What's New - Aug 15, 2001

By: James Reynolds - Revised: 2006-07-03 devin

Introduction

What's new for the Mac in the previous month:
  • General issues, workarounds and fixes
  • New Software and hardware
  • Software and hardware updates/patches


New Software

Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader 2.2 is a reader for eBook files.

Adobe Premiere 6.01 is an update to this video editing tool.

Aladdin StuffIt Express 1.1 (Formerly Transporter) is the latest release of this file transfer automation tool.

APC Tracker 0.9.2b3 is a Mac client for APC UPS devices. This release adds email notification, it fixes a bug with freezes caused by the ONBATT status, and adds Carbon compatibility.

Appearance OSAX 1.2 gives AppleScript the features "you always missed to communicate with user." It will let you add pop-up alerts, display dialogs, open floating text message windows, show progress indicators, and post all kinds of notifications.

Conflict Catcher 8.0.9 is the latest version of this extension manager utility.

DoubleTalk 1.1 is a Mac to PC networking utility. This update allows access to Windows networks using the Macintosh Network Browser, the DoubleTalk Mounter can access volumes by server name or IP address, and it adds the ability to mount Windows servers at startup.

Doublet Scan 3.4.0 is a utility to find duplicate files and more.

Extension Overload 5.8.6 is a utility that reports detailed information on over 4900 extensions, control panels, CSMs and CMMs.

File Buddy 6.1.2 is an extensive desktop and file/folder editing tool.

Final Cut Pro 2.0.2 is an update to Apple's professional level video editing, compositing and special effects software.

FlightCheck Classic 4.03 (and FlightCheck Collect! 4.03) scans a wide variety of file types including QuarkXPress, PageMaker, Multi-Ad Creator, Illustrator, Photoshop, Freehand, CorelDRAW and PDF by using a simple drag and drop interface to warn you of over 150 potential problems, easily and automatically. Among the new features in this update is MS Word support: Handles versions 4, 5, 6, 8 (Office 2000) and 9 (Office 2001), for both Mac and PC files.

FutureBASIC, Release 5 is a Basic development environment.

Ghost Hunter 2.1 is a tool to find, remove, edit, and manage invisible files and folders.

GraphicConverter 4.0.9 is the best shareware graphic file viewer, editor and translator that you can get. Better than most commercial apps as well.

iBook 2001 Audio Patch 1.02 is a non-Apple developed patch designed to fix and audio drop problem with the iBook (Dual USB).

iCab 2.5.3 is an internet browser.

iDVD 1.0.1 is an update to Apple's program for assembling and recording DVD movie discs. The software is included with Power Mac G4s that come with a DVD-R drive. This update may change iDVD so that it will not run on G4s without a SuperDrive (the old version runs on any G4).

iPhotoBatch 1.0 is a batch-based utility to convert photos between various formats. It supports JPEG, TIFF, BMP, PICT, and PNG files and includes an image viewer.

IPNetSentry 1.1.4 is a tool to protect against outside Internet intruders.

Hide-A-Folder 2.5 is a basic utility to hide folders.

Mac OS 9.2 (see below).

MP3 Rage 3.7 is a Gnutella/Napster client, MP3 tag editor, player, and catalog utility.

MSN Messenger 2.0 is Microsoft's instant chat messaging tool.

Netscape Communicator 4.7.8 is an internet browser.

Netscape 6.1 is an internet browser (see below).

On Guard 3.3.5 is the latest version of this cross-platform security and access management product.

REALbasic - 3.5b4 is a Basic development environment. REAL Software will deliver the latest version of REALbasic this August, with added support for 3D graphics, Microsoft Office, and more.

UtilityDog 1.3.2 is a file utility, disk browser, backup utility, file finder & viewer.

WebMiner 2.0b3 is a scriptable application that extends AppleScript to access the Internet and the World Wide Web. The update adds SSL support, cookie support, an expanded AppleScript dictionary, and native Mac OS X support.

Windows Media Player 7.01 is similar to QuickTime. This version works (see below).

ZipIt 2.0 is a utility to zip and unzip file archives. This release sports a complete interface update, improved stability for processing self-extracting archives, and fixes miscellaneous bugs.

Full listing for 7-14 to 8-13 (660 K file):
Or see: versiontracker.com

Software Notes

Netscape 6.1
  • Must "Activate" with your name, email, and zip code to get "full install" (Calendar, Address Book, MyNetscape, Personal Homepage, Radio, Webmail).
  • STILL does not render correctly.
Demo (the following are snapshots taken on my Mac):

Internet Explorer 5


Netscape Communicator 4.77


Netscape 6.1

Windows Media Player 7.01
  • Doesn't constantly crash! (compare WMP 6)
  • Actually works! (compare WMP 6)
  • 28 kbps to 300 kbps
  • Uses Microsoft MPEG-4 Video Codec V3.
  • 1 hour is about 110 Meg. URL begins with mms:// (compare rtps:// or http://)
Some content providers (I have had trouble with these):
  • www.broadcast.com
  • www.WindowsMedia.com
  • www.PhimHongKong.com (Asian movies)
Mac OS 9.2
  • Mac OS 9.2 called "Limelight" instead of "Moonlight."
  • "Only available with the Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver) computer." - Apple TIL.
  • Install CD will install on any "compatible" hardware (G3's and G4').
  • Bug fixes only. No new features.
  • Read More.

