System 7.5.5 Favorite Add-Ons

Another article written by Tyler Sable, spam at fenestrated separated by dot from net. This is the continuation of Installing a “Modern” System 7.5.5

To download any mentioned software from its official home, just click on its icon. To visit the author’s homepage for the software, click the software’s title name.

Apple bought or licensed many popular shareware programs to add offical features to System 7.5.5 and help it be more modern than 7.1 had been. Here’s the other software they should have included.

DragAnyWindow

Freeware. The name says it all about this former shareware gem, now free. Define a modifier key and then drag any window (even immovable windows) by any part of itself by clicking when you hold down that key. This software,in combination with a multi-button mouse, makes living with a 9″ B&W Mac so much easier you’ll wonder how you ever got along without.

Finder Options

Freeware. This little piece of software generates no conflicts because it doesn’t create any features on its own. Its purpose is to enable three features of more modern OSes that were hidden, latent in System versions 7.5.3 – 7.6.1: Control-drag makes an alias, Command-delete moves items to the Trash, and a “Reveal Original” menu item in the Finder to show what an Alias points at. No more pressing Command-Delete and wondering why it didn’t work!

Joliet Volume Access

Freeware. Those still using vintage Macs running 7.5.5 have all encountered some difficulties exchanging files with more modern computers, UNIX, Macintosh, and Windows. This bit of software helps take care of one of the most annoying of these: Not being able to mount CD-Rs that Windows users have burned. Whether your’e trying to open MP3 files, graphics, or other data, 8+3 filenames just don’t cut it. Some CDs even wouldn’t mount at all! Now, see what you’ve been missing. Visit the author’s web page here.

LiteSwitch

Freeware. After using Windows, MacOS X, or even some X-Windows Window Managers, we’ve come to realize that the Application menu is nice, but a little slow to use. Press Command-Tab and you can move to any application you like. Simple, stable, and Open Source.

MacsBug

Freeware. When your Mac crashes, MacsBug presents you with a scary-looking screen filled with hexidecimal numbers and bad voodoo spells. Who wants that? You do. Try typing “ES” (shorthand for Exit to Shell) and pressing Enter. If you’re lucky, you’ve returned to your Macintosh, sans whatever program it was that crashed. If your’e not lucky, you’ll find yourself back in MacsBug: type “RS” and press Enter to reboot your Mac. More advanced users can try reprogramming the offender on-the-fly in memory, which can occasionally save one’s hide and allow the application to continue running. All in all, it’s better than the “Your Mac Has Crashed” dialog box, even for novice users.

NetPresenz

Freeware. This application used to be a shareware staple, and now registrations are free! Takes care of the other problem with communicating with more modern computers: file transfer over a network. Even the oldest Macs can connect to TCP/IP networks. NetPresenz makes your 7.5.5 Mac into an FTP server, so your MacOS X, Windows, or UNIX using friends can all easily connect to you, using tools built into their operating systems. Now file exchange is easy!

Pyro!

Commercial–Abandonware? The year is 1993. Fifth Generation Systems and Berkley Systems are locked in a dead-heat race to see who has the most popular and highly-selling screen saver for Macintosh. The year is 2005. What happened to Fifth Generation Systems? Who knows!

I do know that Pyro! version 4 is the best screen saver available for Vintage Macintosh. After Dark has more features, but seems to make everyone’s Macintosh crash very often. DarkSide of the Mac is very similar to Pyro!, but is implemented as an application, rather than a Control Panel. Those choice is up to you, as Pyro! and Darkside are both very stable. I prefer Pyro! for it’s speed in waking and sleeping.

DarkSide of the Mac is shareware and still available. Homepage Download
Pyro! was commercial software, and is not available. It is, however, “out there” on the internet and the enterprising user can find it easily.

Smart Scroll

Shareware. This gem is another in the “Gives us modern OS features in 7.5.5” category. Now your 7.5.5 Mac will give you a visual indication of how much of a document you are actually seeing, and as you drag the thumb the document will move with you. Lovely! Has several other features, too, such as reduced scrolling speed for those who want it, and the ability to put both scroll arrows in different places, as you wish them.

Speed Doubler 8.1.2

Commercial–Abandonware? This very popular piece of software went through many revisions in it’s years of sale. Many sites claim that it is essential for low-speed PowerPC machines for it’s improved 68k emulator, but what use is it on a 68k? PLENTY. This software provides another feature we all want: Multi-threaded file copying in the Finder. Even if you use Speed Doubler with all it’s file-cacheing turned off, the ability to continue to use the Finder while files are copying is just amazing. In addition, the file caching really is better, and improves the perceived speed of my SE/30 by a noticable amount.

I had previously had stability troubles with earlier versions of Speed Doubler, including 8.0 and 2.0. These troubles seem to stem from the way that Speed Doubler implemented its multi-threaded copying right in the Finder. After the 8.1.2 update, however, file copy operations take place in a seperate Application that pops up when your start copying and winks away just as soon as its done. After using this 8.1.2 version for at least half a year, every day, I can say that its stability is great, and it hasn’t caused even one problem. Later versions (Speed Doubler 9) may also be stable and great, but I haven’t tried them.

While this software was commercially distributed and is no longer available, enterprising users can find it “out there” on the internet pretty easily. To download the 8.x -> 8.1.2 updater, Click Here.

Vremya

Freeware. Keeping your computer’s clock set to accurate time is very important. With this software, setting your 68k Mac’s system clock to the correct time is also very easy! Simply type in the name of a network time server and let the Internet do the work for you!

