Apple’s Mac OS 8 Beta Release Receives Positive Response; Developers and
Customers Laud Major Upgrade to Operating System

WWDC, SAN JOSE, Calif.-May 13, 1997-Apple Computer, Inc. today revealed
that the recent release of the beta version of its forthcoming major
operating system upgrade, Mac OS 8, has been enthusiastically received by
seeded developers and customers alike. Scheduled for introduction in July
1997, Mac OS 8 will provide a more responsive user interface with a
multi-threaded, PowerPC-native Finder; integrated Internet services, and
improved installation and configuration features.

“Everytime we show Mac OS 8 to customers, press, and trade show attendees
we get a terrific response,” said Jim Gable, vice president of Apple
Software Marketing. “This is the most significant update to the OS software
platform in many years and clearly demonstrates Apple’s lasting advantages
-particularly in ease-of-use and now with integrated Internet services.”

“Developer response to the Mac OS 8 beta release has been tremendous,” said
David Krathwohl, vice president of Developer Relations. “The beta release
demonstrates Apple’s ability to deliver important software on schedule,
something that our developers require to be successful.”

Developer & Customer Response “Connectix is planning to support Mac OS 8
with compatible versions of RAM Doubler, Speed Doubler, and Connectix
Virtual PC. Mac OS 8 is a strong step forward in delivering much wanted
benefits to Macintosh users and developers.” -Gina Clark, Vice President
and General Manager of Software at Connectix.

“Dantz Development Corporation fully supports Apple’s upcoming Mac OS 8. We
plan to release a version of the award-winning Retrospect backup software
that makes the transition to Mac OS 8 completely smooth and
trouble-free.” -Craig Isaacs, VP, Sales & Marketing Dantz Development
Corporation

“Having styled both our web content and CD-ROM titles to reflect the
interface changes, we’re delighted that Mac OS 8 is in late beta. The
overall ‘friendliness’ of the system, combined with a noticeable speed-up
across all Power Macintosh systems, means we can’t wait to upgrade our
studio to 8.” -Alasdair Scott, Interactive Director, AMXdigital “It is our
declared intent to continue to support the Mac OS for all our software
products. Early availability of a beta of Mac OS 8 will enable us continue
to offer the medical professions with our products as soon as they will
want to migrate to this new and important OS. We are looking forward to an
exiting future and a mutually rewarding relationship with our customers and
Apple.” -Mr. Ilja Burkoff, Owner of Burkoff Software

“Mac OS 8 has a wonderful new look, but also comes with dozens of subtle
features. If the Mac OS is a car which Mac users drive, then Apple has
replaced a V-6 engine with a V-8 version that has more power and speed but
still yields better mileage. Apple has also cleaned up the hoses and
belts, chromed the engine assembly and radiator until it gleams, tuned the
plugs and pistons, and given the body a complete coat of wax for a
beautiful shine. The total package is a combination of power, artistry,
and elegance that no version of Windows can hope to match. Let’s face it:
would you rather buy a Lexus or a Yugo?” -Dr. Suman Chakrabarti ,
Mechanical Engineering Physics Dept., Penn State University

“Mac OS 8 is hands-down the easiest desktop operating system to install,
use, and troubleshoot. Having reinstalled WindowsNT 4.0 twice this week on
one PC and having spent three weeks trying figure out why Windows95 won’t
allow my other PC to connect to the network, it was refreshing to simply
double-click and be up and running on my Mac with OS 8. I am also looking
forward to getting Mac OS 8 out on campus, because its power and ease of
use will allow faculty to augment their curriculum with their computers,
rather than redesigning their classes around their computers’ limitations.”
-Austin Robinson-Coolidge, Microcomputer Consultant

“Mac OS 8 has broken the speed barrier for the PowerPC. With a
multithreaded, PPC native Finder, the computer runs (and looks) like never
before-this kind of speed boost hasn’t been seen since the invention of the
Level 2 cache. With regards to ease of use, Mac OS 8 has taken the world’s
most functional operating system and made it even better. Pop open folders,
tabbed finder windows and improved networking features all make this the
best OS release yet. With these kinds of changes, it’s obvious that Apple
is on the road to tomorrow.” -Clint DeBoer, CD Media Inc.

“Speed! Comfort! Convenience! OS 8 is much faster, in both real, timed
performance; and in user perceived performance. OS 8 has a new comfort to
it. some of the subtleties such as the click-lock menus that are not even
noticeable unless they are needed, windows which are moveable from any
side, not just the titlebar, and copying files in the background, so that
you can launch another app. and continue with your work, make this OS
release thoroughly enjoyable.” -Eric Bolden, Sr. IPC Department of
Pediatrics,University of Wisconsin, Madison “Mac OS 8 takes all the great
aspects of the Mac and takes them one step further. What makes the biggest
difference to me is how Mac OS 8 makes the Macintosh more usable. The
mutlithreaded Finder, new interface features, and improved speed make my
computer much more usable. I haven’t experienced a crash in ages. It’s
like a whole new machine. I can still do all I was able to do before, but
now I can do it faster, more smoothly, and with less hassle.” -Ishir Bhan,
Harvard Medical School

“Mac OS 8 is by far the most stable, fast, efficient, and effective
Operating System release since 1984. In 1991, Apple released System 7.0,
and at the time it was considered evolutionary….however, times have
certainly changed, and Mac OS 8 is not evolutionary, it is revolutionary,
extraodinary, and fully rejuvenates Apple Computer’s reputation as the
premier developer of insanely great and easy to use software for the rest
of us. Mac OS 8 is just the beginning…Perhaps the most important and
significant aspect of Mac OS 8 is that it lays an efficient and stable
groundwork for the next chapter in Apple’s history; the introduction of
Rhapsody in 1997/1998.” -Andrew Holowka, MIS Director

Mac OS 8 is another milestone in Apple’s history. Instead of trying to
redefine the computer interface, they took the best interface in the
universe and enhanced and streamlined it. Mac OS 8 brings computer to a new
level. The enhancements make daily computing more efficient and at the same
time fun to do! Only Apple could take the best operating system and make it
better. Users gain productivity without requiring them to learn a
completely new way of doing things.” -Dave Ruda, Printing Unlimited

Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized innovator in the information industry
and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based on
easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, personal
digital assistants and Internet content. Headquartered in Cupertino,
California, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets solutions,
products, technologies and services for business, education, consumer,
entertainment, scientific and engineering and government customers in more
than 140 countries.

Press Contacts: Nathalie Welch Apple Computer, Inc. (408) 974-5430 email:
welch.n@apple.com

Russell Brady Apple Computer, Inc. (408) 974-6877 email: brady2@apple.com

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About Apple Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized innovator in the information
industry and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions
based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software,
personal digital assistants and Internet content. Headquartered in
Cupertino, California, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets
solutions, products, technologies and services for business, education,
consumer, entertainment, scientific and engineering and government
customers in more than 140 countries.

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