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Troubleshooting the System Contents
This document describes the purpose of many different Apple files within the Macintosh "system folder", the folder from which the Mac operating system is built at startup time. The system folder holds components that create both user and application environments.
Descriptions are based primarily on System 7.5, Apple's current "reference release" of the Mac OS. We also include files installed by System 7.5 Update 1.0.
Use the Find feature of your Web browser to locate a particular item or browse through the document with the help of links below to major sections.
Apple Menu Items folder
Control Panels folder
Extensions folder
Finder files
Fonts folder
Launcher Items folder
Preferences folder
Shutdown Items folder
Startup Items folder
System file
system enablers
System 7.5 Changes
System 7.5 Update 1.0
Terms and Abbreviations
Document History
This folder contains all the programs and aliases that appear under the pull-down Apple icon on the left side of the menubar. The Apple Menu Options control panel adds hierarchical, sub-menus.
New additions to the Apple Menu Items folder in System 7.5 include:
Stickies
application which posts small notes. Launch automatically at
startup. Print or mail memos with Drag and Drop. Easter Egg:
Type Antler! (exactly like that) and then hit return.
Stickies may crash when launched if its windows were collapsed and saved. Fix: leave Stickies windows expanded or upgrade to version 1.0.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0.
new Scrapbook
now allows change of the size and dimensions of the Scrapbook.
More information displayed for each item, including duration of
sounds. Change background pattern by pressing option key in
Desktop Patterns control panel. Drag and Drop savvy.
new Note Pad
now resizable, scrollable text area on each page, configurable
font and size (for entire Note Pad only), supports printing, find
text (by page or entire Note Pad), Drag and Drop savvy, and odd
click sound when turning a page. Notes may now be as large as
32K (each page is called a "note.") Tip: click on the page number
to bring up the Go To Page box.
new Jigsaw Puzzle
larger and more options than old slider Puzzle DA. Allows new
picture to be pasted in from clipboard. Supports Drag & Drop.
Use open command to import PICT files. "Watch" cursor is cute
jigsaw pieces. Sound reported to conflict with Suitcase
versions earlier than 2.1.4p3.
Version 1.0.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, claims to fix Suitcase problem.
Find File
finds files in the Finder based on as many as twelve independent
criteria simultaneously. Now searches for folder attributes, file
type and file creator, but no longer searches for versions by the
criteria "is before" and "is after."
Hold down option key to see additional criteria at bottom of popup menu: contents, name/icon lock, visibility, and custom icon. Tip: drag any file from the desktop onto the Find File window to have the criteria automatically entered into every visible criterion.
Any row of criterion settings can removed by option-dragging it to the Trash.
In the Items Found window, the File menu now contains options to Open Item, Open Enclosing Folder, Print Item, Sharing, and Get Info. Double clicking directly on an item, even in the path window, opens or launches it. Shift-selecting discontiguous items is permitted. Found items can be dragged to the Finder, and all drag and drop operations are supported; for instance, drag a found file onto an appropriate application.
Info about found items can be obtained by dragging items into open document window of drag-aware text editors. Option-dragging adds extra info. The format is Tab-delimited, Return terminated.
Useful Find File Key-Commands:
- Cmd-M More Choices
- Cmd-R Fewer Choices
- Cmd-O Open Item
- Cmd-E Open Enclosing Folder
- Cmd-P Print Item
- Cmd-I Get Info
Use Command-Shift-F if you need to run the old, pre-7.5 Find File and use command-shift- G to Find Again with the old Find File.
Version 1.1.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, improves handling of restricted-access disks and now works with Worldscript.
Clipboard
temporary storage place for last item cut or copied.
Apple Menu Options
enables hierarchical Apple Menu submenus (including Control Panels
folder), turns on submenu listing recent documents, applications,
and servers, and sets the number of recently used items displayed.
Items in the Apple Menu and its submenus are displayed
alphabetically.
Version 1.0 is reported to cause conflicts with many third-party extensions, including crashes with DiskTop versions earlier than 4.5.2. It also has a bug that makes menus drop off the left of the menu bar. It can also hurt performance and drain batteries faster on PowerBooks.
Version 1.0.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, claims to fix many bugs, but some performance issues remain. Installation resets all settings to default values.
ATM GX
Adobe Type Manager for QuickDraw GX (see glossary). Version 3.7
ships with System 7.5; version 3.8 is the first native PowerPC
version. Reported to cause Norton Disk Doctor to falsely report
hard drive directory problems. Version 3.8.1 is now available.
Adobe Acrobat Reader requires some version of ATM to function, and
comes with a limited ATM Lite to use when no regular version is
available.
Auto Power On/Off
sometimes referred to, but not the same as, CPU Energy Saver.
Shuts down the Mac after a specified idle time, at a specified
time daily, on specified days of the week, or on a specified
date. Also sets specific conditions to prevent automatic shutdown:
shared disk, busy serial port, busy pointer, or sound playing.
Only works with Macintosh IIsi, IIvx, IIvi, Color Classic, Color
Classic II, LC 630, LC 520, LC 550, Quadra 630, Quadra 840AV,
and all later models. See CPU Energy Saver. New for System 7.5.
AutoRemounter
remounts file servers that were connected when the system went to
sleep. Also allows sleep without the dialog warning about losing
network services. (Only for PowerBooks. All later versions of
AutoRemounter will work on the PowerBook 100, 140, 145, and 170) .
