Below are descriptions of nearly every Apple Control Panel ever released. If you're curious what the different control panels do, here's your source. If you're just interested in whether or not you need various CP's, use the descriptions below to decide whether or not you want/need them. Most are from Apple; however a few are things that are so universal that I included them here. (For some non-Apple inits and their RAM usage, check out Chapter 7: "Third Party Inits.") I have left out discriptions of some things that are fairly obvious in their functionality. On those, you should be able to decide for yourself if you want/need them.
NOTE: Control panels followed by the designation "REMOVABLE" do not need to reside in the System Folder to function. Many of them aren't really even inits (they don't load any code at startup); they just change values in the PRAM of your computer, so the Control Panels folder seemed like the logical place to put them. Disclaimer: very few of these will actually save you RAM if disabled, and if you throw them away instead of merely disabling/displacing them, they can be a pain in the rear to re-install. I am including this info FYI so you can be more knowlegable about your computer; do with this info as you please.
窶｢ 8窶｢24 GC: enables graphics acceleration with the Macintosh Display Card 8窶｢24 GC. Only functional on pre-7.5 Systems and machines older than the Quadra and PowerMac series.
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Apple Menu Options 1.1.2 [40/97.5]: when you install 7.5.3 or System 7.5.2 Update 2, your preferences for this control panel are reset. You will have to manually reset them.
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Apple Talk (v1.1): used to specify AppleTalk settings under Open Transport. [NOTE: PCI PowerMacs might have a different physical Ethernet address after installing System 7.5.3, since 7.5.3 corrects a bug that causes an incorrect address to be used when TCP/IP addresses are obtained using BootP, DHCP, or RARP. Fortunately, Open Transport makes it much easier for a user to determine his/her physical Ethernet address (choose Get Info in either Appletalk or TCP/IP control panel).]
窶｢ AppleCD Speed Switch: from System 7.1. Allows you to switch between "standard" or "faster" speed. It (allegedly an automatic version) is integrated into CD Software 5.0.
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢AppleVision Setup: actually an application. On a PCI Mac, after upgrading to System 7.5.3, this "control panel" should be eliminated (if not, you can trash it manually). All of its functionality will be incorporated into the Monitors & Sound control panel. Also, if you hit the buttons on the front of the AppleVision 1710AV, the Monitors & Sound CP should appear. REMOVABLE
窶｢ ATM GX: Installed by QuickDraw GX. Only necessary if you actually use GX (does anyone?). Version 3.7 is non-native; 3.8 is native. Supposedly can cause Norton Utilities to falsely report hard drive directory problems.
窶｢ Auto Power On/Off (v1.0): allows your Mac to automatically shut down after a specified idle time, reboot after a power failure, and/or start up or shut down at a certain time(s). This control panel works with any Mac that uses "soft power off" (meaning those that do not require you to turn the power switch off) and the "Cuda" or Motorola 68HC05 controller chip. According to Apple this includes the following Macs: IIsi, IIvx, IIvi, Color Classic, Performa/ LC 500 series, Quadra/ Performa/ LC 630 series, Quadra 840AV, 900, & 950, LC 5200 & 5300 series, PM 7100 & 8100 series, Performa 5200, 5300, 6200 & 6300 series, and Workgroup Servers 95, 8150 & 9150. For the official Apple document on all the different "energy saving" control panels/applications, visit: <http://cgi.info.apple.com/cgi-bin/read.wais.doc.pl?/wais/TIL/Macintosh!Software/Energy!Saving!Cntrl!Pnls!!Desc>
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窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢AutoRemounter (v7.5.3): Allows remounting of volumes after waking from sleep. Turns off "losing network services" alert that shows up when your PowerBook goes to sleep. An Apple TechNote states that this control panel does not work with the PowerBook 100, 140, 145, 145B, and 170, but readers have noted that it works fine on some of these. The same TechNote (and others) state that this control panel is only for use on PowerBooks. However, a number of people have claimed that it works fine on their desktop Macs to remount shared disks instead of using the AppleShare "mount on startup" option.
