Meeting Notes - Mar 17, 2004

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:

Marratech Overview & Demo by James Reynolds and Joe Bishop

Marratech can be seen as iChat and SubEthaEdit on steroids. What does this mean? It can do everything that iChat can do - text, audio and video chat. It can do what SubEthaEdit can do - collaborative text editing. But Marratech can do more. It allows text, audio, video chat with a group of users not just one. It allows for the editing of multiple documents of several file types such as PDF, images, and text. It also supports secure connections

Client

• Minimum Software: Mac OSX 10.2.6, Windows NT/98/ME/2000/XP, Red Hat 9
• Minimum Hardware: G4 w/ 256MB RAM, PII/300 w/ 256MB RAM
  

Server

• Minimum Software: Mac OS S 10.2.4 w/ Java 1.4.1, Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 Server, Red Hat 7.1, Solaris 8
• Minimum Hardware: G4 w/ 256MB RAM, PII/450 w/ 256MB RAM

Marratech Software

• Free client "Marratech Pro"
• Not Free server "Marratech E-meetings Portal"
• Free public server at emeetingportal.com
  

Equipment

• Microphone/Headphones - Marratech suggests:
• Plantronics DSP-300: MSP - $89 Available for $60
• Plantronics Audio 30 - 80: $25-$35 require an iMic
• Sennheiser MAB 15, 25, 30, etc require an iMic
• ClearOne AccuMic II $650 requires an iMic
• GlobalMedia ClearMic $300 requires an iMic
• Primary concern is feedback. When you have several users sitting in on the same connections the feedback from so many speakers and microphones can get bad.
• Marratech recommends a headphone with a microphone or use headphones and a built in mic. An alternative is either an echo canceling mike or a video camera with a built in mic like an iSight.
  

Video Camera

• Capable of handing a bandwidth of 128 kbps upstream & 512 kbps downstream.
• Marratech's experience has been that Macs work best with a combination of a FireWire camera and a USB headset. PC's work best with a USB camera and analog headsets.
• iSight
• Micro iBot
• Fire-i

James then opened the Marratech client and pointed out the key features of the "Work Environment" including it's conferencing capabilities. He also noted that even with a good high-speed connection, a little delay is common. At this point Marratech's Joe Bishop through joined in from San Diego.

General History

• Marratech began as a Swedish software development company.
• R&D began in 1995 in concert with Ericsson Communications.
• The starting concept focused on distance education involving groups of people.
• In 1998, the prototypes were good enough to bring into production and the commercial company was founded.
  

US History

• The company remained largely in Europe until it began joint efforts with Apple Computer in 2003.
• All of this was brought about by Mac OS X and its built-in Java compatibility.
• Apple is North American distribution partner in the education market.
  

Client Application

• The "Work Environment" can be setup for either local or world wide connections.
• Converged technology features audio & video chat with the "whiteboards" for text editing.
• Interactive text editing can be done by multiple users. Text can be cut and pasted from Marratech Work Environment into a text editor, word processor, or email.
• The "Whiteboard" pallets provide basic graphic editing tools - pens, brushes, generic shapes, etc.
• There is a screen capture and an application window capture feature.
• The big feature of the work environment is that it allows users to literally discuss documents in real time, relatively speaking.
• Can be used to record and then playback sessions on the client making it ideal for use in the remote distance education arena and valuable in for situation where people cannot attend a meeting
  

Future
In about six weeks, the latest version will feature the capability to demo an application in the white board in real time. People can use Marratech for remote training of software

Security

• Features built-in 128 bit encryption from end to end.
• The server does no decryption.
• Encryption goes across all four channels of communication.
• Designed to be efficient so as to not affect overall performance. The server is very Firewall friendly and is highly and easily configurable. In general, no major changes to the as shipped configuration is needed if used in a university environment. K-12 environments require a bit of work as more things are locked down.
  

Nuts & Bolts

• Operation is in the high 16 kilohertz communication band. That is why it is recommended that you get a good set of speakers and headphones.
• Voice over IP operation is licensed from Global IP. The sound has been compensated for 30 percent packet loss with usable audio - again why it sounds so good relatively speaking.
• Marratech is internet compatible so it needs no fixed IP
• Client install is about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Server is installed with remote support so it is typically 30 mins to hour especially if someone is being walked through the installation.
  

Practical Limits

• Attendees - limitations are on bandwidth and IO not on the server side. They have had up to 90 people with video. Up to 400 participating but not sending video (video chat is not requirement for operation).
• Meetings - The number of simultaneous meetings has no theoretical limit. The practical limits are based on the number of licenses.
• Hardware - A base G4 Xserve can easily handle dozens of concurrent users.
  

Uniqueness

• Converged technology for real-time collaboration
• Built-in high grade security right off of the shelf
• Multi-platform compatibility
• High quality audio over IP
• Record for later playback capabilities
• Designed and built for the internet
• NAT compatible
• Firewall friendly
• Expansion and scalability designed in
• Can be clustered
• Unicast and multicast support
  

Professional Issues

• Currently most are in Europe
• Swedish Air Force
• Ericsson
• brio
• Utfors/Telenor
• Crane
• Apple
• Sweden's several largest universities are active users. They are using Marratech for distance learning and collaborative project work.
  

US Users

• Primarily in education
• UC Berkeley
• UC Santa Cruz
• A demonstration portal is operating at Harvard.
  

Licensing
There are several licensing options. Contact Marratech for exact prices.

Bluetooth by Mike Yocom

Bluetooth technology is a cutting-edge open specification that enables short-range wireless connections between desktop and notebook computers, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, camera phones, printers, digital cameras, keyboards and even a computer mouse.

Mike's presentation is based on a more detailed evaluation he conducted for the Student Computing Labs Mac Support Group. His complete report is available for viewing on the Mac Managers web site in the "Mac Managers Meetings - Previous Meeting Notes" section at: http://www.macos.utah.edu. You can also select from the options listed below:

SubEthaEdit by Richard Glaser

SubEthaEdit is a collaborative text editor, that allows you to share documents on a local network (with Rendezvous) or on the internet. Participants can type simultaneously and see what others are typing. It combines the simplicity of TextEdit and the power of Rendezvous.

Richard's presentation is based on ongoing work he is conducting for the Student Computing Labs Mac Support Group. His complete report is available for viewing on the Mac Managers web site in the "Mac Managers Meetings - Previous Meeting Notes" section at: http://www.macos.utah.edu. You can also select from the options listed below:

Other Issues

Open Discussion
Due to the length of this month's meeting, Mikio's presentation on USB Flash Drives has been rescheduled for the April 21st meeting.

Upcoming Events
Bio-IT World Conference & Expo

• Location: Hynes Convention Center, Boston Massachusetts
• Date: March 30 - April 1, 2004
• Registration Information: Click here

MySQL Users Conference & Expo 2004

• Location: Peabody Hotel Orlando, Orlando, Florida
• Date: April 14-16, 2004
• Registration Information: Click here
• General Conference Schedule: Click here

NAB Las Vegas

• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
• Date: April 17-22, 2004
• Registration Information: Click here
• Keynote and Events: Click here
• Conferences: Click here
  

macosxlabs.org Webcast - April

• Subject: RsyncX 2.0
• Presenters: Kevin Boyd
• Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2004
• Viewing Instructions: Click here for instructions on how to view the webcast

For a complete list of events scheduled between now and the next Mac Managers Meeting please click here.

If there is a topic you would like to see discussed at a future Mac Managers Meeting, please let us know here.