No apparent changes for System 7.5.
Brightness
adjusts screen brightness for Macs with software brightness
control such as the Classic and Classic II. No apparent changes
for System 7.5.
Button Disabler
disables sound volume or brightness buttons on the front of the
Macintosh 500 or Performa 500 series to prevent tampering. New for
System 7.5.
Cache Switch
enables or disables 68040 processor caching for compatibility
with some older applications. For 68040 and 680LC40-based Macs
only. This setting is stored in PRAM. No apparent changes for
System 7.5.
Color
sets the color of text highlighting and window borders. This
setting is stored in the control panel file itself. No
apparent changes for System 7.5, but see new Color Picker
extension, below.
CloseView
magnifies images on the display to provide easier viewing for
people with poor eyesight. (Not for PowerMacs; incompatible
with virtual memory). No apparent changes for System 7.5.
ColorSync System Profile
assigns a color profile to your monitor to help in matching color
between printers, monitors and scanners. (See ColorSync extension
and glossary.)
CPU Energy Saver
switches off Quadras or PowerMacs at set times or after up to
twelve hours of idle time. To use on other soft-power-on Mac II
models, use ResEdit to delete the 'mach' resource. See also
AutoPower On/Off
Date & Time
configures formatting and sets the date and time of the system.
Also sets time zone, turns on daylight savings time, and
configures the Menubar Clock (control-click on menu bar battery
indicator from Date & Time puts PowerBook to sleep.) (Turning on
menubar clock causes Adobe Illustrator to crash when printing to
LaserWriter IISC. Installing System 7.5 over existing menu-bar
clock, such as SuperClock, can lead to strange clock behavior.)
Includes international choices, & time zone setting corresponds
with Map control panel. Settings are stored in PRAM but are saved
and restored automatically when PRAM is reset. Changed for
System 7.5.
Desktop Patterns
changes the patterns and colors of the desktop background. Larger
and more interesting patterns than pre-7.5.
Click button or double click on pattern to install a pattern. Left-arrow and right-arrow steps through patterns. Remove patterns with Cut, Clear, or Delete. New patterns may be pasted in directly from the clipboard or from Drag and Drop clippings. Hold option key to allow control panel to set background patterns in system utilities including Find File and Scrapbook. New for System 7.5.
Easy Access
eases keyboard use for handicapped users and provides keyboard
equivalents for mouse movements. Provides ability to press
combination keys one at a time, ability to move pointer using
numeric keypad, and ability to set typing speed with audible
response. To activate, press shift key five times. To deactivate,
press shift five times, then press any two modifier keys
simultaneously. Audible whistle indicates on/off and an icon appears
in the upper right corner. No apparent changes for System 7.5.
Extensions Manager
controls which extensions and control panels will load at startup.
Also allows sets of extensions and control panels to be defined
and selected. Very useful for tracking down extension conflicts.
(EM Extension, below, allows Extensions Manager to be called up at
the beginning of the startup process.) Newly bundled with System
7.5.
File Sharing Monitor
shows who is connected to a Mac while File Sharing is active. No
apparent changes for System 7.5.
General Controls
sets these system parameters:
- Hide/Show the Desktop while in other applications;
- Show Launcherwindow at startup;
- Turn on Shut Down Warning, which alerts the user at startup that the last shutdown was improper -- user should check the trash for a Rescued Items folder;
- Protect contents of System folder or Applications Folder from being changed or removed -- selecting Protect Applications folder will automatically create an Applications folder on the Desktop;
- Set insertion point blink rate (no changes for System 7.5);
- Set menu selection blink (no changes for System 7.5);
- Set the default folder to appear in Open and Save dialog boxes -- choose from application folder, last folder used in that application, or document folder on the desktop -- selecting document folder will automatically create a Documents folder on the desktop.
Most or all of these settings are stored in PRAM. Some new functions from the Performa series have been included with System 7.5, and the new version changes the default directory behavior in file-opening and file-saving dialogs. Desktop Patterns has been spun off as a separate control panel.
You can avoid various problems by moving this control panel to the Control Panels (Disabled) folder; it will still work to change PRAM settings there, but it won't run its "INIT" code at startup time. Version 7.5.3, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, has additional incompatibilities with several programs.
The Folder Locking option does not provide any real protection and it is incompatible
Keyboard
sets the repeat rate and delay before repeat for the keyboard.
Selects keyboard layout from among international choices. No
apparent changes for System 7.5. Command-option-spacebar
changes the keyboard layout without notice. Fix: open System
file and delete all but one keyboard layout, or update to version
7.5.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, which includes
checkbox to toggle shortcuts and ships with the shortcut turned
off by default.
Labels
sets the color and text of Finder labels, storing settings in System file.
No apparent changes for System 7.5, but see new Color Picker extension.
Launcher
displays single-click buttons in a floating window which launch
applications and documents. Configure by placing aliases to any
applications, files, or folders in the Launcher Items folder in
the system folder. General Controls control panel, above, includes
a check box to turn on automatic display of the Launcher window at
startup. Formerly included only with Performas, and now
incorporated into System 7.5.
New version 2.7, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, adds drag and drop support and other minor features. Drag item into Launcher window to add, option-drag out to remove. Drag a file onto a Launcher application icon to open the file in that application.
MacTCP
allows Macintosh computers to configure and connect to
TCP/IP-based network services, whether they are on local-area
networks, such as Ethernet, or dial-up connections, such as PPP
and SLIP. Settings are stored in this file itself.
