System 70 Questions

9-May-89 15:26:30-GMT,40718;000000000000
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Date: Tue, 9 May 89 08:25:07 PDT
From: Mark B. Johnson <mjohnson@apple.com>
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To: info-mac@sumex-aim.stanford.edu, macworkers@rascal.ics.utexas.edu
Subject: System 7.0 Q & A

System Overview

Q:  Why is Apple talking about System 7.0?
A:  Apple is discussing with developers the core technologies under
    development for inclusion with the next major Macintosh System
    Software release, System 7.0.  Apple's goal in talking about
    System 7.0 is to shorten the amount of time necessary to bring a new 
    generation of powerful application software to Macintosh users.

Q:  Why is Apple telling the Press?
A:  Apple is informing the press to explain what we're working on in
    our labs, why we've chosen the paths that we have and how these
    technologies will affect users and developers.

Q:  What is Apple's message to users?
A:  System 7.0 will extend the user's reach through an expanded set
    of capabilities that utilize the same consistent, intuitive techniques
    that users already know.

Q:  What's in System 7.0?
A:  Although the complete feature set of System 7.0 will not be announced
    until later this year, the following projects will be a part of
    the release:
    * Virtual Memory/32-Bit Addressing
    * IAC Architecture
    * Outline fonts
    * New Print Architecture
    * Layout Manager
    * Database Access Manager
    * Finder 7.0

In addition, System 7.0 will integrate 32-Bit QuickDraw (introduced in April)
and the Communications Toolbox (shipping Q3).

Apple is also discussing with developers other projects currently
under development:

* Sound Manager Enhancements
* File System Enhancements
* International Text Support
* Installer 3.0

The complete feature set of System 7.0 will be announced later this year.

Q:  When will System 7.0 be made available to customers?
A:  Apple will announce customer availability later this year.

Q:  What Macintosh computers will be able to run System 7.0?
A:  System 7.0 is being designed to run on all Macintosh Plus, SE,
    SE/30, II, IICX and IIX computers.

System 7.0 will require two megabytes of RAM.

68030-equipped Macintosh computers and Macintosh II computers with PMMU will 
have the additional benefit of Virtual Memory.

Q:  Apple says that eventually all Macintosh computers will run System 7.0.
    Does that mean that all Macintosh computers will eventually be shipped
    with two megabytes of RAM?
A:  Not necessarily.  Apple is exploring various configurations of RAM,
    ROM, processor and hard disk that will support System 7.0.

Q:  What does that mean?
A:  The total amount of memory that a Macintosh uses for system software
    is a combination of RAM and ROM.  In general, when more software is put
    into ROM, a Macintosh requires less RAM.  In addition, for Macintosh
    computers with PMMUs, the hard disk can be used to extend RAM with
    virtual memory.  These technologies provide for many alternative
    configurations in the future. 

Q:  Is Apple announcing System 7.0?
A:  No.  Apple is making a directional statement to third-party
    developers about new technologies that will be included in a
    future version of Macintosh System Software.

Q:  What are Apple's plans for System 7.0?
A:  Apple will move the entire Macintosh product line to System 7.0.
    During this transition, Apple will offer both the System 6.0
    series and System 7.0 CPU configurations.

Q:  How many current applications will be compatible with System 7.0?
A:  Application software that conforms to the Inside Macintosh
    guidelines will be compatible with System 7.0.  As System 7.0 is
    still in development, it is impossible to determine which
    applications will be 100% compatible.  When System 7.0 ships,
    Apple plans to make a compatibility report publicly available.

Q:  What should customers do to prepare for System 7.0?
A:  There is nothing that users need to do now.  In making new
    purchase decisions, customers should buy the Macintosh configuration
    that suits their current needs.  Users and businesses that need to
    make long range decisions now may want to purchases machines with two
    megabytes or more of RAM today.

Q:  Why will System 7.0 need two megabytes of RAM?
A:  The new features of System 7.0 will require more memory than is
    available in a one megabyte system to operate effectively.

Q:  Where is the multitasking Macintosh Operating System?
A:  The Macintosh operating system has been multitasking since the
    introduction of MultiFinder.  Many applications take full advantage
    of MultiFinder by allowing concurrent printing, recalculating
    spreadsheets, sorting databases, and downloading files.

