dowdy@apple.UUCP (Tom Dowdy) (08/11/87)
As a public service for those of you who "just can't wait."
and to stop all of the speculation that has been going on lately,
Follows is today's announcment of the MultiFinder (from AppleLink):
(It's a bit long but I copied the whole thing so I wouldn't miss anything)
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MultiFinder, First Mac Multitasking Operating System
Boston, Mass. August 11, 1987. Apple Computer Inc. today introduced
MultiFinder, its first-generation multitasking operating system for the
Macintosh family of computers. This powerful extension of the Macintosh
operating system offers fast switching between applications, lets users print
documents on the LaserWriter while continuing work on other tasks, and
provides a platform for the creation of applications that can perform tasks
off-screen --in the background.
MultiFinder's multitasking capabilities let users view multiple
applications concurrently and copy, paste, and move rapidly between
applications within the Macintosh environment. With the appropriate hardware,
MultiFinder makes it possible to concurrently work in and integrate
information between multiple operating systems, including MS-DOS.
A variety of new applications can be created with a minimum of
developer investment to take advantage of MultiFinder's ability to perform
functions in the background such as file processing, electronic mail,
mainframe communications, terminal emulation, disk backup, data recalculation,
and data analysis. These functions can be executed while users work on other
applications.
"MultiFinder builds on the inherent strengths of the Macintosh," said
Delbert Yocam, Apple chief operating officer. "The new operating system
provides a smooth transition to a multitasking environment, offering users
real productivity gains now. MultiFinder re-emphasizes the expandability and
flexibility of the Macintosh software architecture."
MultiFinder is compatible with all Macintosh II, Macintosh SE and
Macintosh Plus computers with one megabyte or more of memory as well as most
Macintosh applications, protecting users' and developers' investments in
software, peripherals, data, and training.
All of MultiFinder's new features retain the look and feel of the
Macintosh, giving users the same ease of use found in all Macintosh products.
The Macintosh uses a single operating environment, assuring developers that
applications created for it will run on all Macintosh computers. It also
eliminates confusion for the user.
MultiFinder offers users increased productivity
Users can benefit from MultiFinder's multitasking capabilities in a
variety of ways. For example, at the start of the day, users can open all
the applications they typically use. Then, throughout the workday, users can
have constant access to all their key productivity tools. This saves time and
enhances system utility.
Developers can now create applications that take advantage of
MultiFinder's ability to perform functions that run in the background. For
example, users will be able to sort large databases in the background while
writing a memo; update customer lists with data downloaded in the background
from a mainframe, while working on a spreadsheet; and print lengthy documents
while sorting through electronic mail.
MultiFinder's capabilitity to let users concurrently view documents from
different applications, copy and paste data, and switch between them is
particularly useful in document composition and desktop publishing where items
copied from other applications can be edited by simply moving back to the
program that created them. For instance, a graphic pasted into a MacWrite
document can be altered quickly by copying it into an open MacDraw
window--without quitting the application.
This capability extends across applications running in different
operating environments. For example, with the Mac 286 card from AST Research,
Macintosh II users can run Lotus 1-2-3 under MS-DOS in a Macintosh window, and
copy and paste data directly into a Macintosh application with a few clicks of
the mouse. At the same time, with a modem and terminal emulation software, a
user can concurrently exchange data with a Unix application running on a
remote host.
Through the intuitive Macintosh user interface, MultiFinder provides a
variety of ways to switch between applications. Users can select from active
applications listed in the Apple menu, click in the desired application's
window or double-click its icon in the desktop. A small icon in the upper
right corner of the screen indicates the application in which the user is
currently working.
A maximum of 30 applications can be open simultaneously, limited by the
amount of random-access memory available. For optimal use and planning, the
Macintosh Finder displays the amount of memory used by each application.
Availability
MultiFinder, available in late September, is an integral part of the
Macintosh System Software Update included in all new Macintosh computers.
MultiFinder is also available to current Macintosh owners for $49 in the new
Macintosh System Software Update, sold through authorized Apple dealers and
direct sales channels.
The Macintosh System Software Update includes the latest version of the
Macintosh System Software, Finder, MultiFinder, Apple File Exchange, new
Macintosh utilities and complete documentation.
MultiFinder is also available through other sources including electronic
distribution services and user groups.
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Tom Dowdy CSNET: dowdy@apple.CSNET
Apple Computer MS:27Y AppleLink:DOWDY1
20525 Mariani Ave UUCP: {sun,voder,amdahl,decwrl}!apple!dowdy
Cupertino, CA 95014
"Plus ca change, Plus c'est la meme chose."