Hardware News

  • Sonnet hardware upgrades.
    • HARMONi = FireWire, 500 MHz G3 to Rev A-D iMacs.
    • 500 MHz G3 for Wallstreet PowerBooks.
    • Portable USB flash drive.
    • ATA 100 PCI host adapter.
  • ATI video card.
    • RADEON VE Mac Edition - 2 monitors on one card.

MegaHertz Myth

Apple is now publishing their Photoshop speed benchmarks. See: www.apple.com/g4/myth/.

Retail News

Buy a Mac and get a free color printer, or perhaps a $100 rebate (ends 10-14-01). www.apple.com/promo/coolstuff/

Steve Jobs discusses MWNY and products not released (iMac LCD). Read More - Read More.

New York's largest annual technology event: Macworld. 64,000 attendees breaks record. Read More.

Price of G4 not outrageous. See this page.

Issues

  • Kensington mouse buttons.
    • Kensington is aware of it and will replace it.
    • Or you can try to fix it.
    • Read More
  • PB G3 Series power adapter plug does not fit.
    • Apple will replace the replacement.
  • SuperDrive not reading some CD's.
  • Noise from G4 internal speaker.
    • Disable call answering in Modem control panel?
    • Uncheck "Play Sound Through Output Device" in Sound control panel?
  • iBook (Dual USB) sound problem.
    • Intelligent Devices Software offers a patch.
    • Mac OS 9.2 fixes this?
Viruses and more
  • Code Red.
    • Infects Microsoft's WebServer IIS.
    • Cisco 67x DSL routers (firmware prior to 2.4.1).
    • 3Com LanModems.
    • JetDirect cards in HP printers?
    • Read More: MacFixIt, Slashdot.org, cnet.com
  • SirCam
    • Virtual PC users are getting infected.
  • Bogus Microsoft bulletin for Mac
    • Comes in email, gives URL to a "patch".
    • The "patch" is code that could enable an attacker to remotely control the system.
    • Read More
  • SubSeven ported to Mac.
    • Trojan horse - a.k.a. "Administration tool".
    • Invisible extension in System Folder.
    • See: www.securemac.com for more info.
  • Gator (Windows plugin).
    • Legal browser plugin that "hijacks" webpages.
    • If you go to 1-800-Flowers.com , a pop-up window shows ad for $10 off at www.ftd.com.
    • The plugin is bundled inside of other plugins such as AudioGalaxy, Gozilla and WeatherBug.
AppleShare IP - Go back to top

"AppleShare IP 6.3.3 is not supported on iMac (Summer 2001) and Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver) computers released on 7-18-01, which include Mac OS 9.2."
- til.info.apple.com/techinfo.nsf/artnum/n16145.

Adobe AOM file
  • Where is it?
    • System Folder:Application Support:Adobe:Web:AOM
  • What is it?
    • Adobe Online Manager. It contacts Adobe via the internet.
  • Why does it matter?
    • When opening Adobe products, it may freeze Macs not connected to a network.
    • Workaround: Replace the file with a folder (discouraged by Adobe).
    • Adobe is working on a fix.
    • Adobe says it is not anti-piracy software.
You can search MacFixIt, where this was discussed quite a bit.

til.info.apple.com

TIL site now part of Knowledge Base, requires registration.

Apple feels obligated to provide troubleshooting information. However, Apple feels that TIL reports, like those on MacFixIt, are bad publicity and generate "false alarm" phones calls to Apple Support. Also, MacFixIt "upset some important people at Apple last year" when they reported a new TIL about a "sensitive issue." So it has been integrated into the Knowledge Base, which requires registration and a password.

Read More

You can also search MacFixIt, where this was discussed quite a bit.

Cool Stuff

  • Why crashes happen, OS X troubleshooting: www.macfixit.com/extras/expo-ny01.shtml
  • Drive formating: www.macfixit.com/reports/driveformat.shtml
  • Palm owners: www.palmonmac.com
  • Wireless security: workingmac.com/inetd/22.wm
FireWire target disk mode

Turn your FireWire equiped Mac into an "external FireWire drive".

See:
til.info.apple.com/techinfo.nsf/artnum/n58583

Here is a snapshot of what a Mac looks like when all it is doing is acting like a FireWire drive.


Here is a snapshot of the desktop with the mounted "external FireWire drive".


Humor

Microsoft's Internet Bench in Suffolk, UK.

Two teenagers discover the world's first "internet bench" can make free international telephone calls. They try to call Bill Gates and tell him, but can only get his secretary.

Suffolk promptly fixed this.

Read More

Internet Help Desk.

Click here to view the movie: homepage.mac.com/deadtroll

Windows, Windows Everywhere. latimes.com/technology/la-000064605aug09.story

Joy of Tech:
  • MacWorld
  • Mac Renovations
  • Planet of the X
  • Counseling