What's New by Mikio Moriyasu
New Apple Software AirPort Update 3.3 - Turbocharged with the latest wireless technology, 802.11g, to deliver data rates of up to 54 megabits per second (Mbps).
AppleWorks File Repair Utility 1.0 - Designed to fix AppleWorks documents that have become damaged.
Backup 2.0.1 - Makes backing up copies of your important files simple and fast.
Bluetooth 1.5 - Use Bluetooth technology to communicate wirelessly with mobile phones, printers, keyboards, PDAs and more.
Final Cut Express 2.0.2 - Create professional-quality video with Final Cut Express.
FP Client Update 1.0 - Improves the reliability of data accessed from an AFP server when using AppleWorks.
GarageBand 1.0.1 - Clarifies specific alert dialogs regarding system performance.
Graphics Driver Update 1.0 - Delivers updated graphic drivers for Mac OS X v10.2.8 to restore DVD Player functionality.
iChat AV Public Beta 2.1 - Introduces audio and video conferencing to keep in touch with friends, family, and colleagues around the world.
Java Update 1.4.2 - Provides support for Sun’s Java 1.4.2 APIs.
JBoss Update 1.0 - Allows JBoss and Tomcat to take advantage of Java 1.4.2.
Safari 1.2 - Improves compatibility with websites and web applications.
Security Update 2004-01-26 (10.3.2 Server) - Delivers a number of security enhancements and is recommended for all Macintosh users.
Security Update 2004-01-26 (10.3.2 Client) - Delivers a number of security enhancements and is recommended for all Macintosh users.
Security Update 2004-01-26 (10.2.8 Client) - Delivers a number of security enhancements and is recommended for all Macintosh users.
Security Update 2004-01-26 (10.2.8 Server) - Delivers a number of security enhancements and is recommended for all Macintosh users.
Security Update 2004-01-26 (10.1.5) - Delivers security enhancements to Apple's mail application.
QuickTime 6.4 ReInstaller 1.0 - This article contains information about QuickTime6.4 Reinstaller and a link to the software download.
Software Notes Retrospect 6.0 is a backup utility. No limit to the size of volumes that can be backed up or the amount of data stored in a Backup.
MacFixIt has previously reported several problems synching Tungsten T3 handhelds with Macs running Mac OS X 10.3.x. When asked by a reader when new drivers would be released, Palm indicated that PalmDesktop 4.1 has been designed for Mac OS X compatibility and that there has been limited testing with Mac OS 10.2.7 and above. When this reader called Palm technical support, he was told that Palm would not update the Mac desktop software anymore. There has been no confirmation of this at this point.
PalmSource has shipped Palm OS 6, the next major release of its operating system, to its licensees. According to a press release the new release will include improved modularity, multi-tasking, memory protection, robust security and state-of-the-art multimedia capabilities." Read More.
Hardware News Architosh has a combined interview/benchmark piece regarding the Power Mac G5's performance in CAD-based operations, concluding "I don't think we've seen a performance jump like this since the PowerPC replaced the Motorola 68040 chip." Read More.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University will upgrade its supercomputer with Apple's recently introduced Xserve G5 servers that have two chips in each box. The thinner servers will result in use less power and generate less heat. Read More.
ComputerWorld reports that the Xserve G5 is up to 60 percent faster than its predecessor. Read More.
The Apple Developer Connection is offering all Select and Premier members in the United States special pricing on single or dual 1.33GHz G4 processor Xserves (while supplies last). Read More.
The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports on the throbbing Mac heart of Microsoft "People sometimes stare when Microsoft Corp. executive Tim McDonough opens his laptop in meetings. But that's probably to be expected when someone uses a Mac PowerBook in the center of the Windows world." Read More.
NASA has always loved Macs, and the recent expeditions to Mars have proved no exception to the rule. "For our [Mars] landing site work, we always get the highest-end desktop Mac we can find, so we just got one of the G5s with dual 2-Ghz processors and 8 GB of RAM," Read More.
Problems Some iSight users report that it interferes with the operation of other FireWire devices. The devices most susceptible to this problem are the iPod and external drives. When the iSight is connected and capturing video, the iPod disappears from the Desktop and from the iTunes playlist while the iPod status screen cycles from the Apple logo to a "Do not Disconnect" message over and over. External drives either do not mount or experience drive directory corruption. The problem may involve some sort of power disruption when a FireWire drive and iSight are simultaneously active. Two possible solutions are to add a FireWire interface PCI card, which allows the user to connect the iSight to its own separate bridge or to use an externally powered FireWire hub
Some iPod users, after upgrading to Panther, report that attempting to synch an iPod to iTunes crashes iTunes. The iPod does not get updated and iTunes must be forced-quit. In some cases, users are able to transfer only a few songs - usually less than 10 - before iTunes hangs. A few users have had success disconnecting all other external peripherals - particularly FireWire devices other than the iPod (and USB components) or deleting streaming references in the iPod master library. The only thorough solution appears to be reverting back to Mac OS X 10.2.x.
According to Apple Knowledge Base article (#42665), "If you experience connection problems on your network, make sure your network switch is set to auto-negotiate, if possible. If a switch's port is not auto-negotiating, your computer detects the appropriate speed but defaults to half-duplex mode. If the switch's port at the other end of the link is configured for full-duplex, a large number of late events can occur on the link. If it isn't possible to set the switch to auto-negotiate, then set the switch's port to half-duplex."
Macfixit reports confirmation that some users cannot progress past the login screen after applying the 1-26-2004 Security Update. Typically, the machine will get stuck at the login screen, the 'rainbow' wait cursor appears, and only a hard reset will escape the condition. One workaround involves deleting:
Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow.plist
as well as the user-specific login plists if the machine is set to to auto-login to a specific account:
~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow.plist
~/Library/Preferences/loginwindow.plist
Cool Stuff MacMice features a number of unique accessories for the Mac user including a two button scroll wheel mouse based on the Apple Pro Mouse, flexible as well as rigid iSight camera stands, and wheeled stands for Power Mac G4s and G5s. Read More.
Mike's entire presentation including a complete list of new Apple and third-party software since October, 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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