What's New - Nov 19, 2003

By: Mikio Moriyasu - Revised: 2006-07-03 devin

View Slides – PDF-File, 3.0 MB

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 Apple Software

AirPort Extreme Firmware Update 5.2 - Provides support for the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) specification for the AirPort Extreme base station and client.

Apple Bluetooth 1.4.1 - You can use Bluetooth technology to communicate wirelessly with devices such as mobile phones, etc.

Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.0.2 Provides better performance as well as support for additional key commands during startup.

Compressor for DVD Studio Pro 1.1 Compressor 1.1 speeds DVD authoring for DVD Studio Pro 2 with dramatically improved MPEG-2 encoding performance. Other enhancements include a reliable Submit button and new presets optimized for DVD Studio Pro 2.

Darwin 7.0 - Apple's Darwin team has released the source code corresponding to Mac OS X 10.3. In addition, the CVS repository has been updated for gcc, gdb, cups, efax, gimp-print, tcl, Rendezvous, StreamingServer, and HeaderDoc.

Final Cut Pro QT Render Plug-In 1.0 is a new QuickTime rendering plug-in for Final Cut Pro that fixes a compatibility issue between FCP and QuickTime 6.4.

iChat AV (2.0) is the final version of Apple's iChat AV software. (iChat AV is included with Panther, or available for purchase for Jaguar.)

iSync 1.3 - Keep your calendar and contact information synchronized up to the minute across Mac OS computers and devices.

iTunes 4.1 - iTunes is already the best jukebox software in the world, with the best music store inside — and it keeps getting better.

Java 1.4.1 (Panther) - Apple takes Java to the next level with the latest, certified release of the Java 2 Platform.

Final Cut Pro 4.1 Get the latest updates for Final Cut Pro 4.1 and its suite of applications: Soundtrack, LiveType, Cinema Tools and Compressor.

Apple Keynote 1.1.1 - Is an update to the PowerPoint-compatible presentation tool. The new version improves stability and includes several user experience enhancements including a preference to control cube and flip transition clipping individually.

iPod Software Updater 1.3.1 - Improves compatibility between Mac OS X 10.3 Panther and your iPod.

iPod Software Updater 2.1 - Adds significant enhancements to the iPod.

Mac OS X 10.3 - The latest version of Mac OS X.

Mac OS X Server 10.3 - The latest version of Mac OS X for Servers.

Mac OS X 10.3.1 - Delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability for the following applications, services and technologies: FileVault, Printing, WebDav, and FireWire 800 drives. This update also includes the latest Security Updates.

Mac OS X Server 10.3.1 - Delivers enhanced functionality, improved reliability and security.

QuickTime 6.4 - Apple’s award-winning software for creating, playing, and streaming high-quality audio and video over the Internet.

Safari 1.0 - The fastest and easiest-to-use web browser ever for the Mac

Security Update 2003-10-28 1.0 - Addresses a potential vulnerability in the implementation of QuickTime Java in Mac OS X v10.3 and Mac OS X Server v10.3.

Security Update 2003-11-04 - Addresses a potential vulnerability with the Terminal application in Mac OS X v10.3 and Mac OS X Server v10.3 that could allow unauthorized access to a system."

Shake 3.01 The Shake 3.01 update includes fixes, enhancements, and improvements to the stability of Shake on all platforms. This release has also been optimized for improved performance on the Apple Power Mac G5 and Mac OS X 10.3.

X11 for Mac OS X 1.0 - X Window System that makes it possible to run X11-based applications in Mac OS X.

WebObjects Update 5.2.2 - WebObjects makes it easy to quickly develop and deploy your Java server applications.

New Third Party Software

(Updates are assumed to be for Mac OS X, not much is being updated for Mac OS 9 nowadays...)

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 4.7b1 is a chat client. The new release contains fixes and optimizations.

Default Folder X v1.9 is the popular Open/Save dialog enhancement utility. Version 1.9 offers OS X 10.3 "Panther" compatibility; users should not install earlier versions under Panther.