Q:  Isn't Apple now putting Macintosh users through an OS/2 experience?
A:  Absolutely not.  System 7.0 is an extension of today's Macintosh
    System Software.  Apple is designing System 7.0 to provide for
    upwardly compatible applications which is a fundamental part of
    the Macintosh System Software strategy.  System 7.0 will allow
    developers to create even more innovative Macintosh software
    and hardware that extends the power of today's Macintosh.

Q:  Can a Macintosh II-class machine running Apple's Virtual Memory
    operate with 1 megabyte of physical RAM?
A:  While this configuration may work, Apple will recommend 2
    megabytes of RAM when running System 7.0.

Q:  I own a Macintosh II computer with one megabyte of RAM and
    I want to upgrade to System 7.0.  Should I buy more RAM or an MMU?
A:  RAM.  The least expensive way to upgrade a one megabyte
    Macintosh II to System 7.0 is to add another megabyte of RAM.

Q:  Does Apple have plans to add new capabilities to the
    System 6.0 series?
A:  No.  Users of the System 6.0 series can continue to
    use their systems.  The upgrade path for System 6.0 series
    users is System 7.0 with more RAM.

Q:  Why not?
A:  Apple believes in providing consistency across our products
    for our users and developers.  This consistency can only be
    achieved by focusing on one system software platform.
    That platform is System 7.0.

Q:  Does this mean that all users need to upgrade to System 7.0?
A:  No, users can continue to use the System 6.0 series and their
    current applications.  System 7.0 and new applications software
    will provide many new capabilities that many users will want.
    System 7.0 offers users an opportunity to add more functionality to the 
    Macintosh computers they own today.


Core Technologies for System 7.0

Virtual Memory

Q:  What is Virtual Memory?
A:  Virtual Memory (VM) extends the user's available memory by
    transparently treating the hard disk as additional RAM.

Q:  Why is Virtual Memory important?
A:  Virtual Memory allows users to run more applications at
    once and work with larger amounts of data than they can today.

Q:  Will Virtual Memory be compatible with application software?
A:  Yes.  Virtual Memory is backward compatible with all
    applications that adhere to Inside Macintosh.

Q:  Which Macintosh computers can use Virtual Memory?
A:  Macintosh IIx, IIcx, and SE/30 are ready to use Virtual
    Memory--no additional hardware is needed.  Macintosh II can
    take advantage of Virtual Memory by adding the 68851 PMMU 
    coprocessor onto the Macintosh II logic board (a socket is
    provided on the board for this chip).  This coprocessor chip
    is on the Apple price list.  This is the same co-processor 
    needed to run A/UX, Apple's version of AT&T's UNIX operating system.

    Apple's 68000-based systemsQMacintosh Plus and Macintosh SEQcannot
    take advantage of the Virtual Memory capability of System 7.0.
    Macintosh SE owners have the option of the Macintosh SE/30 logic
    board upgrade to gain Virtual Memory capabilities.

Q:  Why can't Macintosh Plus and Macintosh SE use Virtual Memory?
A:  The 68000 microprocessor used in the Macintosh Plus and
    Macintosh SE does not have the memory management hardware
    necessary for Virtual Memory.  This memory management
    capability is one of the primary differences between the 68000 and its 
    successor chips.
                                                                    

32-Bit Addressing

Q:  What is 32-Bit Addressing?
A:  32-Bit Addressing enables the Macintosh to use up to 4
    gigabytes of memory.  The basic software and hardware of the
    Macintosh already supports  the 32-Bit Addressing model.  
    However, Macintosh currently is limited to 8 megabytes of
    memory because 32-Bit Addressing is not yet fully implemented
    throughout the system.

Q:  Why is 32-Bit Addressing important?
A:  Macintosh users want more memory for a variety of uses.
    Some just want to run more applications under MultiFinder.
    Some want to use graphics software that creates multimegabyte
    images.  Some want to use enormous databases.  And some want to 
    manipulate even larger word processing documents.  More memory
    has endless uses.

Q:  So does the transition to 32-Bit Addressing mean lots of
    application incompatibility?
A:  No.  Applications that conform with 32-Bit Addressing
    guidelines ("32-Bit Clean") already run on all Macintosh
    computers. These applications will immediately benefit from the 
    enlarged memory space with System 7.0.   Applications that are
    not 32-Bit Clean will continue to run under System 7.0 but will
    not have the benefit of additional memory space.  Apple has been
    working with its third-party developers to make sure that all 
    application software abides by 32-Bit Cleanliness rules.

