Multiple Users Compatibility Kit

 

This package gathers together several informational sources that can be used in the process of making your applications compatible with the new Multiple Users facility introduced with Mac OS 9. A thorough knowledge of the documents described in the following sections is essential for testing your software products for Multiple Users compatibility.


High Level Documentation

These documents provide an overview of the Multiple Users facility along with strategies you can use for testing your software for Multiple Users compatibility.

 

Multiple Users Compatibility Testing

This document describes a simple but effective method you can use for testing your software for Multiple Users compatibility.

 

Multiple Users Guide

This is a copy of the online help provided with Mac OS 9 for the Multiple Users facility.

 


Technical Documentation

These documents provide technical details that must be applied when creating software that is compatible with Multiple Users.

 

Technote TN1186, "How to be a good Multiple Users Citizen"

This document provides a discussion of technical requirements for building Multiple Users compatibility into your applications.

 

Technote TN1151, "Creating NetBoot Server-Friendly Applications"

This document provides a discussion of technical requirements for building applications that may be running on a locked volume.

 

Technote TN1134, "The Preferences Problem"

Provides a thorough digression into issues related to saving application preferences.

 


Other Sources of Information

The following documents provide information describing foundational elements of the services provided by Multiple Users. A thorough knowledge of these documents is key to understanding the facilities provided by Multiple Users.

 

The Folder Manager Online Documentation

This document provides information about the Folder Manager. The Folder Manager provides facilities for locating "special" folders (for example, the Extensions folder) without relying on the names of those folders. This aids developers in application localization. When Multiple Users is installed, it is essential that an application use the Folder Manager to locate special folders.

Click here for the PDF version of this document.

 

The Folder Manager Interfaces (Folders.h)

This is the C language header file describing the application programmer's interface that allows you to access the services provided by the Folder Manager. Applications accessing any of the special folders maintained by the Folder Manager must use these APIs to locate those folders. The most recent version of this file can be found online in the Universal Interfaces.

 

The Finder Interface Online Documentation

This document provides information about the Finder interface used by applications. The Finder provides a graphical interface for the user along with other Apple event-based services for applications utilizing the file system. When Multiple Users is installed, it is essential that an application adhere to the Finder interface guidelines.

Click here for the PDF version of this document.

 


Copyright ©2000 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Multiple Users, and Mac are trademarks of Apple Computer , Inc., registered in the U.S and other countries. Finder is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.