窶｢ Backlight Control: allows older PowerBooks (under systems earlier than 7.5) to dim or turn off backlighting after a period of inactivity.
窶｢ Brightness: allows you to set the screen brightness on Macs with software/onscreen brightness control (the Classic series).
窶｢ Button Disabler: used to disable the volume/brightness buttons on the front of the LC/Performa 500 series Macs.
窶｢ Cache Switch: for 68040/680LC40 Macs only. Allow you to turn off the 68040 processor caching for compatibility with older apps. A consequence of this "more compatible" mode is a dramatic decrease in performance. Most incompatible apps have been updated or superseded by newer versions. To make the change without restarting, option-click the on/off button. REMOVABLE
窶｢ CloseView (v7.2.1): magnifies the display for individuals with poor eyesight. Also allows for black/white inversion. Reportedly doesn't work on PowerMacs.
窶｢ Color (v7.1) [0/0]: allows you to change the highlight and window colors. REMOVABLE
窶｢ ColorSync System Profile (v2.0) [0/0]: only useful for users who have a color scanner and/or a color printer. Helps to synchronize the color values between on-screen images and scans/printouts. Requires ColorSync extension.
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Control Strip (v1.3.1) [27.5/40]: allows you to turn the Control Strip on or off, set the display font, and set the on/off hot key. NOTE: Control Strip sometimes causes problems with certain screen savers. If you have problems with it, be sure to use the on/off "hot key" to turn the control strip off when you aren't using it.
窶｢ CPU Energy Saver: allows you to set your Mac to turn off at a specific time or after a specified amount of idle time. It does not allow you to have your Mac start up at a specific time. It is compatible with Macs that can be turned off using "soft power off" (in other words, the "Shut Down" command in the "Special" menu, as well as the keyboard power key, turn the computer completely off without requiring you to manually turn off the power switch). According to Apple, this includes the following Mac models: II series, Performa 250 & 275, Performa/ LC 500 series, Centris/ Quadra 650, Quadra/ Performa/ LC 630 series, Performa 640 series, Quadra 700, 800, 840AV, 900 & 950, PM 7100/66 & 8100/80, Performa/ LC 5200 & 6300 series (NOTE: the PM 7100/80 and 8100/100 shipped with Connectix Desktop Utilities, which fulfilled the functions of CPU Energy Saver). CPU Energy Saver is installed by System 7.5 only on those Macs that are not compatible with Auto Power On/Off (above) and ARE compatible with CPU Energy Saver. For the official Apple document on all the different "energy saving" control panels/applications, visit:
窶｢ Date & Time (v7.5) [4.5/16]: allows you to turn the menubar clock on/off, configure the date/time format, set Daylight Savings Time and your time zone, and set the time and date.
窶｢ Desktop Patterns (v7.5.1): not even a Control Panel, per se; it's actually an application. Allows you to change the background of your desktop. If you click "option" and select a pattern, it selects the pattern for utilities such as "Find File." You can delete/add pictures using the cut/paste commands. REMOVABLE
窶｢ DOS Compatibility Software Update 1.5: used by Macs with the DOS Compatibility Card (not necessary for PCI Macs with a DOS Compatibility Card). It is recommended that you update your system to 7.5.3 for best results with the DOS Cards.
窶｢ Easy Access: provides keyboard enhancements for persons with disabilities. Provides audio and visual feedback on keyboard entries. Supposedly has a bug where, when turned off, pressing a key would sometimes result in a "beep," but no text would appear.
窶｢ Energy Saver (v1.0): allows you to put your external monitor into sleep mode after a specified idle time. It supposedly works with the built-in video of the following Mac models: LC III, Performa 450 through 467, Performa 630 & 611x series, Quadra 610 through 950 and all non-PCI PowerMacs. It also requires an "Energy Star"-compliant monitor. If this control panel is installed on a Mac that has a non-Energy Star-compliant monitor attached, the monitor will go black at the appropriate time, but the monitor will not be saving energy (this doesn't hurt the monitor, though). Note that when using Energy Saver 1.0, your computer itself is still at full power and functioning. The power-saving features of this control panel apply only to the monitor.
