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Jaguar Scorecard for Designers
by Fred Balin, fbalin@macresolutions.com
with Tim Malm on networking, tim@malm.com.
Created: May 13, 2003
How does Jaguar stack up as an operating system for folks in design and print?
This
report is based on a talk at the recent MacResolutions
seminar, The Designer's Transition to Mac OS X, and
identifies and rates the key features in Mac OS X v. 10.2
that relate specifically to this creative audience.
Scoring and comments below reflect our judgment on each key
feature relevant to design and print professionals.
Evaluation
Area (and Related Symbols)
Benefit (B or b)
Confusion (?, ??, or ???)
Loss (L or l)
Time (T or t)
Cost ($, $$, or $$$)
Authors' comments below in italics.
1. Performance and Productivity
Stability (B)
No extensions or startup files to configure or worry about.
Difficult to crash the system; you may never need to restart unless you install software or boot into Mac OS 9Preemptive Multitasking (B)
System allocates resources among running applications.
Mac OS 9's cooperative multitasking is not as effective.Protected Memory (B)
Application's memory is unavailable to any other application.
When an application goes belly up, the system and applications keep on running.
Force Quit (Apple-Option-Escape) really works and allows a choice from among all running applications.Dynamic Memory Allocation (B)
No virtual memory settings to configure.
No memory preferences within an application to adjust.Multithreading (b)
System and Cocoa applications (i.e., those written for OS X only) can do several tasks at once.
Examples: Simultaneous printings; multiple application launches.Multiprocessing (B, $$$)
Added boost for dual processor Macs
Enables the Mac OS and each application to run faster.Time tested Unix underpinings dramatically increase stability, performance, and productivity. Now for the oddities......
2. Unfamiliar Unix-isms
Folder Structure (??, l)
Different arrangement of files and folders.
Separate Mac OS 9 and OS X Desktops and Application, System and Docs folders.
OS X Concept of a Users folder.
Multiple OS X "Domains," including User, Local, and System.Unix Restrictions (l)
It's better if you:
-Don't rename and/or move key files and folders
-Keep applications in one of the designated application folders.
-keep all you data files within your Home folder.
Can we be rigid?True Multiple-User Environment (b)
Separate, protected home folder for each user account.
Not important if you are the sole user on yor Mac.Ownership, Permissions, and Passwords (???)
Increased file security; each file is "owned" by user who created it.
Some files are created by the system itself.
Potential restrictions on altering, deleting, and creating files.
Only certain ("Administrator") users can install software.
If you're the sole user on the machine, it will be mostly invisible to you..File Name Extensions (??)
Unix and other operating systems require them.
Mac OS X hides extensions by default, but they are still there.
Can turn them on globally via Finder Preferences, or for individual files via File->Get Info, or when you save.
Hey! Macintosh was supposed to be about and end to this nonsense. Nonetheless, if you can stomach it, it's best to show extensions and get used to them.
3. International Support
Multilingual Operating System (B)
Easily change to a second language (via System Preferences->International)
50 languages built in.
Programs must be written to support this feature. Examples: Apple's Mac OS X applications, Acrobat Reader, Internet Explorer.Full Unicode support (B)
Single world-wide character set that works with most languages, including character-heavy ones such as Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.
Was also in OS 9.
4. Classic Compatibility Environment
Mac OS 9 Running Within Mac OS X (B, ?)
Run your old applications within Mac OS X.
Copy and paste and/or drag and drop between Classic and Aqua.
Can lead to confusion, especially with fonts.
Same stability issues as with Mac OS 9
An incredible accomplishment; avoid as much as possible.
5. Font Technology
Character Palette (B)
Goes way beyond Key Caps.
Easily preview all glyphs in a font.
Select from among all fonts or just those that contain a certain glyph.
Add glyphs to a document and/or store them as favorites.
Palette appears as separate menu.
Enable it via System Preferences->International->Input Menu
Neat additionBuilt-in Font Renderer (b)
No need for Adobe Type Manager wthin Aqua
However ATM Lite 4.6.2 still needed within Classic to avoid jaggies.OpenType Support (B)
Best of both PostScript and TrueType in a single file
Cross-platform format
Same font can be used on PCs and Macs with no text reflow.
Dramatically expands the number of characters: 65,000 versus 256.
Significant for non-Roman fonts.
Roman fonts can include more glyphs (e.g., styles, small caps, fractions, swashes)
Was supported in OS 9 via later versions of ATM
Now support is built in.
Individual applications must also support it; Another point for InDesign over Quark, which sports full OpenType support.Windows TrueType (.ttf) Support (b)
Move the fonts right over from the PC to the Mac, and use 'em.New System Font, the dfont (b)
Unix variant of TrueType.
Mac OS X includes a neat collection.
