Even if you do not have a language kit installed, you should leave the WorldScript Power Adapter extension in your Extensions folder. There is a misconception that this extension is only used with language kits. However, the WorldScript Power Adapter extension is used with both Roman and non-Roman languages.
The WorldScript Power Adapter extension is poorly named; it is more closely related to the Macintosh Script Manager. It contains native PowerPC implementations of many of the general script utilities, including routines used by Roman programs, not just non-Roman. These routines include anything that has to do with laying out and drawing text in QuickDraw. When the WorldScript Power Adapter extension is not installed on a Power Macintosh computer, the routines are emulated, so you are not getting the maximum performance from your computer.
Reinstalling the WorldScript Power Adapter
If you have removed the WorldScript Power Adapter extension and want to reinstall it, you need to reinstall the entire Mac OS System 7.5.x software. The Custom Install option does not allow you to install just the WorldScript Power Adapter. The WorldScript 1.1 Updater software posted on Apple's software update sites, updates the WorldScript I and WorldScript II extensions, but it does not install the WorldScript Power Adapter.
This article appeared in the 25 November 1996 issue of the Information Alley.