continue to run with System 7.0.
Q: Will 32-Bit Addressing become standard?
A: Yes. At some point in the future, Apple will make 32-Bit
Addressing standard on new Macintosh computers.
Q: Since much of system software is in ROM, will I need a new
ROM to get the benefits of 32-Bit Addressing?
A: Apple is researching ways of offering 32-Bit Addressing
to all Macintosh II computers. While an optional ROM upgrade
is not out of the question, other alternatives are being
considered. Apple will keep developers and customers updated
on issues relating to 32-Bit Addressing.
Q: What does 32-Bit Addressing mean for Macintosh Plus
and Macintosh SE?
A: These Macintosh computers cannot get the benefit of 32-Bit
Addressing. 32-Bit Clean and non-32-Bit Clean applications
will continue to run on these computers. Only Macintosh
computers using the 68020 or 68030 microprocessor can have
the benefit of 32-Bit Addressing.
Interapplication Communication Architecture
Q: What is Interapplication Communication Architecture?
A: Interapplication Communication Architecture (IAC) is a
framework for applications to exchange commands and data,
both locally and over networks. IAC consists of several pieces:
* Program-To-Program Communications (PPC)Qa low-level tool
for exchanging data between two programs, either locally
or across networks. PPC provides a unified, consistent
programming interface for both local and network communication.
PPC will be able to deliver messages either Immediate (IPC)
or Store-and-Forward.
* Event Manager PPCQa high-level tool for applications to
exchange commands and data. Event Manager PPC presents a
simple, natural interface to applications.
* AppleEvents(TM)Qan Apple-defined protocol of standard messages
that Applications can send to other applications. Examples
include "Open Document," "Print," "MoveWindow."
* Live Copy/Paste and Link ManagerQLive Copy/Paste gives you
live links between documents. For example, the user can
link a spreadsheet table into a word processing document;
whenever the spreadsheet changes, the word processing document is
automatically updated.
* Clipboard Copy/PasteQa current capability of Macintosh and
is also part of IAC. Macintosh applications universally
support copy and paste between applications via the Clipboard.
Q: What does Live Copy/Paste offer the user?
A: As applications begin to offer Live Copy/Paste, users will
be able to make applications work better together and avoid
repetitive copy and paste. Users can build up libraries of
commonly used objectsQlike graphics or paragraphs of textQand
link them into their documents. When you need to changethe data,
you change every occurrence of that data. And, because Live
Copy/Paste works with AppleShare(R) file servers, you can
easily share data with another person. Imagine linking in the
sales numbers from each of your sales people's spreadsheets.
Your master spreadsheet is always up-to-date.
Q: Does Live Copy/Paste work with existing applications?
A: No. Applications must be revised to take advantage of
Live Copy/Paste. Apple is simplifying the task by providing
extensive user interface guidelines and toolbox support
for Live Copy/Paste.
Apple's outline fonts
Q: What are outline fonts?
A: Outline fonts are mathematical descriptions of characters.
Sharp text at any size on any device can be generated from
outline fonts. Today, the fonts in your Macintosh are called
"bitmap" fonts. These fonts are small collections of pixels
that create the text you see on the screen. With bitmap fonts
the System File can become huge and still not have all the
fonts in all the sizes you might want.
The new Apple fonts are outline fonts.
Q: What are the benefits of outline fonts?
A: Outline fonts provide sharp text at any size on any device.
This means beautiful documents on the screen for multimedia
presentations as well as on the page from any printer. Outline fonts
also simplify the customer experience by creating a single font
standard for the Macintosh computer.
Q: This is confusing. I thought my Macintosh "Style" menu
already had a function for outline fonts.
A: It does, but that is something different. The "Outline"
option in the Style menu actually traces
the character to give it an outlined appearance. It looks like
this. It is simply a graphics trick. However, the new Apple
fonts are called outline fonts because they are based on mathematical
outlines, not bitmaps. These outline fonts are also called spline
fonts or scalable fonts. If you really want to get carried away,
keep in mind that you will be able to "Outline" the outline fonts!
