Mac OS X 10.3 Panther: a first look Preview in Operating systems Reviews at ZDNet.co.uk

The cat is now out of the bag. Panther (a.k.a. Mac OS X 10.3) is Apple's fourth major OS upgrade in the past three years. In addition to new features and yet another redesign of the user interface, the new OS offers beefed-up compatibility with Windows networks and support for IPv6 networking.

The Finder has an updated look and some new tricks. The F8 key launches an application called Expose, which shrinks all the windows, while F11 moves all windows off the screen, exposing the desktop. Better integration with Microsoft's Active Directory and the ability to print to PC printers are welcome, if overdue, additions. iChat AV will remain free for Panther users; others will have to pay $30 (UK price TBA) starting in January.

Depending on what they are, some of your favourite OS X features may be history. The Favorites feature has disappeared from the toolbar and from all windows. Column view in the Finder and in windows now works only to look deeper into a folder, not higher. Also, the Finder loses the transparent Aqua theme in favour of Apple's Metal theme.

If you shelled out £99 last year for Jaguar, we wonder whether Apple's radical changes are necessary or just this year's fashion. Check back soon for our full review to find out whether to upgrade now or hold on to Jaguar and await next year's model.

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So if you upgrade to XP SP3 you can't uninstall Internet Explorer, I'm quite sure I'm having a Deja-vu feeling about MS preventing people from uninstalling Internet Explorer in other Windows products.