I've still been getting a lot of requests about exactly how to get one of the free Mac OS 8.1 packages. I received an email tonight from a "Chris A." who was so distraught at not being able to find out address or know what to send, it just brought me to tears.

So I've decided to put together this idiot's guide, complete with visual aids. Follow along now.

Step 1: go to the U.S. Post Office and pick up two Priority Mail envelopes - one the normal cardboard version that you'll send everything to me, and the other one of those larger Vytek versions made from that indestructible paper.

Step 2: find an old Metallica T-shirt or similar T-shirt (Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Motorhead may be substibuted) or get a $20 prepaid Starbucks card.

Step 3: write me a short letter that includes your name and address, the gift that you are offering me, and specify which Mac OS you desire: Mac OS 7.5 CD-ROM and boot floppy, Mac OS 8.0 CD-ROM and boot floppy, or Mac OS 8.1 CD-ROM (no boot floppy).

Step 4: assemble all four items and double check that you're written your return mailing address on the larger envelope and pre-stamped it before stuffing everything into the cardboard Priority Mail envelope.

Step 5: write my mailing address on the cardboard Priority Mail envelope:

Darek Mihocka
c/o Emulators
14150 N.E. 20th Street, PMB 302
Bellevue, WA 98007
U.S.A

Step 6: mail it and wait. Upon receiving your fine gift, I will take a fresh un-opened original package of Mac OS and place it in your return envelope and mail it back to you.

Thanks to Jeff S. from Chicago for providing the picture perfect items that I used for the visuals. And thanks to Chris A. for being so hopeless that it inspired me to write this tutorial.