Q: Do Macintosh owners need to buy PostScript fonts anymore?
A: Macintosh owners may want to buy PostScript fonts that
are not yet available in Apple's format. It is important to
remember that today's PostScript fonts, like all of the existing
Macintosh font technology, will still operate normally in the future.
For example, PostScript fonts and bitmaps will remain popular on
1MB Macintosh computers like the Plus and SE. PostScript fonts
may also remain useful in multivendor environments. We expect some
vendors will continue to offer their typefaces in PostScript format
and add the Apple format version of that typeface. However,
the Apple font format will be all most Macintosh owners really need.
Q: How many fonts will be available in the Apple format?
A: Hundreds of fonts will be available within a few months of
first shipment, and thousands soon after. It is impossible to
answer this question precisely. There are two main reasons for
this. First, since Apple's format was designed to be very flexible,
many vendors will be able to automate the conversion of their
existing library to the Apple format. Second, the open format
is available to anyone, so even small players will be
able to create new typefaces. Apple does not have to get
involved in licensing or support. Since there are hundreds
of specialized fonts now available in bitmap formats, these are
all candidates for conversion to outline.
Q: Will Apple be providing fonts in the new format? If so, how many?
A: Apple does not intend to be in the font business, so we will
offer a core set of fonts and then stop. This promotes a healthy
aftermarket for type vendors. The Apple core set will consist
roughly of the fonts Apple ships today with Macintosh computers and
LaserWriter printers, plus a small number of additions. The final
list will be announced later.
Q: Who really needs this technology? After all, LaserWriter NT
and NTX users already enjoy scalable type. Why put it into the Macintosh?
A: Today, the benefits of outline fonts are available from
Apple only through these two LaserWriter models. Now, outline
fonts will enhance the screen display, the ImageWriter II,
the AppleFax Modem, the ImageWriter LQ and the LaserWriter IISC. A
wide range of third-party output devices will also use these
fonts for best possible text quality.
Q: Does this mean that future Apple printers will not support PostScript?
A: No. Keep in mind that the existing Apple printer line
consists of both "intelligent" and "passive" printers. Where we
put the processing power is generally a price/performance decision.
Consequently, future Apple printers will support the new Apple font
format in a variety of ways. Apple is committed to maintaining
excellent system support for PostScript printing. However, our
policy is to not comment specifically on hardware products
under development.
Q: Does this mean that Apple won't be using Display PostScript?
A: Yes. But this should come as no surprise. Apple announced
over a year ago that we will be improving the internal software
of the Macintosh instead of adopting an outside language. This
removes limits from what Apple can do in software while maintaining
excellent backward compatibility. This new font format, like
32-Bit QuickDraw, demonstrates both of these benefits. At the same
time, we are committed to maintaining an excellent interface
to PostScript printers.
New Print Architecture
Q: What is New Print Architecture?
A: The New Print Architecture is designed to extend the printing
capabilities of Macintosh.
Q: What are the advantages of the the New Print Architecture?
A: There are three advantages to the New Print Architecture:
1. New features. Background printing on all printers, increased
performance, support for outline fonts, color/gray scale support,
elimination of document reformatting, and an enhanced user interface
will extend the lead the Macintosh has in printing.
2. A wide variety of new printing devices. Where in the past
it has taken years to support new printers on the Macintosh,
with the New Print Architecture it takes only a few months.
We expect to have more well integrated printers available
on Macintosh than any other computer.
3. Compatible expansion for the future. Expandability is
designed into the new print architecture. With the New Print
Architecture we expect to be able to transparently offer
new features to both the user and application.
Q: How does the New Print Architecture compare to printing in
Presentation Manager?
A: So far there are very few drivers for Presentation Manager.
