ClarisWorks 4.0 for Macintosh (6 3.5-inch disks, 1996)

In early days of personal computers, a series of “Works” applications were released with a few traits in common. Software packages such as Microsoft Works, AppleWorks GS (for the Apple II GS), and ClarisWorks, all contained a package of simplified applications sold as a set and were usually accessed through a launcher application. For example, when launching AppleWorks, a user would launch the application and decide if they wanted to create a word processing file, a spreadsheet, a drawing document, or a database by clicking the appropriate icon.

ClarisWorks has a complicated history. In general, it began as AppleWorks (with earlier versions under different names), switched to ClarisWorks, switched back to AppleWorks, and was replaced by iWork.

This set of six 3.5-inch floppy disks contain an installer for ClarisWorks 4.0.

A fascinating history of ClarisWorks/AppleWorks is available from Bob Hearn on a page published by MIT. I wholeheartedly agree with the author who writes, “RIP ClarisWorks, ‘the best-loved application for the Mac,’ 1991–2007.”

Interestingly, this history is somewhat preserved by Apple’s iWork concept. Currently, Apple’s three productivity apps—Keynote, Pages, and Numbers—are referred to collectively as iWork. Although the apps are separate, their user interfaces and behaviors make the apps function very much as a set. This may also be the reason so many users incorrectly refer to iWork as “iWorks.”

This set of disks was among the final 3.5-inch floppy disks produced by Apple since in 1998 Apple released the iMac and officially stopped including floppy drives in their products. My collection also includes a ClarisWorks 4.0 CD installer, also from 1996.

Sources: Wikipedia (AppleWorks, floppy disk), Macintosh Garden, MIT

ClarisWorks 4.0 CD (1996)

In early days of personal computers, a series of “Works” applications were released with a few ideas in common. Software packages such as Microsoft Works, AppleWorks GS (for the Apple II GS), and ClarisWorks, all contained a package of simplified applications sold as a set and usually were accessed through a launcher application. For example, when launching AppleWorks, a user would launch the application and decide if they wanted to create a word processing file, a spreadsheet, a drawing document, or a database by clicking the appropriate icon.

ClarisWorks has a complicated history. In general, it began as AppleWorks (with earlier versions under different names), switched to ClarisWorks, switched back to AppleWorks, and was replaced by iWork.

This CD is an installer for ClarisWorks 4.0. Although undated, its version number places it in 1996.

A fascinating history of ClarisWorks/AppleWorks is available from Bob Hearn on a page published by MIT. I wholeheartedly agree with the author who writes, “RIP ClarisWorks, ‘the best-loved application for the Mac,’ 1991–2007.”

Interestingly, this history is somewhat preserved by Apple’s iWork concept. Currently, Apple’s three productivity apps—Keynote, Pages, and Numbers—are referred to collectively as iWork. Although the apps are separate, their user interfaces and behaviors make the apps function very much as a set. This may also be the reason so many users incorrectly refer to iWork as “iWorks.”

Sources: Wikipedia, Macintosh Garden, MIT

Apple CD media (2001)

My collection of Apple CD and DVD media includes operating systems, applications, software collections that shipped with devices, promotional media, diagnostic tools, and educational content. In general, Apple-branded CD or DVD examples in original packaging have been presented separately, while single discs or collections of discs are presented chronologically.

Apple CDs from 2001 include:

  • Software Bundle (600-9207-A, PowerBook G4 Media, 2001)
  • PowerBook G4 Software Restore 1 of 3 (Mac OS versions 9.1, 10.0.3; CD version 1.0; 691-3079-A, 2001)
  • PowerBook G4 Software Install (SSW version 9.1, CD version 1.2, 691-2957-A, 2001)
  • Mac OS X (Version 10.0, 1Z691-2974-A, 2001)
  • Mac OS X (Version 10.0.3, 1Z691-3064-A, 2001)
  • Mac OS X Upgrade CD (Version 10.1, 1Z691-3184-A, 2001)
  • Mac OS X Developer Tools (691-2963-A, 2001)
  • iMovie 2 Built for Mac OS X (Version 2.1, 691-3021-A, 2001)
  • iTunes (Version 1.0, 691-2900-A, 2001)
  • AppleWorks for Mac Seed 1/2/2001 (Version 6.0.5d11 xxx.xx, 2001)
  • Mac OS 9 (Version 9.2.1, 691-3334-A, 2001)
  • Mac OS X, Version 10.1, Upgrade CD
  • Mac OS 9, Version 9.2.1, Update CD

Apple shipped CD bundles in cardboard envelope packages in 2001. Since each computer required a different number of CDs, various envelope sizes were used to accommodate the number of CDs. A white envelope with a graphite Apple logo was used in this software bundle example.

