System 6 press release
Apple Computer
Copyright (c) 1992 Apple Users' Group, Sydney
Republished from Applecations, a publication of the Apple Users' Group, Sydney, Australia.
Apple Introduces New System Software And HyperCard IIGS Upgrade For The Apple IIGS
CUPERTINO, California--March 24, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc. today introduced new system software and an upgraded version of HyperCardIIGS for the Apple IIGS personal computer.
Apple IIGS System 6 software offers an enhanced user interface, greater speed and performance, and data exchange capabilities not available on current Apple IIGS operating systems. HyperCard IIGS version 1.1 has been upgraded to include a Media Control stack for operating CD ROMs and videodisk players, and new HyperTalk scripting capabilities.
"Apple IIGS System 6 encompasses the most robust and feature-rich system software offered since the introduction of the Apple IIGS in 1986, bringing Apple II customers much of the same ease-of-use and functionality now available on the System 7 Finder for the Macintosh," said John Santoro, Apple II product manager. "The extensive development of System 6 and HyperCard IIGS version 1.1 underline Apple's continuing support of the Apple II line."
Features and Benefits of Apple IIGS System 6
Apple IIGS System 6 features three new File System Translators that provide easy access to Macintosh disks, Pascal disks, Apple II DOS 3.3 disks.
In addition, Apple IIGS System 6 offers users significant feature enhancements to control panel and desk accessory functionality, providing an enhanced new "look and feel" to the Apple IIGS. Control panels can be opened directly from the desktop and Find File and Calculator desk accessories have been incorporated.
Finder Help on Apple IIGS System 6 can be accessed through pop-up menus and kept on screen while users step through procedures. Window handling and window appearance have also been enhanced, making it easier to move between and manage multiple windows on a singlescreen.
Apple IIGS System 6 offers two new applications--Teach and Archiver. Teach is a desktop text processor that enables the user to jot down notes, read disk files and create formatted or unformatted text documents. Teach also provides file import capability from ASCII, AppleWorks version 3.0, AppleWorks GS, MacWrite version 5.0 formats and AppleWriter. Archiver offers flexible hard disk backup functions to save and restore either individual files or entire volumes.
The Apple IIGS System 6 Media Control toolset is a new tool/driver/control panel/desk accessory combination that allows users to integrate, configure and manage highly sophisticated multimedia effects. The performance of this toolset is optimizedwhen used in conjunction with HyperCard IIGS version 1.1.
The Universal Access suite (also available on Macintosh System 7 software) opens the Apple IIGS to disabled users via Video Keyboard, Easy Access and Closeview programs, simplifying system use for thevisually or physically impaired.
As with the System 5 series, Apple IIGS System 6 users can network their Apple IIGS computers with each other and with Apple IIe, Macintosh and MS-DOS computers. However, System 6 improves networking functionality via EasyMount, a new feature which allows users to mount a network server with a simple double-click command.
Apple IIGS System 6 replaces Apple IIGS System 5.0.4 for the stand-alone Apple IIGS, providing a consistent graphical interface and high performance for both the individual and networked user.
Speed and Feature Enhancements for HyperCard IIGS
HyperCard IIGS version 1.1 features a Media Control Stack for the control of external media devices such as Laserdisk players and CD-ROM drives from within the stack. Control is provided to the user through a common interface to two external devices by using standard "Play", "Fast Fwd", etc., buttons or floating control panels.
A Tune Builder stack allows the user to create short original tunes by simply clicking the mouse on the stack's music staff. Notes can be
played in variable time and with the voices of a large collection of instruments. These tunes can then be used as enhancements to other original stacks by cutting and pasting.
HyperCard IIGS version 1.1 has incorporated features from Macintosh HyperCard version 2.0 and 2.1, such as HyperTalk extensions and X Windows. As with original HyperCard IIGS, version 1.1 is also in color.
The Apple IIGS SuperDrive Controller card is also available for the enhanced Apple IIE and Apple IIGS, allowing users to utilize Apple's SuperDrive which permits the use of 1.4MB floppy disks. The SuperDrive card also operates all other Apple II 3.5 disk drives.
System Requirements
Stand-alone Apple IIGS System 6 software requires an Apple IIGS personal computer with at least 1MB of RAM, ROM version 01 or 03 and one 3.5-inch disk drive, although configurations of 2MB of RAM and a hard drive is recommended for optimal performance. Networked systems require Apple IIGS computers with at least 768K RAM, ROM version 01 or 03 and appropriate LocalTalk cables.
HyperCard IIGS version 1.1 requires an Apple IIGS personal computer with 1.5MB RAM, one 800K disk drive and hard disk or connection to a networked environment, and system software 5.0.3 or subsequent version.
Price and Availability
The Apple IIGS System 6 package includes six 3.5-inch disks containing system and set-up software and system tools, as well as the Apple IIGS System Software User's Guide. The package will be available in early April from authorized Apple dealers, Apple Educations Sales Consultants, and Resource Central, Inc. (913) 469-6502) for a suggested retail price of $39 in the United States.
Apple is also making Apple IIGS System 6 software available from licensed user groups and licensed on-line services.
HyperCard IIGS version 1.1 will be available in early April from authorized Apple Dealers and Resource Central, Inc. for a suggested retail price of $69. HyperCard IIGS 1.0 owners can purchase an upgrade to version 1.1 from Resource Central, Inc.
Apple, the Apple logo, HyperCard, Apple IIGS, HyperTalk, AppleTalk,
Macintosh and LocalTalk are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
System 7, Finder, SuperDrive, and AppleWriter are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
AppleWorks is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., licensed to Claris Corporation.
Claris MacWrite is a registered trademark of Claris Corporation.

THIS CONTENT COPYRIGHT © 2007, APPLE MACINTOSH USERS' GROUP, SYDNEY
Permission has been obtained to make this material available on the Internet.

Permission is hereby granted for non-profit user groups to republish this content.
PLEASE CREDIT THE AUTHOR AND THE SOURCE: Applecations, publication of the Apple Users' Group, Sydney, Australia

THIS PAGE COPYRIGHT © 2007, ANDREW ROUGHAN