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Here at Restorations HQ, we really like System 7.5.5. It has the right balance of vintage feel, hardware compatibility, and modern data exchange capabilities. It runs on everything from the Mac Plus to the Power Mac 9500/180MP, a range which includes most of the models we're interested in.* And it's free.
*Exceptions: The PowerBook 1400, Power Mac 4400, and clones using the Tanzania motherboard can run System 7.5.3 but are not compatible with 7.5.5.
...everything in 7.6.1 is present in 7.5.5 as well.
Much has been said about software that supposedly works on System 7.6 but not on 7.5.5. These claims are patently absurd: 7.5 and 7.6 are practically the same. Except for a few bug fixes and speed improvements for Power Macs, everything in 7.6.1 is present in 7.5.5 as well.
Please don't get me wrong: I like Mac OS 7.6.1 very much, and I don't mean to knock it. My desire is only to show that System 7.5.5 isn't out of the running.
To that end, let's discuss two popular programs that "won't work under System 7.5.5."
The Last Explorer
Microsoft Internet Explorer has a mixed history as a Macintosh application. In the early 1990s, before the Browser Wars, early IE versions were naught but enhanced versions of NSCA Mosaic. As competition between Microsoft and Netscape heated up, the choice between IE and Navigator became a critical divide in a conflict of almost religious zeal.
With each new version, Internet Explorer became more and more Windows-like, to the disappointment of many Mac users.
Internet Explorer 5 for Macintosh was a dramatic change from that trend. With it, Microsoft beat Netscape in offering progressive rendering technology. This made IE 5 dramatically faster than either IE 4 or Navigator 4.
Another revolutionary feature of IE 5 for Mac was the new interface. It was very modern at the time and intuitively Mac-like. Consequently, it was much more popular than previous versions of IE.
Internet Explorer 5.1.7 running on System 7.5.5
The last release of IE for the classic Mac OS is 5.1.7. Microsoft discontinued support for Classic afterward, choosing to focus on Mac OS X. The Microsoft website cites security concerns and no longer offers a download of Internet Explorer for Mac. Version 5.1.6 can still be downloaded from Tucows.
Installing Internet Explorer onto a Power Mac running System 7.5.5 couldn't be easier. You will need to have your 7.5.5 updated with the newest features, as detailed on my personal site. Once your System Software is ready, simply drag the Internet Explorer folder to your hard drive. When you first run the program, it will automagically put all its parts where they need to be.
Is Mac OS 7.6.1 required? Not at all.
Jamming to the Sounds
Another great Mac application that has been said to require Mac OS 7.6.1 is the venerable SoundJam MP from Cassady and Greene. Before the days of iTunes, SoundJam had a virtual lock on the Mac MP3 market, despite being a US$50 commercial program. It was so good that Apple bought it outright and used it as the basis for iTunes.
Unfortunately, the SoundJam MP installation procedure isn't quite as simple as that for Internet Explorer. When launched, it quits with a message that Mac OS 7.6.1 is required.
Is this because of some missing feature in 7.5.5? Not even!
SoundJam looks for OS version 7.6.1 or later.
SoundJam MP's affinity for Mac OS 7.6.1 is completely artificial. When it starts up, it asks the Mac for the version of the current System Software. If that number is less than 7.6.1, SoundJam simply winks out. Fortunately, this type of check is easy to fool.
Using ResEdit to change the VERS resource.
By simply adjusting the version number listed in the 'VERS' resources of the System Suitcase, we can fool SoundJam MP into thinking it is running on Mac OS 7.6.1. This can be accomplished in about ten seconds using ResEdit. For those who are squeamish about delving into their Mac's innards, I have provided a patch.
SoundJam running on System 7.5.5.
As with Internet Explorer, it is important to bring your System 7.5.5 up-to-date before installing SoundJam.
A Closing Note
The principle illustrated by IE and SoundJam couldn't be much clearer: There's nothing that Mac OS 7.6.1 can do that System 7.5.5 cannot. Even a program that explicitly checks for 7.6 works fine - once it's tricked into running.
What about all the newer software that ships with 7.6? Doesn't that make it far more convenient than 7.5.5?
