Name: CFM-68K Runtime Enabler Version: 4.0 Reposted: May 2, 1997 Requires: Non-PowerPC-based Macintosh computer running System software version 7.1 through 7.6. Also requires ObjectSupportLib version 1.2 (included with this software). CFM-68K Runtime Enabler 4.0 and ObjectSupportLib 1.2 are included in Mac OS 7.6.1 Update. Description: CFM-68K Runtime Enabler extension 4.0 for 680x0 computers needed for certain applications which require it. Versions older than 4.0 should be updated. This software consists of a Disk Copy compressed image, which requires Disk Copy 6.1 or later to use. Download this software to your hard drive and then double-click it to use it. Disk Copy 6.1 is available in the Utilities folder. CFM-68K Runtime Enabler Frequently Asked Questions * What is the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler? The CFM-68K Runtime Enabler is an extension which makes it easier for developers of applications to design their programs to run on both 680x0 and PowerPC computers without having to write separate programs for both processor families. On a more technical level, the Code Fragment Manager ("CFM") was originally introduced by Apple only for Macintosh and Mac OS-compatible computers based on the PowerPC processor. It allows applications to share their programming code through special files known as shared libraries. In addition to being able to share programming code, applications which are programmed to use shared libraries can reduce their memory requirements. In response to the success of the PowerPC version of CFM, Apple introduced a version of CFM for Macintosh computers based on the 680x0 processor. This version of CFM for 680x0-based Macintosh computers is the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler extension. * What version of system software is required? You must have at least System 7.1 to use this software. This software also works with System 7.5, System 7.5.1, System 7.5.2, System 7.5.3, System 7.5.5, and Mac OS 7.6. * What applications use CFM-68K Runtime Enabler? An application must be explicitly programmed to use this extension. Apple products that use the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler include: OpenDoc, LaserWriter 8.4 driver, Apple Telecom Software 3.0 and later, and Apple Media Tool. Application programs from other companies that require the the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler include, but are not limited to, AOL 3.0 and Internet Explorer 3.0. Only the 68K versions of these software packages use it, not PowerPC versions of the products. * What was the problem with the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler extension prior to version 4.0? In late November 1996, Apple announced a bug in the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler extension. This bug could cause random crashes and hangs, resulting in application instability and potential loss of data. Because of the potential seriousness of these problems, Apple recommended that customers disable the extension. Also, Mac OS 7.6 would prevent the extension from loading. Mac OS 7.6 does support the the 4.0 version of the extension. * Does CFM-68K Runtime Enabler 4.0 fix all the known bugs? Apple has fixed all of the known bugs in the extension, and has performed a complete quality and integration test suite. * What if I still experience problems with my applications? CFM-68K Runtime Enabler 4.0 fixes all known bugs with the extension. If you continue to experience problems with applications that use CFM-68K, please perform the standard trouble shooting techniques, or contact the developer of the application. * Who should install CFM-68K Runtime Enabler 4.0? If the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler extension is disabled, applications which require it will no longer run. This includes OpenDoc, Cyberdog, LaserWriter 8.4, the Apple Media Tool, AOL 3.0, and Internet Explorer 3.0. If you have removed it, or are using Mac OS 7.6, you should download and install the new version. Customers with PowerPC machines do not need this extension. * ObjectSupportLib version 1.2 is included with this software. Is this beta software? No. ObjectSupportLib is officially released software, not beta software. Apple includes this software to install along with the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler 4.0 because of problems found when using older versions of ObjectSupportLib with the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler. Be aware that some applications will overwrite this file with an older version. * My computer uses a PowerPC processor. Can I use this software? No. Computers using a PowerPC processor do not need this extension. It is only for computers using the 680x0 processor. * How can I tell if my computer has a 680x0 processor? If your Macintosh model number is three digits long, then typically it has a 680x0 processor. For example, the Quadra 950, PowerBook 520, and Performa 600CD all have a 680x0 processor. By contrast, the Power Macintosh 6100, PowerBook 1400, and Perform 6320 all have a PowerPC processor.