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Energy Saver (v2.0.2) [53.5/0]: actually an application, and requires the "Energy Saver Extension" to function. This utility combines the features of CPU Energy Saver, Energy Saver 1.0 and Auto Power On/Off, and is only compatible with PCI based PowerMacs (5400, 7200, 7500, 7600, 8500, 9500 series). It allows you to sleep or shut down your system after a specified idle time (with separate settings for the monitor and hard drive), set your system to start up or shut down at specific times (and days), auto-save open document before a scheduled shut down (and open them up again on start up), and restart automatically after a power failure. The sleep mode used by Energy Saver 2 is similar to the sleep mode on PowerBooks, in that your entire system "goes to sleep" instead of just the monitor. If you have a PCI-based Mac, you can install both versions of Energy Saver (1 and 2) by renaming one of them, although I don't know why you would want to. The Energy Saver settings are not stored in a preference file or in the control panel itself, but rather in PRAM, because PRAM is the only way your Mac can keep information in memory when it is turned off. This is how your computer knows if you want it to turn on at a predefined time. This is important because if you simply "disable" the Energy Saver control panel and extension, the settings will still be in effect (i.e. if you have the C.P. set to startup your computer at 2am, this will happen whether the C.P. is "disabled" or not). In order to disable the Energy Saver functions, you need to change the settings to "never" using the control panel/application first, then disable the extension. WARNING: the following is from an Apple Tech Note: "AppleVision 1710AV Displays with serial numbers between SG522xxxxxx and SG536xxxxxx inclusive should have Energy Saver mode temporarily disabled using the Energy Saver control panel until the display can be serviced. Displays within this serial number range may not operate as originally intended while in Energy Saver mode when connected to a Power Macintosh 7200, 7500, 8500, or 9500 computer, or some third-party video cards. [It may possibly damage the monitor. - Ed.] Monitors with serial numbers greater than SG537xxxxxx are not affected and will function normally with Energy Saver." REMOVABLE. For the official Apple document on all the different "energy saving" control panels/applications, visit:
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Extensions Manager (v3.0.3): allows (limited) control over which extensions and control panels will load at startup. Also allows you to configure (limited) sets of startup files. The "EM Extension" allows this control panel to load before any other startup files. If you are using another startup file manager, such as Now Startup Manager or Conflict Catcher, these two files will automatically be disabled.
窶｢ File Sharing Monitor (v7.1): can only be opened when File Sharing is active. Shows who is connected to your Mac, what drives/folders are shared, and whether or not connected users are actively accessing those drives/folders.
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢General Controls (7.5.7) [22/32]: if in the control panels folder, it loads code at startup; if you move it to the disabled folder, it will perform as usual, the only difference being that it will not load as an init (the Mac user's dream!). Bug: on older versions, if "Protect System folder" or "Protect application folder" is enabled, would cause problems with Retrospect Remote; fixed in 7.5.3. REMOVABLE
窶｢ Keyboard (v7.5.1) [0/0]: allows you to set the repeat rate and "delay before repeat" for the keyboard. Lets you change between keyboard layouts. If you've ever started typing and gotten some weird characters that don't match your keyboard, check this C.P.; there is a key combination which if hit changes from the standard keyboard layout to one of the others. Solution? Turn off the key combination in the C.P. or open your System itself and trash all of the unnecessary keyboard layouts. REMOVABLE
窶｢ Labels (v7.1) [0/0]: Allows you to change both the label colors and the label text. FYI: changes saved to the System itself. REMOVABLE
窶｢ Launcher (v2.8): trash it if you never use it (along with the "Launcher Items" folder in your system folder). Allows you to set up a "palette" window with icons for frequently used applications, documents, etc. Dragging an application, document, etc. to the palette will create a "button" for it. Holding the Option key while clicking in the colored background area will allow you to change the size of the buttons. The "Launcher Items" folder in the System Folder contains the alias files for all the buttons you have installed. Creating folders within the Launcher Items folder, and placing a "窶｢" at the beginning of their names, will create different categories or "layers" of buttons, with "tabs" to select the layers.
