Inside Macintosh: Text /

Chapter 1 - Introduction to Text on the Macintosh

Script Systems in Use

When a version of Macintosh system software is created for a particular country or region, its system script supports the writing system of that country or region. In addition, the system software's text strings are usually translated, and its icons and other graphical elements may be altered to fit the cultural conventions of the region. This process of adapting software to local use is called localization.

Localization of system software is performed by Apple Computer, Inc. In constructing a localized system, many different combinations of script capability and text translation are possible. For example, one localized version of Hebrew system software might use Hebrew text strings and Israeli currency, date, and calendar formats. Another might leave all text strings in English and use Roman formatting. In both, of course, the system script would be Hebrew. In another example, localized system software for India might possibly use Gurmukhi (an Indic script system) as the system script but leave all text strings in English, using the low-ASCII characters in the Gurmukhi character set.

This final section of the chapter discusses how a localized system is presented to a user. It shows the locations of the files and resources that make up the system script and any auxiliary scripts. It then describes how you can modify existing script systems or make additional auxiliary script systems available to the user. The section then summarizes how the user can switch among the available script systems. Finally, it shows how the user can alter the configurations of the script systems on the computer, including possibly selecting as script-system defaults resources that you provide.

More information on localization and localized versions of system software can be found in Guide to Macintosh Software Localization.

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Subtopics

Installing and Enabling Script Systems

Installing Modifications to a Script System

How the User Switches Among Script Systems

User Control of Script Settings