Mac OS X Speed
I have the exact same configuration as yours and yet OS X runs like a dream on mine. It is fast and the Classic programs after the 10.0.2 update launch so fast that I believe they are running faster than in native mode.
The stability is absolutely better than 9.1, which used to freeze on this machine every now and then (about once every few days). I do not have any SCSI drives hooked up on mine, only external FireWire drives. I have my hard disk partitioned into four volumes: the first two smaller volumes have either 9.1 or OS X installed. I do not save my files on those and keep these two drives absolutely free of documents, if I can have it that way.
I believe that the OS runs faster and cleaner on a well defragmented drive (with about 3 GB of free space on mine), and my policy will be to just save all my files on the other volumes. Since this is a totally new OS, doing so will allow me to troubleshoot the system more easily, including reinstallation of the software if need be. I also made sure to use only the extension set of 9.1, when launching classic because my full 9.1 set seems to slow down the launching process by quite a bit.
—Viviana Wong
Classic performance is indeed quite good for me, but the speed of native applications leaves a lot to be desired. —Michael Tsai
AppleScript Messages Not Understood
I’m experiencing some irregular behavior with AppleScript under OS 9.1, and wonder if someone can help me continue using the scripts I had working under 9.0.4, and at first even under 9.1—they’re central to my efficient working.
When it doesn’t work, the message I get is “xyz doesn’t understand the «event sysodlog» message.”
As far as I can the see the installer put in the extension AppleScript 1.5.5 for Mac OS 9.1, though not the extension AppleScriptLib 1.4 for Mac OS 9.0; I’ve tried with and without the AppleScriptLib, but the behavior is the same either way…
—David Kettlewell
I suspect the problem is related to the Scripting Additions directory. This directory contains additions to the Applescript language. Many of your scripts may depend on these files and if they are absent the result may be difficult to interpret.
If you have a backup of your old system, under 9.0.4, you can just copy over the items from the Scripting Additions folder which aren’t in the 9.1 folder (don’t overwrite existing items—just to be safe). If not check the comments of the scripts that are failing and see if they make mention of required additions. Failing that you could download some of the more popular additions available online and cross your fingers. —Evan Trent
New iMac Motifs
I missed last month’s poll.
I would like to comment that perhaps the way forward is less airy fairy color schemes and to suggest a futuristic color/materials scheme, e.g. a metallic alu look—a shining example of modern design, maybe a mirror look. You could examine your hair style whilst examining your work.
I don’t know—just think different for a change.
—Andi
Upgrading a Power Mac G4
I have a G4 350 and want to know if its processor can be upgraded. Where and how do I buy new processor? Prices of same if possible?
—Bill Wolken
Yes, your G4 350 is definitely upgradeable. The question is which upgrade “type” is compatible with your particular machine. I cannot tell from your question if you have a G4 350 PCI or G4 350 AGP graphics machine. Despite their similar names and identical processors, those two machines are actually quite different. As a result different upgrade cards must be used for each machine. To help figure out which machine you have (if you don’t already know) check Apple’s knowledge base.
Then when you know, consult Accelerate Your Mac, which is an invaluable resource for all sorts of upgrades, both related and unrelated to the processor.Since Newer Technology (RIP) is no longer, my personal recommendation is Sonnet Technology’s upgrades. They make a model for the G4 PCI machine.
You could upgrade to either a 400 or 500 MHz G4. I don’t recommend purchasing the 500 MHz G3 chip, though it is listed as being compatible.
There is also a model for the G4 AGP. This upgrade is a dual 500 MHz processor card which will give you a speed bump from 350 to 500, and then throw in an extra processor, making multi-processor-aware applications, like Photoshop, considerably faster. Mac OS X will also take advantage of multiple processors. It is the only upgrade I know of for the G4 AGP machine.
PowerLogix also makes an upgrade for the G4 PCI, but I don’t see one for the G4 AGP.
XLR8 also makes a single-processor upgrade and a multi-processor upgrade for the G4 PCI. They do not make an upgrade for the G4 AGP. —Evan Trent
Copyright © 2001 the ATPM Staff,
editor@atpm.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts about our publication. We always welcome your comments, criticisms, suggestions, and praise. Or, if you have an opinion or announcement about the Macintosh platform in general, that’s OK too. Send your e-mail to editor@atpm.com. All mail becomes the property of ATPM.
Reader Comments (1)
Add A Comment