This article answers some of the most common questions asked about the PowerBook 5300 System Software Update.

Question: What is the PowerBook 5300 System Software Update?

Answer: The PowerBook 5300 System Software Update offers better system performance for the PowerPC microprocessor. It is a revision to the system software which shipped with early model Macintosh PowerBook 5300 and 190 series computers. By making this system update available to customers free of charge, Apple is demonstrating its commitment to promoting the highest level of system software reliability.

Question: What changes and enhancements were made?

Answer: Several significant improvements were made:

• Improved emulator performance
• Integration of Finder 7.5.4 which optimizes caching to improve performance
• Native resource updates to improve system level performance
• An improved PC Card modem extension for faxing and an improved application launch process which increases the launch speed of applications

Question: Which PowerBook computers or upgraded computers can utilize this software?

Answer: The following Macintosh Products can utilize this system software:

• Macintosh PowerBook 5300 Series Computers*
• Macintosh PowerBook 190 Series Computers*
• Macintosh PowerBook 2300 Series Computers
• Macintosh Computers with the PowerPC Upgrade for the PowerBook 500 Series
• Macintosh Computers with the PowerPC Upgrade for the PowerBook (Duo) 200 Series

* This software update is only useful for Macintosh PowerBook 5300 and 190 series computer owners who purchased their computers prior to mid-January 1996.

Question: How can I tell if I already have the new software?

Answer: You can tell the difference between the most recent system software and earlier versions by checking the system enabler version in the "About This Macintosh..." Window. Any customer with a system enabler version earlier than 1.2 could benefit from this update.

Question: Who does not need to install this software?

Answer: The software included in this PowerBook System Software Update is already pre-installed on every PowerBook shipped since mid-January, including the PowerBook 5300, 2300 and 190 series, as well as the PowerBook 500 PowerPC upgrade and PowerBook Duo PowerPC Upgrade.

These new disk images can only provide system software installation for the PowerBooks mentioned above. You cannot install this software on any other PowerBook computers.

Question: How should I install the PowerBook 5300 software update?

Answer: Apple strongly recommends that you do a "clean" installation to update the system software for your PowerBook computer. For more information, also see "Reinstalling System Software" in the chapter on diagnostic techniques in the manual that came with your computer.

Question: Do I need all the disks that are posted online?

Answer: No, if you still have the disk images that were originally included on your PowerBook computer's hard drive when it was purchased, you only need to download and decompress disk images 1,8,10,11,12 and 13.

The complete set is 14 disks, #1-13 system install, #14 is Disk Tools.

Question: Where and how can I get the PowerBook 5300 software update?

Answer: You can get the PowerBook 5300 software update using one of the following methods:

• Apple's internet site for downloading updates for PowerBook 5300 computers.
  URL http://www.macos.apple.com/pbupdate.7.5.2

• The standard Apple Software Update locations.
  See TIL: Where to Find Apple Software Updates (12/95) TECHINFO-0014724

• Apple provides a choice of CD-ROM or Floppy disk set at no charge to customers via 1-800-273-4035 fulfillment line.

• Contact 800-SOS-APPL, the phone system allows you to automatically route yourself to obtain the update or callers can be transferred to the fulfillment group by SOS-APPL agents.

• Available to Apple's System 7.5 Volume License Maintenance customers through their standard fulfillment process. The license agreement and instructions are available at http://www.macos.apple.com/

Question: On what date was the PowerBook 5300 Software Update made available?

Answer: It was made available on January 9, 1996.

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