Apple CD and DVD media (2003)

My collection of Apple CD and DVD media includes operating systems, applications, software collections that shipped with devices, promotional media, diagnostic tools, and educational content. In general, Apple-branded CD or DVD examples in original packaging have been presented separately, while single discs or collections of discs are presented chronologically.

Apple CDs and DVDs from 2003 include:

  • iBook Mac OS X Install Disc 1 (Mac OS version 10.2.3, CD version 1.0, 2Z691-4282-A, 2003)
  • AppleWorks 6 Education Version (Mac OS X, Mac OS 8.1 or later, Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP, Version 6.2.7, 691-4415-A, 2003)
  • .Mac (Version 2.0, 0Z691-4421-A, 2003)
  • iTunes 4 Installer CD with QuickTime 6.2 (Built for Mac OS X v10.1.5 or later, 2003)
  • iTunes 3, iPhoto 2, iMovie 3, iDVD 3 Install DVD For systems with a SuperDrive (Version 1.0, 2Z691-4302-A, 2003)
  • iTunes 3, iPhoto 2, iMovie 3 Install CD For systems without a SuperDrive (Version 1.0, 2Z691-4301-A, 2003)
  • Keynote (Version 1.0, 691-4149-A, 2003)
  • Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Software (Built for Mac OS X v10.2.6 or later, Version 1.1, 2Z691-4661-A, 2003)
  • iMac Software Install and Restore (Mac OS version 10.2.3, DVD version 1.1, 691-4319-A, 2003)
  • AirPort Software Installation (unopened, CD Version 3.0.4, 691-4420-A)
  • Power Mac G4 Software Install and Restore (Mac OS version 10.2.3, DVD version 1.1, 691-4309-A, 2003)
  • Software Bundle (Power Mac G4, 603-2795, 2003)
  • Software Bundle (PowerBook G4 Media, 603-2714-A, 2003)
  • Mac OS X Xcode Tools Install Disc (Requires Mac OS X v10.3 or later, Version 1.0, 691-4591-A, 2003)

Previous software bundles were packaged in cardboard envelopes. In 2003 Apple changed to packaging software bundles in clear plastic packaging, shown here.

Apple CD media (2000)

My collection of Apple CD and DVD media includes operating systems, applications, software collections that shipped with devices, promotional media, diagnostic tools, and educational content. In general, Apple-branded CD or DVD examples in original packaging have been presented separately, while single discs or collections of discs are presented chronologically.

Apple CDs from 2000 include:

  • iMac Software Restore (SSW version 9.0.3, 691-2524-A, 2000)
  • Software Bundle (600-9396-A, iMac Media, 2000)
  • iMac Software Restore 1 of 4 (Mac OS versions 9.2, 10.0.4; CD version 1.0; 691-3177-A; 2000)
  • iMac Applications (CD version 1.3, 691-3195-A, 2000)
  • Software Bundle (600-7881-A, 2000)
  • Software Bundle (600-9194, Power Mac G4 Media, 2000)
  • Software Bundle (600-8137A, 2000)
  • iMac Software Restore (SSW version 9.0.4, CD version 1.1, 691-2704-A, 2000)
  • iMac Software Install (SSW version 9.0.4, CD version 1.1, 691-2703-A, 2000)
  • Software Bundle (600-7837A, 2000)
  • iBook Software Restore (SSW version 9.0.4, 691-2633-A, 2000)
  • iMovie 2 (Version 2.0, Z691-2515-A, 2000)
  • iMovie 2 (Version 2.0.1, Z691-2764-B, 2000)
  • AppleWorks 6 For Mac OS (Version 6.0, Z691-2344-A, 2000)
  • Mac OS 9 (Version 9.1, 691-2746-A, 2000)
  • Learn & Earn Program, March 2000 (Apple Channel & Sales Training)
  • Macintosh Products Guide, Winter 2000

Apple shipped CD bundles in cardboard envelope packages in 2000. Since each computer required a different number of CDs, various envelope sizes were used to accommodate the number of CDs. At least two different envelope designs were used in 2000: a white envelope with a graphite Apple logo and a blue/gray envelope with a white Apple logo.