smevans526 wrote on 2020-03-08, 16:53:
Thank you for the tip on MAC OS, BTW. But I am certain I will not use System 8, and instead opt for a version of MAC OS 7.5.x (possibly 7.6.1). My concern is if 'too much' ppc code for a certain version of Mac OS (and its successors) can hinder performance on a 68k Mac, and if so, which version is the 'cut off'.
Many a MacLiberationArmy forum member will recommend at least 7.5.5 (for a faster 030 machine they want net connection to) for things like access to the classic-OS-compatible file servers. OpenTransport v1.3 and AppleShare 3.8.3 being the key concerns there. In fact, this page is a nice reference and source for updates, should you choose 7.5.x or 7.6.x as your base: http://main.system7today.com/updates.html
But if you wish to eschew any of that sort of connectivity, many a member would be happy to present their preference. My own has been mostly to use whatever version shipped with the machine, save any bug fixes that happened along the way. According to the tech manual, it shipped with System 7.5[.1]. I'm not sure if the Gestalt ID alone would prevent you from installing an older system, but I'm fairly certain it won't work at all. At any rate, a useful CD image to get burned is the Apple Legacy Software Recovery CD. Made in '99 it has nearly every system and Apple utility from system 1 to I think 8.1 on it.
Even though it's an 040, it has a full 32-bit data path it seems, and will run 7.5.5 just fine. Might even be worth a shot to try 7.6.1
One thing you'll want to test though, if you go with that update list above: for some reason, my PowerPC machines (all clones) did not like the QuickTime updates from that System7Today list (or almost any version other than stock). I ended up just keeping the QuickTime v2.5(?) version from the 7.6 install, but maybe because they're clones (I consider the PowerMac 4400 a clone, because it kinda is).
Good luck, and maybe we'll see you around there.