Q:  What Exactly is "32-Bit Clean"?
A:  Applications that follow Apple's memory manager guidelines
    in Inside Macintosh are 32-Bit Clean.  32-Bit Clean applications
    are both upwards and downwards compatible with 24-Bit and 32-Bit
    Addressing modes.  These guidelines are repeated in Technical Note #212 
    "The Joy of Being 32-Bit Clean."

Q:  What if my existing software is not 32-Bit Clean?
A:  Applications that are not 32-Bit Clean continue to run with System 7.0.

Q:  Will 32-Bit Addressing become standard?
A:  Yes.  At some point in the future, Apple will make 32-Bit
    Addressing standard on new Macintosh computers.

Q:  Since much of system software is in ROM, will I need a new
    ROM to get the benefits of 32-Bit Addressing?
A:  Apple is researching ways of offering 32-Bit Addressing
    to all Macintosh II computers.  While an optional ROM upgrade
    is not out of the question, other alternatives are being 
    considered.  Apple will keep developers and customers updated
    on issues relating to 32-Bit Addressing.

Q:  What does 32-Bit Addressing mean for Macintosh Plus
    and Macintosh SE?
A:  These Macintosh computers cannot get the benefit of 32-Bit
    Addressing.  32-Bit Clean and non-32-Bit Clean applications
    will continue to run on these computers.  Only Macintosh 
    computers using the 68020 or 68030 microprocessor can have
    the benefit of 32-Bit Addressing.

                                                                    
Interapplication Communication Architecture

Q:  What is Interapplication Communication Architecture?
A:  Interapplication Communication Architecture (IAC) is a
    framework for applications to exchange commands and data,
    both locally and over networks.  IAC consists of several pieces:

    * Program-To-Program Communications (PPC)Qa low-level tool
      for exchanging data between two programs, either locally
      or across networks.  PPC provides a unified, consistent
      programming interface for both local and network communication.
      PPC will be able to deliver messages either Immediate (IPC)
      or Store-and-Forward.
 
    * Event Manager PPCQa high-level tool for applications to
      exchange commands and data.  Event Manager PPC presents a
      simple, natural interface to applications.

    * AppleEvents(TM)Qan Apple-defined protocol of standard messages
      that Applications can send to other applications.  Examples
      include "Open Document," "Print," "MoveWindow."

    * Live Copy/Paste and Link ManagerQLive Copy/Paste gives you
      live links between documents.  For example, the user can
      link a spreadsheet table into a word processing document;
      whenever the spreadsheet changes, the word processing document is 
      automatically updated.

    * Clipboard Copy/PasteQa current capability of Macintosh and
      is also part of IAC.  Macintosh applications universally
      support copy and paste between applications via the Clipboard.

Q:  What does Live Copy/Paste offer the user?
A:  As applications begin to offer Live Copy/Paste, users will
    be able to make applications work better together and avoid
    repetitive copy and paste.  Users can build up libraries of 
    commonly used objectsQlike graphics or paragraphs of textQand
    link them into their documents.  When you need to changethe data,
    you change every occurrence of that data.  And, because Live
    Copy/Paste works with AppleShare(R) file servers, you can 
    easily share data with another person. Imagine linking in the
    sales numbers from each of your sales people's spreadsheets.
    Your master spreadsheet is always up-to-date.

Q:  Does Live Copy/Paste work with existing applications?
A:  No.  Applications must be revised to take advantage of
    Live Copy/Paste.  Apple is simplifying the task by providing
    extensive user interface guidelines and toolbox support 
    for Live Copy/Paste.
                                                                    

Apple's outline fonts

Q:  What are outline fonts?
A:  Outline fonts are mathematical descriptions of characters.
    Sharp text at any size on any device can be generated from
    outline fonts.  Today, the fonts in your Macintosh are called 
    "bitmap" fonts.  These fonts are small collections of pixels
    that create the text you see on the screen.  With bitmap fonts
    the System File can become huge and still not have all the 
    fonts in all the sizes you might want.

    The new Apple fonts are outline fonts.

Q:  What are the benefits of outline fonts?
A:  Outline fonts provide sharp text at any size on any device.
    This means beautiful documents on the screen for multimedia
    presentations as well as on the page from any printer.  Outline fonts
    also simplify the customer experience by creating a single font standard for 
    the Macintosh computer.

