Our Technical Support team has completed their testing of Mac software compatibility with MicroMac accelerator products. Mac OS 7.6 and 7.6.1 are compatible with most MicroMac accelerated systems; however, for optimal performance MicroMac recommends 68020 and 68030 68k-based Mac users remain with System 7.1 or System 7.5.x. (Some owners may be able to use Mac OS 7.6.1. Please check the Compatibility Charts for complete compatibility listings). Owners of 68040-based Macs or PowerPCs may use System 7.5.5, Mac OS 7.6 or 7.6.1 or the upcoming Mac OS 8.

Brief Background on Mac OS 7.6 and 7.6.1

Apple has not introduced any major changes from System 7.5.5 to Mac OS 7.6 or 7.6.1. Basically the Mac OS 7.6 software has more native PowerPC code, allowing it to be more stable and compatible with PowerPC computers. If you own a 68k-based Macintosh (a 68000, '020, '030 or '040 machine) you will not notice any major increase in performance or speed over that from System 7.5.5. In some cases you may even notice a degradation in System performance. Officially Apple does not recognize computers upgraded with 68030 and 68040 upgrade cards compatible with Mac OS 7.6 or 7.6.1.

The Introduction of Mac OS 8

Mac OS 8 introduces advanced features but requires a 68040-based Macintosh (such as a Centris or Quadra) or a PowerPC computer. Mac OS 8 is incompatible with accelerated 68020 or 68030-based Macs. Mac OS 7.6.1 is the end of the line for these machines; however, System 7 (System 7.1 to Mac OS 7.6.1) proves to be a stable and worthwhile Operating System and will be supported by Apple for the foreseable future.

If you own a 68000, 68020 or 68030 Mac or Performa

MicroMac offers 100% support and technical service for MicroMac accelerated 68000, '020 and '030 68k-based Macs with System software up to System 7.5.x. We will offer advice and guidance to those who wish to experiment with Mac OS 7.6 or 7.6.1 on a Mac officially declared incompatible with the Mac OS 7.6.x software; however, this undertaking is at the customer's own discretion. MicroMac strongly recommends you remain with a System software deemed compatible with your accelerated Macintosh. This will ensure for a stable and more productive system. In the Compatibility Charts below, MicroMac has listed System software that offers the best stability for your particular Macintosh model.

If you own a 68040 or PowerPC Mac

For standard 68040 68k-based Mac owners (Centris, Quadra and 68040 Performas) and PowerPCs, MicroMac supports System 7.1, 7.5.x, Mac OS 7.6, 7.6.1 and Mac OS 8.

User Recommendations and Input

To the best of our abilities we have tested the System software for the MicroMac consumer. Please note that our testing of the software is based on standard installed Apple software components (Apple-based control panels and extensions). If you experience problems with third-party control panels and extensions you will need to contact the manufacturer of those particular products for technical support and updates. Unfortunately there is no way we can test every possible System software configuration out there.

If you discover a System configuration or software product that does or does not work, please feel free to contact Tech Support at MicroMac with your input. This way we will be able to provide the MicroMac user with the best up-to-date information on compatible Mac OS software.

Thank you for your support.




Table of Contents for Compatibility Charts

Compact Macs
Mac II Series
LC Series
Centris
Quadras
PowerPCs
Performas

Recommended System Software for Classic, Plus & SE:

• System 6.0.7, 6.0.8, 7.0 (with Tune-Up 1.1.1) or System 7.1.
• System 7.5.x is not recommended for Performer and PerformerPro users
  due to the 4MB memory limitations of their machines.
• MultiSpeed users with sufficient memory may use System 7.5.x.

Recommended System Software for Color Classic:

• System 7.1 or 7.5.x.

Recommended System Software for SE/30:

• System 7.1 or 7.5.x.

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Recommended System Software for Mac II Series:

• System 7.1 or 7.5.x.

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Recommended System Software for LC Series:

• System System 7.1 or 7.5.x.

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Recommended System Software for Centris computers:

• System System 7.1, 7.5.x, Mac OS 7.6, 7.6.1 or Mac OS 8.

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Recommended System Software for Quadras:

• System 7.1, 7.5.x, Mac OS 7.6, 7.6.1 or Mac OS 8.

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Recommended System Software for PowerPCs:

• System 7.5.x, Mac OS 7.6, 7.6.1 or Mac OS 8.

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Recommended System Software for 68030 Performas:

• System 7.1 or 7.5.x.

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