Version 2.0.6, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, is compatible with the most recent versions of Unix domain name servers, unlike Version 2.0.4. Installing System 7.5 Update 1.0 may delete all settings of earlier versions; save the MacTCP Prep file to retain those settings.
Macintosh Easy Open
turns on and configures automatic document translation, which
enables documents to be opened in the absence of the original
creator application. Especially helpful for opening PC-based
documents on the Mac. New for System 7.5. If your desktop rebuilds
at every startup, restart with all extensions disabled except this
one, perform a desktop rebuild, then restart normally. (See also
PC Exchange below.)
Version 1.1.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, improves drag and drop operation and fixes copy/paste on Macs with PC card. Reported to be linked with a delay in Finder dragging.
MacLink Plus Setup
configures MacLink Plus Translators for Categories: Languages,
Graphic Clipboard, PCX Color Output, or Drawing Size; and for
Preference: Multinational or choice of languages.
Map
provides a reference to location and time for certain cities and
sets geographical location in the Mac's PRAM. Tip: Copy color map
from Scrapbook and paste into Map. No apparent changes for
System 7.5.
Memory
sets the disk cache size, enables and sets the size of Virtual
Memory, turns on 32-bit addressing, and configures the RAM Disk.
(Easter Egg: turn on virtual memory, hold option, click on Select
Hard Disk pop-up menu.) Addressing and disk cache size are stored
in PRAM (defaults are cache: 96k, addressing:32-bit), Virtual
Memory setting is stored in this control panel file. Hold command
key at startup to disable virtual memory. No apparent changes for
System 7.5.
Monitors
sets number of displayed colors or shades of gray and location of
menu bar on multiple monitors. (Hold option key to display and
change startup monitor.) Also allows certain PowerBook models to
change screen size to allow for greater bit-depth (e.g., allows
thousands of colors on Duo 270c or 280c at 640 by 400 or 256
colors at 640 by 480). Now allows resolution changes on the fly
rather than requiring restart for some models (e.g. Power Macs).
Hold Option key while clicking in Options button to see additional
screen resolution choices or gamma (contrast) settings.
Version 7.5.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, may provide more resolution options on certain models, including some Quadra 700Os.
Mouse
sets the tracking and double-click speed of the mouse. No apparent
changes for System 7.5.
Network
selects among protocols (e.g. Ethernet, LocalTalk or Remote AppleTalk)
over which to run AppleTalk. No apparent changes for System 7.5.
Numbers
sets the format of numerical data display for different national
conventions: type of decimal, thousands separator, currency
symbol.
PC Exchange
allows DOS-formatted floppies, SyQuest disks, Bernoulli disks, and
other removables to be mounted on the Macintosh desktop.
Applications can be linked to DOS documents through the DOS suffix
and automatically launched with a double-click. Newly bundled with
System 7.5.
Version 2.0.3, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, adds unknown changes.
PC Setup
configures the 610 PC Card; only for the Centris and Quadra 610
(control panel is missing from some earlier upgrades). Version 1.0.2, included
with System 7.5 Update 1.0, is too old to work with current Mac DOS Compatibles.
If installed on a Mac Plus, Classic,
Portable, or PowerBook 100, PC Setup can cause a crash.
Power Macintosh Card
allows selection of processor in 68040 Macs in which the Power Mac
Upgrade Card has been installed. Requires full shut down for switch.
PowerBook
allows control of hard drive spin-down delay, system sleep delay,
display dimming delay, processor cycling, and, on certain machines,
reduced processor speed. Settings allow for manual or automatic
control of conservation features depending on battery or AC power.
No apparent changes for System 7.5.
PowerBook Display
turns on Video Mirroring, which displays an identical screen in
the internal and external monitors (useful for presentations). No
apparent changes for System 7.5.
PowerBook Setup
sets SCSI ID number for PowerBook SCSI Disk Mode (all but
PowerBook 140, 145, 145b, 170), and sets Automatic Wakeup time and
date for some PowerBook models and Wake on Ring on others. Also
defines some settings for internal modems.
PowerTalk Setup
turns on Collaboration Services, configures Key Chain locking, and
opens Key Chain. (see PowerTalk in glossary.)
Screen
controls the brightness and contrast of Macs with built-in monitor.
Serial Switch
provides compatibility (on Macintosh IIfx and Quadra 950 only) for some
applications that use the printer or modem port. Serial port option is
either Faster or More Compatible. Many applications that use the serial
ports fail unless "More compatible" is selected.
Sharing Setup
configures File Sharing and enters the network name for your
Macintosh.
Bug: If AppleTalk is turned off while File Sharing is on, this control panel will mistakenly indicate that File Sharing is still on.
Sound
selects an alert sound and volume to replace the default beep,
selects a device for sound input and for sound output, and sets the
volume of each device. Now allows independent setting of beep and
other sounds, and adds a check box to mute each device
independently.
To avoid system alert sound problems on the 660AV and 840AV, keep Alert Volume turned all the way up and use Built-in system volume setting to adjust sound.
Speech Setup
(for 660AV, 840AV and Power Macintosh models only)
Enables speech recognition and configures 'name' of computer, voice,
character, responding method, and other controls.
Startup Disk
selects the SCSI ID on which Mac will look for a system folder to start up.
Note: cannot distinguish between
partitions of one SCSI device. This setting is stored in PRAM. If
you click on a blank area to deselect all disks, the Mac will start
from the highest-numbered SCSI ID. No apparent changes for System 7.5.
