Mac OS 9, FireWire: About FireWire Versions 2.6, 2.7, and 2.8

FireWire 2.6

FireWire 2.6 adds support for iBook (FireWire) computers.

Note: FireWire versions prior to 2.6 should not be installed on an iBook (FireWire) computer. FireWire 2.6 is not necessary for other computers and is only available with computers on which it shipped from Apple.

FireWire 2.7

FireWire 2.7 is part of the Mac OS 9.1 Update, please verify the computer's system requirements before downloading.

FireWire 2.7 includes a generic disk driver that works with many third-party FireWire hard drives. This driver is used by default when a third-party driver is not present. To realize full performance and features, you should still follow directions provided by a third-party drive vendor for installation of any required third-party driver or software.

FireWire 2.7 resolves two issues sometimes experienced with any earlier version:

• iMovie encounters dropped frames when capturing video from some early Digital Video (DV) cameras to a FireWire hard drive.
• PowerBook computers with FireWire PC cards connected to a FireWire DV camera may stop responding when shut down or restarted.

FireWire 2.7 resolves an issue sometimes experienced with FireWire 2.5 or an earlier version:

• With the Final Cut Pro application open, the computer stops responding while switching between DV cameras.

FireWire 2.8

FireWire 2.8 adds support for the Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio) and the PowerBook G4 computers. FireWire 2.8 is not necessary for other computers and is only available with computers on which it shipped from Apple.

FireWire 2.8.2
FireWire 2.8.2, included with Mac OS 9.2, includes a new built-in driver for many FireWire hard disk drives. This driver will be used automatically if the disk vendor's driver extension cannot be found. You should still install the vendor's software to get maximum features from FireWire storage devices.

FireWire 2.8.5
FireWire 2.8.5 is included with Mac OS 9.2.2 and includes support for new computer models.