Mac 68040/Power PC

Apple

Comparing Mac OS 8 to that other operating systems (Windows 95) simply is not fair. It's like comparing apples to well.... lemons. They're both computer operating systems. They both will get the job done...eventually. Difference is, one of them feels right from the start. You can maximize your full potential with Mac OS 8. You don't have to wade through bulky and boring manuals to operate it. You're not likely to waste time learning how to use this operating system. It flows. Like I said, comparing Mac OS 8 to Windows 95 is really unfair.

Yes, you can multi-task with Mac OS 8. Since it's PowerPC native, it's quick. Copy folders and large files, launch applications, empty the Trash, open documents---while performing other background tasks. Flexibility is key while featuring a new multitasking Finder which is simplistic with its short menus, yet lets power users explore interesting options like contextual menus. By the way, contextual menus lets you save time while quickly performing printing, copying, making aliases and performing every-day operations on files, folders, and applications.

I especially liked the crayon-style color picker which allows for the best and easiest way to select colors. The Color Picker dialog box is extremely user-friendly--you can also click anywhere in the color wheel to select the perfect color for your project.

You'll also find Mac OS 8 very Internet and Intranet friendly (includes TCP/IP and PPP)...configuring an Internet connection with your own Internet Service Provider (ISP) is really simple--thanks to the Mac OS 8's new built-in Internet Setup Assistant. In fact, Netscape Navigator 3.0.1, Internet Explorer 3.0.1, Cyberdog and the PointCast Network 1.0 are a couple of the built-in browsers included on Mac OS 8. You can also choose to use the built-in Claris Emailer Lite software for your e-mail needs. Another interesting feature is the "Connect To" shortcut in the Apple menu which lets you visit web sites with a single, solitary click. It IS that easy!

Compatible with most applications, extensions, hardware drivers and existing files, Mac OS 8 dares to be different. Turning desktop icons into bold buttons, for example, is downright fun. This is not just for the pocket protector crowd! Pop-up windows and spring-loaded folders helps keeps files and apps at your fingertips while you can even install your favorite photo or graphic as your personal desktop picture.

Limitless possibilities. Want to run Java software from your desktop instead of your browser? Not a problem! Thanks to MacLinkPlus 9.0.2 translators, you can even open, convert, edit and save Windows and DOS files if you'd like! Mac OS Easy Open lets you view and edit documents, without having the application they were created with.

With built-in QuickTime Media Layer technology (including QuickTime 2.5, QuickTime VR and QuickDraw 3D), Mac OS 8 allows you to maximize high impact video, quality sound, digital movies on the web, 3-D graphics, and full-screen MPEG movies. For example, you can start playing movies while they're downloading over the Internet by using QuickTime 2.5 Fast Start. QuickDraw 3D, on the other hand, helps you view, create and render real-time (workstation-class), cross-platform 3-D graphics. As a Mac user, you'll easily make use of your Mac's full state-of-the-art multimedia abilities using Mac OS 8.