Text
selects text script and behavior (country), which affects sort
order and case conversion.
Trackpad
configures trackpad behavior in the PowerBook 500 series.
Users & Groups
configures network access to hard drive when File Sharing is
enabled. No apparent changes for System 7.5.
Views
selects icon size, staggered or straight icon view with snap-to-grid option,
icon used for list view, and choice of display of folder sizes,
disk info in window header, size, kind, label, date, version, and
comments. Using smallest icons will provide best Finder
performance. Avoid "Calculate folder sizes" to prevent performance problems,
especially on networked Macs.
Views is the only control panel that is AppleScriptable. There are no
apparent changes for System 7.5.
WindowShade
configures a new feature which rolls windows up into a title bar by
clicking on the title bar. Changes number of clicks required,
modifier keys, and enables cute window shade sound. Hidden "about"
box displayed by clicking on picture of mouse button in
WindowShade window. New for System 7.5.
Version 1.3.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, fixes low-memory crash bug.
040 VM Update
Fixes freezes on some 68040 Macs when virtual memory is on.
630 SCSI Update
Fixes freezes on the 630-series Macs occurring during large block
transfers, such as when backing up to tape.
!TYC
Earlier version of extension later called !PowerAV Update; patches
a problem with Power Mac AV models driving Apple's 21-inch monitor.
PowerAV Update
Patches a problem with Power Mac AV models driving Apple's 21-inch
monitor. (Later version of extension first called TYC)
EM Extension
Permits the startup process to be interrupted by pressing the
space bar so that Extensions Manager can be used to change the
extensions which will load. See Extensions Manager control panel.
A/ROSE
Needed only for specialized hardware, it allows communication
between the Macintosh main logic board and Macintosh Coprocessor
Platform (MCP)-based NuBus cards which run the Apple Real-Time
Operating System, such as Apple's short Ethernet Nubus card.
About Apple Guide
Guide file which provides information about Apple Guide. In the
Finder, select About Apple Guide under the question mark icon in
the upper right corner of the screen.
Apple CD-ROM
Driver software that lets applications communicate with Apple
CD-ROM hardware. Does not support third-party CD-ROM drives.
Note: only the System 7.5 CD-ROM that ships with PowerPC Macs
can be used as a startup volume, and then only from Apple CD-ROM
drives. Get Version 5.0.1 or newer to support CD300 Plus drives.
To startup from CD-ROM on any Power Macintosh or Macintosh 630
family (Performa 630, Performa 635, Performa 636, Performa 637,
Performa 638, LC 630, and Quadra 630), hold down the letter c key
(lower-case only) during startup.
Apple Guide
Apple's interactive and context-sensitive help system. (Balloon
Help is now being touted as useful for identifying objects on the
screen). Guide help appears under the new question mark icon that
replaces the Balloon Help icon in the upper right menu bar. It is
only available in those applications which provide a Guide Help
file. New for System 7.5.
Version 1.2.5, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, runs native on Power Macs and is now compatible with At Ease. Power Macs may have trouble running some Apple Guide databases. Fix: trash PowerBook Guide Additions (found in extensions folder); unless your Mac is a PowerMac AV model, trash Video Guide Additions, Video Player Additions, Speech Guide Additions; then restart.
Apple Multimedia Tuner
Improves performance and fixes minor problems for QuickTime 2.0.
Available only separately from System 7.5 or System 7.5 Update 1.0
Apple Photo Access
CD-ROM software which allows viewing of Kodak PhotoCD images.
Requires Foreign File Access extension and appropriate CD-ROM
driver such as Apple CD-ROM.
AppleScriptLib
Shared library which provides native-code AppleScript support,
required only by PowerMacs. See also AppleScript.
AppleScript
Scripting environment allows for automation of repetitive tasks
within and between scriptable applications. Apple Event Manager,
for support of scripting components other than AppleScript, is
now built in. The Finder is finally scriptable in System 7.5, but
the Finder Scripting Extension is required.
AppleShare
Allows access to network server volumes through the Chooser.
AppleTalk ImageWriter
Printer driver for an old, networked ImageWriter printer.
Audio CD Access
CD-ROM extension which allows audio CDs to be played through an
internal or external CD-ROM drive. Requires the AppleCD Audio
Player application, usually found under the Apple Menu, or a third
party replacement, as well as appropriate CD-ROM driver software,
such as Apple CD-ROM, and the Foreign File Access extension.
Assistant Toolbox
Adds special PowerBook features:
Enables Apple File Assistant to perform automatic file synchronization, i.e., the reconciliation of different versions of files between two Macs; Enables f-key command-shift-0 to sleep the system; Enables f-key command-control-shift-0 to sleep the hard drive; Enables "persistent RAM disk," which automatically saves contents of the RAM disk to the hard drive on shut down and restores contents on startup; Enables deferred printing, to automatically print a file when a PowerBook is connected to a printer (Note: Has a conflict with the Select 310 printer driver. Workaround: turn off background printing; not compatible with Quickdraw GX); Enables deferred sending of e-mail until reconnected to a network; Automatically reconnects newly available hard disks when woken from sleep. New for System 7.5.
Note: Assistant Toolbox is not listed in the installerOs Custom Install options, and thus cannot be installed onto a PowerBook in SCSI Disk mode.