窶｢ LocalTalk Bridge (v2.0): allows you to bridge Ethernet and LocalTalk networks.
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Macintosh Easy Open (v1.1.2) [12.5/100]: allows you to select the way a Mac or DOS/Windows file is translated/opened when you don't have the application that actually created it. Can cause constant desktop rebuilds. Solution? Restart with all extensions off except this one and allow it to rebuild the desktop. Restart again normally. It has been reported that when both MEO and MacLink Plus are present Finder dragging and drag-and-drop operations are slowed down, or even get "stuck" under versions before 1.1.2.
窶｢ MacTCP (v2.0.6): Used to configure and connect to TCP/IP-based networks, either locally or dial-up. Replaced in System 7.5.2 by the TCP/IP control panel.
窶｢ MacTCP DNR: This file, which is loose in your system folder, is not really a control panel, even though that's what it says it is... DNR stands for "domain name resolver" and contains part of the information needed by TCP/IP applications. Under System 6.x, control panels were loose in the system folder. Thus any application that needed TCP and/or DNR information would look for the MacTCP control panel in the system folder. Under system 7.x, all control panels were moved to the "control panels" folder. However, some applications still looked for TCP/DNR info in a control panel in the system folder. To ensure backwards compatability, MacTCP creates this file to provide information for those applications. Some applications still look for the info in a control panel, so the "type" code of this file (and the file type listed in the "Get Info" box) is set to "control panel." For whatever purpose, even some newer applications still use the MacTCP DNR file directly, instead of using Mac TCP. Another reason this file exists, and the reason it still exists under Open Transport, is that it provides compatability for applications that are not yet Open Transport-aware. These applications still use the above method for obtaining DNR information, rather than using the MacTCP compatability model of OT. In order to support these applications, Open Transport provides the MacTCP DNR file in the system folder. This file is always provided, so you'll notice that even if you throw it away, it is recreated the next time a TCP call occurs. Supposedly Apple will finally do away with MacTCP DNR under Open Transport 1.1.1.
窶｢ Map (v7.5): Allows you to select your "home" on the globe. By opening the control panel with various modifier key combinations held down (shift/option/command) you will get higher magnifications. NOTE: If your "Date & Time" control panel does not have an option to set the local time zone (some older versions didn't), Eudora will freak out if it can't find "Map" in the C.P. folder; it uses the "home" setting for time zone information. FUN TIP: open the Scrapbook DA and scroll to the map of the world. Select "Copy" from the "Edit" menu. Open the "Map" C.P. and select "Paste" from the "Edit" menu. Voila! You now have a color Map! REMOVABLE
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Memory (v7.5.5) [0/6]: lets you control settings such as virtual memory, disk cache size, the Modern Memory Manager (see Chapter 8), and RAM disks. Turning virtual memory on and setting it to one MB above your actual RAM, or using RAMDoubler, will greatly enhance your system by reducing the amount of RAM that PowerPC-native applications require. On older systems, there is also an option to enable/disable "32-bit addressing." This feature allows your Mac to address more than 8MB of RAM; some older apps are incompatible with 32-bit addressing. Some older Macs (the SE series, II series) could not use 32-bit enabling, and required either System 7.5 or the freeware "Mode32." Here's a tip: to start up normally, but with virtual memory temporarily turned off, hold down the command key at startup. (On a related note, if you are using RAMDoubler, to start up with extensions off but RAMDoubler on, hold down the shift and options keys at startup; to start up with extensions on, but RAMDoubler off, hold down the tilde [~] key.) Before 7.5.3, the default Disk Cache setting was 16K for every MB of physical RAM installed. Under 7.5.3, the default is changed to 32K for every MB of physical RAM installed. REMOVABLE
窶｢ Monitors (v7.5.5): allows you to configure your monitors (# of colors/greys, resolution, main monitor on multiple-monitor systems) on non-PCI Macs and the 7200 series PCI Macs. Replaced on AV PCI Macs by Sounds & Displays under System 7.5.2, and Monitors & Sound under 7.5.3. REMOVABLE
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Monitors & Sound (v1.1) (formerly Sounds & Displays) [NA]: actually an application. Apparently, this is only installed on AV PCI Macs. Some other models may be able to use it by doing a "custom" install. AppleScript-able, but no longer requires AppleScript. Quick note: If you ever get the message "Sorry... Sound & Displays/Monitors & Sounds cannot be used at this time. The required extensions cannot be found. These extensions have either been disabled or are not present. To use this application, first put the Sound & Displays/Monitors & Sounds extensions in your extensions folder, and then restart your Macintosh," the reason is that you are missing the extension "SystemAV". Although this file is stored in the Extensions Folder, it is not listed by the Extensions Manager control panel. However, it is listed by some third-party extension-managing software (such as Conflict Catcher). Make certain this extension has not been disabled or removed from the Extensions folder. If this extension is missing, reinstall it from the System CD that came with your computer. REMOVABLE
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Mouse (v7.5.3) [0/0]: Used to set mouse tracking and double-click speed. REMOVABLE
窶｢ Network: used to choose the type of network. Replaced by the AppleTalk control panel under Open Transport.
