Apple GameSprockets v1.7.5

is available via Mac OS 9's Software Update control panel or via download. The file size shown on the TIL is wrong. The real file size is some 10 times larger (about 900 KB .bin). According to the TIL: "Apple Game Sprockets is a set of software libraries that most game and Universal Serial Bus (USB) input devices such as joysticks, game pads, and mice require for optimum performance. Game Sprockets 1.7.5 includes nearly all the HID-compliant USB input devices including wheel mice, multiple-monitor performance improvements, higher quality 3D sound filtering, and delivers improvements for graphic intensive game applications."

Curiously, Apple's TIL #11564 includes two warning notes: "Do not install on iMac 233 rev A or B running System 8.1 through 8.5.1" and "Do not install HID Library, or put HID library in disabled extensions folders on systems 8.1 through 9.0.4." However, the GameSprockets v1.7.5 installer (using both the Software Update control panel and the downloaded .smi installer) placed HID Library v1.3.7 in the extensions folder of a PowerMac G4(S), B&W G3 and 7300, all running Mac OS 9.0.4. A newer HID Library v1.4.1 was on a PowerBook (FireWire) and a recent iMac DV SE so the GameSprockets v1.7.5 installer did not install the lower numbered version over it. The GameSprockets v1.7.5 ReadMe file does not contain these warnings and all Macs seem to run just fine.