Panther
Updates
Apple has
released Mac OS X v. 10.3.2. This is an update to its "Panther" operating
system that you can download using the software Update System Preferences
pane. This update is for all OS 10.3 users. Some of the changes are as follows:
Networking
enhancements: resolves an issue where the Mac OS X firewall was
not available when you upgraded to OS 10.3; allows users automatic configuration
of proxy servers using "Proxy Auto Configuration" (.pac) files;
resolves an issue with maintaining an IP address via DHCP in some circumstances
and improves results when searching for SMB-based servers in the Network
view.
Finder and other improvements: Improved
security of background programs when the screen-saver is active and when
typing a screen saver password; a FireWire-based
volume can be ejected without entering an administrator password; iTunes keeps
on importing songs from an audio CD when you switch to another account; the Character
Palette no longer appears after you log in or when the Mac wakes up from sleep;
improves reliability of third-party FireWire audio hardware devices and more
reliably recognizes FireWire devices.
Print and Fax enhancements: Improved
reliability of OS X Panther's fax email delivery feature; fixes quitting
applications when sending faxes to many recipients; size of printouts
from Safari and other applications is fixed and addresses many printing
issues with a variety of brands of printers. Whew! ...and there's more.
Info at:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25652.
NEC
- Am I Blue?
NEC Corp. has
demonstrated a prototype optical disc drive with a single optical
head that reads DVD's (red laser) and discs recorded in a blue-laser
format that when approved will be the next-generation DVD standard
(HD-DVD). This one is a read-only device, but a recordable one
won't be too far behind. A blue laser can read into the layers
of a disc, thus increasing the storage capacity. The standard will
be - a 20 GB rewritable disc and read only discs in 15 GB single
layer and 30 GB double layers. CD's use a different red laser frequency.
A head that has all three standards (CD, DVD and HD-DVD) is planned
to be made by the middle of 2004. Exciting!
Mac's
more secure
Apple has
released a security update (2003-12-19) you can access using the
Software Update System Preferences pane. Recommended for all users.
Info: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61798.
Aladdin
Stuffs-it
Aladdin Systems Inc. updates
its Stuffit Standard and Stuffit Deluxe compression/decompression
applications bringing both to version 8.0.2. This update adds full
support for OS X 10.3. Stuffit: schedules backups to CD and DVD
media; integrates with the Finder menu and supports the Stuffit
X archive format. Expands and sets up Unix and non-Unix files with
the proper permissions. Requires Mac OS X v. 10.1.5 or higher.
It's a free update for 8.0.x users, or costs $79.99 for first time
buyers. www.aladdinsys.com/win/index.html.
G5
Firmer
Apple released
a firmware update for their PowerMac G5 computers. It's available
for download using (you guessed it) the Software Update System
Preferences (SUSP) pane. There are some performance improvements
in the PCI-X configurations and a security patch makes us safer.
The fan behaves a little better in Open firmware. It's called 5.1.4
firmware update. Do it!
Apple's
batteries fully charged
Apple has
Battery Update version 1.1 software that enhances iBook and
PowerBook battery performance insuring full capacity will
be available. If you have one of the following iBooks: iBook
G4 (12"), iBook (32 VRAM), iBook (Opaque 16 VRAM), iBook
(late 2001) or iBook (dual USB) or PowerBook: G4 17" and
G4 17" 133 GHz, G4 15" FW 800 or PowerBook G4 12" or
12" DVI - then you should download this Battery Update!
Available through the SUSP pane.
LCD
screams higher prices
15" LCD prices are rising. Don't wait any longer. Due to an unusually
high demand, costs are going up. Earlier this year you could get one from $250
- $350. But since laptops and LCD TV sales are booming, the 15" screens
are in short supply. Look for prices to go up 10 to 20%. Rebates will disappear.
A better buy now would be a 17" screen. Their prices have been falling
to around $400, with some exceptions as low as $300 with rebates. Hurry - don't
wait!
More
DVD Studio Pro
Apple has
released DVD Studio Pro v. 2.0.4. It integrates with Apple's Final
Cut Pro software. You can author DVD's after editing the video
on Final Cut Pro. Basic, Extended and advanced configurations are
available on DVD Studio Pro to help you set up your authored DVD's
as well as adding drag and drop support. The 2.0.4 upgrade: can
subtitle clips to cross chapter markers; supports additional MPEG-2
resolutions and has easier precise clip trimming. Update through
SUSP pane. For more info:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93500.
QuickTime
Quicker
Apple now
has QuickTime 6.5, the latest version of their multimedia software
for the Mac and Windows platforms. New support for: 3GPP and 3GPP2
mobile multimedia formats; MPEG-4; H.263 video codecs; AAC, AMR
and QCELP audio codecs and Unicode text. There is enhanced DV playback
and performance improvements when using iDVD, iMovie and Final
Cut Pro. It's a free download (here we go again...) using the SUSP
pane. For more details, go to:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime.
HAPPY
NEW YEAR TO EVERYBODY!
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