DragThing 5.0 is a launcher palette for files, folders, disks, servers, URLs

MacAnalysis X v2.3.1 is a network security auditing utility.

netOctopus v5.0 is a tool for managing networks and computer labs. This update adds Panther support and a number of new features.

Pacifist 1.6 is a utility for opening .pkg installer files and extracting and/or installing specific parts. Version 1.6 adds Panther compatibility and a number of minor features and fixes.

PDFViewCM 1.2 is a contextual menu plugin that displays PDFs without launching any apps

Radmind 1.2.1 is a remote file system admin, client/server suite of tools

Spamfire 1.3.9.1 is a spam protection tool. The new release is compatible with Panther (Mac OS X 10.3)

SubRosaSoft DiskGuardian is a disk drive repair and monitoring utility. This version provides Panther compatibility.

Synchronize! Pro X 3.2.1 makes bootable system backups and syncs files. The new release adds file and folder exclusion using labels, which are available in Panther (Mac OS X 10.3).

Thursby DAVE X v4.1p3 is the third-party tool for Windows file and print access and sharing. The update adds support for OS X 10.3 and a few minor bug fixes.

Watson 1.7.5 is a desktop interface to Web services: Weather, Amazon, TV. In the new release if no "Home Base" URL is specified in the preferences, the tools are now useable again.

Software Notes

The QuickTime 6.4 upgrade contains a serious bug for users of Final Cut Pro 4. It appears that any timeline in Final Cut Pro that mixes media codecs (for instance, DV media and LiveType titles) will not play, and the program will freeze requiring a force quit. Apple has now posted "QuickTime Reinstaller 6.3," which will bring the QuickTime software back to 6.3, eliminating this and other problems.

According to an Apple Knowledge Base article, QuickTime 6.4 does not include QuickTime Java support; installing it on OS X 10.2 will actually remove support provided by QuickTime 6.3. If you need this support, you can reinstall QuickTime 6.3 using the special reinstaller that Apple has made available.

eMac and iBook lines were Apple's last actively updated systems to maintain Mac OS 9 booting. With the new models shipping, it now appears that only a $1,299-base Power Mac G4, available through the online Apple store, will retain Mac OS 9 startup capabilities

Apple has begun shipment of "G5-optimized" versions of Final Cut Pro 4, Shake 3 and DVD Studio Pro 2 which have all been "fine-tuned" to take advantage of both the G5 processor and Mac OS X 10.3. Final Cut Pro 4.1, Shake 3.0.1 and DVD Studio Pro 2.0.2, with the new Compressor 1.1 update, are immediately available for current Final Cut Pro 4, Shake 3 and DVD Studio Pro 2 customers as free software updates. Read More.

According to Alsoft, an annoyance in DiskWarrior 3.x will be repaired in the next release. DiskWarrior 3.x delivers a message like "37 files occupy portions of the disk already occupied by another file. The files will be relocated to unique portions of the disk after replacing the directory. You must inspect these files to determine which of them had been overwritten and damaged. The detailed view of this report lists the files that overlap." After rebuilding the drive directory, and attempting to inspect the detailed report, however, users find that there actually is no "detailed" information.

The long awaited OS X version of Tech Tool Pro, previously scheduled release sometime in October, is now slated for a November debut. Read More.

