1) Question: What is the powerbook 5300 System Software Update?
Answer: The PowerBook 5300 System Software Update offers better system performance for the PowerPC microprocessor. It is a revision to the system software which shipped with early model Macintosh PowerBook 5300 and 190 series computers. By making this system update available to customers free of charge, Apple is demonstrating its commitment to promoting the highest level of system software reliability.
2) Question: What changes and enhancements were made?
Answer: Several significant improvements were made:
• Improved emulator performance
• Integration of Finder 7.5.4 which optimizes caching to improve performance
• Native resource updates to improve system level performance
• An improved PC Card modem extension for faxing and an improved application launch process which increases the launch speed of applications including Microsoft Word and Excel
3) Question: Who needs to install this software?
Answer: This software update is only useful for Macintosh PowerBook 5300 and 190 series computer owners who purchased their computers prior to mid-January 1996.
4) Question: Who does not need to install this software?
Answer: The software included in this PowerBook System Software Update is already pre-installed on every PowerBook shipped since mid-January, including the PowerBook 5300, 2300 and 190 series, as well as the PowerBook 500 PowerPC upgrade and PowerBook Duo PowerPC Upgrade.
These new disk images can only provide system software installation for the PowerBooks mentioned above. You cannot install this software on any other PowerBook computers.
5) Question: How can I tell if I already have the new software?
Answer: You can tell the difference between the most recent system software and earlier versions by checking the system enabler version in the "About This Macintosh..." Window. Any customer with a system enabler version earlier than 1.2 could benefit from this update.
6) Question: Which computers can utilize this software update?
Answer: The following Macintosh Products can utilize this system software:
• Macintosh PowerBook 5300 Series Computers
• Macintosh PowerBook 190 Series Computers
• Macintosh PowerBook 2300 Series Computers
• Macintosh Computers with the PowerPC Logic Board Upgrade for the PowerBook 500 Series
• Macintosh Computers with the PowerPC Logic Board Upgrade for the PowerBook Duo Products
7) Question: How should I install the PowerBook 5300 software update?
Answer: Apple strongly recommends that you do a "clean" installation to update the system software for your PowerBook computer. You can initiate this procedure by pressing the Command-Shift-K keys at the main window of the Installer. Then select the option to "Install New System Folder", then click OK.
After the computer has restarted, move the following items from the Previous System Folder to the same location in the System Folder:
ATM Font Database
Claris folder
DataViz folder
Launcher Items folder
MacLinkPlus Setup (in the Control Panels folder)
MacLinkPlus for Easy Open (in the Extensions folder)
Note: Some of these items may not be present on your particular PowerBook computer model.
For more information, also see “Reinstalling System Software” in the chapter on diagnostic techniques in the manual that came with your PowerBook computer.
8) Question: Do I need all the disks that are posted online?
Answer: No, if you still have the disk images that were originally included on your PowerBook computer's hard drive when it was purchased, you only need to download and decompress disk images 1,8,10,11,12 and 13.
The complete set is 14 disks, #1-13 system install, #14 is Disk Tools.
9) Question: Where and how can I get the PowerBook 5300 software update?
Answer: You can get the PowerBook 5300 software update using one of the following methods:
• Apple's internet site for download by PowerBook 5300 computer owners.
URL http://www.macos.apple.com/pbupdate.7.5.2
• The standard Apple Software Update locations.
See TIL: Where to Find Apple Software Updates (12/95) TECHINFO-0014724
• Apple provides a choice of CD-ROM or Floppy disk set at no charge to
customers via 1-800-273-4035 fulfillment line.
• Contact 800-SOS-APPL, the phone tree will allow customers to route
themselves to obtain the update or callers can be transferred to
the fulfillment group by SOS-APPL agents.
• Available to Apple's System 7.5 Volume License Maintenance customers
through their standard fulfillment process. The license agreement and
instructions are available at http://www.macos.apple.com/pbupdate.7.5.2
10) Question: On what date was the PowerBook 5300 Software Update made available?
Answer: It was made available on January 9, 1996.
This article is one of many available through the Apple Fax center. For a complete list of available fax documents, search the Tech Info Library for Apple Fax Document Index or call the Apple Fax line at 1-800-505-0171 and select document number 20000 (Apple Fax - Document Index - Product Support Literature). The Apple Fax center is available free of charge 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Article Change History:
02 Jul 1996 - Added Fax Doc word
15 Feb 1996 - Gave more detailed explanation for how to install.
