Verifying Intel Mac Compatibility with BevoWare
Last updated: October 23, 2006
In January, 2006, Apple Computers began selling its new computers with an Intel processor. This change in processors means that some software won't be able to run until the manufacturers are able to create compatible versions. Other software, including programs offered through BevoWare, is compatible but may be impacted in a variety of ways. If you have an Intel Mac, read on for information about how BevoWare is affected by this change.
To identify the impact of the new Intel Mac processor, Information Technology Services (ITS) tested software offered through BevoWare.
| Program Name | Status/Error | Current Information |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 7.0.5 | Compatible | Updates to 7.0.7 (PPC) |
| Cisco VPN client | Compatible New version received that resolves incompatibility. | Version 4.9.00.0050, added to BevoWare 2/22/06. |
| Eudora Pro | Compatible | Version 6.2.3 (PPC) |
| Fetch | Compatible | Version 5.0.5 (PPC) |
| Firefox Version 1.5 | Compatible | Updates to version 1.5.0.3 (Universal) |
| Flash player and other browser plug-ins | Compatible (Effective 8/11/2006) | Version 9.0.20.0 |
| Flip4Mac (QuickTime plug-in to play WMV) | Compatible (Effective 8/11/2006) |
Version 2.1 |
| ITS Remote Printing 1.0.4 | Compatible | Version 1.0.6. |
| JellyfiSSH Version 4.2 | Compatible | Version 4.4 (Universal) |
| Microsoft UAM | Incompatible | Version 5.0.10d1 (PPC)Note: Mac OS 10.4.6 now has this functionality built in, which is compatible with Intel Macs. You will need to delete MS UAM if you have it installed. |
| Mozilla | Compatible | Version 1.7.12 (PPC) |
| Norton AntiVirus 10.0 (PPC) | Compatible | After LiveUpdate to 10.1.0 (PPC) |
| Norton Personal Firewall 3.0.2 (PPC) | Incompatible | Norton Personal Firewall 3.x, Norton Internet Security 3.x, Norton SystemWorks and Norton Utilities are designed for PowerPC-based Macintosh computers. They do not work with Intel-based Macintosh computers, including the new iMac and MacBook. |
| RealPlayer | Compatible | Version 10.0.0 (PPC) |
| SmartVoice Client | Compatible | Version 7.112b (PPC) |
| Stuffit Expander | Compatible | Version 10.0.1 (PPC) |
| TextWrangler | Compatible | Version 2.1.1 (Universal) |
| Thunderbird | Compatible | Version 1.5 (PPC) |
| TN3270 3.1.2 | Compatible | w OCSM 1.0b5 (PPC) |
| Virtual PC | Incompatible: crashes on launch. | Microsoft has announced that they will not support a version of Virtual PC for Mac. Parallels virtualization software is a commercial product that runs a virtual PC on the Mac. Parallels software is not included in BevoWare and must be purchased from the vendor. |
Canon Print Driver Incompatibility
The most recent Canon Mac OS X drivers for their imageRunner printer series are now Universal. They show up and function correctly in the print dialogs. The file, iR-PSv1.60MacOSX.hqx, is available from the Canon downloads page. Please note that extracting the file produces a folder called "Archive." Inside that folder you will find the installer, documentation and a "read me" file.
Background
Some computer programs are written to run on a particular type of central processing unit (CPU), also known as a "processor" or "chip." Processors are made by different manufacturers and have different features. Apple's switch from the PowerPC chip to Intel means that programs that are dependent on the previous Mac processor will need to be rewritten. In some cases, the program runs fine, but plug-ins that run through the program do not.
Apple has created a translation program, Rosetta, included on all Intel Macs. The program automatically allows some programs written for PowerPC Mac OS X to run on an Intel Mac, but there are limitations. According to an Apple white paper, Rosetta will not run:
- Applications that require intensive processing, including high-end gaming and 3-D modeling
- Applications written for Mac OS 8 or 9
- The Classic environment
- Applications that require a G5 processor
- Kernel extensions
- Some Java applications
- Additional specific limitations may apply