Hardware News

G5 Model Restructuring
  • 1.8 GHz Power Mac G5 $2,499 (US).
  • Dual 1.8 GHz PowerPC processors, each with an independent 900 MHz frontside bus; 512MB 400 MHz 128-bit DDR SDRAM (8GB maximum); 160GB Serial ATA 7200 rpm hard drive; AGP 8X Pro graphics slot; NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra with 64MB DDR SDRAM 3 PCI-X slots (one 64-bit, 133 MHz, two 64-bit 100 MHz); 4x SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW).
  • Apple has lowered the price of the single processor 1.6 GHz Power Mac G5 model to $1,799 (US)
New iMac
  • 20-inch widescreen flat-panel iMac $2,199 (US)
  • 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 processor; 256MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM;4x SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW) optical drive; NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics processor with 64MB video memory; Pixel resolution of up to 1680-by-1050; Two FireWire 400 and three USB 2.0 ports; Internal support for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth; 80GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive running at 7200 rpm; Apple Pro Speakers.
New iBook G4
  • 800 MHz PowerPC G4 $1,099 (US)
  • 4.9 pounds; 12.1-inch display; 256MB DDR SDRAM; 30GB Ultra ATA hard drive; two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400, VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support; a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive.
  • 933 MHz PowerPC G4 $1,299 (US)
  • 5.9 pounds; and includes: 14.1-inch (diagonal) display; 256MB DDR SDRAM; 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive; two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400, VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support; a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive.
  • 1.0 GHz PowerPC G4 $1,499 (US)
  • 5.9 pounds; 14.1-inch display; 256MB DDR SDRAM; 60GB Ultra ATA hard drive; two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400, VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support; a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive.
  • Apple purports all models to have up to six hours of battery capacity. Every model also includes both Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme capabilities, and ships with Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther).
Legacy iBook G3 Dual boot, OS X/OS 9 configuration) $899.00
  • 800MHz PowerPC G3; 30 GB Hard Drive; ATI Mobility RADEON 7500; 4.9 pounds; VGA, S-Video, Composite Video output; 10/100BASE-T Ethernet - 56K internal modem; One FireWire Port - Two USB Ports
eMac Price Cuts
  • 1 GHz PowerPC G4 $799 (US)
    • 128MB RAM and a combo drive
  • 1 GHz PowerPC G4 $1,099 (US)
    • 256MB RAM and a 4x SuperDrive
LaCie has issued a recall on their new Porsche-designed FireWire drives. The recall affects one early-production batch of 2 models, the FireWire 80GB and the FireWire 160GB, a minor bug has been detected which can reduce the performance, below the manufacturer's expectation. Read More.

Before purchasing, double check to make sure that third party RAM kits for the G5 are fully compatible. One G5 owner reports that the third party RAM kit he purchased at a general computer retailer are too tall to properly fit into the Power Macintosh G5 Dual 2 GHz.

An eWeek article notes that the Virginia Tech supercomputer, made up of 1,100 Power Mac G5 computers, "is attracting the attention of other academic institutions and offers to build commercial clones. A big part of the attraction is the supercomputer's ability to reach levels of performance that place it among the fastest clusters in the world at a relatively inexpensive cost of about $5 million..." Read More.

Retail News

Apple said it doesn't expect to make great profits from selling songs on its iTunes Music Store. Instead, the company is counting on the store to boost sales of the iPod , which has much higher margins. Read More.

Apple UK has kicked off a Power Mac G5 leasing offer. For a limited time, qualifying professional customers based in the UK can lease a G5 from as little as £54.93 per month over 24 months with no interest to pay. This offer is valid until December 31, 2003. Read More.

Apple says 1 million copies of its iTunes software for Windows were downloaded in the week following its debut and that song sales spiked as a result. Read More.

The Mac Observer posts some (rare) praise of, and an interesting perspective on, Apple's decision to use the "brushed metal" appearance for the Panther Finder. Read More.

Just in time for the holidays. Apple has opened up its Christmas gift giving guide. Read More.

Apple Taiwan is taking road trips on iPod Music Buses to promote the digital music player in the country. Read More.

Apple said today that 1.5 million songs were downloaded from the iTunes Music Store during a one week period. During the same period that Napster reported selling just 300,000 songs.

Issues

According to an advisory posted on SecureMac.com, a "low severity" security issue has been discovered in Mac OS X 10.3 Panther.
  • Basically, when Panther's Screen Effects is active using password protection, any keys pressed before the password dialog appears (OS X presents the password dialog when it detects keyboard or mouse activity) "will be sent to the general user environment."
  • For most users this issue provides minimal actual risk, "With access to the keyboard, an unauthorized user can access the currently active screen-locked user environment. However, there is only a relatively small opening in the period of time in which the keys events get through; completing complicated operations at the keyboard have shown to be highly tedious in actual practice thus far."
  • This vulnerability is apparently not addressed by the OS X 10.3 Security Update released by Apple.
Apple has identified an issue with external FireWire hard drives using the Oxford 922 bridge chip-set with firmware version 1.02 that can result in the loss of data stored on the disk drive. Apple and Oxford Semiconductor have confirmed that firmware version 1.05 resolves the data loss issue experienced by some FW800 users. The following FireWire disk drive manufacturers have begun posting firmware updates:
  • Century Global, Ezquest, Firewire Depot, Firewire Direct, Glyph, Lacie, Macpower, Other World Computing, TransIntl, Wiebetech
Only use the updater provided by the maker of your drive and follow the installation instructions carefully. If your drive manufacturer is not listed, contact them for more information.