With Presentation Manager, Microsoft is writing application
independent drivers for the first time. Apple has utilized
four years of experience to develop a new print architecture
that utilizes outline fonts, the Line Layout Manger, 32-Bit QuickDraw,
and other system utilities. With the New Print Architecture
the Macintosh will remain the benchmark printing platform.
Q: Is it true that all of the current printer drivers will
be incompatible with System 7.0?
A: Yes. Apple's New Print Architecture is designed to
make the creation of printer drivers easy.
When System 7.0 ships, Apple will have new printer
drivers to support all Apple output devices.
Q: Who will write replacement drivers for these devices?
A: Apple will work closely with third-party developers to
help in the creation of new printer drivers built around Apple's
New Print Architecture.
Line Layout Manager
Q: What is the Layout Manager?
A: The Layout Manager allows applications to display typographical
quality text.
Q: What are the benefits of using the Layout Manager?
A: Using the Layout Manager, applications can display sophisticated
formats like kerning, ligatures and justification for any text.
For international text systems, like Japanese or Arabic, the Layout
Manager has additional support for composed characters.
Database Access Manager
Q: What is the Database Access Manager?
A: The Database Access Manager is the Macintosh System interface
that allows applications to transparently connect to remote
databases on host computers.
Q: What benefits does this Database Access Manager give to developers?
A: The main benefit is that applications like spreadsheets, desktop
publishing, or graphics programs can now directly access host data
in a standard way regardless of the host computer and database.
Q: How does Apple's approach compare to IBM's OS/2 Extended Edition
or Microsoft's SQL Server products?
A: The Apple Data Access Manager provides standard access to
remote host databases. This is where the bulk of computerized
data is found. In contrast, the IBM product is only a local
database that resides on a single user's machine. The Microsoft
product is a local area network database requiring a dedicated
computer. Both the IBM and Microsoft database extensions are
optional. The Data Access Manager is a standard part of
Macintosh System Software.
Q: What databases does the Database Access Manager support ?
A: ORACLE, Sybase, Ingres, Informix, RDB, Vax-RMS and IBM systems.
Many other databases will be supported in the future.
Finder 7.0
Q: What's new about Finder 7.0?
A: Finder 7.0 improves the Macintosh user interface in three
important ways. First, Finder 7.0 will integrate system functions
that previously had different user interfaces into one consistent,
intuitive interface. Second, we are building in new powerful
features like a quick-find facility, document stationery
templates, aliases that will allow users to organize their
files in multiple ways, and others. Third, Finder 7.0 will
be extensible providing for the integration of new capabilities
like electronic mail and backup in the future.
Q: Will desk accessories continue to run with Finder 7.0?
A: Yes they will. In addition, because applications can now be
installed in the Apple menu like desk accessories, developers
will be able to provide users with better desk accessories. These
new desk accessories will have all the power of applications with
the instant-access features of the original desk accessories.
Q: What's the relationship of Finder to MultiFinder?
A: MultiFinder is a set of operating system capabilities
that give the Macintosh the capability to run multiple applications
concurrently (multitasking). The Finder is the system utility
software that gives Macintosh users control over their desktop.
The Finder is what you use whenever you launch (double-click)
an application, drag a file onto your hard disk, move folders
between windows, etc.
Q: How does the Finder compare to Presentation Manager or Windows?
A: Neither PM or Windows has a Finder. With these systems,
the user sees a graphic display but does not get the intuitive,
direct control over system functions that the Macintosh provides.
For example, in the Macintosh, a user can copy a file from one
disk to another by merely dragging it. In Windows or Presentation
Manager, file copy requires the user to type cryptic file names
into a dialog box and then the system does the copy. This
forces users to remember file names exactly and to remember
arcane name formatting restrictions.
Q: I have a large number of files on high-capacity hard disks.
Will the Finder 7.0 do anything to help manage files better?
A: Finder 7.0 takes advantage of a new system feature called
the Desktop Manager which can handle many more files more quickly.