窶｢ Numbers (v7.1) [0/0]: Allows you to specify the format for displaying numbers, including separators and currency designation. Provides 17 pre-set configurations, and allows for other custom configurations. REMOVABLE
窶｢ ODBC Setup: stands for Open Database Connectivity. It is installed by MIcrosoft Office for use when connecting to SQL database servers. Allows you to select your "source" database.
窶｢ Password Security (v1.0.3): used only on PowerBooks to allow for password-based access.
窶｢ PC Exchange (v2.0.5) [18/92]: allows your Mac to read files from MS-DOS and ProDOS disks, including SCSI fixed and removable media. Let's you designate certain apps to open different PC docs. Can also be used to probe for, and mount, SCSI devices (!).
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢PC Setup (v1.0.7): used by Macs with the 610 PC and DOS Compatibility Cards. Replaced by the DOS Compatibility Software Update 1.5 (not necessary for PCI Macs with a DOS Compatibility Card).
窶｢ Performa (v7.1Px): included with Performa models running System 7.1P. Provides functionality similar to the General Controls control panel.
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Pointer Mode: System 7.5.3 may install a Pointer Mode control panel in either the Control Panels folder or the Apple Extras folder. It is primarily for the Power Mac 7200 and allows the cursor to remain in screen snapshots taken via the Command-Shift-3 technique. It also may more generally reduce cursor flickering when the cursor is over a graphic.
窶｢ Portable Control Panel: used only by Macintosh Portables (not the PowerBooks, but the "Portable") running Systems 6.0.7 and 6.0.8.
窶｢ Power Macintosh Card: in 68040 Macs with the PowerMac Upgrade Card, allows selection of either 68040 or PowerPC processor, although you must completely shut down your computer for the switch to take place.
窶｢ PowerBook (v7.5.3): only used on PowerBooks; allows you to adjust PowerBook-specific items, including hard disk sleep, system sleep, and screen dimming. You can also set processor cycling and (on certain computers) reduced processor speed. Also allows you to control backlight intensity and built-in video on some PowerBooks.
窶｢ PowerBook Display (v7.5.2): only used on PowerBooks; allows you to "mirror" the images on your PowerBook display on an external monitor. Works on the Macintosh PowerBooks 160, 165c, 180, 180c, 200, and 500 models.
窶｢ PowerBook Setup (v7.3.1): only used on PowerBooks; allows you to set a unique SCSI ID number for your PowerBook when you're using SCSI disk mode. Also allows you to specify a Normal or Compatible modem setting for your PowerBook. ("normal" is for communication applications that are compatible with the Macintosh Communications Toolbox; "compatible" is for communication applications that are not compatible with the Communications Toolbox). Works on all Macintosh PowerBook 200 and 500 models.