Make sure to re-check the serial number on your LaCie FireWire hard drive to determine whether or not it is included in LaCie's official warning regarding Panther. The drives officially affected are:
  • d2 USB 2.0 and FireWire 800 Hard Drives and Big Disk products: serial numbers 1312xxxxx to 1339xxxxx and; serial numbers 0312xxxxx to 0339xxxxx; shipped from April 2003 to September 30, 2003
  • However, some users report that there is an extra "0" at the beginning of the number. For instance, if you have a drive marked 01336xxxx, it is within the affected serial number range.
MicroNet indicates that all of their MicroNet and Fantom Drives IEEE1394A FireWire 400 products have not exhibited any data loss during testing with Panther both internally and externally. The MicroNet Platinum combo FireWire 800/USB 2.0 drive, however, requires Firmware revision 1.05 to correct this problem.

For those with subscriptions, MacFixIt.com has published the Mac OS X 10.3 Special Report, covering a number of issues including:
  • Upgrade Procedure Recommendations
  • The FireWire debacle
  • The dangers of case-sensitive HFS+
  • Problems with installation: Stuck on Disc 2; bad discs; disconnecting devices
  • Virtual memory use
  • FileVault and losing data
  • Compatibility: Quicken; DiskWarrior; StuffIt; Virtual PC; g4port; CopyPaste; PhotoPaint; Palm; more.
MacFixIt reports of issues resolving DNS (domain name server) addresses under Mac OS X 10.3.x and suggests three possible workarounds:
  • Deleting DNS entries from the System Preferences Network pane, restarting, and then re-entering the information.
  • Navigating to /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration and deleting the files NetworkInterfaces.plist, and preferences.plist
  • Entering your ISP's virtual (plain English) server name into the System Preferences' DNS field.
HP indicates that there is a lack of full functionality with their all-in-one print/scan/fax devices under Mac OS X 10.3: "Many current HP products have 'Print Only" drivers built into the new OS 10.3 (see table). To maintain full functionality of your HP All-in-One products, please wait for the 10.3 HP software driver that will be available with the next few weeks."

Drives connected to Acard ATA 133 controllers can display a problem underMac OS X 10.3.x where the volumes are recognized by the system as removable media. This means that the drives connected to the PCI card can be accidentally "ejected" (unmounted) through the Finder. If you unmount a connected drive and want to re-mount it without restarting, you can use Apple's Disk Utility to do so.

Initio has posted an official statement regarding Mac OS X 10.3.x and G5 compatibility with its Advansys 3940UW SCSI card: "The 3940UW does NOT work in the G5 machines and it does NOT work under OS X.3. There will not be any further development for this adapter."

Initio also has a statement about G5 compatibility for all of its SCSI cards: "Apple has three G5 models, the 1.6 GHz, 1.8 GHz and 2GHz.  In our testing we have found that none of our SCSI adapters work in these machines, as they are not compatible with the PCI-X slots used in the new G5."

10.3 & Third Party Software Issues

Apple also has a Knowledge Base article that focuses on troubleshooting software updates and installations. Read More.

If you are experiencing problems Outlook Express after upgrading to Mac OS X 10.3, try the following workarounds:
  • Do an erase and install of Panther, rather than an Archive and Install.
  • Install Outlook somewhere outside their Mac OS 9.2.x partition (thePanther partition will do) will allow it to work.
  • Create a disk image with Apple's Disk Utility and launch Outlook Express from it
While Netopia has reported that Timbuktu Pro 6.0.3 is not be fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.3 we've not experienced any significant issues. The only problem we've encountered involves a loss of control when you attempt to use fast user switching.