In addition, the quick-find facility will allow users to access
files more quickly by automatically finding the folder a file
is stored in, opening it on the desktop, and highlighting the
file that the user seeks.
System Software Explorations
Sound Manager Enhancements
Q: What are the improved audio capabilities?
A: The audio improvements represent new functionality in the Sound
Manager including:
* a real-time sequencer
* multiple channels of simultaneous sound
* audio compression/expansion
* integration of MIDI management tools
Q: Why are these improvements so important?
A: The sound enhancements provide the foundation for more and
better audio in current applications as well as a whole new range
of applications with integrated audio capabilities.
File System Enhancements
Q: What's new in the Macintosh File System for system release 7.0?
A: Five enhancementsQFileIDs, Catalog Search, Desktop Manager,
File System Manager and B*tree ManagerQwill make the Macintosh
work smarter for users.
Q: Why are the File System Enhancements important?
A: As applications take advantage of System 7.0 features,
customers will have greater ability to organize their hard
disks and manage those drives more effectively. Applications will be
able to locate documents much more quickly and under a wide range
of search criteria.
Q: How does the Desktop Manager improve performance of
large disks?
A: Currently, desktop information (file icons and comments)
is stored in an invisible Desktop file. Because of the current
implementation, there is a limit of approximately 2,000
entries in the desktop file and, more importantly, performance
becomes sluggish long before the maximum number of entries
is reached. The new Desktop implementation
removes this size restriction and greatly improves
performance in all cases.
Installer 3.0
Q: What is the "one button Installer"?
A: The "one button Installer" is actually version 3.0 of
Apple's installation program. Installer 3.0 offers "one button"
solution to installing system software on Macintosh personal
computers. Installer 3.0 also offers complete control of the
installation process to those users who want to customize their
installation.
MultiFinder
Q: Is MultiFinder a multitasking operating system?
A: Yes. MultiFinder shares the CPU's time among a number of
applications so that a customer can work on a word processing
document while downloading a file or recalculating a spreadsheet.
In technical terms, multitasking is the ability to perform a
number of tasks concurrently. MultiFinder uses a cooperative
scheduling algorithm to run several applications concurrently.
Q: Will there continue to be a distinction between MultiFinder
and single Finder?
A: No. In System 7.0, MultiFinder will always be turned on.
Q: Why will MultiFinder always be on in System 7.0?
A: Many parts of System 7.0 depend on the functionality of
MultiFinder. As a result, MultiFinder will always be turned on.
Q: What is pre-emptive scheduling?
A: Pre-emptive scheduling is a method of allocating CPU time
among several applications that involves temporarily interrupting
each application in turn when that application has used
up its available time.
Q: Why doesn't MultiFinder offer pre-emptive scheduling?
A: Apple choose to focus on other features that we feel
are more important. Apple is looking at offering pre-emptive
scheduling in future releases of Macintosh System Software.
HyperCard
Q: Will HyperCard support System 7.0 features?
A: Future releases of HyperCard will support System 7.0. While
some features are transparently supported, others will necessitate
additional development. For instance, HyperCard will need to
be extended to take advantage of the high-level SQL calls
included in System 7.0. Likewise, support for other features
in the Live Copy/Paste will mean adding additional code. Other
features, like resolution-independent graphics and
Apple's outline fonts, are transparent to HyperCard and
will need no additional work.
Macintosh Communication Toolbox
Q: What is the Communications Toolbox?
A: The Communications Toolbox is a powerful facility that
gives the Macintosh a fundamental capability to communicate
with remote computers, providing users and applications with
consistent and extensible access to terminal emulation, data
connection, and file transfer functions.
Q: Why has Apple developed the Communications Toolbox?
A: Apple is extending the consistency and modularity that
characterize the user-interface Toolbox to the communications
environment. With the Macintosh Communications Toolbox,
Macintosh sets a new standard in empowering users and developers
to take advantage of communications.
