Mac OS 9: Final Major Release of Apple's Classic Mac OS Operating System
Mac OS 9 is the final major release of Apple's Classic Mac OS operating system. Introduced on October 23, 1999, Apple positioned it as "The Best Internet Operating System Ever,"[1] highlighting Sherlock 2's Internet search capabilities, integration with Apple's free online services known as iTools and improved Open Transport networking. While Mac OS 9 lacks protected memory and full pre-emptive multitasking,[2] lasting improvements include the introduction of an automated Software Update engine and support for multiple users.
Apple discontinued development of Mac OS 9 in 2002, transitioning all future development to OS X. Since that time, no updates have been released. The final updates to Mac OS 9 addressed compatibility issues with OS X while running in the Classic Environment and compatibility with Carbon applications. At the 2002 World Wide Developers Conference, Steve Jobs began his keynote address by staging a mock funeral for OS 9.[3]
Features
Apple billed Mac OS 9 as including "50 New Features" and heavily marketed its Sherlock 2 software, which introduced a 'channels' feature for searching different online resources and introduced a QuickTime-like metallic appearance. Mac OS 9 also featured integrated support for Apple’s suite of Internet services known as iTools (later re-branded as .Mac, then MobileMe, which is now known as iCloud) and included improved TCP/IP functionality with Open Transport 2.5.
Other features new to Mac OS 9 include:[4]
Integrated support for multiple user accounts without using At Ease.
Support for voice login through VoicePrint passwords.
Keychain, a feature allowing users to save passwords and textual data encrypted in protected keychains.
A Software Update control panel for automatic download and installation of Apple system software updates.
A redesigned Sound control panel and support for USB audio.
Speakable Items 2.0, also known as PlainTalk, featuring improved speech synthesis and recognition along with
Apple discontinued development of Mac OS 9 in 2002, transitioning all future development to OS X. Since that time, no updates have been released. The final updates to Mac OS 9 addressed compatibility issues with OS X while running in the Classic Environment and compatibility with Carbon applications. At the 2002 World Wide Developers Conference, Steve Jobs began his keynote address by staging a mock funeral for OS 9.[3]
Features
Apple billed Mac OS 9 as including "50 New Features" and heavily marketed its Sherlock 2 software, which introduced a 'channels' feature for searching different online resources and introduced a QuickTime-like metallic appearance. Mac OS 9 also featured integrated support for Apple’s suite of Internet services known as iTools (later re-branded as .Mac, then MobileMe, which is now known as iCloud) and included improved TCP/IP functionality with Open Transport 2.5.
Other features new to Mac OS 9 include:[4]
Integrated support for multiple user accounts without using At Ease.
Support for voice login through VoicePrint passwords.
Keychain, a feature allowing users to save passwords and textual data encrypted in protected keychains.
A Software Update control panel for automatic download and installation of Apple system software updates.
A redesigned Sound control panel and support for USB audio.
Speakable Items 2.0, also known as PlainTalk, featuring improved speech synthesis and recognition along with