Mac OS X Public Beta
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The Mac OS X Public Beta was an early, beta version of Apple Computer's Mac OS X operating system released to the public in late 2000 for $30. It allowed software developers and early adopters to get a taste of the upcoming operating system before its final release.
The Public Beta was the first time people could use the Aqua interface. Virtually everything was new in the operating system: fonts, the Dock, even the menu bar (with an Apple logo at the center, which was later repositioned). System icons were much larger and more detailed, and new interface eye candy was everywhere.
As it was a public beta, this version was not without its bugs and inconveniences. Apple used user feedback to improve upon the OS so that a vastly improved Golden Master version of Mac OS X was ready for release by March 2001.
Despite its bugs, its cost, and its expiration date (it ceased to function in spring 2001), the Mac OS X Public Beta was welcomed by the Mac community, and many people were eager to test drive the new operating system.
The Public Beta was superseded by Mac OS X v10.0, the first finished release of Mac OS X.