Public Beta Kodiak
The Mac OS X Public Beta (internally codenamed “Kodiak”) was an early beta version of Apple Computer’s Mac OS X operating system Cheetah. It was released to the public on September 13, 2000 for US$29.95. It allowed software developers and early adopters to test a preview of the upcoming operating system and develop software for the forthcoming operating system before its final release.
The Public Beta succeeded Mac OS X Server 1.0, the first public release of Apple’s new NeXT OpenStep-based operating system, which used a variant of the classic Mac OS’ “Platinum” user interface look and feel. The Public Beta introduced the Aqua user interface to the world. Fundamental user interface changes were revealed with respect to fonts, the Dock, the menubar (with an Apple logo at the center which was later repositioned to the left of the menu bar and made an active interface element). System icons were much larger and more detailed, and new interface eye candy was prevalent.
Version 10.0 Cheetah
The ‘Cheetah’, or Mac OS X version 10.0, was the first of Apple’s big cat-themed versions of Mac OS X. Released in 2001, the new operating system marked a strong deviation from the Classic Mac OS with a completely new code base, changing the style of the desktop as well as the system of memory management. Although reviews were not quite as good as one would expect (users complained of missing features and issues with its performance) ‘Cheetah’ was noteworthy for its overall stability as an operating system.
Version 10.1 Puma
Puma’, or Mac OS X version 10.1, was released as a free update to the ‘Cheetah’ in 2001. Apple also made a newer version of Puma the default operating system on new Macintosh computers. The improved system boosted easier burning of CDs and DVDs, an improved Apple DVD player and more printer drivers. However users felt the improvements between the two versions were not significant and Puma still had bugs that caused the entire system to crash.
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