AF/MF in A77

Struggling between the A65 and A77 I read in the review that the AF/MF button is a useful manual/automatic focus clutch, for quickly disengaging AF in older 'screw-drive' lenses.

Since I am a becoming Sony user I would like to know how old are "screw-drive lenses". When did they cease to manufacture these?

If I buy a new lens is it then possible to do a manual correction in AF-mode by hand without this button if I buy the A65?
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