AV Serial Extension
Fixes Quadra 660AV serial printing problems
Caps Lock
Enables display of an up arrow in the menu bar to indicate that the
caps lock key is active. Intended for PowerBooks, which don't have
a locking caps lock key.
Catalogs Extension
Supports Catalogs under PowerTalk (see glossary).
Version 1.1.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, fixes out-
of-memory bug.
Clipping Extension
Enables Drag & Drop to the Finder desktop, so selections in
Drag and Drop savvy applications can be dragged onto the desktop
to create "clippings" files. Note that Drag and Drop within or between
savvy applications such as SimpleText, Scrapbook, and Notepad works
whether or not this extension is loaded, but you'll need it to drag
to or from the desktop.
Color Picker
Sets color used in various system items, e.g., appears when
"Other" is chosen in Color control panel or when a color is
double-clicked in the Labels control panel. Now allows choice of
two methods (via More Choices button) -- HSL (for Hue, Saturation,
Lightness), similar to the old Color Picker, and RGB (for Red,
Green, Blue). Use Tab to cycle through options.
ColorSync
Provides support for a system of matching colors among monitors,
printers and scanners. Relies on the ColorSync Profiles folder
inside the Preferences folder. Set color type of monitor with
ColorSync System Profile control panel.
EtherTalk Phase 2
Allows connection to an Ethernet network.
Fax Terminal 7.5 Compatibility
Extension included with Express Modem Software 1.5.4 which fixes incompatibility between System 7.5 and Express Modem Fax Terminal software.
File Sharing Extension
Permits sharing of folders and disk volumes on an AppleTalk
network without requiring the full AppleShare server package.
Version 7.6.1, included with System 7.5 Update, improves overall performance and now automatically shares removables except audio CDs; also allows ejecting removables without turning off file sharing.
Find File Extension
Enables command-F to launch the new, enhanced Find File desk
accessory (and has no other apparent purpose). Without the
extension loaded, the new Find File can be selected from the Apple
Menu, and command-F brings up the old pre-7.5 Find File. With the
extension loaded, Command-shift F launches the old Find File, and
Command-shift-G finds again.
Unknown changes in 1.1.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0.
Finder Help
Provides support for Balloon Help for the Finder.
Finder Scripting Extension
Provides support for scripting of the Finder; works with Finder
7.1.3 and later. Enables some features in the new Find File,
e.g., dragging a found file's icon to the trash or new location.
Versions 1.2 and later fix conflict with QuicKeys.
Foreign File Access
CD-ROM translator allows non-Macintosh CDs such as ISO 9660,
audio, High Sierra and PhotoCD formats to be mounted on the Mac
desktop. Also allows, with the use of an audio DA utility, the
control of audio CDs in a CD-ROM player.
High Sierra File Access
CD-ROM software which, in conjunction with Foreign File Access,
allows mounting of non-Macintosh CDs created in the High Sierra
format.
IIci/IIsi Monitors
Hardware specific information for the Monitor Control Panel that
describes the capabilities of the built in Video Card for the IIci
and IIsi.
Removing this file has no effect on the ability of the Macintosh to use the built-in video or the ability to select the bit depth, but options that are found in the 'option' section of the Monitor Control Panel may not be available (gamma settings, for example).
ImageWriter
Allows printing to ImageWriter printers.
InLineFilter
Helps AppleScript and PlainTalk work together. (see glossary)
ISO 9660 File Access
CD-ROM software which, in conjunction with Foreign File Access,
allows mounting of non-HFS (Mac hierarchical file system) CDs
created in the ISO 9660 format. Version 5.0.2 ships with System
7.5 and fixes several bugs.
LaserWriter 8
LaserWriter version 8 print drivers are a substantial upgrade over
earlier LaserWriter software, supporting PostScript Level 2
printers. Version 8.2 fixes some bugs, but has problems on some
multi-zone networks. Version 8.2.2 fixes the multi-zone bugs;
this version is available separately from Apple. Adobe's
PSprinter 8.2.1, also fixes the problem. LaserWriter 8.3 introduces
Desktop PrintMonitor, which puts printer icons on the desktop via
the Desktop PrintMonitor.
LaserWriter 8.2 is included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, whose installation may replace your custom Printer Definitions files or add redundant copies of files you already have and remove the LaserWriter 8 Prefs file, requiring resetting prefs in the Chooser.
It makes sense to acquire and install LaserWriter 8.2.2 or LaserWriter 8.3 instead of the LaserWriter 8.2 shipped in System 7.5 Update 1.0
This file may be trashed if you never plan to print on a LaserWriter.
MacinTalk Pro
Allows a Macintosh computer to read text documents in human-like
voices. Requires voices in a folder titled "Voices" in the
extensions folder and an application such as SimpleText which can
use it.
Macintosh Guide
AppleGuide database describing how to do various tasks in
the Macintosh user environment.
MacTCP Token Ring Extension
For customers who have standardized on TCP/IP over Token Ring.
Mailbox Extension
Provides Mailbox support under PowerTalk (see glossary).
MathLib
Boosts performance of math operations on Power Macintoshes.
Updated with System 7.5 Update 1.0. Uselessly installed on
some non-PowerMac models.
My Speech Macros
Support for Speech Macro Editor
Network Extension
Used by Personal File Sharing to select network options.
ObjectSupportLib
This shared library (PowerMac only) provides services to allow
applications to send and receive Apple Events that conform to the
"object model."