Q: When will it be available?
A: The Macintosh Communications Toolbox will be released
to developers during the third quarter of 1989. The
Communications Toolbox will become standard system software
when released as part of System 7.0.
Q: How will users get the Communications Toolbox?
A: Apple is encouraging the third-party developers who
incorporate the Communications Toolbox into their applications
to bundle the Communications Toolbox with their application.
32-Bit QuickDraw and LaserWriter 6.0
Q: What is 32-Bit QuickDraw?
A: QuickDraw is the graphics system software, given away
in every Macintosh, that is responsible for putting objects,
icons, text, and pictures on the Macintosh display. On
68000-based machines, it supports 8 colors. Until recently,
on 68020/030 Macintosh computers, QuickDraw supported up to
256 colors. Today, extensions to QuickDraw, called "32-Bit
QuickDraw," allow QuickDraw to work with the entire range of
visible color, over 16 million colors. There is no longer
any color limitation on color Macintosh computers.
Q: How will the product be distributed?
A: Developers can license 32-Bit QuickDraw and System 6.0.3
from Apple for shipment with their products. In addition,
32-Bit QuickDraw will be distributed to all dealers, user
groups and bulletin boards typically receiving Apple System
Software. 32-Bit QuickDraw will be incorporated into System 7.0.
Q: What markets would want 32-Bit QuickDraw?
A: 32-Bit QuickDraw is especially useful in markets
demanding high-quality color. In publishing and video,
full color is useful for showing realistic images from natural
sources. For presentations, it is helpful for producing
the continuous tone "ramps" from one color to another that
are used in slides. Finally, 24-bits of color make continuous
data easier to visualize for many scientific applications.
As an enabling technology, image visualization can be expected
to open many other new markets.
Q: What are 16-bit, 24-bit and 32-bit color?
A: 16 bits of color can produce very life-like images, 24
bits per pixel is known as "full color" because with 16
million colors available, the eye loses its ability to
distinguish between color incrementally. The additional 8
bits of color that differentiate 24-bit color from 32-bit
color are usually used to store non-color information about
the pixel; for example, one of the bits could be used for
"transparency" information to allow a level of the
background to "show through" the color of a pixel. This is
known as an "alpha" byte.
Q: What is LaserWriter 6.0?
A: LaserWriter 6.0 is a new release of Apple's LaserWriter
driver. Nearly all Macintosh applications use Apple's
graphics system software, QuickDraw, to draw on and off the
screen. The LaserWriter driver translates QuickDraw
instructions into PostScript commands, allowing PostScript
printers (like Apple's LaserWriter printers) to reproduce
what the user sees on the screen at high resolution.
Q: What's new about LaserWriter 6.0? How is it different
from the LaserWriter 5.2 driver that now ships with
LaserWriter printers and System Software?
A: Color printing. LaserWriter 6.0 adds the capability
to translate color QuickDraw images into color PostScript commands.
Any application that supports color QuickDraw now also
supports color printing on color PostScript printers.
Previously, unless an application sent color PostScript directly
to the printer, color printing was not possible on these
printers.
Halftone printing. Users of monochrome PostScript printers
benefit as well. Color images are halftoned by the printer.
Halftoning is a technique that produces dot clusters
of varying size that are perceived as different shades of gray.
The resulting print is much more faithful to the original
image than a high-contrast print composed only of solid black
and white regions.
Faster text printing. The font query mechanism has been
improved substantially in LaserWriter 6.0. It takes less
time for the printer to report its available fonts to the
Macintosh. The result is reduced overall time-to-print,
especially for users who have large font library hard disks
connected to their printer.
32-Bit QuickDraw printing. LaserWriter 6.0 supports output
of images created using 32-Bit QuickDraw. A print of a
32-bit image will show smoother color transitions; in
general, rendering will be more accurate and realistic
than an 8-bit image print.