Not really. To get the most mileage out of 7.6, it's necessary to install the 7.6.1 Update, OpenTransport 1.1.3, LaserWriter 8.5.1, AppleShare Client, Appearance Manager, and the appropriate version of QuickTime.
Sound familiar? That's practically the same as the list of updates I recommend for System 7.5.5.
If you've been considering Mac OS 7.6.1 but can't find a CD, give System 7.5.5 a whirl. All you'll be missing out on is the fancy new installer, updated Extensions Manager, and hassle of finding that darn CD.
Mac OS 7.6.1 is a great version, but 7.5.5 users shouldn't let
anybody tell them they're behind the times. 
Download Links
- IE 5.1.7, Download.com
- IE 5.1.6, Tucows
- Classic Mac OS Downloads and Updates, Low End Mac
Recent Classic Restorations articles
- Format any drive for older Macs with patched Apple tools, 04.25. Apple HD SC Setup and Drive Setup only work with Apple branded hard drives - until you apply the patches linked to this article.
- Making floppies and CDs for older Macs using modern Macs, Windows, and Linux PCs, 03.15. Older Macs use HFS floppies and CDs. Here are the free resources you'll need to write floppies or CDs for vintage Macs using your modern computer.
- Mac OS 8 and 8.1: Maximum size, maximum convenience, 09.11. Mac OS 8 and 8.1 add some useful new features and tools, and it can even be practical on 68030-based Macs.
- More in the Classic Restorations index.
Recent Content on Low End Mac
- 10 cult Macs adored by collectors, Tamara Keel, Digital Fossils, 05.13. Macs are not only noted for their longevity, but also by the passion which collectors have for some of the most interesting models ever made.
- Low End Mac's Compleat Guide to the Lombard PowerBook G3, Charles W. Moore, 'Book Value, 05.13. With the Lombard PowerBook, Apple abandoned the legacy ADB and serial ports for USB, trimmed 20% from WallStreet's weight, and hit 400 MHz.
- Best PowerBook G3 deals, Low End Mac Deals, 05.13. Used 14" WallStreet G3/266 MHz, $90; Lombard G3/400 MHz, $200; Pismo G3/400 MHz, $300; 500 MHz, $350.
- Best Apple TV deals, Low End Mac Deals, 05.13. Refurb 40 GB Apple TV, $199; new, $210; refurb 160 GB, $279; new, $319.
- Best Xserve deals, Low End Mac Deals, 05.13. Used 1 GHz dual G4, $1,399; close-out 2.0 dual-core Xeon, $1,999; refurb 2.66, $2,799; 3.0, $3,499; new 2.8 GHz quad, $2,888; 8-core, $3,299; 3.0, $4,059.
- Mac of the Day: PowerBook 100, Oct. 1991 - One of the smallest, lightest PowerBooks ever made: 8.5" x 11" and 5.1 lbs.
- List of the Day: Outback Mac is for Mac users in Australia and New Zealand.
- May 13 in LEM history: 99: Cost effective upgrades for 68030s - 02: Free POP3 email - Penguin lockup mystery - 03: Safari and the Internet experience - Niners to Xers: Apple's Switch campaign for Mac users - 05: Xbox 360 specs put Power Mac G5 to shame - Which older Macs are good candidates for Tiger? - Tiger on an iBook - Does Mac mini kill the used Mac market?
- Free Time Machine Editor does one thing and does it well, Alan Zisman, Zis Mac, 05.12. If Time Machine's habit of backing up every hour is impacting your work flow, this free utility gives you control options that Apple didn't build into Time Machine.
- Low End Mac's Compleat Guide to Mac OS 9, 2008 edition, Charles W. Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 05.12. Declared dead by Steve Jobs 6 years ago, Mac OS 9 remains fast and stable, but Classic software hasn't kept up with Web changes. What Macs support OS 9, where to buy it, and how to update it.
- Value of old Power Macs, old computers in school, Panther or Tiger on Pismo, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 05.12. Also new 20" Penry iMac vs. 24" Santa Rosa and great results with a low-cost external SuperDrive.
- From Mac tinkerer to full time Mac user, Mike Tessitore, My Turn, 05.12. It started with buying old Macs on eBay and tinkering with them. But when the Windows PC died, the author learned that Macs could do everything he needed.
- More links in our archive.
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