Personal LaserWriter SC
Allows printing on Personal LaserWriter printers.
PowerBook Guide Additions
AppleGuide database describing PowerBook-related topics.
PowerBook Monitors Extension
Hardware specific information for the Monitor Control Panel that
describes the capabilities of the video system for the PowerBooks.
Removing this file will have no effect on the ability of the Macintosh to use the built-in video or the ability to select the bit depth, but options that are found in the 'option' section of the Monitor Control Panel may no be available (gamma settings, for example).
PowerPC Finder Update
Provides support for native PowerPC code on Power Macs, but does
not make the Finder itself native. The extension changes Get Info
to alert users to the memory savings possible when using virtual
memory on Power Macs.
Replaced by Finder Update 1.1, part of System 7.5 Update 1.0.
PowerPC Monitors Extension
Support for unique AudioVision 14 Monitor on PowerMacs.
PowerTalk Extension
Provides support for the PowerTalk services (see glossary). Also
contains information used by the keychain.
PowerTalk Manager
More PowerTalk support (see glossary).
PowerTalk Guide
AppleGuide database describing PowerTalk (see glossary).
PowerTalk Manager
Provides management of the PowerTalk Mailbox and services
(see glossary).
Printer Descriptions
Folder containing PostScript Printer Descriptions (PPDs) for
individual printers; used by the LaserWriter 8 drivers. PPDs
for printers never used may be trashed.
Printer Share
Gives non-networked printers (e.g. StyleWriter II) the ability to
be shared across network through the connected Mac, which works as
a print server.
PrintMonitor
Handles the printing process when Background Printing is enabled.
(Not really an extension, but an application -- the only one in the
extensions folder!)
Quadra AV Monitors Extension
Hardware specific information for the Monitor Control Panel that
describes the capabilities of the built-in video for the Quadra &
Centris AV systems
Removing this file will have no effect on the ability of the Macintosh to use the built-in video card or the ability to select the bit depth, but options that are found in the 'option' section of the Monitor Control Panel may no be available (gamma settings, for example).
Quadra Monitors Extension
Hardware specific information for the Monitor Control Panel that
describes the capabilities of the built-in video for the Quadra &
Centris Computers.
Removing this file will have no effect on the ability of the Macintosh to use the built-in video card or the ability to select the bit depth, but options that are found in the 'option' section of the Monitor Control Panel may no be available (gamma settings, for example).
QuickTime
Allows a QuickTime movie player, such as MoviePlayer, or any
QuickTime-ready application to play QuickTime movies. Also
supports still-image compression and other functions. New version
2.0 is faster and allows for larger movies. Get Apple Multimedia
Tuner 2.0.1 or later to improve performance and fix some problems.
QuickTime PowerPlug
Power Macintosh native-code support for QuickTime; dramatically
improves compression performance on Power Macs.
QuickTime Musical Instruments
Provides musical sound synthesizers to play embedded MIDI tracks
in QuickTime movies. Supports 30 Roland Standard MIDI sound
samples. MIDI files must be first set to file type Midi (exactly
like that) then opened in any movie playing application. Tip:
Hold control key to turn frame advance button into speed control.
Record Button
Permits the recording of a sound via the Apple Adjustable Keyboard.
Must first open the Sound control panel and click on the Add button.
Extension provides the same functionality that the AV series and
Power Macintosh contain in ROM.
Serial Tool
Modem Tool file for PowerTalk Direct Dialup Mail (see glossary).
Scripting Additions
Folder that contains Scripting Additions files, which extend the
capabilities of the AppleScript language. Also contains
Dialects, representations of AppleScript that resemble human
languages, e.g. English or French.
SCSI Manager
This new system software changes disk operations
for higher throughput in some circumstances with Quadras and
Centrises. Versions of this software are also built into the ROMs of AV Macs,
Power Macs and Macs with PowerPC upgrade cards. You should never run
this software without updating your disk drives and peripherals with compatible
driver software.
Version 4.3 of the extension can cause problems on Quadras with optical drives and is also incompatible with some disk arrays and can cause data corruption with Quadra AV models. It has compatibility problems with 630-series Macs upgraded with PowerPC cards.
We recommend avoiding SCSI Manager 4.3 entirely. Hold down the Shift key on startup to bypass the extension on the first System 7.5 restart, then remove the file. This may be especially important on Quadra 900/950 models.
Version 4.3.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, claims to fix some of these problems.
Shared Library Manager
This extension supports a few programs that use
its features for loading, unloading and sharing object-oriented
code modules in library files similar to "DLL's" in Microsoft Windows.
Shortcuts
AppleGuide database describing Finder shortcuts.
Speech Guide Additions
Addition to AppleGuide regarding speech. Only useful on AV Macs.
Speech Manager 1.3
Allows users to change voices when using the text to speech
feature of PlainTalk. Included with System 7.5 Update 1.0 as
well as the full System 7.5 package, but not on the System 7.5
Upgrade disks.
Speech Recognition
Provides support for Speech recognition on certain Macs (AV and
Power Mac models with PlainTalk microphones)
SR Monitor
Extension used to monitor and interpret speech on AV and Power Mac
models with PlainTalk microphone.
StyleWriter II
Allows printing to StyleWriter I and II. You may trash if you never
print to a StyleWriter.
System Speech Rules
Part of speech-recognition software on AV and Power Mac models
with PlainTalk microphones.
ThreadsLib
Provides additional information for Power Macintosh developers.
