What is a Mac Universal application?
In 2006, Apple stopped making computers that used PowerPC processors (called “G3,” “G4,” or “G5”) and started making computers that used Intel processors (called “Core Duo,” “Core 2 Duo,” or “Xeon.”) All the software that was written for PowerPC-based Macs needed to be rewritten as a Universal application to be compatible with the new Intel computers. So that users didn’t have to wait, Apple included a technology called Rosetta with the Intel computers that could translate PowerPC applications. Usually you can’t tell the difference between a PowerPC application running through Rosetta and a Universal application. However, PowerPC applications being translated with Rosetta run more slowly than Universal applications and can have other problems. So if you use an Intel-based Mac, you should always install the Universal version of the application if available.
You can check any application you have installed by selecting its icon from your Applications folder. Then choose Get Info from the File menu. Under the “General” section of the info window you will see what type of application is it in parenthesis next to “Kind.” If it says “PowerPC” check the software developer’s website to see if a new Universal version is available.
Published March 24, 2009 12:00 PM
Last modified on June 17, 2009 1:18 PM
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