What is MacOS 9?

For new users not familiar with the history of the Macintosh, MacOS 9 is the last version of the "Classic" MacOS that can trace its roots to the original Macintosh. MacOS X, on the other hand, is based on NeXTstep, which can trace its roots to Mach.

At the time of its release, MacOS 9 was advertised as having "50 new features" perhaps most notably Sherlock 2 for search, multiple user support, and improved security capabilities.

For more on MacOS 9, you might like to read the now vintage MacOS 9 Special Report from the excellent MacInTouch and Major Features in MacOS 9 from the also superb TidBITS.

Why would anyone want to use MacOS 9?

As mentioned elsewhere, EveryMac.com has been disappointed that for every user concerned about Apple's decision to not provide MacOS 9/Classic support on Intel-based Macs -- and subsequently abandon the "Classic Environment" even on PowerPC-based Macs starting with MacOS X 10.5 "Leopard" -- there has been another on the attack telling those with legacy documents and applications to "get with the program".

When Apple released MacOS X 10.2 "Jaguar" on August 24, 2002, the first version of MacOS X arguably stable and full-featured enough to consider for real "day to day" use, Mac users began upgrading in earnest. MacOS X 10.3 "Panther" released the subsequent autumn accelerated the trend. To date (see top), although MacOS X (without hacks) still lacks some nice interface features of MacOS 9 -- window tabs, window shade, and a customizable Apple menu, for example -- the vast majority of Mac users long ago began to prefer MacOS X primarily because of its speed, true multitasking, rock solid stability, and UNIX underpinnings. However, the operating system transition worked well because of the MacOS 9 "Classic Environment" which made it possible to preserve investments in older software and access older documents when needed.

Most companies that produced MacOS 9 software made MacOS X versions, and Mac users upgraded software as time and budgets allowed. Some programs, however, never were ported to MacOS X -- Adobe FrameMaker, for example -- and the loss of "Classic" may force die hard Mac users who would rather not use Windows to do so. Others preferred the simplicity of MacOS 9 software like Claris Home Page for web design, and the lack of "Classic" will delay their purchase of Intel-based Macs. Dan Knight, for example, webmaster of the fantastic LowEndMac website (a must visit for those interested in keeping an older Mac productive) has been looking for MacOS X software options that are less "bloated" than Dreamweaver.

At this time, most users still booting in MacOS 9 as their primary operating system probably do so because the system does everything they need it to do or they lack the money required to purchase a new or newer Mac -- not everyone has a trust fund. Many MacOS 9 capable systems even are available for free these days (Mac clones in particular), and free has its advantages.

There is certainly nothing wrong with using an older Mac, and users reliant on older software need not feel pressured to "get with the program". It will become increasingly challenging to use a Mac running MacOS 9 for online use, although by using a variety of browsers, it probably will be possible to use most websites in some capacity for a while longer. It likewise is possible to use a MacOS 9 desktop or notebook with a wireless network even if the system does not support AirPort. Unlike older Windows PCs, which probably are compromised already if they are connected to the Internet, MacOS 9 is very secure online, even more secure than MacOS X in some ways.

Those who remain dependent on MacOS 9/Classic software would be best served by continuing to use an existing PowerPC-based Mac or upgrading to a newer one. Site sponsor Operator Headgap Systems specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both MacOS X and MacOS 9 applications. Site sponsor PowerMax also sells a variety of used systems capable of running both operating systems.

Is anyone still developing software for MacOS 9?

The commercial software developers effectively all abandoned MacOS 9 some time ago. However, a quick visit to VersionTracker shows that, as of the date last revised (see top), there is a small but fairly steady stream of freeware and shareware that is being released, updated, and maintained for MacOS 9.

Some of the applications are mis-categorized and are actually for MacOS X, but most are compatible with MacOS 9. Given that MacOS 9 was last updated at the end of 2001 and Steve Jobs formally declared it deceased in a mock funeral in May 2002, it shows that long term Mac users are quite dedicated to continue supporting vintage systems.