Extensible menu for page-size choices. The Page Setup
dialog of LaserWriter 6.0 includes the page size choices
US Letter, US Legal, A4 Letter, and B5 Letter. It replaces
the Tabloid choice of previous drivers with an "Other" button.
Clicking this button causes a pop-up menu to appear,
offering the page sizesTabloid, No. 10 Envelope, and
A3. Additional page sizes can be added to this menu by
installing the proper resource. Thus, printer vendors can
ship a driver with their product that includes a page size
specially created for that device. Current color printers
have smaller printable areas than the LaserWriter, and thus
some parts of full-page images are lost when printed on these
devices. Users can now avoid this by selecting a page
size appropriate for their printers.
Q: Will all applications work with LaserWriter 6.0?
A: Apple's testing indicates that most applications will
work fine with LaserWriter 6.0. Most applications use
QuickDraw for printing as well as for screen imaging; these
applications rarely have problems with LaserWriter 6.0.
Other applications do their own conversion of a screen
image to a PostScript page description, and send this
PostScript directly to the printer (bypassing most of the
LaserWriter driver). Some of these applications will not
print as expected with LaserWriter 6.0. There are several
possible effects:
1. Output of a color image is in black and white,
even on a color printer.Many applications that send
their own PostScript to the printer do not send any of the
PostScript required for color printing. It is difficult
for an application to determine whether the printer
is color or not. The options are A) ask the user, or
B) assume a black and white printer. Most applications
do the latter.
2. No output.
A few applications that send their own PostScript rely
on certain variables in the Laser Prep code that is
a part of the LaserWriter driver. Apple has discouraged
this practice, but not with 100% success. The Laser
Prep code has changed in LaserWriter 6.0. Applications
that assume that certain variables are defined will
generate PostScript errors when the user tries to print;
nothing will be printed. The work-around for this is to use
LaserWriter 5.2 until the developer revises the application.
3. Other problems when printing.
Some problems may occur when printing using
"Color/Grayscale" mode, but not with "Black & White" mode.
This is because a few applications assume they will be printing
in black and white. They try to write directly to data
structures that changed when the color capability was
added to the driver. The work around for this is to use
"Black & White" mode when printing until the developer
revises the application.
Q: In the past, new LaserWriter drivers were incompatible
with older drivers. Is this still the case?
A: Yes. LaserWriter 6.0 is not compatible with LaserWriter 5.2.
LaserWriter "wars" can be avoided by ensuring that all users
on a network who share printers have the same version
of the driver installed.
Q: Should every user change to LaserWriter 6.0?
A: No. Those users who meet one of the following
criteria, should use LaserWriter 6.0:
1. Use a color Macintosh (IICX, II, IIX, or SE/30) and
print documents containing color (or grayscale)
2. Use a printer with an attached font library disk
(i.e. have several hundred fonts available)
3. Share a printer, via a network, with any other user
who uses LaserWriter 6.0
Q: How do I get LaserWriter 6.0?
A: LaserWriter 6.0 will be part of Apple's color disk that
will also include 32-Bit QuickDraw. This disk will be
distributed to all Apple authorized dealers. The driver
will also be distributed to electronic bulletin boards,
user groups, APDA, VAR reps, Apple System Engineers, and
reps for National and University Accounts.
LaserWriter 6.0 will be available for licensing to vendors
of color PostScript printers and other third-party developers.
Q: Will LaserWriter 6.0 be included with system software
or LaserWriter II printers?
A: No. LaserWriter 5.2 will continue to ship with both
system software and LaserWriter II printers. When a new
Macintosh is added to an existing network whose users have
LaserWriter 5.2, it will be fully compatible. The network
will need to update to LaserWriter 6.0 only if one or more
users desire its color and font-handling features.
Mark B. Johnson AppleLink: mjohnson
Developer Technical Support domain: mjohnson@Apple.com
Apple Computer, Inc. UUCP: {amdahl,decwrl,sun,unisoft}!apple!mjohnson
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