For Macintosh users, a very long wait is over; a new operating system has many improvements - and makes many demands

Article Abstract:

Apple Computer Inc introduces its long-awaited System 7.0 operating system. Industry observers hail the introduction as one of the most significant events since the appearance of the original Macintosh in 1984. Apple executives say that 1.5 million to 3 million Macintosh users will start using System 7.0 in 1991. System 7.0 represents an improvement in the way Macintoshes communicate with one another over networks, and also makes it easier to share information among applications. Previously, Macs have not done very well in competition with IBMs and compatibles in the office market, capturing only a 10- to 15 percent market share. Apple hopes that System 7.0 will change this picture. Some experts advise caution: there could be 'bugs,' as there often are in any new software release; some previous programs are not compatible; few programs exist that take full advantage of System 7.0; and staff will have to be trained to use System 7.0. System 7.0 needs a powerful hardware configuration, requiring at least 4Mbytes of free memory and 2Mbytes of system memory.

AAPL, Apple Inc., New Product, product announcement, Apple Macintosh (680X0-based system)

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In the wings, 3 new ways to handle data

Article Abstract:

The three most popular operating systems for microcomputers are getting ready to release new and improved versions. Microsoft Corp is set to release both DOS-Windows 3.0 and OS-2 2.0, for IBM compatible machines though no dates have been set. Analysts who have seen advanced copies of Windows 3.0 rave about its features, saying its graphical user interface (GUI) is comparable to both Presentation Manager and the Macintosh interface. Microsoft faces two problems with Windows 3.0: first, it may be too advanced a system, taking away potential customers from its OS-2 product; and second, most existing Windows applications will not work with 3.0. Microsoft's OS-2 is a more powerful system than DOS, but so far, it has failed to gain much popular support.

Computer industry, Software industry, Microcomputers, column, Microcomputer, Computer Software Industry, Enhancements, Microsoft Windows 3.0 (GUI)

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New operating system is the machine's soul

Article Abstract:

Several software companies announce the imminent release of new operating systems and operating system enhancements for microcomputers. Microsoft Corp releases Microsoft Windows 3.1, an upgrade of its graphical user interface. IBM has brings to market its OS/2 2.0 operating system. OS/2 allows users to run DOS, Microsoft Windows and OS/2 applications simultaneously. Go Corp introduces Penpoint, an operating system for pen input-based microcomputers. During the product-release foray, attention is expected to focus on IBM and Microsoft. The two companies were former partners, but Microsoft's hesitancy to support OS/2 and its subsequent concentration on Microsoft Windows has caused great enmity between them.

Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Computer programming services, Microsoft Corp., International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Column, SUNW, Product development, MSFT, GO Corp., Graphical user interface, Pen-based computers, PenPoint (Operating system), Microsoft Windows 3.1 (GUI), Pen-based I/O

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