Mac OS X Public Beta facts for kids
| Version of the macOS operating system | |
 |
|
| Developer | Apple Computer |
|---|---|
| OS family | |
| Working state | Historic, not supported |
| Released to manufacturing |
September 13, 2000 |
| Repository |
|
| Platforms | PowerPC |
| Kernel type | Hybrid (XNU) |
| Default user interface |
Aqua |
| Preceded by | Mac OS 9 Mac OS X Server 1.0 |
| Succeeded by | Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah |
| Support status | |
| Historic, unsupported as of March 24, 2001. Expired on May 14, 2001. | |
Mac OS X Public Beta was an early version of Apple's macOS operating system. It was also known by its internal code name, "Kodiak." This version was special because it was the first time people could see and use the new Aqua user interface.
Apple released the Public Beta on September 13, 2000. It cost US$29.95. This release was important because it showed that Apple could create its "next-generation" Mac operating system. It allowed computer experts and people who liked to try new things to test the system. They could also start making software for it before the final version came out. Interestingly, it was the only public version of Mac OS X not named after a big cat until 2013.
Contents
What Was New in This OS?
The Public Beta came after Mac OS X Server 1.0. That earlier system used an older look, like the classic Mac OS. The Public Beta, however, brought the brand-new Aqua user interface to the world.
Cool New Look and Feel
The Aqua interface changed how Mac computers looked and felt. Fonts were different, and the Dock (where you keep your favorite apps) was new. The menu bar also changed. It had an Apple logo in the middle, which later moved to the left. System icons became much bigger and more detailed. The whole system had a fresh, modern look.
Inside the Technology
The Public Beta also brought big technical changes. It used an open source core called Darwin 1.2.1. This core included two important features that Mac users had wanted for a long time. These were preemptive multitasking and protected memory.
Why Protected Memory Was Important
At an event in June 2000, Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs, showed how "protected memory" worked. He used a test app called Bomb.app that was designed to crash. But because of protected memory, only that app crashed, not the whole computer. This was a big improvement for stability.
Programs Included
The Public Beta came with many standard programs that are still part of macOS today. These included TextEdit for writing, Preview for viewing files, Mail for emails, QuickTime Player for videos, and Terminal for advanced users.
Other Unique Apps
Some programs were only in the Public Beta and not in later versions of Mac OS X. These included a simple MP3 player (before iTunes existed). There was also "Sketch," a basic drawing program, and "HTMLEdit," a tool for making web pages.
At first, there weren't many new programs made just for Mac OS X. People often used open source or shareware programs. Many apps were also from older systems like OPENSTEP.
When the Beta Expired
The Mac OS X Public Beta was designed to stop working on May 14, 2001. This was about two months after the final version, Mac OS X 10.0, was released in March 2001.
Why It Expired
The expiration date encouraged users to buy the full version of the operating system. It also showed everyone that Apple was serious about releasing its new OS this time. People who owned the Public Beta got a discount on the first full version of Mac OS X 10.0. Only the Aqua interface part of the Public Beta stopped working; the basic Darwin system underneath still functioned.
See also
In Spanish: Mac OS X Beta pública para niños
