Chime (Macintosh)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chime is an old term used among Macintosh computer user circles to describe the single note or chord (depending on model type) played when a Macintosh computer is turned on. The sound indicates that diagnostic tests run immediately at start-up have found no hardware or fundamental software problems, and is accompanied by a Happy Mac icon on the screen.

The start up chime is quoted as being "a C Major chord, played with both hands stretched out as wide as possible (with 3rd at the top, if I recall)", and has been installed on every Macintosh computer since 1991.

This is somewhat analogous to the POST beeps on an IBM-compatible PC.

For models built prior to the introduction of the Power Mac in 1994, on failure of initial self-diagnostic tests a Sad Mac icon and error code are displayed, accompanied by unusual startup tones, referred to as the "Chimes of Death" or "Chords of Doom."

[edit] External links

• The Original Macintosh: Boot Beep - Folklore.org
• TINY MUSIC MAKERS: Pt 4: The Mac Startup Sound - Music Thing