Design Tools Monthly and Extensis tech support confirm that Font Reserve's Classic Activator feature -- used to share your OS X font database with OS 9 applications running in the Classic Environment -- does not work in Panther. Extensis tech support did not indicate whether or not Font Reserve was going to be updated for Panther but claims that the current version of Suitcase (their other font management utility) is compatible.

Alsoft's web site reports that DiskWarrior 3.0 will not run while started up under Mac OS X v. 10.3 (Panther). DiskWarrior 3.0 can still be used to safely rebuild the directory of a disk (including a disk with file journaling and/or FileVault enabled) with Mac OS X v. 10.3 by starting up from your current DiskWarrior 3.0 CD.

An update allowing DiskWarrior to run while started from Mac OS X v. 10.3 should be available shortly. This update will be able to start up all machines available at the time of its release, including PowerMac G5 machines, PowerBook models updated September 2003, eMac models updated October 2003, and the iBook G4."

All current versions of Bare Bones products, including BBEdit 7.0.4, TextWrangler 1.5, Mailsmith 2.0.2, and Super Get Info 1.1, have been tested and are compatible with Panther. Registered customers of current version products, who need the most recent update can download it from the company's web site.

According to a new Symantec knowledge base article, no Symantec software is currently fully Panther compatible. No disks appear in the Norton Disk Doctor, UnErase, Volume Recover or Speed Disk windows, and "Norton Scheduler does not work in Mac OS X 10.3, so scheduled events for Norton FileSaver, Speed Disk or LiveUpdate do not run." Norton AntiVirus runs properly, but the LiveUpdate feature -- which checks for updated virus definitions -- does not function. Norton Personal Firewall offers its standard firewall protection; however, if Fast User Switching is enabled, "alerts" only appear for the first user logged in. Finally, Norton Privacy Control does not function at all under Panther.

A Dantz Knowledgebase Article provides details on issues that the current version (5.1) of the Retrospect backup software has with OS X 10.3 Panther. A few examples: with Fast User Switching enabled, only one user can run Retrospect at a time; CDs and DVDs that belong to a Retrospect backup set will appear twice in Finder windows; some SCSI devices will need new drivers to be recognized by Retrospect; and File Vault presents numerous obstacles for backup utilities such as Retrospect. A number of other, minor, issues are listed, as well.

CE Software indicates that they have been working on a Panther compatible beta version for public consumption. Without this version (2.0.2b3) QuicKeys X cause every other running application to be shut down when QuicKeys is launched, including the Finder and Apple's post-install registration/setup script. QuicKeys X version 2.0.2 will be a free update to registered users of QuicKeys X 2.0 or later.

One small software developer has posted a program for automatically cleaning up code for the new version of Internet Explorer. It is called IEWebFix 1.0 and is designed to scan the entire contents of a website, generate a list of files with offending codes and repair the files. IEWebFix scans and repairs HTML, XHTML, XML, ASP, JSP, PHP, and CFM files. Read More.

Palm confirms that Desktop Software 4.1 will have problems Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther). Palm Engineers are aware of this issue and are working on an upgrade. According to Palm, there is no fix available for the issue right now and recommends checking this Palm web site for updates: http://www.palmone.com/us/support/downloads/.

Some users of Macromedia MX applications were prompted to re-enter their serial number - in some cases triggering the anti-piracy measures to think that too many copies are in use - after upgrading to Mac OS X 10.3. Macromedia technical support is providing access to a special FTP site for users who need to re-download updates after receiving a "download limit exceeded" message.

There are reports that the Sorenson Pro 3 codec will not work underMac OS X 10.3 with QuickTime 6.4. Readers inquiring about the problem are receiving the following response from Sorenson:
"We have been made aware of the problem and although our product should work we are just going to release an update to our codec. You should find the update on our website within a few weeks."
If you need the Pro 3 codec functionality, it will still work in the Classic environment.

There are reports that StuffIt Deluxe 8.0 becomes unusable after upgrading to Mac OS X 10.3. Most affected by the problem have been able to fix it by re-installing Stuffit Deluxe 8.0.1. If you haven't installed Mac OS X 10.3 yet, you may be able to avoid the problem altogether by choosing a Custom install and de-selecting StuffIt.

