• Hi all. We have had reports of member's signatures being edited to include malicious content. You can rest assured this wasn't done by staff and we can find no indication that the forums themselves have been compromised.

    However, remember to keep your passwords secure. If you use similar logins on multiple sites, people and even bots may be able to access your account.

    We always recommend using unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication if possible. Make sure you are secure.
  • Be sure to join the discussion on our discord at: Discord.gg/serebii
  • If you're still waiting for the e-mail, be sure to check your junk/spam e-mail folders

The Mac OS Classic Guide (NOT MAC OS X)

Eileen

Queen of Orudoran
Updated Infomation about Classic, more freeware application links, Mac OS updates and troubleshooting

This information applies to Mac OS 8.0-9.2.2

Classic is not supported on X86, you must use a emulator like Mac on Mac or Sheepshaver to run Classic Applications.

So you have decided to buy a used or old Mac or you decided to run Classic Environment on Mac OS X. Mac OS Classic is versions of Mac OS prior to Mac OS X release.

Requirements
You need the following to run Mac OS 8.1 or 8.5/8.6
Macintosh PowerPC processor or a supported 68k model (68040 processors). For 8.5 and 8.6, you need a PowerPC processor
12 MB of RAM. 32 MB if you going to run 8.5 or 8.6.
1 GB Hard Drive
600 MB Free Space
CD Rom Drive
Ethernet Card (to go on the internet, newer models have these integrated like the iMac)

For Mac OS 9
Macintosh PowerPC Processor (603, 604, G3 and G4) G5 is NOT supported
32 MB of RAM (40 MB or less will have Virtual Memory enabled)
600 MB Free Space
CD Rom Drive
Ethernet Card, Airport Card, or 56K modem (for Internet)

The Desktop

There are icons on a desktop. This is set up differently to Windows. On your desktop, there will be a Hard Drive icon containing your system files and shortcuts.

Mac OS 8.1: Image

Mac OS 8.5+: Image

Hard Drive: This is where your information is kept and your system files. You should NEVER mess around with the System Folder or it will not function properly.

Trash: This is where deleted files go to before it’s emptied. When files are in the Trash, the lid will be open. To empty, click on Special and Empty Trash. If there any locked files, hold the Command Key down and click on Special then Empty Trash.


Inside the File Explorer
File Window

System Folder: Contains all your System Files. If you are a expert, you can mess around with it, but if you do something bad, the system will malfunction and won’t boot.

Applications: This is where you install all the applications. To install them, drag it to that folder. To uninstall, just drag the application or it’s folder to Trash.

Document: Documents are usually identified by a paper. They open the program that it was created in. If you transferred files from the PC, you need to use PC Exchange in the Control Panels Folder.

Applications: Applications are software that allows you to surf the internet, listen to music, play games, and etc. Applications can crash if they don’t have the necessary amount of memory. If that happens, turn on virtual memory or add more memory to the computer.

Utilities: Holds utilities to partition your hard drive and troubleshooting. Don’t touch this folder if you don’t know what you are doing.

Internet: Holds your Web Browser and Email Program.

Alias: These are shortcuts similar to Windows shortcuts but you can’t edit the location of the folder or application. These are useful so you don’t have to locate the program.

Extra Commands and Controls

Taking Screenshots: To do this, hold down ⇧⌘3 (shift-apple key-3) to take the whole screen or ⇧⌘4 (shift-apple key-4) for a selection marquee. This will output in PICT format. You need to convert it in order to post it on the internet.

Changing Desktop Picture: You can change it by using the Desktop Pictures Control Panel in your Control Panel folder. (Mac OS 8.0 and 8.1)

Changing Desktop Picture (8.5+): You can change it by using Appearance Control Panel in your Control Panel Folder. You need QuickTime 4 in order to use any BMP, JPG, GIF, and etc formats. Once you open it, select the Desktop tab. (Mac OS 8.5 and greater)

Setting Date and Time: Use the Date and Time Control Panel to set time and Time Zone.

Monitor and Sound: Use the Monitor and Sound Control Panel to change your monitor resolution and to adjust your sound and the alert sound.

Programs

This is a list of programs that are useful for your Mac. Be aware that most of these programs need PowerPC and OS 8.6+

Browsers:

Microsoft Internet Explorer for Mac: The best browser for the classic Mac OS although Microsoft will no longer have it… This is most likely came with your Operating System

Mozilla/Netscape:

Mozilla is the engine based on Firefox (Gecko) , available on the Classic Operating system. It seems to render pages with little rendering problems
OS 9: http://www.t3.rim.or.jp/~harunaga/mozilla-macos9/
OS 8.5-8.6: http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/mo...3016&vid=74980

Opera:

The fastest browser ever made is available on the Mac. May contain ads.
http://www.opera.com

iCab:

This is an alternative browser to IE, but it does not support most of the standards…
http://www.icab.de/

Media Players:

iTunes 2x (if you have Mac OS 9)

This program allows you to organize, rip cds, and burn them. The only thing it does not allow you to do is play protected AACs or buy music from the iTunes Music Store. You can transfer music to an iPod if you have a 1st and 2nd generation and a firewire port.

