If you’re curious about the contents of the Control Panels folder, this document provides a brief description of each control panel. You can use these descriptions to help determine which control panels you may need and which ones you may not need.
What is a control panel?
A control panel is a small piece of software that allows you to change your computer’s settings to meet your needs. For example, you can change the pattern or color of your computer’s desktop using the Desktop Patterns control panel.
You can use the Extensions Manager control panel to turn off any control panel you don’t need on your computer.
Depending on the type of computer you have, the contents of your Control Panels folder may vary. You might have control panels that were added by third-party applications, and you don’t need all the control panels described below. For complete instructions on using control panels, see Macintosh Guide, available in the Guide (question mark) menu when the Finder is the active program.
Apple Menu Options: You can turn the submenus available in the Apple menu (for recently used documents, programs and servers) on or off. You can also set the number of items that will appear in the menus. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
AppleTalk: You can specify AppleTalk settings (such as connection port and zone) for use with Apple’s Open Transport networking. When you install Open Transport, the Network and MacTCP control panels are replaced with the AppleTalk and TCP/IP control panels. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that support Open Transport.
ATM GX: Makes your Type 1 fonts look sharp and clear at any point size—both on your screen and on paper. Improves the output of QuickDraw printers, such as the ImageWriter and StyleWriter series. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5
Auto Power On/Off: You can specify dates and times for your computer to automatically turn on or off, set a warning interval before turning off, and specify that your computer automatically restart after a power failure. Works only on computers that can be turned on from the keyboard (does not work on Macintosh PowerBook 500 models).
AutoRemounter: You can turn off the Losing Network Services message that appears when your PowerBook sleeps. You can also automatically reconnect your computer to any shared disks that were disconnected when your PowerBook went to sleep. Works on all Macintosh PowerBooks except models 100, 140, 145, 145B, and 170.
Brightness: You can adjust screen brightness. Works on Mac OS–based computers with onscreen brightness control, such as the Macintosh Classic and Classic II.
Button: You can disable the built-in volume and contrast buttons on the front of your computer. Useful in classroom situations with young students. Works on the Macintosh Performa and Macintosh LC 500 series of computers.
Cache Switch: You can turn processor caching for 68040-based Mac OS-based computers on or off. For compatibility reasons, processor caching may need to be turned off for some applications. Works on all 68040-based Mac OS computers, such as the Macintosh Quadra, Macintosh Centris, and Performa 400/500 models.
Color: You can set the color of highlighted text and window borders. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5 and have a color monitor.
CloseView: You can magnify your computer display for easier viewing. Works on all Mac OS–based computers except PowerPC-based models.
ColorSync System Profile: Part of the ColorSync system that provides consistent color across various types of equipment (printers, scanners, monitors, and so on). In the control panel, you can view and select ColorSync profiles. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that support ColorSync.
Control Strip: You can display or hide the Control Strip, and specify a font for Control Strip menus. With the Control Strip, you can control a variety of settings directly from your desktop, such as sound volume, monitor resolution, file sharing, and so on. Works with all Mac OS-based computers that use System 7.5.
Date & Time: You can set the date, time, and time zone on your computer. You can also set how dates and times are displayed. Works with all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Desktop Patterns: You can change the pattern or color of your computer’s desktop. Works with all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Easy Access: You can press keys used in keyboard combinations one at a time (Sticky Keys), move the pointer using the numeric keypad (Mouse Keys), and set typing speed with audible response (Slow Keys). Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Extensions Manager: You can turn your computer’s system extensions on or off. Extensions include items in the Extensions folder, control panels, and other startup programs in the System Folder. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
File Sharing Monitor: When file sharing is turned on, this control panel displays a list of users who are connected to your computer. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
General Controls: You can set various options, including desktop hiding, Launcher visibility at startup, folder protection to prevent folders and files from being deleted, insertion point blinking rate, menu selection blinking, and the default folder that appears in the Save dialog box. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Keyboard: You can set the repeat rate and delay before repeat for your keyboard. Also lets you switch keyboard layouts. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Labels: You can customize the color and text of file labels. (You can see labels in the Finder.) Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Launcher: You can open the Launcher window, where you can easily find and open programs. You can add items to the Launcher by placing an alias to your favorite applications, files, or folders in the Launcher Items folder in the System Folder.
MacTCP: You can control how your computer is connected to network services (such as the Internet) that use TCP/IP protocol. Works on Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5. Does not work with Open Transport.
Macintosh Easy Open: You can customize the way a Mac OS or DOS/Windows document is translated, so you can open a document when you do not have the application that was used to create the document. Works on Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Map: You can locate popular cities around the world, and display longitude and latitude coordinates and local time. Lets you set the location of your computer. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Memory: You can control memory settings, including disk cache, virtual memory, and RAM disk configuration. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5. Do not remove this control panel if you use a RAM disk.