There are a few reports of minor printing annoyances with Virtual PC 6.1 after upgrading to Mac OS X 10.3. Virtual PC 6.1 with Win95 or Win2000 will not print using emulation printing and appears to be due to Panther's change in printing architecture.

MacFixIt reports that QuarkXpress 6 Activation files become "corrupted" after doing a new or Archive install of Panther. They have provided the following workarounds:
  • Re-installing QuarkXpress,
  • Moving frameworks from one folder to another.
  • Inside the Quark 6 application folder there is a folder named 'For System.' The application in this folder, named 'QuarkXpress Components' is the installer for the needed frameworks. Simply run this installer.
MacFixIt indicates that they are receiving increasing reports where (under Mac OS X 10.3.x.) Virex will begin to scan you computer, abruptly stop and say it's complete when in actuality it's only scanned a few files. There is some speculation on the McAfee's site among users that it is a problem with Microsoft Excel files.

Intuit technical support confirms that Quicken 2004 has launch issues after upgrading to Mac OS X 10.3. Some users have Quicken 2004 successfully launch just twice, then never again. For some it fails immediately. They are currently testing Panther compatibility.
  • One solution is to use the Finder's search command to delete all files related to the string "Quicken," then re-installing the software can result in proper operation.
  • Another workaround involves deleting the 3 files "com.intuit.quicken.plist", "Quicken 2004 Preferences", and "Quicken" (which is a folder) from your ~/Library/Preferences folder. In this case, re-launching the application after deleting the files is all that is required.

Mac OS X in Brief

Apple has posted a Panther support page with some basic Mac OS X guides for topics like "Getting Online; Using Mac OS X Mail; and Printing and Faxing."

An eWeek article holds praise for Apple's Xcode package included with all retail copies of Mac OS X 10.3, and notes that Mac OS X, in its fourth major release, is mature. Read More.

eWeek compares Mac OS X 10.3 to the Newton as a product trying to break into a large market of Windows dominated networks. Read More.

Peter Kirn, Editor-in-Chief of MacMusic, has compiled a repository of music and audio application troubleshooting issues with Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther). The report includes "links to all the software updates we've posted in the last two weeks adding Panther compatibility to everything from little utilities to major audio software, plus reports on incompatibility and improvements for audio users in the new OS we've found so far.

The publishers of the well-known Mac newsletter TidBITS have announced a new ebook, Take Control of Upgrading to Panther , by Joe Kissell, that provides a much more comprehensive look at upgrading to Panther, including a discussion of the many different options offered by the Panther installer. Read More.

Business Week Online indicates that Panther is more stable, faster, and more fun than Jaguar. There are no Preferences in Mac OS X 10.3's Disk Utility (which replaces much of the functionality in Jaguar's Disk Copy) and therefore, no settings for imaging options such as default segment size, maximum segment size, burning defaults, etc.

In Mac OS X 10.3 unmounting an external FireWire drive requires that an admin user authenticate the action by typing in their username and password. This has become an issue in a number of situations -- one example being non-admin users who connect their own FireWire drive to a computer in order to use files and/or applications stored on the drive. This issue only occurred if the FireWire drive in question was mounted by another user, or was mounted prior to the current user logging in. This has been fixed in Mac OS X 10.3.1, though Apple appears to have left evidence of the revision out of its documentation.

Some users are none too pleased with Panther's new networking architecture, which prevents some shares from showing up on the desktop. This has caused confusion from network users who can see a window on a shared volume, but cannot unmount the share via "ejection" and not easily determine their connected status.
  • Under Mac OS X 10.3, the only time a server will show up on the desktop is if you enter its IP or AFP name directly in connect to server. When connecting via the 'Network' apparatus on the finder toolbar you can browse the Zones, albeit slowly, and then hit 'Connect' to the server that you want, which brings up an authentication window. When you do it this way, the server will not show up on the desktop, or the Finder Toolbar, and there is really no indication that you are connected to the server.
  • To get back to this point you would have to browse the Zones again and there is no easy way to eject the Volume. This creates problems if you are not always connected to the network, as when you disconnect from the LAN, there is the typical LAG, Spinning Ball, and then disconnect message telling you that you are not connected to the Server.
  • In the meantime, as a potential workaround, you can add shared folders) from a networked machine to be included in Panther's sidebar by selecting it and pressing Command-T. However, you still won't be able to "eject" the server.