http://www.download.com/iTunes-Classic-/3000-2199_4-9429701.html

Audion:
This is a now free MP3 player that allows you to play many formats like wma (unprotected), mp3, wav, mp3pro, and etc.
http://www.panic.com/audion/

Windows Media Player:
In order to play WMVs, you need this program. This does not contain all the function as the Windows version would.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/mac71.aspx

RealPlayer:
This player will allow you to play RM format, but newer RM formats may not work.

http://forms.real.com/real/player/b...proc=g3&lang=en&show_list=0&help_file_dl=true

Other:
Graphics Converter: This program allows you to convert picture formats to another format. This program isn’t free… although it’s not limited in days.
http://www.lemkesoft.de/en/graphdownld_en.htm

A-Dock: Do you want a Dock for your desktop, but can’t get one? You can use this program that imitates the Dock in Mac OS X for free.
http://jerome.foucher.free.fr/ADock/AD_download.html

Stuffit Expander: This utility allows extracting files from ZIP, SIT, HQX, and etc.
http://www.stuffit.com/win/expander/

Phoenix LiveJournal Client: You don’t need to post entries at the LiveJournal Website when you use this!
http://homepage.mac.com/thorshammer/phoenix.html

MSN Messenger: You can talk with friends with this MSN Messenger client… this is a much stripped down version compared to Windows. This only works on OS 9.2.2
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/downlo...senger2.xml&secid=35&ssid=1&flgnosysreq=False

Mac Messenger: An alternative to MSN Messenger, which allows you to use MSN on Mac OS 8.6-9.1 and its open sourced.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/macmessenger/

AIM: Popular messaging software that allows you to IM other people.
http://channels.netscape.com/wrap/l...l.com/aim/mac/InstallAim_4_3.hqx?promo=380467

Adobe Acrobat Reader: You can’t live without PDF? Right? This tool is needed for every Mac!
http://www.adobe.com

Security:
A chance of getting a virus on this operating system is slim to none, so no protection software is needed. If you are worried, there are virus scans for Mac OS Classic, download disinfectant for some virus protection.
http://ftp.cerias.purdue.edu/pub/tools/mac/disinfectant/

Running Windows Applications:
You can run Windows Applications by using Virtual PC 5. I am sure that some retailers still sell it.

Installing Classic Environment:

If you want to run Classic Applications, you need to install the Classic Environment. If you purchased an iBook, PowerBook, eMac or a Mac mini, you can install Mac OS 9 by using the disk provided. After you install it, you may use Classic. This takes disk space, so beware.

To make a dual boot system, you need to repartition it, so you going to lose all your files. Back up before you do it. Then install Mac OS 9.1/9.2 first and then install Mac OS X. After installing MacOSX, readjust your classic settings in System Preferences and select your OS 9 partition.

If you want to boot to the OS 9 partition, select the OS 9 partition in Startup Selection. To go back to OS X, go to your Startup Disk Control Panel and select your OS X partition. G5 does not support dual boot with OS9 and post 2002 models.Classic Environment is completely incompatible with “Mactels” unless you use an emulator.

If you want to use Classic without repartitioning, use an emulator called Mac-On-Mac. However, there is no support for sound and networking, so dual booting is recommended.

OS 9.2.2 is required for 10.2+ in order to boot into Classic.

Control Panels
This is the central control room that you can manage your computer’s settings. If you mess with them, your Mac will not operate properly. I will list the most common ones.

Appearance: Controls the appearance of the interface including Desktop Images.
Control Strip: Enables and disables the Control Strip
Date and Time: Adjusts computer’s Time and Date
File Exchange: Allow you specify file types to use with Macintosh Programs when dealing with PC files.
Internet: Controls Internet Settings such as your browser settings and email settings.
Monitor and Sound: Adjusts the Monitor’s Resolution and Colors. Also controls sound. These control panels are separate in Mac OS 9
Startup Disk: Selects what partition to boot at reboot.

Troubleshooting:

What to do when your Mac crashes:

If an application does an illegal action which is severe, you may get this message box with a bomb. This is the same like a Kernel Panic, but you don’t need to use the power button.

Example

To solve this, restart the computer by pressing Restart and try running that application again. If it still happens, check to see if you have incompatible extensions that causing the problem. Otherwise, you need to upgrade your Mac by adding more memory or etc. Classic Environment can also get these dialogs as well.

My Mac won’t boot, a Disk with a question mark shows up!

Example

In some instances, your operating system may become corrupt and unable to run. You need to put in the Restore or your Mac OS CD to reinstall the operating system. Messing with the System Folder may end up with this screen.

Updates for your Mac
It’s important to update your OS system files. Here is the locations where you can get updates.

Mac OS 8 to 8.1 Update: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=30345
Mac OS 8.5 to 8.6 Update: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60283
Mac OS 9 to 9.1 Update: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75103
Mac 9.1 or 9.2 to 9.2.1: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=120030
Mac 9.2.1 to 9.2.2: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75288
Quicktime 6.0.3 for Mac OS 8.6-9.2.2: http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/quicktime603formac.html
Carbonlib: http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/4474

=p
 
Last edited:
Top