LATE BREAKING NEWS…about using System Software Version 7.0
This document provides some tips for working with system software version 7.0. We recommend that you briefly review this document now and then print it out so that you can refer to it while you are using System 7.
Before you begin using System 7, make sure to use the Compatibility Checker in the stack called Before You Install System 7 (contained on this disk). The Compatibility Checker looks at your software and reports whether it is compatible with System 7.
Some of the following information may not apply to you, especially if you are new to the Macintosh. However, these tips may be valuable if you’re experiencing problems with System 7 or if you’re looking for ways to use System 7 more efficiently.
USING 400K FLOPPY DISKS
You can use files on 400K disks with System 7. You cannot rename the disk, and you cannot see folders on the disk.
STARTUP DOCUMENTS (INITs)
Startup documents, also called INITs, are system files that add special capabilities to your Macintosh. In System 7, these programs are called system extensions.
In System 7, these programs are usually stored in the new Extensions folder (inside the System Folder). However, some older versions may not work when they are stored in the Extensions folder.
During installation, INITs in your System Folder are NOT moved into the Extensions folder. After installation, INITs that you drag to the System Folder icon are automatically placed in the Extensions folder.
If you have trouble with your INITs when they are stored in the Extensions folder, try dragging them to the open System Folder window and restarting.
System extensions should not be stored in the Startup Items folder (inside the System Folder).
Note: If you suspect that a system extension is causing trouble, you can temporarily turn off all system extensions by holding down the Shift key while you start up your computer. Keep the Shift key down until you see the message “Extensions off.”
LOW MEMORY SYMPTOMS
Low memory problems may occur when you are working with several programs open, with a very large document, or with a complex file directory. If windows close suddenly, menus appear empty, desk accessories fail to open, and help balloons appear empty, you should quit all open programs and start over with fewer programs and documents. If you experience these problems frequently, you should consider adding more random access memory (RAM) to your system.
PRINTING FROM THE FINDER
You may not be able to print some documents from the Finder if the application program used to create them is already open.
USING BALLOON HELP
Dialog boxes in some programs may not update properly when you’re using Balloon Help.
SLOW PERFORMANCE
You may notice slow performance when you have file sharing turned on and you have selected Calculate Folder Sizes in the Views control panel. If a program’s performance has slowed or if the program seems to be stuck, try clicking in a window belonging to that program. For faster operation, turn off Calculate Folder Sizes in the Views control panel.
VIRUS CHECKING AND SECURITY PROGRAMS
Many virus-checking and security programs that were designed for System 6 need to be revised to work with System 7. Use the Compatibility Checker to make sure that your programs are compatible with System 7.
ERROR CODES
Most of the error codes from System 6 have been replaced with error descriptions in System 7, but some codes do remain. For instance, the error code 90 means that an application program requires a special floating-point math coprocessor, which can be purchased as an upgrade for some Macintosh models. Most error codes refer to problems that you cannot address yourself.
VIRTUAL MEMORY
Virtual memory does not work with the Macintosh Plus, SE, Classic, or Portable, even if you have added a coprocessor card.
When you turn on virtual memory, you can select the disk drive on which the VM Storage file is created. Virtual memory does not work if you select a removeable disk (such as a tape cartridge) for this file.
FONTS AND DESK ACCESSORIES
If you have fonts, sounds and desk accessories that are stored in suitcase icons, it’s best to open the suitcase and drag the icons out before using or installing them. In System 7 a suitcase can be opened like a folder.
When you drag a suitcase icon containing fonts or desk accessories to the System Folder, the fonts and desk accessories will be moved, and the suitcase will be deleted.
DO NOT drag a suitcase with sounds to the System Folder, System file, or another suitcase. If you do, all the sounds and the suitcase will be deleted. To install sounds, remove them from the suitcase and drag them to the System Folder icon.
System 7 does not recognize some older LaserWriter fonts. When you use the System 7 LaserWriter Font Utility program, these older fonts won’t be listed. You need to get the compatible versions to use with System 7.
FILE SHARING
You need to turn off file sharing before you can eject removeable mass storage devices, including tape cartridges and CD-ROM discs.
If you use a Personal LaserWriter SC or a LaserWriter IISC printer AND you turn on file sharing, it is possible, although unlikely, that you may experience a system crash while printing. For this to happen, someone else on your network would need to be copying a file to or from your Macintosh at the moment you print. You can prevent this problem by turning off file sharing before you print.
When file sharing is turned on, you cannot change the names or icons of your hard disks and shared folders.
ADOBE TYPE MANAGER
If you use Adobe Type Manager (ATM), you may have ATM versions of the TrueType fonts Helvetica, Times, Courier and Symbol that come with System 7. The Macintosh and the printer will use the TrueType fonts instead of the ATM fonts. If you prefer to use the ATM fonts, drag the TrueType fonts out of your System file.
APPLE PHONE SUPPORT for System 7
Apple has provided a System 7 Upgrade AnswerLine to help you plan your upgrade, install System 7, and solve any problems you may have when you upgrade. If you have purchased a System 7 Personal Upgrade Kit, you receive 90 days of toll-free upgrade assistance. Just call 1-900-535-APPL. If you did not purchase a kit, you can call the number at the rate of $2 per minute.
You can also listen to a recording of the most frequently asked questions about installing and using System 7. You pay only for the cost of the call to (408) 257-7700 in Cupertino, California.