Updated with System 7.5 Update 1.0.
TokenTalk Phase 2
Network support for Token Ring card.
TokenTalk Prep
Support for TokenTalk Phase II.
Video Guide Additions
AppleGuide addition describing Video. Only useful for AV Macs.
Video Player Guide Additions
AppleGuide addition describing Video Player. Only useful for AV Macs.
WorldScript Power Adapter
Support for Language Kits on Power Macintosh.
The Finder provides the Mac's unique desktop interface to the file system. The Finder is AppleScript-capable in Version 7.5, via the Finder Scripting extension, but it is still not native PowerPC code. System 7.5 improved file-copying speeds, adds other Finder enhancements such as highlighting the window to which a copy is being dragged and command-M command key for Make Alias.
System 7.5 Update 1.0 installs Finder version 7.5.1, changes unknown, and Finder Update extension 1.1, effects unknown.
The following Finder settings are stored in the Finder Preferences file, located in the Preferences folder:
- Font used for Finder views
- Icon alignment settings
- Icon list view settings
- Trash Can warning on/off setting
Finder Update
Finder Update 1.1, an extension included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, has changes and purpose unknown, but it replaces the PowerPC Finder Update extension.
This folder contains font files. The Fonts folder is limited to a total of 128 TrueType and bit-mapped font suitcase files. PostScript outline font files are not included in the 128-file limit. One font suitcase file can hold an unlimited number of fonts, as long as 16MB of disk space is not exceeded.
Contains files, folders, applications, or aliases of them which will appear in the Launcher window (see Launcher control panel).
MacTCP DNR
This Internet Domain Name Resolver file caches information about what numeric Internet addresses go with what Internet domain names. If you experience problems resolving Internet domain names, you can delete this file at will - it will be recreated - and this often helps fix problems.
Note Pad File
Contains the text stored within the Note Pad desk accessory.
This folder contains configuration settings for a great many programs, including Apple's. It also contains a variety of other third-party files. Crashes and freezes can be often be traced to corrupted preferences files, and replacing them can solve the problem.
AppleMail Letterheads folder
Contains letterhead files for PowerTalk. (see glossary)
ColorSync Profiles
Files that specify a monitor's color characteristics
(see glossary)
DigiSign Preferences
Settings for PowerTalk digital signature (see glossary).
Users & Groups Data File
Used by file sharing
PrintMonitor Documents folder
Folder containing files to be printed with Background Printing enabled. After the print job has been completed, the system software removes the temporary files.
Recent Documents, Recent Applications, Recent Servers folders Used by Apple Menu Options to store aliases of recently used documents, applications and servers for easy access via the Apple Menu's submenus.
Version 1.0.1, included with System 7.5 Update 1.0, adds non-Appleshare servers to the Recent Servers submenu.
Scrapbook File
Holds information stored in the Scrapbook.
Contains applications or scripts to be executed when the computer is shut down. Scripts in the startup or shutdown items folders will only run when saved as an application. Only works when Shut Down is chosen from the Special menu or, as of System 7.5 Update 1.0, when shutdown is triggered by DuoDock eject button; choosing Shut Down from the Apple menu bypasses these items.
Selecting Shut Down launches a new DA in the Apple Menu Items folder. The DA can, of course, be moved and used in other ways.
Folder containing applications or scripts to be executed at startup. Scripts in the startup or shutdown items folders will only run when saved as an application.
This file is the Macintosh operating system itself, containing code and resources, such as menus, used by virtually all applications.
Double-click to install or remove keyboard layouts and sounds. System 7.5 doubles the supported volume size (but not file size) from 2 gigabytes to 4 gigabytes, adds telephone manager system architecture to support future telephone technologies, incorporates Thread Manager, which allows individual applications to perform intra-application pre-emptive multitasking.
System 7.5 is seriously incompatible with the old Apple 32-bit enablers and the old Mode32 (it corrupts resources). Use only the new Mode32 7.5 with System 7.5. Apple distributes it free.
System enablers are very special files that provide "glue" code to allow the Mac OS to run on a variety of different Mac hardware models. System Enabler files must be in your System Folder, not in any subfolder. If you drag a System Enabler onto your System Folder icon, Finder 7 will put it in the correct place.
You can have any or all system enablers in your System Folder at once; an enabler will have no effect unless the Macintosh you are using requires that specific enabler, and the Mac will automatically load the newest when it finds several versions of the same enabler. The only way to disable an enabler is to remove it from the system folder. A Macintosh that requires a system enabler will not start up without it.
System 7.5 incorporates within the System file a "universal enabler" that supersedes earlier, separate enabler files. Models from the Power Macintosh 8100/110 on, however, require still-newer enablers, plus other updates, such as a new Finder version 7.1.5, HD SC Setup, and PowerPC Finder Update.
System 7.5 Update is a unique enabler file that supersedes earlier, post-System 7.5 enablers. Aside from providing glue code for new hardware, it patches system 7.5 to add a great many bug fixes and enhancements. It also makes the About This Macintosh dialog read "System Software 7.5.1".
The following are no longer included as distinct files with System 7.5:
Alarm Clock DA
Dropped from the system software, but any earlier system 7
version will still work with system 7.5.
Apple Event Manager extension
Has been incorporated into the AppleScript extension
Drag and Drop extension
Incorporated into 7.5 System file.