Installing a “Modern” System 7.5.5

Enhance TCP/IP Connectivity and use every 68k Application!

This is the original article written by Tyler Sable, spam at fenestrated separated by dot from net. You can find him on the 68kMLA forums as TylerEss. Since the original article is not more available on the web I post it here in my blog with the software installer packages. Enjoy!

One of the biggest problems with using an older Macintosh with a 68k processor is interoperability with more modern computers, over the internet. Other shortcomings, such as a small amount of RAM or slow processor speed, can be compensated for at a minimal cost at these machines’ age. The world has moved beyond AppleTalk, however, and we will get along a lot better if we can use TCP/IP for file sharing and printing.

System 7.5.5 does not come configured to use TCP/IP for either printing OR AppleShare. This article will show how to remedy this shortcoming without running into the crashing, failure to install, and general badness I had to wade through.

The first time I tried to install a modern system 7.5.5 on my SE/30, I simply could not get it to work. It turns out that the problem was due to my failure to install the updates in the correct order. By installing the updates in the order I list below, you will arrive at a very functional and stable system.

I recommend this configuration for any 68k Mac with at least a 68030 processor and 16MB of RAM. 16MB seems like a lot, but with our old RAM being so cheap on eBay, 16MB is easy to get and very important for a computer you intend to use on a daily or weekly basis.

If you have a 68030 Mac with less than 16MB of RAM and no way to upgrade, there’s still hope. Following this procedure but leaving out QuickTime 4 and MRJ leaves a System that will boot in just about exactly 4MB. This would leave 4MB for applications on an 8MB PowerBook.

CFM-68k Runtime Enabler Note:You will find that there is no need to install CFM-68k Runtime Enabler 4.0 (required by Navaigtor 4.0 and other software) if you follow the directions presented here. It is installed by LaserWriter 8.5.1.

Install System 7.5.5

The first step is to install System 7.5.3, which is downloadable from Apple here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Download all parts into one folder. After it is installed, install the System 7.5.5 Update, which is available from Apple here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Now you’ll be running stock System 7.5.5. Restart.

Install OpenTransport

To form a base to add network software onto, install OpenTransport 1.1.2 (there’s no need to install 1.1.1 first). Download it here. Restart.

Install TCP/IP Networking Tools

Now you’ll install the updates that allow access to AppleShare and printing via TCP/IP. Make sure you run the Network Software Selector utility first to ensure you’re using OpenTransport. Restart if necessary.

First, install the AppleShare Client 3.7.4. Download it here.

Second, install the LaserWriter 8.5.1 updater. Download six images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Restart.

Install TidBits

Install QuickTime 4.0.3. I can’t think of any particular reason to install this last 68k version instead of an older, possibly smaller version, but it has been working very well for me. Actually, I think this version supports Shockwave Flash movies, but don’t quote me on that. Download the QuickTime 4.0.3 installer here. If that link doesn’t happen to work, or you need a version localized for a different language, the page with download links is here.

Install Appearance Manager 1.0.3. The only way this software is available from Apple is as part of the entire SDK, which is about 4 MB in size. You’re probably only interested in the Appearance CDEV and INIT. Download the “manual install” file I developed for just the Appearance Manager software components here. When you’ve decompressed the file, you’ll find several folders, each named something inside your System Folder. Put the items into the place in your System Folder indicated by the name of the folder they live in.

Don’t forget to remove the “Color” and “WindowShade” control panels from your Control Panels folder. They are not necessary/not compatible with the Appearance Manager. Place them in your “Control Panels (Disabled)” folder for safekeeping in case you decide to remove the Appearance Manager.

Restart.

Optional Java Support

Install the Macintosh Runtime for Java 2.0. This software isn’t supposed to run on 7.5.5, but it does so fine. It is the first version with a JIT compiler for 68k machines. Only install this if you have a fast 68040 and think you’ll run Java programs (or want to impress your friends with your nerdiness). To install it, download the “manual install” file I developed here. When you’ve decompressed the file, you’ll find several folders, each named something inside your System Folder. Put the items into the place in your System Folder indicated by the name of the folder they live in.

Restart.

Completion!

Party! You’ve now installed a very complete and functional System 7.5.5. It should boot in about 6MB of RAM (assuming a 128k disk cache) and support the running of nearly any 68k compatible program. Connectivity is greatly enhanced due to the TCP/IP functionality, and the stability is good.
Don’t forget to read the follow-up, System 7.5.5 Favorite Add Ons to get the scoop on all the other software Apple should have provided out-of-the-box.

This configuration is exactly what I run for my day-to-day work on a Macintosh SE/30 modified with an Asante IIsi/SE-30 ethernet card, 40Mhz DayStar Turbo040, IIsi adaptor card, and 80MB of RAM. It rocks.

Got any good ideas for how to improve this page? Email me. Spam at fenestrated seperated by dot from net.

Summary

Here’s the download links referenced, in a table for your enjoyment.

System 7.5.3 CompleteParts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18
System 7.5.5 UpdateParts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
OpenTransport 1.1.2OT 1.1.2-Net Install.sea
LaserWriter 8.5.1Images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
AppleShare 3.7.4AppleShare_Client_3.7.4.img.bin
Quicktime 4.0.3
Appearance Manager 1.0.3Appearance1.0.3.cpt
Macintosh Runtime for Java 2.0MRJ2.0.cpt
All the downloadable software mentioned in this article is hosted here