窶｢ QuickTime Settings (v2.5): actually just an application which changes the preferences for QuickTime. Allows you to select music/midi settings and Audio CD/CD-ROM "AutoPlay" options (see the "QuickTime" extension entry). NOTE: for the "CD-ROM AutoPlay" feature to work, the CD-ROM must be coded to allow auto-play. At this point in time, very few CDs are encoded this way. REMOVABLE
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Screen (v1.0.7): used by Macs with a built-in monitor (Performa/ LC 500 series, Performa 250 & 275 and Performa/ LC 5200 series) to control brightness and contrast. Also allows you to automatically "sleep" the internal monitor after a specified period of inactivity (15-60). For the official Apple document on all the different "energy saving" control panels/applications, visit:
窶｢ Scrolling (v7.0.1)[1/0]: allows you to set the maximum window scrolling speed. Allows you to customize the time it takes to reach that maximum speed. Provides the option of "live" scrolling in windows (both in the Finder and within applications). NOTE: holding down the Option key temporarily restores the standard scrolling behavior. According to the author, Ken McLeod, an employee at Apple, he originally tried to get this control panel included as part of System 7.0.1 (hence the version number), but the "Blue Meanies" at Apple thought that "its functionality was 'too esoteric' and that it would confuse people." It is now available for free from the Info-Mac archives.
窶｢ Serial Switch: the Mac IIfx and Quadra 950 used a slightly different serial port. On these computers, this allows you to switch between the standard configuration or the "faster" special configuration.
窶｢ Sharing Setup (v7.1): used to set file sharing options, the network name of your computer, and the owner name and password.
窶｢ Sound (v8.0.5): used to set the alert sounds, volumes, and input/output options on non-PCI Macs and the 7200 series PCI Macs. Replaced on AV PCI Macs by Sounds & Displays under System 7.5.2, and Monitors & Sound under 7.5.3. REMOVABLE
窶｢ Sound & Displays (v1.0): replaced under System 7.5.3 by Monitors & Sound (see above).
窶｢ Startup Disk (v7.5.2): selects which disk you wish to use as your startup disk. Actually works by selecting the SCSI ID of the startup disk, which means that it can sometimes have problems with partitions on a single disk. If no disks are selected, the Mac will default to the highest numbered SCSI disk. To startup from a CD-ROM, hold down the "c" key. REMOVABLE
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢TCP/IP (v1.1) [0/0]: under System 7.5.2 and later, used to configure and connect to TCP/IP-based networks, either locally or dial-up. There is a known problem with memory leakage involving the loading and unloading of shared libraries under TCP/IP. One possible solution is to open the TCP/IP control panel, select "Options...", and uncheck the "Load only when needed" box.
窶｢ Text (v7.1) [0/0]: Lets you change the options for text "script" and "behavior" on your Mac. These settings will affect sorting order, case conversion, and word definitions. REMOVABLE
窶｢ Token Ring (v1.0.1): only useful if you are on a Token Ring network. Under Open Transport, works with the AppleTalk control panel to allow access to a Token Ring network.
窶｢ TrackPad (v7.5.5): configures the trackpad behavior in 500 series PowerBooks
窶｢ TV Setup: used only by MacTV systems.
窶｢ Users & Groups (v7.1): used to configure who can connect to your hard drive over a network under file sharing. Actually looks like a finder window when you open it (not very consistent with the rest of the Mac GUI).
窶｢ Video: part of the AudioVision package for the AudioVision 14" display. Only necessary on pre-7.5 systems.
窶｢ Views (v7.1) [0/0]: allows you to select the format used to view files/names of files in Finder windows. Provides options for automatic calculation of disk space used/available and folder sizes. AppleScript-able. TIP: Disable "calculate folder sizes" for faster Finder performance. TIP #2: This control panel includes a pop-up menu of all your fonts. If you have a corrupted font, it may prevent the control panel from opening or it may possibly freeze up your system. On that same note, if you have a lot of fonts installed, it can take as long as a few minutes for this control panel to load. REMOVABLE
窶｢ 窶｢窶｢窶｢Window Shade (v1.3.1) [0/0]: lets you collapse a window by clicking on its title bar. If you use the ~Aaron extension, you do not need this control panel, since ~Aaron places a window-collapse toggle button in the upper right-hand corner of your windows. NOTE: click on picture of mouse button in control panel's window for secret credit box.
