Macintosh Technology In The Common Hardware Reference Platform

Developed jointly by Apple, IBM and Motorola, this book defines the architecture requirements and minimum system requirements for a common hardware reference platform. It provides essential information for anyone developing an operating system, hardware component, or hardware platform to run on these standard systems.

This book defines the architecture requirements and minimum system requirementsfor a computer system that is designed to become an open industry standard.These requirements provide a description of the devices, interfaces, and dataformats required to design and build a PowerPC-based computer. This standard isdesigned to provide software compatibility for several operating environments.Systems built to these requirements can use industry-standard componentscurrently found in IBM-compatible and Apple® Macintosh® personal computers. Thesesystems are expected to run various future versions of operating systemsincluding Apple Mac OSTM, IBM AIXTM and PowerPCTM Editions of IBM OS/2 Warp ConnectTM,Microsoft Windows NTTM Workstation, Novell NetwareTM, and SunSoft SolarisTM. This book is the primary source of information for anyone developing a hardwareplatform, an operating system, or hardware component to be part of thesestandard systems. It describes the hardware-to-operating-system interface thatis essential to anyone building hardware platforms and provides the minimumsystem configurations that platform designers must meet when building a standardplatform. Component manufacturers require this information to producecompatible chips and adapters to use on these platforms, and software developersrequire the information on mandatory functions and documented interfaces. The architecture is intended to support a range of PowerPC microprocessor-based system implementations including portable, desktop, and server classsystems, and allows multiple operating-system implementations across a widerange of environments and functions. This enables new hardware and softwareenhancements that are necessary for the development of improved userinterfaces, higher performance, and broader operating environments.

The Macintosh Family Hardware Reference provides the most accurate and complete information on the hardware configurations for all Macintosh computers, including the Macintosh II and the Macintosh SE.

Recently, Apple, IBM, and Motorola formed an alliance to develop the next generation of computer technology, the PowerPC chip. Here is the inside story on this new technology that will put Apple ahead of Intel and Microsoft both technologically and economically. This book explains why the PowerPC chip is so important, how to upgrade, what's different from 680x0 machines, and how to migrate applications.

Similar to the successful Programmer's PC Sourcebook, this is the definitive book that serious Mac programmers have been waiting for. Includes key technical data and information, gathered from separate sources, all conveniently organized and cross-referenced in one easy-to-use volume.

Designed for new and prospective users, this resource offers a technical overview, information about add-on products, tips and shortcuts, and troubleshooting techniques.

This second edition covers the many new and exciting developments in the Macintosh technology, including System 7, QuickTime, and the Macintosh Quadra and PowerBook. It offers an overview of the user interface, the system software, communications, and program development environments.

The year of the Mac was 1988, as corporations and individuals grewpreciate its power and versatility. Like the tremendously successful Inside the IBM PC, this is a guide for all users of the Mac who want to learn more about its inner workings.