From the Archives: Anticipating OS 9

Originally written in September 1999!

Apple’s OS 9 system software features are being outlined and explained at Apple’s website. Go figure—there are 9 main reasons why everyone should buy it. Copied directly from Apple, I have brought their site to you. Check Apple’s version of this info for even more about OS 9.

1. Sherlock 2
The search for the ultimate search engine is over. Your personal shopper on the Internet, Sherlock 2 not only finds the products you’re looking for, it’s also the easiest way to find people, news, and just about everything else on the Internet.

2. Multiple Users
We should be calling this feature “multiple Macs,” because it customizes one Mac for each user who shares it. Now you can share your Mac without hassle or worry. This feature securely stores each user’s preferences and files for privacy and convenience.

3. Voiceprint Password
Your voice is your password. Mac OS 9 analyzes your voice and stores your voiceprint. Then when you talk, your Macintosh listens. And lets you—and you alone—log on and access your files.

4. Keychain
Forget keeping track of those dozens of Internet passwords. The personal keychain in Mac OS 9 securely stores all of your user IDs and passwords. Your voice—or one typed password—unlocks them all.

5. Auto Updating
Keep your Mac up-to-date, automatically. Always have the latest software. Mac OS 9 can automatically download software updates over the Internet, and can even install them for you.

6. Encryption
Send files across the Internet securely. Mac OS 9 helps you keep your private information private with industrial-strength encryption.

7. File Sharing over the Internet
Apple’s easy-to-use File Sharing now works the same way over the Internet. So you can share files, folders and data with anyone. No more boundaries!

8. AppleScript over TCP/IP
Put your Mac on automatic pilot—remotely, over the Internet. AppleScript lets you automate tasks on your Mac. Now AppleScript over TCP/IP takes that to the next level, letting you remote-control your Mac (or a whole battery of Macs) from wherever you happen to be.

9. Network Browser
The Internet is about to become much more manageable. The Network Browser in Mac OS 9 lets you find Internet file servers, FTP servers, and web servers about as easily as you find printers on your network.

Many of these features I can’t wait to see. The voice recognition is certainly a direction that Apple and all computer makers and software engineers are going towards and it is good to see Apple leading the pack. There is no word on availability of OS 9 and also no guarantee that they will be able to include all they promise, but let’s hope they can.