'Mac OS 9.2 Fulfillment Program' sneaks out


A story on MacFixIt.com mentions the unheralded Apple "Mac OS 9.2 Fulfillment Program," which is described briefly on Apple's Make the move to Mac OS X page. This program allows those who have purchased Jaguar to buy a nearly up-to-date version of Classic for $19.95.

"Still don't have Mac OS 9 to run your Mac OS 9-compatible applications?" Apple asks. "With the purchase of Mac OS X v10.2 Jaguar retail product, you qualify to purchase Mac OS 9.2.1 for $19.95."

You should note that this offer requires the purchase of Jaguar at retail, which means that those who have purchased new Macs with Jaguar preloaded apparently aren't eligible.

BYOD: Build your own disk

Today's MacFixit also includes an explanation by a reader on how to create your own Classic install CD from components available on the Jaguar install CDs. In short, a Mac OS 9.2 install image is located on one of the disks, but it is stored in an "invisible" folder.

Analysis: It's odd that Apple isn't a.) offering 9.2.2 and b.) this "deal" can't be had by both Jaguar retail buyers and those who have purchased new Macs. Also, as noted on MacFixIt, the Fulfillment Program page doesn't mention whether or not the CD being sold is bootable -- an important caveat.

It is worth noting that following the directions on MacFixIt and creating a Classic install CD from your copy of Jaguar is probably a violation of Apple's End-User-License Agreement.