MODE32

MODE32 is a software product originally developed by Connectix for certain models of the Apple Macintosh. It was published in 1991 and originally cost $169, however on September 5, 1991, the software was made available free to customers under licensing terms with Apple Computer.

Overview

MODE32 effectively removes a ROM flaw in certain models of early 68020 and 68030 Apple Macintosh computers (see below), which were advertised by Apple to be 32-bit. Despite the machines' hardware being designed to accommodate for this, the lack of a 32-bit Memory Manager in ROM forced these machines to run in 24-bit mode, which crippled these otherwise high-end machines to support only 8 MB of RAM. Customer dissatisfaction likely prompted the licensing agreement with Connectix.

The software runs as a control panel in Macintosh System 7, enabling the 32-bit addressing option of the operating system. The option can be found in the memory control panel when MODE32 is enabled. Otherwise the option is not displayed.