Denotes an Apple resourceMac OS X Frequently Asked Questions
Documents in this series:
In this document:
0. Important reference documents
1. What is Mac OS X?
2. Should I upgrade to Mac OS X?
3. How is Mac OS X different from previous versions of
Mac OS?
4. I've heard Mac OS X is based on UNIX. Do I have to
know UNIX to use Mac OS X?
5. What kind of Macintosh do I need to run Mac OS
X?
6. Can I use my existing Mac OS applications with Mac OS
X?
7. Can I use my existing peripherals with Mac OS
X?
8. Can I use my printer with Mac OS X?
9. Can I use my existing Internet connectivity with Mac
OS X?
10. Can I use AirPort wireless networking with Mac OS
X?
11. Can I use Mac OS X with Wireless WiscWorld?
12. Is there anything special to consider when
installing Mac OS X?
13. I have a question that was not answered
here.
0. Important reference documents
Denotes an Apple resource
|
Mac
OS X 10.2 Data Sheet |
|
|
A
Higher Ed IT Perspective on Mac OS X |
Mac OS X (pronounced Mac OS Ten) is part of Apple's new, advanced, next generation family of operating systems for Macintosh computers. It is the first completely new operating system for Macintosh computers since the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Mac OS X was created by teams at Apple, and is based on operating system technology Apple acquired in its purchase of NeXT Software in 1997. NeXT's advanced technology was enhanced and used as the open source core for Mac OS X, called Darwin. Apple then worked to improve many aspects of the operating system, added many features, and created an entirely new user interface called Aqua. Apple also added the capability for Mac OS X to run almost all existing Macintosh software, in addition to new applications developed especially for Mac OS X. Mac OS X sports the features of what is normally referred to as a 'modern' operating system: the ability to more easily perform multiple complex tasks at once (multitasking), advanced crash protection so poorly behaved software will not be able to crash the computer requiring a restart (protected memory), and support for multiple processors (symmetric multiprocessing). Mac OS X is based on UNIX, an industrial strength operating system most commonly used in server and research environments, the core of which is similar to the popular Linux operating system in many ways. UNIX has traditionally been thought of as complicated and only for computer experts or specialized tasks, but Apple has placed an easy-to-use graphical interface on top of the UNIX underpinnings, bringing the power, stability, and reliability of UNIX to the consumer market. Apple sees Mac OS X evolving and improving, eventually serving as their primary operating system family, carrying Apple into the future. Apple's goal was this: the power of UNIX, the simplicity of a Macintosh.
For more information, please refer to Apple's Mac OS X web page at http://www.apple.com/macosx/ or to the DoIT Apple Support Mac OS X Support Information page at http://apple.doit.wisc.edu/macosx/.
2. Should I upgrade to Mac OS X?
Please refer to the support document entitled Should I upgrade to Mac OS X? at http://apple.doit.wisc.edu/macosx/support/upgrade.html.
3. How is Mac OS X different from previous versions of Mac OS?
Mac OS X is completely different from previous versions of Mac OS, including Mac OS 9. Mac OS X includes a completely new user interface, called Aqua, that is similar to Mac OS in many ways, but also has many new features and different ways of doing things. If you are familiar with Mac OS, you should feel at home with Mac OS X right away. However, there are new and different ways of doing things such as accessing files, and editing your computer's network and other settings. Mac OS X is also based on UNIX, a powerful operating system family until now typically used in high-end applications. This new core, called Darwin, brings new levels of stability and reliability to the Macintosh. If a Mac OS X application crashes, it will not affect any other programs running on the computer and will not require you to restart. Mac OS X also better manages the way applications work simultaneously. If a program is performing a large task in the background, Mac OS X will allocate the correct amount of resources to it, while not interfering with other programs you may currently be using. Mac OS X, and its new Aqua interface, is designed to let you perform your tasks more easily, more efficiently, and more quickly.
Apple's document Welcome to Mac OS X, included on the Mac OS X CD and available at http://apple.doit.wisc.edu/macosx/pdf/Welcome_to_Mac_OS_X.pdf, covers most of the basic differences between Mac OS X and Mac OS 9, and provides a general introduction to Mac OS X. If you are a support provider, or a Macintosh power user, Introduction to Mac OS X for Support Providers at http://apple.doit.wisc.edu/macosx/pdf/Mac_OS_X_Intro_for_Support.pdf, gives a more extensive rundown of the differences with Mac OS X.