EM Sound Update
Replaced by System 7.5 Update 1.0
Enablers
System 7.5 now includes a Universal Enabler, replacing
model-specific enablers, which provides Macintosh
model-specific system code. System 7.5 Update 1.0 is
a special enabler that supports Macs released
after System 7.5.
Mount IDE Extension
Replaced by System 7.5 Update 1.0.
PowerBook 150 Update
Replaced by System 7.5 Update 1.0
Puzzle DA
Replaced by Jigsaw Puzzle
Sound Manager 3.0
Incorporated into 7.5 System file.
Thread Manager
Incorporated into 7.5 System file.
The following files are updated, removed, or added by the System 7.5 Update 1.0. For more details, see each file's entry above (except certain files, such as SimpleText, which are not system folder files).
- 040 VM Update - removed
- Apple Guide - updated to v. 1.2.5
- Apple Menu Options - updated to v. 1.0.1
- Direct Dialup - updated to v. 1.1.1
- EM Sound Update - removed
- File Sharing Extension - updated to v. 7.6.1
- Find File - updated to v. 1.1.1
- Find File Extension - updated to v. 1.1.1
- Finder - updated to v. 7.5.1
- Finder Update extension - added
- General Controls - updated to v. 7.5.3
- Jigsaw Puzzle - updated to v. 1.0.1
- Keyboard - updated to v. 7.5.1
- LaserWriter 8 - updated to v. 8.2
- Launcher - updated to v. 2.7
- Macintosh Easy Open - updated to v. 1.1.1
- MacTCP - updated to v. 2.0.6
- MathLib - updated
- Monitors - updated to v. 7.5.1
- Mount IDE Extension - removed
- PC Exchange - updated to v. 2.0.3
- PC Setup - added
- PowerBook 150 Update - removed
- PowerTalk AppleMail - updated to v. 1.1.2
- PowerTalk Catalogs - updated to v. 1.1.1
- PowerTalk DigiSign Utility - updated to v. 1.1.1
- PowerTalk Mailbox - updated to v. 1.1.1
- SCSI Manager 4.3 - updated to v. 4.3.1
- SimpleText - updated to v. 1.2
- Speech Manager 1.3 - added
- Stickies - updated to v. 1.0.1
- System 7.5 Update - added
- ThreadsLib - updated
- WindowShade - updated to v. 1.3.1
ATM
Adobe Type Manager -- allows for good-looking type at any
size.
AV
Audio/Video or Audio-visual technologies -- Special
multimedia-ready versions of Quadras and PowerMacs designed
for speech recognition, etc.
CCL
document which describes modem characteristics for
telecommunications software such as the Apple Modem Tool and the
Express Modem Tool
CDEV
shorthand for control panel device.
ColorSync
An Apple system for assigning color characteristics to
devices, such as monitors and printers, to help in keeping colors
consistent as an image is acquired, displayed, modified and
printed.
DA
Desk Accessory - originally a special type of program in the System file,
desk accessories are now any program accessible in the Apple menu
by virtue of being located or aliases in the Apple Menu Items folder.
Extensions Manager (EM)
a control panel that enables and disables system extensions
GX
System-level printing code which improves various aspects
of printing including: eliminate the Chooser for switching
printers, drag and drop printing, Portable Digital Documents.
INIT
slang for an extension file or other file (such as a control panel, driver or network
device) that loads program code during startup.
IPM
Interprogram Messaging (Manager), part of PowerTalk
responsible for keeping track of mail.
(IPM Bin and IPM Temporary Folder in the PowerTalk Data
Folder)
ISO 9660
CD-ROM formatting standard set by the International
Standards Organization; used for Kodak Photo CD discs.
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface -- a set of standards
for musical instruments to interface with computers and other
digital electronic devices.
PC
DOS or Windows computer
PRAM
Parameter RAM; nonvolatilve RAM used to store system-wide
preferences and settings such as cursor blink rate, 32-bit
addressing, date and time.
PlainTalk
Software for the Quadra 840AV, Quadra 660AV, and
Power Macs which enables speech recognition; also
software for all Macs that synthesizes speech from text.
PowerTalk
Collection of software bundled with System 7.5
providing a universal mailbox via gateways to other mail and
messaging services, such as online services and pagers.
ROM
Read Only Memory. Parts of system software code literally
hard-wired into special chips on the Mac motherboard.
SCSI
Small Computer System Interface, pronounced "scuzzy." The
standard for connecting external devices such as hard drives and
scanners to Macintosh models beginning with the Mac Plus.
SR (SR Monitor)
Speech Recognition -- AV and Power Macs with a
PlainTalk microphone can use PlainTalk software to recognize
speech.
TCP, TCP/IP, PPP, SLIP, FTP
Abbreviations for Internet protocols: Transmission Control Protocol, Internet Protocol, Point-to-Point
Protocol, Serial-Line Internet Protocol, File Transfer Protocol.
History
- 10/30/94 - Written by Joe Holmes and edited by Ric Ford.
- 11/03/94 - Additional editing and formatting (Ford and Holmes)
- 11/12/94 - Many revisions by Holmes. Minor editing by Ford.
- 11/18/94 - More revisions by Holmes, minor editing by Ford.
- 2/3/95 - Many revisions by Ford and Holmes.
- 3/21/95 - Many revisions and additions by Holmes and Ford
- 4/27/95 - HTML Markup by Holmes
- 4/29/95 - Edited, updated, re-organized and reformatted by Ford.
- 5/4/95 - Ford added Shared Library Manager entry.
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