Q:  This is confusing.  I thought my Macintosh "Style" menu
    already had a function for outline fonts.
A:  It does, but that is something different.  The "Outline"
    option in the Style menu actually traces 
    the character to give it an outlined appearance.  It looks like
    this.  It is simply a graphics trick.  However, the new Apple
    fonts are called outline fonts because they are based on mathematical
    outlines, not bitmaps.  These outline fonts are also called spline 
    fonts or scalable fonts.  If you really want to get carried away,
    keep in mind that you will be able to "Outline" the outline fonts!

Q:  Do Macintosh owners need to buy PostScript fonts anymore?
A:  Macintosh owners may want to buy PostScript fonts that
    are not yet available in Apple's format.  It is important to
    remember that today's PostScript fonts, like all of the existing 
    Macintosh font technology, will still operate normally in the future.
    For example, PostScript fonts and bitmaps will remain popular on
    1MB Macintosh computers like the Plus and SE.  PostScript fonts
    may also remain useful in multivendor environments.  We expect some
    vendors will continue to offer their typefaces in PostScript format
    and add the Apple format version of that typeface.  However,
    the Apple font format will be all most Macintosh owners really need.

Q:  How many fonts will be available in the Apple format?
A:  Hundreds of fonts will be available within a few months of
    first shipment, and thousands soon after.  It is impossible to
    answer this question precisely.  There are two main reasons for
    this.  First, since Apple's format was designed to be very flexible,
    many vendors will be able to automate the conversion of their
    existing library to the Apple format.  Second, the open format
    is available to anyone, so even small players will be 
    able to create new typefaces.  Apple does not have to get
    involved in licensing or support.  Since there are hundreds
    of specialized fonts now available in bitmap formats, these are 
    all candidates for conversion to outline.

Q:  Will Apple be providing fonts in the new format?  If so, how many?
A:  Apple does not intend to be in the font business, so we will
    offer a core set of fonts and then stop.  This promotes a healthy
    aftermarket for type vendors.  The Apple core set will consist
    roughly of the fonts Apple ships today with Macintosh computers and 
    LaserWriter printers, plus a small number of additions.  The final
    list will be announced later.

Q:  Who really needs this technology?  After all, LaserWriter NT
    and NTX users already enjoy scalable type. Why put it into the Macintosh?
A:  Today, the benefits of outline fonts are available from
    Apple only through these two LaserWriter models.  Now, outline
    fonts will enhance the screen display, the ImageWriter II,
    the AppleFax Modem, the ImageWriter LQ and the LaserWriter IISC.  A 
    wide range of third-party output devices will also use these
    fonts for best possible text quality.

Q:  Does this mean that future Apple printers will not support PostScript?
A:  No.  Keep in mind that the existing Apple printer line
    consists of both "intelligent" and "passive" printers.  Where we
    put the processing power is generally a price/performance decision.
    Consequently, future Apple printers will support the new Apple font
    format in a variety of ways.  Apple is committed to maintaining
    excellent system support for PostScript printing.  However, our
    policy is to not comment specifically on hardware products
    under development.

Q:  Does this mean that Apple won't be using Display PostScript?
A:  Yes.  But this should come as no surprise.  Apple announced
    over a year ago that we will be improving the internal software
    of the Macintosh instead of adopting an outside language.  This
    removes limits from what Apple can do in software while maintaining
    excellent backward compatibility.  This new font format, like
    32-Bit QuickDraw, demonstrates both of these benefits.  At the same
    time, we are committed to maintaining an excellent interface
    to PostScript printers.  

                                                                    
New Print Architecture

Q:  What is New Print Architecture?
A:  The New Print Architecture is designed to extend the printing
capabilities of Macintosh.

Q:  What are the advantages of the the New Print Architecture?
A:  There are three advantages to the New Print Architecture:

    1.  New features.  Background printing on all printers, increased
        performance, support for outline fonts, color/gray scale support,
        elimination of document reformatting, and an enhanced user interface
        will extend the lead the Macintosh has in printing. 

    2.  A wide variety of new printing devices.   Where in the past
        it has taken years to support new printers on the Macintosh,
        with the New Print Architecture it takes only a few months.
        We expect to have more well integrated pri…

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