Name:         CFM-68K Runtime Enabler
Version:      4.0
Reposted:     May 2, 1997
Requires: 
Non-PowerPC-based Macintosh computer running System software
version 7.1 through 7.6. Also requires ObjectSupportLib
version 1.2 (included with this software). CFM-68K Runtime
Enabler 4.0 and ObjectSupportLib 1.2 are included in Mac OS
7.6.1 Update.
Description:
CFM-68K Runtime Enabler extension 4.0 for 680x0 computers
needed for certain applications which require it. Versions
older than 4.0 should be updated. 

This software consists of a Disk Copy compressed image,
which requires Disk Copy 6.1 or later to use. Download this
software to your hard drive and then double-click it to use
it. Disk Copy 6.1 is available in the Utilities folder.

CFM-68K Runtime Enabler Frequently Asked Questions

* What is the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler?

The CFM-68K Runtime Enabler is an extension which makes it
easier for developers of applications to design their
programs to run on both 680x0 and PowerPC computers without
having to write separate programs for both processor
families.

On a more technical level, the Code Fragment Manager ("CFM")
was originally introduced by Apple only for Macintosh and
Mac OS-compatible computers based on the PowerPC processor.
It allows applications to share their programming code
through special files known as shared libraries. In addition
to being able to share programming code, applications which
are programmed to use shared libraries can reduce their
memory requirements. In response to the success of the
PowerPC version of CFM, Apple introduced a version of CFM
for Macintosh computers based on the 680x0 processor. This
version of CFM for 680x0-based Macintosh computers is the
CFM-68K Runtime Enabler extension.

* What version of system software is required?

You must have at least System 7.1 to use this software. This
software also works with System 7.5, System 7.5.1, System
7.5.2, System 7.5.3, System 7.5.5, and Mac OS 7.6.

* What applications use CFM-68K Runtime Enabler?

An application must be explicitly programmed to use this
extension. Apple products that use the CFM-68K Runtime
Enabler include: OpenDoc, LaserWriter 8.4 driver, Apple
Telecom Software 3.0 and later, and Apple Media Tool.
Application programs from other companies that require the
the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler include, but are not limited to,
AOL 3.0 and Internet Explorer 3.0.
Only the 68K versions of these software packages use it, not
PowerPC versions of the products.

* What was the problem with the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler
extension prior to version 4.0?

In late November 1996, Apple announced a bug in the CFM-68K
Runtime Enabler extension. This bug could cause random
crashes and hangs, resulting in application instability and
potential loss of data. Because of the potential seriousness
of these problems, Apple recommended that customers disable
the extension. Also, Mac OS 7.6 would prevent the extension
from loading. Mac OS 7.6 does support the the 4.0 version of
the extension.

* Does CFM-68K Runtime Enabler 4.0 fix all the known bugs?

Apple has fixed all of the known bugs in the extension, and
has performed a complete quality and integration test suite.

* What if I still experience problems with my applications?

CFM-68K Runtime Enabler 4.0 fixes all known bugs with the
extension. If you continue to experience problems with
applications that use CFM-68K, please perform the standard
trouble shooting techniques, or contact the developer of the
application.

* Who should install CFM-68K Runtime Enabler 4.0?

If the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler extension is disabled,
applications which require it will no longer run. This
includes OpenDoc, Cyberdog, LaserWriter 8.4, the Apple Media
Tool, AOL 3.0, and Internet Explorer 3.0. If you have
removed it, or are using Mac OS 7.6, you should download and
install the new version. Customers with PowerPC machines do
not need this extension.

* ObjectSupportLib version 1.2 is included with this
software. Is this beta software?

No. ObjectSupportLib is officially released software, not
beta software. Apple includes this software to install along
with the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler 4.0 because of problems
found when using older versions of ObjectSupportLib with the
CFM-68K Runtime Enabler. Be aware that some applications
will overwrite this file with an older version.

* My computer uses a PowerPC processor. Can I use this
software?

No. Computers using a PowerPC processor do not need this
extension. It is only for computers using the 680x0
processor.

* How can I tell if my computer has a 680x0 processor?
If your Macintosh model number is three digits long, then
typically it has a 680x0 processor. For example, the Quadra
950, PowerBook 520, and Performa 600CD all have a 680x0
processor. By contrast, the Power Macintosh 6100, PowerBook
1400, and Perform 6320 all have a PowerPC processor.