Can't use in Mac OS 9 applications or with service bureau unless embedded in PDF.TrueType, PostScript, and Multiple Master Support
As in OS 9.Improved Font Stability (B)
Much harder to corrupt fonts.Unlimited Number of Fonts Can Be Stored in Fonts Folders (b)
Mac OS 9 had a limit to the number items in System Folder->Fonts
Not a great idea to have a ton of fonts in your OS 9 font folder anyway.Nested Folder Support (b)
Mac OS X v 10.2 and up recognizes fonts nested within folders inside font folders.
Mac OS 9 did not.New Fonts Panel
Within Cocoa applications (i.e, those built exclusively for OS X)
To see it, open Mail or Text Edit and select Format->Fonts
Shows Apple's direction for software developers.Now the problems:
Difficulty Determining Font Type (l, ?)
Icon on all fonts is the same.
No visual distinction between suitcases and printer fontsCan't Open Font Suitcases Within OS X (l)
Need a font manager or shareware utility to se inside.Multiple Font Locations (???)
Where are the darn fonts? A very confusing system.
In Mac OS 9, fonts are in System Folder->Fonts unless you used a font manager.
In Mac OS X, at least three additional locations. At the :
- User level in [your home folder]->Library->Fonts
- Local level in Library->Fonts, and
- System Level in System->Library->Fonts
It's quite possible, even likely, to have a font with same name in several locations
Which one does the system use?
There is a precedence order...It's really quite simple.....if you're a geek
"Use Fonts in the User level,
Before fonts in the Local level,
Before fonts in the System level,
Then go to fonts in the Classic fonts folder (even if Classic is not running),
Unless you're running a Classic application, then look in Classic fonts first."
Yuck!
Bottom Line: You need a font manager.
The choices are Font Reserve 3.1, Suitcase 10.2, and Font Agent Pro.
6. Quartz (2-D Graphics Engine)
Based on PostScript and It's Subset, PDF (B)
Apple's implementation of the Adobe imaging model
Embodies full PDF 1.3 (Acrobat 4) and some of PDF 1.4 (Acrobat 5) specification.
Hi-quality screen rendering, antialiasing, and transparency.
Enables Aqua's translucent jelly-bean widgets, see-through menus, and all that Jazz
Easy conversion of any file to PostScript.
Built-in Color Sync; all objects have ICC profiles
The new standard for the underpinnings of a graphical user interface.Save as PDF (B, ??)
Via Print dialog box within an application.
Screen optimized PDFs; not suitable for professional proofs.
No way to adjust settings (e.g., downsampling); no prepress options.
Does embed fonts; a nice quick-and-dirty solution for general users.
You still need Adobe's Distiller or applications with PDF libraries built-in.
7. Quartz Extreme
Graphic Calculations Off-Loaded to Video Card (b, $)
Speeds Aqua's processing
Requires recent video card (i.e., GeForce2 MX, GeForce3, GeForce4 MX, GeForce4 Ti, any AGP-based ATI RADEON card with at least 16MB of VRAM.)
Unless you have many, many open windows, you probably won't notice the difference.
8. Aqua
Visual treat plus new functionalityFinder Undo (b)
Drop your file in the wrong place? Edit->Undo, and its back.
One level undo only; I'll take it.Finder Copy and Paste (b)
Copy file or folder (with all its contents) and paste it anywhere.
Nice.Dock (b)
Combines aspects of Mac OS 9 Launcher, Application Menu, and Control Strip.
Click and hold or Control-click Dock icon for application options or folder hierarchy
Can get in the way; use Apple-Option-D to hide and show as needed.
Not perfect; some love it, some hate it; overall it's a plus.Tool Bar (b)
Mini-Dock at the top of each Window.
Column View (B)
Fast-lane addition to venerable List and Icon Views.
Quick access to all levels of each volume.
All appears in Save and Open dialo boxes.Folder Navigation
Default has each newly-opened window replace the old one.
Subtle, but midly dis-orienting difference from the past
Can return to Mac OS 9 style window proliferation globally, via Finder->Preferences, or locally, via Window Button, or use of Apple key.Keyboard Command Changes (?)
List View multiple select: Use of shift and command key reversed from that in OS 9
New Folder: Apple-N now gives you a new Finder Window; use Apple-Shift-N.New Open/Save Dialog Boxes (b, ?)
Significantly different from OS 9.
Easy access to common, recent, and favorite places
Click arrow to display Column View for additional navigation.
Takes a little getting used to.
Window Shade
Replaced with Minimize (to Dock)
Can reinstate via shareware, WindowShade X.
9. Fun Factor
iLife (b)
Apple's integrated multimedia suite of iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, and iDVD.
Worth the price of Jaguar by itself.iChat
Apple's implementation of AOL Instant Messenger.
Also runs on your local wired or wireless network.
