These release notes describe significant changes and improvements to BeOS applications and the BeOS user interface that were made between BeOS Release 4 and Release 4.5.

• The Boot Loader, the program that runs when BeOS for Intel is booting, has been improved. The Boot Loader lets you change fundamental settings—such as which partition to boot from— and helps you diagnose problems.  For more information, see Booting on Intel.

• Applications.  This section describes the applications that appeared in Release 4.5.

• Preferences.  The following preference applications have changed; click for details:
  • Backgrounds lets you add background images to Tracker windows.

  • Boot now applies to PPC only.

  • Devices has been greatly improved.

  • DialUpNetworking has a new Auto Dial option.

  • The all new Media preference configures audio and video on your computer—

  • Mouse provides new "warping" and "instant warping" modes.

  • The Printers interface has been completely overhauled. Furthermore, it supports network printing.

  • The all new ScreenSaver preference lets you add and choose screen saver modules.

• System Services.  New and improved system services:
  • The new Zip-O-Matic utility (a Tracker add-on) compresses and archives files and folders.  It replaces the MakeArchive add-on.

  • The system Find panel sports a "file drawer" icon that represents the current query.  Drag and drop the icon to save the query (see Finding Files and Folders for more info (and pictures). Or click on the desktop, type Alt+f and see for yourself.

  • Release 4.5 is USB enabled: If you have USB keyboards, mice, or BeOS-supported printers, use 'em.  Also, most standard USB-to-Centronics adapters should work (the Belkin F5U002 and Entrega CON-USB-P36 are known to work).  For the most up-to-date list of hardware that's compatible with the BeOS, go to Be Product Support.

  • The new World O' Networking network interface, provided in the optional/experimental/WON folder of the Release 4.5 CD, gives you access to files and services on remote disks.

• Sound Card Bugs.  Having trouble with your sound card?  Is it a SoundBlaster ISA, Es137x-based, or Solo-1-based card?  If you answered 'yes' to both of these questions, go here and read on...