MacOS (Error Screens)
From the Audiovisual Identity Database, the motion graphics museum
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Descriptions by
2K-tan
2K-tan
Screen (January 24, 1984-February 1, 2002)
Visuals: On a black background, there is the image of the Macintosh from the Happy Mac screen, but displaying a frown and having X's over its eyes. This screen is known as the "Sad Mac".
Technique: A still, sprite-based or digital graphic.
Audio: Depending on the Mac model, a noise will be heard in the background. These chimes are nicknamed the "Chimes of Death":
- Macintosh 128K, 512K, Plus, SE, Classic, iMac, & Power Macintosh G3 Blue & White (1984-1992, 1998-2002): None.
- Macintosh II series, SE/30, Portable, PB100 (1987-1993): A synthesized guitar arpeggio. Depending on the error, this succeeds either a short chord, a single note, or two notes.
- Macintosh LC Series, Macintosh Classic II, 68k Macs, PowerBooks (1990-1996): A higher pitched version of the arpeggio played on a synth followed by four more notes. Depending on the error, only the four notes could be heard.
- Quadra/Centris AV Series (1993-1994): A short, fast-tempo drum tune.
- Power Macintosh LC, Performa 5200/5300 Series & Macintoshes with PowerPC upgrade card (1995-1997): A dramatic three note brass fanfare followed by drumbeats.
- Power Macintosh 6100, 7100 and 8100 series (1994-1996): A car engine sound followed by a car crash.
- PCI Power Macintoshes and PPC PowerBooks (1995-1998): An airy shattering/axe sound.
All of the chimes can be found here.
Availability: Seen whenever the Macintosh has a severe error, or whenever the interrupt switch is pressed on the side of some Macs.
