What's New by Mikio Moriyasu
New Apple Software Mac OS X Update 10.3.3 - Update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability to Mac OS X 10.3 Panther and is recommended for all users.
Mac OS X Server Update 10.3.3 - Update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability to Mac OS X Server 10.3 Panther and is recommended for all users.
Mac OS X Combined Update 10.3.3 - Update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability for Mac OS X v10.3 “Panther” and is recommended for all users
Mac OS X Server Combined Update 10.3.3 - Update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability for Mac OS X Server v10.3 and is recommended for all systems.
Security Update 2004-02-23 for Jaguar Client 1.0 -
Includes the following updated components: includes the following components: DiskArbitration, IPSec, and more.
Security Update 2004-02-23 for Jaguar Server 1.0 - Includes the following updated components: DiskArbitration, IPSec, Point-to-Point-Protocol, QTSS, and more.
Security Update 2004-02-23 for Panther Client 1.0 - Includes the following updated components: DiskArbitration, IPSec, Point-to-Point-Protocol, tcpdump.
Security Update 2004-02-23 for Panther Server 1.0 -
Includes the following updated components: DiskArbitration, IPSec, Point-to-Point-Protocol, QTSS, and more.
iSight FW Updater 1.0.2 - Update features enhanced IIDC compliance, improved auto exposure and auto white balance, and more
Software Notes FileMaker Pro 7.0 has been redesigned using a modern, streamlined relational architecture, which enables users to simplify information management by storing multiple tables within a single file.
The new version of Now Up-to-Date and Contact supports Rendezvous networking and claims faster transfer speeds and Xserve G5 compatibility. Read More.
Apple Knowledge Base article 93665 notes that iDVD 4 may not successfully burn a disc on dual processor Power Mac G5 computers if Best Performance is selected in iDVD preferences. Apple suggests selecting "Best Quality" or "Best Performance" in the "General" section of iDVD's preferences. While the article implies that only dual processor G5s are affected but some users of single and dual processor G4s are also experiencing burning issues. Apple states in the article that updating to iDVD 4.0.1 resolves the issue.
On a related note, Apple Knowledge Base article 150483 provides suggestions for successfully burning a DVD.
The latest alpha of the next version of Eudora, corrects an issue in which work conducted on an AppleWorks spreadsheet at the same time as Eudora, and then closing AppleWorks, could result in Eudora not being able to check for new mail. Apparently, both AppleWorks and Eudora use the TemporaryItems folder but use a different approach to it creating a conflict.
An ITWeb article covers a report by British security firm mi2g which found "Apple's OS X Server and the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) open source systems on which it is based, to be the most secure online server operating systems in the world." Read More.
Mac News Network reports that Pixar, which had been using Linux and Intel based architecture, is switching to Mac OS X and G5 workstations for its production work. Read More.
Hardware Notes Motorola has announced a 1.42GHz PowerPC chip that could be used in speedier Apple Computer PowerBooks. Read More.
According to a recent Knowledge Base Article (93705), the latest iSight Firmware Updater (version 1.0.2) prevents the following issues:
- There are interruptions in the video (including frame loss or "tearing")
- The video is too dark
- iPod mini responds slowly
- Other FireWire drives stop responding, disconnect, or slow down.
Some Macs are apparently being shipped with the Bluetooth option to "allow other devices to browse files on this computer" turned on. Though this option may pose a security risk in some instances, the issue is essentially null since the "Shared" folder is the only accessible directory in all of the case examples reported so far. Also, a device generally has to be 'paired' with the computer before it can access resources via Bluetooth, and that involves entering a matching password both on the computer and the device.
A drunk driver plowed through the front offices of SLG Publishing. While no one was injured in the accident most of the equipment in their production department was destroyed save one. A PowerMac G4 1.25 Mhz was struck, traveled at least 20 feet in the air, hit a wall and came down on a heap of rubble. It still works. Read More. See More.
Think Secret reports that an internal Apple service note acknowledges problems involving G5 buzzing and beeping noises. It states that "...Apple will replace the power supplies of affected machines." Macfixit has received confirmation of this issue from an Apple Certified Technician who actually received the service bulletin in question. Read More.
Problems Retrospect 6.0 is unable to read version 4 and 5 backup sets with a large amount of data tapes in the archive. Any attempt to do so will result in an out of memory error. Dantz European Tech Support indicates that they are aware of the problem but have no plans of developing a solution. Upgrading to 10.3 Panther opens up the possibility that users will not be able to access any previous backup data from v4 and 5 of Retrospect.
An internal Apple support tech article documents a known issue with the front FireWire port on some G5's. Individuals experiencing audio/video/power connectivity issues with the front FireWire port should contact Apple for part replacement.
iPod users report that encountering battery meter inaccuracies which can be traced back to the Li-Ion battery itself. iPods and other similarly powered devices become increasingly inaccurate when they are shallow charged. A full battery discharge before recharging will re-calibrate the meter. This should not be done on a routine basis as the useful life of Li-ion batteries is greatest when subjected to shallow charge cycles.
On a related note, Macfixit reports that some docked iPods are losing battery power while the host Mac being used as the charger is either sleeping or off. One possible reason is that the iPod remains active or is attempting to communicate with the sleeping host mac consuming battery power.
The "Spring Cleaning" article in the March issue of MacHome magazine advises readers to empty the contents of /Library/Receipts to save some space. The article erroneously reports that the folder contains installer packages that are no longer of use. The folder actually contains installation receipt packages that provide Mac OS X with detailed information about software that has been installed. These files are critical to the Installer, Software Update, and Disk Utility applications. Deleting them will break some or all of their functionality
Cool Stuff The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife along with Swissbit will be introducing a Swiss Army Knife equipped with either a 64 or 128MB memory module. It will also have all the usual extras - knife, corkscrew and tin-opener - as well. Read More.
Hitachi Global Storage Technologies has announced the development of a 400 GB 3.5" ATA hard drive. Hitachi claims that the Deskstar 7K400 is the world's highest capacity drive. Read More.
The Guinness World Records had certified that Toshiba's 0.85-inch hard disk drives (HDDs) are the smallest in the world. The 4 GB drives should enter production by the end of the year and are planned for use in cell phones and digital camcorders. Toshiba's 1.8-inch HDDs are used in Apple Computer Inc's hot-selling iPod digital music players. Read More.
Mike's entire presentation including a complete list of new Apple and third-party software since February, new Apple hardware releases, Apple retail news, and other Apple related topics can be found on the main Mac Managers web site at: http://www.macos.utah.edu or select from the options listed below:
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