OS X is the first complete overhaul of Apple's operating system since the first version came out 17 years ago. Apple chief executive Steve Jobs says he wants this version to last as long again; its success is critical to Apple's survival. However, the initial release came with a few snags. It does not yet support DVD or re-writable CDs -- features that Jobs promises for the coming months. Questions also hang over its compatibility with the latest low-end and mid-range iMacs, which do not ship with enough memory to support the new OS. But the Mac faithful are not letting Apple down. First weekend sales were strong and point to a pent-up demand for the long-awaited operating system. NEWS:
Apple says OS X sales strong in UK
Tue, 27 Mar 2001 With hopes pinned on the Unix-based operating system to boost its financial health, Apple is looking rosy after a sell-out first weekend Jobs promises OS X updates
Thu, 22 Mar 2001 Apple chief says CD recording will be added next month, and DVD playback will be available in the spring Mac OS X -- it hits, it misses
Wed, 21 Mar 2001 The next-generation Mac operating system, coming Saturday, will not support CD-rewritable, DVD or DVD-recording drives -- the linchpins of recent marketing campaigns -- but it will have some extras, too Apple OS launches without core features
Thu, 08 Mar 2001 Is Apple Computer picking the crop before it's ready? Apple banks on OS X -- wisely?
Fri, 02 Mar 2001 Operating system could be plagued with compatibility problems, say sources Initial version of OS X to lack some 'goodies'
Thu, 01 Mar 2001 Mac OS X will be lacking some features on initial release COMMENT OS X is here. So now what?
Mac OS X 10.0 has arrived, and Stephen Somogyi's prognostications have largely come to pass. He understands Apple's need to ship OS X, but this new OS definitely seems a bit underdone. The reports of kernel panics, unexpectedly low performance, and other manifestations of .0 malaise are many. While this was to be expected to some degree, it was also avoidable. Apple and Microsoft: Deja vu all over again
Both Microsoft, with it's .NET strategy, and Apple, with Mac OS X, have a tough sell ahead of them. Connie Guglielmo thinks that Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are basically trying to remake the classics. But she also warms that doing something for the second time doesn't necessarily mean you're on easy street. Have your say instantly, and see what others have said. Click on the TalkBack button and go to the ZDNet news forum. Let the editors know what you think in the Mailroom. And read other letters.