Another great way to get around the boss.Sherlock 3 (b)
Redesigned for Internet use only
Movies, Maps, eBay, Yellow Pages, and more
Cool stuff
Apple's ripoff of earlier version of neat shareware, Watson.
Use Finder's File->Find (Apple-F) for local searches.
10. Networking, File Sharing, Collaboration
Built-in TCP/IP (B)
Was is in OS 9, but is now the default for networking.Rendezvous (b)
Auto-discovery of computers on the local network
Reinstates part of what AppleTalk always provided.Multihoning (b)
Prioritized auto-search for active network interfaces (i.e., Ethernet, Airport, modem
No need to reconfigure when making a change.Ultimate Connectivity (B)
To and from Macs, PCs, and Unix boxes.
There are no valid reasons not have Macs in a PC-centric office.Built-in Firewall (b)
All ports blocked by default.
Open desired ports via System Preferences->SharingFTP (b)
Can enable FTP access onto you Mac
Popular but insecure trasnfers; FTP sends all data including passwords as clear text.No User Interface for Users and Groups (L)
Guests can put files in your drop box.
Otherwise, provide user name and password and share entire disk.
There is no inbetween built-in.
A take away; Apple wants you to purchase Mac OS X server for these options.
Shareware application, Sharepoints, re-enables this functionality, but are you ready to trust your livelihood to it?Built in support for PPPoE (b)
No need for Enternet or MacPoet software (often used with basic, residential DSL for a single Mac).Apache Web Serving
Popular. powerful, and ubiquitous web server is built in.
For full server configuarations via graphic interface, you need Mac OS X Server.File Sharing via AppleTalk
Connect to older non-OS X Macs
Enable within specific network interfaces in System Preferences->Network.
Unfairly maligned, venerable protocol lives on as legacy resident in Jaguar.Remote Login
Secure geek entry into your Mac; leave it turned off in Network-.Sharing.WebDAV(b)
Relatively new protocol
Allows several developers to work on the same files at the same time over a network.
Requires files to be on a WebDAV-enabled server.
More secure than FTP
11. Printing
Built-in Support for Many Printers (b)
Often no driver or PPD installation is required.Support for IP-based Printing (B)
Allows you to print locally or over the Internet.
Need to enter exact IP address; cannot auto-discover.
Was available in OS 9 via the Desktop Printer Utility; now integrated under sole roof of the Print CenterAppleTalk Printing Support
As in OS 9
Enable via System Preferences->[selected Network Interface]-> AppleTalk.USB Printer Sharing (B, $)
Easy as pie for other Jaguar Macs on the local network to use your USB printer.
Enable via System Preferences->Sharing.
Sharing via other Macs is much more complicated.No Desktop Printers (l)
Replaced with cues created and visible within Print Center.
Need several clicks to track your print job.
Unfortunately, it's now less convenient to keep track of your print jobs.No Printing from Finder (l)
Can use shareware, Print Window.No Chooser
Good riddance.
Printing and networking functions now separated.
Print Center handles printer configuration and cues.
Networking, via System Preferences->NetworkPrint Center
Configure AppleTalk, USB, and IP/LPR printers.
Create print cues; select default printer; manage print jobs.
Can't change a cue's PPD selection; must delete cue and make new one.Rendezvous (b)
New Rendezvous-enabled printers are dynamically discovered.
Help for newbiesPrint Dialog Box (b)
Consistent interface across most applications.
Pull-down menus as in OS 9.
Any printer can be selected: Mac OS 9 was restricted to PostScript printers.
Can save custom presets; nice addition
Generate screen-res PDF; not for professional use.
Easy output to PostScriptClassic Printing
For use, you guessed it, when printing from within Classic Compatibility Environment.
Select printer via Chooser as in OS 9;
No desktop printers implemented withiin Classic; Print Monitor will indicate progress.
12. System Upgrade Requirements
New Hardware and/or Components ($$)
Recommend you use a PowerMac G4 with AGP card
Recommend you removed old low-end SCSI cards and devices.
Your printers should connect via USB or Ethernet.Software Upgrades and/or New Application Purchases ($$)
Mac OS X v 10.2 ("Jaguar")
Photoshop 7
Illustrator X / Freehand X
InDesign 2
Font Reserve 3.1, Suitcase 10.2, or Font Agent ProMigration (T, $$)
New, faster Mac?
Second, larger internal hard drive for older Mac?
Installs, configurations, data transfers.
13. Learning Curve
Aqua (t)
With just an hour or two or coaching, you'll be well on your way.New Applications (T, $)
Switch to InDesign? Allow significant time.
New font manager? You may need initial setup help..
Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Fred Balin, fbalin@macresolutions.com
3790 El Camino Real, #2005
Palo Alto, CA 94306
650-565-8120
info@macresolutions.com
©2003,
Fred Balin, MacResolutions
All rights reserved.
Apple, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.