Mac OS 9 Compatibility, Upgrades, and Resources

This has been one of the most popular columns in the history of Miscellaneous Ramblings. This article has been superceded by Low End Mac's Compleat Guide to Mac OS 9, 2008 Edition. dk

I've pretty much switched to OS X for production work, but I'm still glad to have the good, old classic Mac OS available as a standby. If you have an older Mac that is not supported by OS X - or even one of the slower G3 machines that is - there is still a strong case to me made for running OS 9, which is a great operating system. There are also certain software applications that are only supported in OS 8/9 that may be mission critical for some users.

Whether you really can get along without the ability to boot directly into the classic OS is an important point to consider when planning a system upgrade these days. Most new Macs (see below) can no longer dual boot.

Apple has posted a handy compatibility table outlining which Mac models, from the '040 Centris machines of the early 90s through the new aluminum PowerBooks, are supported (or not) by the Classic Mac OS versions 8.x and 9.x. It's worth a look if you have questions about what OS versions your machine can handle.

For example, Apple's chart shows that my late-in-the-production-run PowerBook 2000 will support OS 9.1 through OS 9.2.2, while my new 700 MHz iBook can only boot into OS 9.2.2 (and, of course, OS X).

Executive Summary, Last Supported Mac OS

• Centris, Quadra, and other '040-based models, Mac OS 8.1
• Power Mac x100, pre-G3 PowerPC-based PowerBooks, PowerBook G3 (Kanga), Mac OS 9.1
• PCI Power Macs, Mac OS 9.2.2, not officially supported by Apple
• All other G3 and G4 models, current version of Mac OS X

The only currently available new Macs that can dual-boot into OS 9 are the recently upgraded 800 MHz and 900 MHz iBooks, the 15" PowerBook G4 models, and a smattering of holdover dual bootable configurations of the original Mirror Drive Door G4 Power Mac. (These Power Macs are more expensive than their X-only replacements.)

All other current Mac models won't boot directly into any Classic OS version, but they do support OS 9.2.2 in OS X Classic Mode.

Apple has also posted a Knowledge Base article describing the updates available for Mac OS 9, and the order in which they must be installed. You must install all prerequisite software before installing any update. For example, when updating Mac OS 9.0 to Mac OS 9.2.2 the updates must be installed in this order:

1. Mac OS 9.1 Update
2. Mac OS 9.2.1 Update
3. Mac OS 9.2.2 Update

Note that the free downloadable Mac OS 9.1 Update contains fewer updates and extras than the Mac OS 9.1 CD-ROM. This reduces the amount of data that must be downloaded at once.

The downloadable update contains core system software updates, Apple Remote Access (ARA) Client Server 4.0, and QuickTime 4.1.3. The Mac OS 9.1 download may only be used to update a computer that has Mac OS 9.0.x installed. It is available at Apple Software Updates.

The Mac OS 9.1 CD includes additional updates to the Mac OS that are not a part of the downloadable Mac OS 9.1 Update. Some of these additional items are available separately at Apple Software Updates or from third-party websites (non-Apple software). The disc may be used for full installation or clean installation.

You can find out more in Mac OS 9.1: Downloadable Update Versus Mac OS 9.1 Disc.

Apple recommends, "You should use the latest version of Mac OS 9 [that your hardware supports]." Pre-G3 Macs only support up to OS 9.1 officially, although 9.2.2 can be installed and used on most PCI models. IMHO, this is no hardship in most instances, although there are a few applications (very few) that require OS 9.2.2. I use OS 9.1 as my OS 9 boot system by preference on my Pismo PowerBook, although the Pismo supports 9.2.2.

Speaking of OS 9, a question that crops up fairly frequently is where to obtain an OS 9 install CD. One way is to purchase a copy of OS X 10.2 (or a new Mac), after which Apple will sell you an OS 9.2.2 install CD for $19.95. OS X 10.1 packages also include an OS 9.2 CD.

Several resellers list OS 9 CDs, but often at prices that won't save you much, if anything, over going the conventional route of paying $129.95 for OS X plus the $19.95 surcharge for OS 9.2.2. eBay is another possibility. Here are some online sources. Visit the respective Websites and run a search for OS 9 or OS 9.1.

Other World Computing

Apple OS 9.1 OEM gray full install CD. Compatible with iBook, PowerBook, iMac, PowerMac model that has a G3 processor stock or a G3 or G4 upgrade installed. $49.95

Hardcore Mac

• Mac OS 9.1 CD in sleeve. Full installation. Not an upgrade CD. A burned CD containing the OS 9.2.1 and 9.2.2 updates is included. Many people think a Mac OS 9.0 installation is needed before Mac OS 9.1 can be installed. This is not true. $129.99
• Mac OS 9.2.1 CD in sleeve. Full installation; not an upgrade, $149.99
• Mac OS 9.2.2, $149.99

Baucom Computers

Mac OS 9.2.1, CD only, in sleeve, $81

Note that any version of OS 9 - including OS 9.0, 9.0.4, 9.1, 9.2, and 9.2.1 - can be upgraded to the current 9.2.2 using free updaters that can be downloaded from Apple's software support site.

New Macs still come with OS 9.2.2 installed, although they can us it only in Classic Mode with the above-noted exceptions (iBooks, 15" PowerBooks, dual booting Power Macs). It is a good idea to drag a copy of the OS 9 System Folder to backup media when you first get your Mac (or better late than ever), which will allow you to restore it by simply dragging it back to your hard drive, instead of the tedium of running the software restore CD or DVD.