Monitors: You can set the number of colors or shades of gray that are displayed. Sets monitor resolution for multiple scan monitors. On some Mac OS–based computers, the Monitors control panel is replaced by the Monitors & Sound control panel.
Monitors & Sound: A combined control panel that replaces the separate Sound and Monitors control panels. (It also replaces the Sound & Displays control panel.) You can use this control panel to specify information about monitors attached to your computer (for example, monitor resolution, monitor bit depth, monitor arrangement, and so on). You can also use this control panel to specify information about other audiovisual equipment attached to your computer (for example, audio CD players, VCRs, video cameras, external speakers, and so on.) Works on PowerPC-based computers with PCI slots.
Mouse: You can set the tracking speed and double-click speed for your mouse. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Network: You can choose between network options installed on your computer. Typical choices are LocalTalk, Ethernet, or Token Ring. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5. Does not work with Open Transport.
Numbers: You can control how numbers and currencies are displayed on your computer (for example, where decimal points appear). Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
PC Exchange: Allows your Mac OS–based computer to read files from ProDOS and MS-DOS disks. You can specify the Mac OS application program used to open a DOS document. You can also use SyQuest and Bernoulli disks on your desktop. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
PC Setup: You can set options for the DOS Compatibility Card. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that support the DOS Compatibility Card.
Power Macintosh Card: Used with 68040-based Mac OS computers that have an expansion card with a PowerPC processor. You can select which processor to use. Works on all Mac OS–based computers with a Power Macintosh Upgrade card.
PowerBook: You can set 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. Controls backlight intensity and built-in video. Works on all Macintosh PowerBooks.
PowerBook Display: You can duplicate the images on your PowerBook display on an external monitor. Useful for controlling a presentation from your PowerBook while displaying the presentation on a large room monitor. Works on the Macintosh PowerBooks 160, 165c, 180, 180c, 200, and 500 models.
PowerBook Setup: You can set a unique SCSI ID number for your PowerBook when you’re using SCSI disk mode. You can also specify a Normal or Compatible modem setting for your PowerBook. Use Normal for communication applications that are compatible with the Macintosh Communications Toolbox. Use Compatible for communication applications that are not compatible with the Communications Toolbox. Works on all Macintosh PowerBook 200 and 500 models.
PowerTalk Setup: You can turn collaboration services on or shut them off after a period of inactivity. You can also access your Key Chain. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that support PowerTalk.
Screen: You can control brightness and contrast for a built-in monitor. Works on all Mac OS–based computers with built-in monitors, such as the Macintosh Performa 400/500 models.
Serial Switch: Provides compatibility for some applications that use the printer or modem port. You can set the serial port option to Faster or More Compatible. Works on Macintosh IIfx and Macintosh Quadra 950 computers.
Sharing Setup: You can set file sharing options and specify a network name for your computer. Works on all Mac OS-based computers that use System 7.5.
Sound: You can set the alert sound and volume and specify a sound input and sound output source for your computer. On PowerPC-based computers with PCI slots, this control panel is replaced by the Monitors & Sound control panel.
Sound & Displays: A combined control panel that replaces the separate Sound and Monitors control panels. (In System 7.5.3, Sound & Displays is replaced with the Monitors & Sound control panel.) You can use this control panel to specify information about monitors attached to your computer (for example, monitor resolution, monitor bit depth, monitor arrangement, and so on). You can also use this control panel to specify information about other audiovisual equipment attached to your computer (for example, audio CD players, VCRs, video cameras, external speakers, and so on). Works on PowerPC-based computers with PCI slots.
Speech: You can set options for hearing text read aloud by the computer. If you have Speakable Items software and a PlainTalk-compatible microphone, you can set options for giving spoken commands to the computer. Works on all Macintosh 660AV and 840AV computers. Also works on all PowerPC-based AV computers.
Startup Disk: You can select the disk used to start up your computer. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
TCP/IP: You can specify TCP/IP settings for use with Apple’s Open Transport networking. When you install Open Transport, the Network and MacTCP control panels are replaced with the AppleTalk and TCP/IP control panels. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that support Open Transport.
Text: You can select from the text features for the script systems installed on your computer. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Trackpad: You can set how far the pointer moves when you move your finger on the trackpad, and how fast you double-click. Works on all Macintosh PowerBook 500/5000 models.
Users & Groups: You can specify who can access your computer’s hard disk when file sharing is turned on. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Views: You can customize how information is displayed in Finder windows. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
WindowShade: You can set whether to hide a window by clicking on its title bar. Works on all Mac OS–based computers that use System 7.5.
Apple, the Apple logo, ColorSync, LocalTalk, Macintosh, Macintosh Centris, Macintosh Quadra, MacTCP, PlainTalk, PowerBook, Power Macintosh, PowerTalk, and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Finder, Mac, and QuickDraw are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, used under license therefrom.
