Apple Power Mac G5 User Manual download pdf (Page 21)

Mac OS X: System Software

for the Power Mac G5

Mac OS X combines the power and stability of UNIX with Apple’s legendary ease of

use. The Power Mac G5 ships with Mac OS X version 10.3 “Panther,” the fourth major

release of the Mac OS X operating system. Unlike other 64-bit platforms, no special

64-bit version of the operating system is required; the same operating system runs

on all your Mac computers. And because Mac OS X is fully compatible with 32-bit

PowerPC application code, the Power Mac G5 eases the migration to 64-bit computing

and protects your software investment.

Optimized for G5

Mac OS X Panther features a redesigned kernel and updated libraries specifically for

the 64-bit PowerPC G5 processor. The updated kernel delivers the most substantial

benefits of 64-bit computing by breaking through the 4GB physical memory barrier,

allowing the Power Mac G5 to use up to 8GB of physical memory today, and even

more in the future.

Runs Both 32-bit and 64-bit Macintosh Applications

The PowerPC processor was architected from the ground up with 64-bit instructions in

mind, so it can run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications—without emulation or transla-

tion software. This means that the 32-bit applications that run on Mac OS X today will

run not only natively but also with greater speed on the 64-bit PowerPC G5 processor.

This approach allows a smooth transition for both developers and users—and enables

users to experience the benefits of 64-bit processing.

Optimized Instructions

Mac OS X includes hand-tuned system math, vector, and image libraries that take

maximum advantage of the new faster math functions in the 64-bit PowerPC G5

instruction set. That means unmodified applications that use the system math

functions will get an automatic speed improvement on the G5. For example, the

square-root function is implemented as a software algorithm on a PowerPC G3 or

G4. In contrast, when a square-root calculation is requested on a G5, the math library

uses the G5 processor’s superfast hardware instruction. This reduces the number of

processor cycles it takes to calculate a square root from 120 cycles on a PowerPC G4

to just 37 cycles on a PowerPC G5.

Technology and

Performance Overview

Power Mac G5

Built on open standards

Mac OS X is built on open standards, inte-

grating seamlessly with Windows, Linux,

and other UNIX systems—thanks to support

for common network platforms, standard file

formats, and cross-platform UNIX and Java

applications. Also included in Mac OS X are

innovative, industry-leading applications,

core technologies, and new capabilities that

won’t be delivered in competing operating

systems for years to come.

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