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Classic Mac OS refers to the series of operating systems developed by Apple for Macintosh computers from 1984 to 2001, preceding the transition to OS X. This operating system was known for its graphical user interface (GUI) and ease of use, setting the foundation for the modern Mac experience. Below is a detailed version history of Classic Mac OS, along with relevant Wikipedia URLs.

Mac OS 9 was the final major version of the Classic Mac OS and introduced several significant features, such as Multiple Users, allowing multiple people to have separate accounts on one machine, and Keychain for password management. It also introduced the Software Update control panel for automatic updates. Mac OS 9 was designed as a bridge to OS X, with compatibility for transitioning applications. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_9

Mac OS 8.6 was an update to Mac OS 8 that introduced better performance and stability. It included enhancements to PowerPC processors and improved memory management. This version also added support for Multiprocessing Services and included a revised Sherlock 2 search engine for faster file and internet searches. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_8

Mac OS 8.5 was the first Mac OS version to drop support for Motorola 68k processors and focus solely on PowerPC machines. It introduced Sherlock, a search tool for files and internet content, and improved performance across PowerPC systems. The interface was also updated, and the system brought support for the HFS+ file system. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_8

Mac OS 8.1 was an incremental update to Mac OS 8 that introduced the HFS+ file system, allowing for more efficient use of disk space and support for larger drives. It also fixed various bugs and improved overall system stability. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_8

Mac OS 8.0 introduced significant updates to the user interface with the Platinum look and feel, as well as multitasking improvements through the introduction of multithreading. It was designed to modernize the Mac operating system and bring enhancements to memory management, networking, and graphics. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_8

System 7.6 was the first version of the operating system officially called Mac OS and marked the rebranding of the system. It brought better performance and reliability, and included many of the internet features introduced in earlier versions like Open Transport and AppleTalk improvements. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_7#Mac_OS_7.6

System 7.5 introduced new features such as PowerTalk, which offered integrated email and collaboration tools, and AppleScript for automating tasks. It also added a new file management tool, Finder enhancements, and better memory management. This version brought built-in support for QuickTime and multimedia applications. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_7#System_7.5

System 7.1 was the first version of the operating system to be licensed to third-party hardware vendors, starting the brief era of Macintosh clones. It introduced font management tools and allowed customization of the system by separating system files from user files. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_7#System_7.1

System 7 was one of the most important updates to the Macintosh operating system, bringing significant improvements in usability and performance. It introduced virtual memory support, personal file sharing, and improved multitasking. System 7 also integrated AppleTalk networking, allowing for easier printer and file sharing over networks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_7

System 6 was a stability and performance-focused release, bringing enhancements to memory management and multitasking. It also improved the Finder and brought support for larger hard drives and more peripherals. System 6 was praised for its reliability, particularly in business environments. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_6

System 5 was the first version of the operating system to offer support for Multifinder, a feature that allowed users to run multiple applications at the same time. This version improved multitasking capabilities and added enhancements to memory management, making it a significant upgrade from previous versions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_5

System 4 was the first version to support the Macintosh II and Macintosh SE, marking an expansion of the Mac product line. It introduced better support for color displays and new hardware, alongside improvements to the Finder. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_4

System 3 introduced support for the Macintosh Plus, including SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) support, which allowed for faster data transfers and the use of external devices like hard drives. This version also brought improvements to memory management and overall performance. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_3

System 2 improved the reliability of the operating system and added support for AppleTalk, enabling local area networking for the first time on Macintosh. It also improved the Finder with new tools for file management and better printer support. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_2

System 1 was the first version of the Macintosh operating system, designed to run on the original Macintosh 128K. It introduced the revolutionary graphical user interface (GUI) that was user-friendly and intuitive, allowing users to interact with the system using a mouse and windows instead of text-based commands. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_1

The history of Classic Mac OS reflects Apple's pioneering role in creating user-friendly, graphical operating systems. From the introduction of the GUI in System 1 to the advanced multitasking and internet capabilities in later versions like Mac OS 9, Classic Mac OS laid the groundwork for modern operating systems. Each version brought innovations that helped shape the development of personal computing, making the Macintosh a popular choice for creative professionals and general users alike.

Snippet from Wikipedia: MacOS version history

The history of macOS, Apple's current Mac operating system formerly named Mac OS X until 2011 and then OS X until 2016, began with the company's project to replace its "classic" Mac OS. That system, up to and including its final release Mac OS 9, was a direct descendant of the operating system Apple had used in its Mac computers since their introduction in 1984. However, the current macOS is a UNIX operating system built on technology that had been developed at NeXT from the 1980s until Apple purchased the company in early 1997.

macOS components derived from BSD include multiuser access, TCP/IP networking, and memory protection.

Although it was originally marketed as simply "version 10" of Mac OS (indicated by the Roman numeral "X"), it has a completely different codebase from Mac OS 9, as well as substantial changes to its user interface. The transition was a technologically and strategically significant one. To ease the transition for users and developers, versions 10.0 through 10.4 were able to run Mac OS 9 and its applications in the Classic Environment, a compatibility layer.

macOS was first released in 1999 as Mac OS X Server 1.0. It was built using the technologies Apple acquired from NeXT, but did not include the signature Aqua user interface (UI). The desktop version aimed at regular users—Mac OS X 10.0—shipped in March 2001. Since then, several more distinct desktop and server editions of macOS have been released. Starting with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, macOS Server is no longer offered as a standalone operating system; instead, server management tools are available for purchase as an add-on. The macOS Server app was discontinued on April 21, 2022, and will stop working on macOS 13 Ventura or later. Starting with the Intel build of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, most releases have been certified as Unix systems conforming to the Single UNIX Specification.

Lion was referred to by Apple as "Mac OS X Lion" and sometimes as "OS X Lion"; Mountain Lion was officially referred to as just "OS X Mountain Lion", with the "Mac" being completely dropped. The operating system was further renamed to "macOS" starting with macOS Sierra.

macOS retained the major version number 10 throughout its development history until the release of macOS 11 Big Sur in 2020.

Mac OS X 10.0 and 10.1 were given names of big cats as internal code names ("Cheetah" and "Puma"). Starting with Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar, big-cat names were used as marketing names; starting with OS X 10.9 Mavericks, names of locations in California were used as marketing names instead.

The current major version, macOS 15 Sequoia, was announced on June 10, 2024, at WWDC 2024 and released on September 16 of that year.

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