4. I've heard Mac OS X is based on UNIX. Do I have to know UNIX to use Mac OS X?
No. While the full power of UNIX is available for users who wish to access it, Mac OS X does not require you to know anything about UNIX in order to use it. Mac OS X provides a completely graphical interface for the entire operating system, including all configuration and settings, just like previous versions of Mac OS. However, power users or people already familiar with UNIX may enjoy access to the UNIX command line and services.
5. What kind of Macintosh do I need to run Mac OS X?
You need any of the following Macintosh computers:
You'll need a minimum of 128MB RAM, though 256MB is recommended; Apple-supplied video card(s) or most any ATI or nVidia video card(s); and 1.5GB of free hard disk space. Apple's document Read Before You Install Mac OS X, included on the Mac OS X CD and available at http://apple.doit.wisc.edu/macosx/pdf/Read_Before_You_Install.pdf, has more information.
6. Can I use my existing Mac OS applications with Mac OS X?
Yes. Mac OS X includes an environment called Classic, which lets almost the entire existing library of Macintosh applications run on Mac OS X seamlessly. No major problems have been encountered with most Macintosh software, but you should check with the manufacturer of your software about Mac OS X compatibility to be sure. Older applications that use Classic will not take advantage of all of Mac OS X's new features. Many software manufacturers will be upgrading their products to fully support Mac OS X in the near future; some already have released Mac OS X versions of their products, usually a free upgrade. Check with the software manufacturer for information about Mac OS X compatibility for their products.
7. Can I use my existing peripherals with Mac OS X?
While almost all older Macintosh applications will work with Mac OS X, some peripherals may not, or may not right away. Peripheral manufacturers need to provide explicit support for their devices under Mac OS X; until they do so, these devices will not work. Over the next few weeks and months, many hardware companies will be releasing Mac OS X support for their products. Common products for which many manufacturers have pledged Mac OS X support include most printers, scanners, cameras, CD recorders, etc. Some older peripherals that haven't been manufactured for some time may never be supported under Mac OS X. Check with the hardware manufacturer for information about Mac OS X compatibility for their products.
8. Can I use my printer with Mac OS X?
It depends. All network laser printers are automatically supported by Mac OS X. If you have a newer USB printer, chances are it is supported. Mac OS X comes with support for many popular USB inkjet printers from Epson, Canon, and HP, and more printers are becoming supported every day. Check with the printer manufacturer for information about Mac OS X compatibility for their products.
9. Can I use my existing Internet connectivity with Mac OS X?
Yes. While the University does not currently have a version of WiscWorld for Mac OS X, you can use Mac OS X with any existing University Internet services. A version of WiscWorld for Mac OS X will be released in the coming weeks. Check the DoIT Apple Support server for news on when WiscWorld for Mac OS X will be released.
10. Can I use AirPort wireless networking with Mac OS X?
Yes. AirPort wireless networking is fully supported by Mac OS X. The AirPort Admin Utility, required for configuring an AirPort Base Station, is included with Mac OS X 10.1 and newer.
11. Can I use Mac OS X with Wireless WiscWorld?
Yes!
12. Is there anything special to consider when installing Mac OS X?
Not really, but it is different from previous Mac OS upgrades. Please refer to the support document entitled Installing Mac OS X at http://apple.doit.wisc.edu/macosx/support/install.html for more information.
13. I have a question that was not answered here.
If you have a question or concern that was not addressed here, please look at the resources available on the DoIT Apple Support Mac OS X Support Information page at http://apple.doit.wisc.edu/macosx/, DoIT's Mac OS X Frequently Asked Questions (Advanced) at http://apple.doit.wisc.edu/macosx/support/faqa.html, or contact the DoIT Showroom by calling (608) 265-SHOW (7469), emailing showroom@doit.wisc.edu, or in person at 1150A Computer Science, 1210 West Dayton Street.
Document created by Dave Schroeder of
DoIT
(das@doit.wisc.edu)
09/05/2002.
Copyright 2002 Regents
of the University
of Wisconsin. All rights reserved.
http://apple.doit.wisc.edu/macosx/support/faq.html