General News

Documenting the delay of Microsoft's next major OS upgrade, Longhorn, to 2006, a number of Windows users commented to Microsoft Watch on the delay, and the effect it will have on them. Read More.

Palm and Handspring have announced that stockholders of both companies have approved a transaction that transforms the landscape for handheld computing and communications. Read More.

Microsoft fired a full-time temp employee after it discovered that the employee posted in his blog a photo and story concerning Microsoft's purchase of what looks to be around 18 G5s. Microsoft fired the blogger, despite his offer to take the posting. Read More 1. Read More 2.

Wired News reports that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox will ditch its Intel chip in favor of the same kind of chip used in Apple's Macs -- an IBM PowerPC processor. Read More.

on January 20th, 2004, Apple will discontinue all AFP support for its .Mac members when they complete their move to WebDAV as the supported protocol for iDisk access. This transition will affect members using Mac OS 9 and AFP. They will need to download and install software that enables WebDAV for Mac OS 9.x in order to maintain full access to their iDisk. Users will still be able to read and download files from your iDisk using AFP but they won't be able to upload files to it.

Another article notes that as Panther is rolling out, Microsoft is holding its Professional Developers Conference, presenting an early build of Longhorn to developers. Read More.

Cool Stuff

iSkin offers precisely molded Keyboard protectors for the Apple iBooks, G4 PowerBooks, and Pro Keyboards. They are designed to fit and protect the keyboard by creating a protective barrier without restricting the use of the keyboard. It requires no adhesives and grips the surface of the keyboard without slipping allowing for easy removal and application. iSkin also offers iPod Protectors. This flexible, durable high-grade silicone skin slips over your iPod creating a protective barrier against scratches, dirt and oils caused by everyday use. Read More.

RadTech has an ear-mounted, super-bright LED illuminator that allows the wearer to see everything, in total darkness, with both hands free. Weighing just 10 grams, the eyelighter is more useful for computing than the USB flexy lights in use today. Read More.

For those who aren't happy with the new brushed metal "X" designed for Panther, the Geek Culture offers products featuring a black furry "X". Read More.

Humor

Joy of Tech
  • Borg vs Borg
  • Mac Eye for the Windows Guy
  • "Print Jobs"
  • Time Travel

Events

Mac OS X Help Desk Essentials v.10.3 & Mac OS X Server Essentials v.10.3
  • Location: Alpine School District Training Center
    • 490 North State St. Lindon, UT 84042
  • Date:
    • Mac OS X Help Desk Essentials: December 9 - 11, 2003 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm)
    • Mac OS X Server Essentials: January 19 - 22, 2003 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm)
  • Type: Training
  • Fee:Your Apple Sales Team is proud to bring you a unique opportunity to complete these courses at a dramatically reduced rate.
    • Option 1 -
      • Sign up for the Mac OS X Help Desk Essentials v.10.3 course for $1350 per attendee. This is a $150 savings versus attending the very same course at an Apple facility.
    • Option 2 -
      • Sign up for the Mac OS X Server Essentials v.10.3 course for $1650 per attendee. This is a $350 savings versus attending the very same course at an Apple facility.
    • Option 3 -
      • Sign up for both the Mac OS Help Desk Essentials v.10.3 course and the Mac OS X Server Essentials v.10.3 course for $2590 per attendee. This is a saving of $410 versus attending the courses separately and a $910 savings versus attending the same courses at an Apple facility.
  • Registration:
    • To enroll or if you have any questions, please call Justin Flemer at 800-848-6398 (hit option 1 and then option 2) or email flemer@apple.com
    • To learn how this class will prepare you for the Apple Certified Help Desk Specialist Certification as well as the Apple Certified Technical Coordinator Certification, please click on the following link:
  • http://train.apple.com/cert/roadmap.html.