When Apple releases a significant update to its operating system, Mac enthusiasts are first in line to get the latest and greatest version.
However, IT managers often wait until the new version has been out long enough for them to hear about potential problems. Furthermore, Mac OS 9 isn't as dramatic an upgrade as was Mac OS 8. This fact alone could make Mac OS 9 a tough sell to IT managers; its close resemblance to Mac OS 8's interface and functionality may not provide a compelling case for upgrading.
Nonetheless, there's a lot to like in this version, in which Apple expands upon Mac OS 8.6 by placing more emphasis on enhanced networking, Internet integration, and security, rather than dressing it up with cosmetic changes. Shredding all remnants of 680x0 processor code, Mac OS 9, formerly code-named Sonata, will run only on Power Macs, starting with the PowerPC 601 processor. MESSAGE BOARD
Mac Compatible?
In addition to a bevy of improvements and updates to system extensions and control panels, this version features two notable items. The Multiple Users feature, which replaces the Users & Groups control panel, provides users with the ability to share a single Power Mac and have their own personalized desktops, private folders, and applications. In addition, The redesigned search utility, Sherlock 2, sports a redesigned look resembling the QuickTime 4 player, and provides searches for online shopping.
The upcoming Mac OS X client, scheduled for release late in 2000, will be based on the Mach kernel, running on top of BSD 4.4, and will boast a fully modern OS, complete with preemptive multitasking and protected memory.
Some IT managers may want to hold off on upgrading to Mac OS 9 and wait for OS X. Unfortunately, Mac OS X will install only on G3-based systems such as the iMac, the "blue and white" G3 minitower, PowerBook G3 1999, and the new G4-based systems. Still, if you're using the older, beige G3 Power Macs, you'll be able to run applications developed for Mac OS X while running Mac OS 9, because Mac OS X includes an extension to support those applications.
When enabling the Multiple Users feature, you create user profiles and have three types of user access: Normal, Limited, and Panel. To expedite the process, you can create a default user and duplicate it, modify the user name and password, and finally assign the type of application and system access you want to provide.
Normal access is the default and does not put any limitations on users; they can access almost anything on the system though they see only their own folders. They also cannot delete certain items that are available only to the Power Mac owner.
Limited access provides users with the familiar desktop, which they can modify - when authorized - with their own personal themes, preferences, and so forth. Each user has a personal folder; you can also create a shared folder, which each user on the system can access.
With Panel access, the user will see only a desktop with columns containing icons of applications and personal folders. This feature is useful for setting up shared Power Macs for kiosks or guest modes with general applications.
I liked the fact that Apple designed this feature as part of the kernel; thus an end-user cannot bypass it by starting up the Power Mac with extensions off and gaining access to the entire system. If users try this, a message indicates that the owner's password is required to access the desktop. Still, tech-savvy users can potentially bypass this if the Power Mac uses a Jaz drive with a system folder.
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