News Archive for 01/12/17

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Excite.com cookie bug plagues Mac users

12/17, 10:20pm

Excite.com cookie bug plagues Mac users

MacNN Readers Mo Mehlsak and Barbara Riegelhaupt note a very serious problem affecting Mac users running Microsoft Internet Explorer in Mac OS 9:

Apparently, the newly reborn Excite.com deposits a cookie for registered users that corrupts Internet preferences. The result is that IE/E'rage [Entourage] -- and for all I know, any other Internet app that uses the prefs file -- crashes on launch with a Type 2 error. A MS tech support staffer I spoke to said they had "dozens" of calls about it today. The fix is to move Internet prefs and files in the MS Cache folder [also found in the Prefs folder] to the desktop or trash, launch the Internet control panel to create a new prefs file, and either enter a new home page under the Web tab or choose "none."

JomoSoft releases new FTP app

12/17, 10:10pm

JomoSoft releases new FTP app

JomoSoft today announced the release of a new FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client designed for Mac OS X. osXigen v1.0 is Mac OS X native, Cocoa-based and completely multithreaded to offer optimum performance and to avoid lock-ups. osXigen can be purchased for $15; a free trial version is also available.

Architosh: Nemetschek N.A. introduces VectorW

12/17, 9:30pm

Architosh: Nemetschek N.A. introduces VectorW

Architosh is reporting that, as expected, Nemetschek North America has announced the release of VectorWorks MECHANICAL, a new 2D/3D CAD product targeted at mechanical designers, drafters, engineers and fabricators.

c|net: PhotoPoint goes dark

12/17, 7:00pm

c|net: PhotoPoint goes dark

c|net is reporting that online storage space provider PhotoPoint continues to be unavailable to thousands of its customers. PhotoPoint is an online service that provides users with webspace for storing graphics and photography. For several days the service has been unavailable, leaving thousands of users locked out of their material. "I am a seller on eBay and I lost all my pictures for the last three days of my auctions," a PhotoPoint user told News.com.

Addison-Wesley: Cocoa Programming for OS X

12/17, 6:40pm

Addison-Wesley: Cocoa Programming for OS X

Aaron Hillegass, founder of the Big Nerd Ranch, today announced the publication of his new Cocoa training manual, "Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X." The book, published by Addison-Wesley, is designed for both new and experienced Cocoa developers; is available from Amazon.com for $32.

Apple continues to ship FCP 3 to customers

12/17, 6:20pm

Apple continues to ship FCP 3 to customers

A MacNN reader has confirmed an earlier report that Apple has begun shipping copies of Final Cut Pro 3. Rick Lakin received a shipment notice today at 12:30PM EST.

Databeast releases dataComet-Secure final

12/17, 6:05pm

Databeast releases dataComet-Secure final

Databeast, Inc. has announced dataComet-Secure, now available in a final release version. The Mac OS X application offers terminal emulation over SSH, Telnet, and dialup connections, supporting both SSH1 and SSH2 sessions with strong encryption. A single copy license for dataComet-Secure is $60; educational license $20.

'Internet Phone v1.1' released

12/17, 5:50pm

'Internet Phone v1.1' released

Empower Pro today announced Internet Phone v1.1, an application for Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X that connects Macintosh users around the world with real-time voice communication over the Internet. Version 1.1 includes speech recognition, an address book and Aqua user interface. Empower Pro is offering Internet Phone for $30; a free trial version is available.

SF Gate, CRM Daily on Macworld hype

12/17, 4:50pm

SF Gate, CRM Daily on Macworld hype

The San Francisco Chronicle takes a look at the pre-MacWorld excitement in the latest article of its online Business & Technology section. The article reflects on Mr. Jobs' decision to rescheduled his annual MacWorld keynote speech for a day earlier and add an hour to the talk; CRM Daily asks if the expo will be ' Expensive Fun or Big Disappointment' and likens the event to the release of 'ginger.' [updated]

Apple shipping Final Cut Pro 3

12/17, 3:45pm

Apple shipping Final Cut Pro 3

MacNN reader Carl Nordin notes that Apple has begun shipping Final Cut Pro 3, an update to its professional nonlinear editing system that brings OS X compatibility, G4 realtime effects (without additional hardware), support for the OfflineRT file format, new smart color tools, and other enhancements.

Joliet Volume Access v2 supports RockRidge

12/17, 3:40pm

Joliet Volume Access v2 supports RockRidge

Thomas Tempelmann's Joliet Volume Access v2, a $15 shareware package for Mac OS 8/9, allows your computer to read Windows, MP3 and Linux CDs better. Version 2.0 has RockRidge support, includes a new Control Panel to set options on viewing/handling CDs, support additionally installed script systems, such as the Cyrillic Language Kit, and offers full access to Multi-session and Hybrid CDs, mounting any ISO volume on them.

Zoomifyer 1.0 optimizes large images for Web

12/17, 2:00pm

Zoomifyer 1.0 optimizes large images for Web

Zoomify Inc. has released its authoring plug-in for Adobe Photoshop called the Zoomifyer 1.0, which "converts images of any size or quality to stream for fast initial display and on-demand viewing of fine details. Zoomify's unique image streaming technology makes high-resolution images useful on the Web. Publish gigabyte photos that can be viewed without any large download." A trial of the $200 plugin is available online.

Pando Calendar 5.7.5: freeware calendar app

12/17, 12:15pm

Pando Calendar 5.7.5: freeware calendar app

The freeware calendar application, PandoCalendar 5.7.5, allows users to develop, save, print, and distribute customizable calendars.

Smart Scroll 3.7.3 adds OS 9.2.2 support

12/17, 12:10pm

Smart Scroll 3.7.3 adds OS 9.2.2 support

Marc Moini has released Smart Scroll 3.7.3, his $12 shareware utility that allows users to adjust the scrolling speed in any application and brings Proportional Thumbs and Live Scrolling to applications such as Netscape, Emailer, AppleWorks, Word, and most system add-ons such as control panels. Version 3.7.3 is a maintenance release adding support for Mac OS 9.2.2.

WindowShade X 1.5 gets new features

12/17, 12:05pm

WindowShade X 1.5 gets new features

Unsanity has released WindowShade X 1.5, which brings application-specific control, new 'do nothing' behavior, code optimizations, and other enhancements ot the $7 shareware that offers the familiar window-collapsing effect from Mac OS 9 under OS X.

Archive 4.7 catalog and search for files

12/17, 12:05pm

Archive 4.7 catalog and search for files

Yenco has released Archive 4.7, an update to its $20 shareare catalog utility that features integrated button bar controls at top of search window, improved printing, a better help system and updated help content.

Freeware solution for CC validation in FMPro

12/17, 9:40am

Freeware solution for CC validation in FMPro

Brian Dunning's freeware Credit Card Validator (for FileMaker) is an open-source checksum calculation to validate credit card numbers and also tells you what kind of card it is based on the first digit.

Plextor ships USB 2.0-enabled 24x CD-RW

12/17, 9:30am

Plextor ships USB 2.0-enabled 24x CD-RW

Plextor is now shipping its USB 2.0-enabled PlexWriter 24x/10x/40U CD-RW optical disk drive. The new external drive offers USB 1.1 support under Mac OS 8/9 and USB 2.0 support under OS X. The $230 drive has a 4BM data buffer, features BURN-Proof technology, and supports a wide variety of writing modes, including Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once, Session-at-Once, Multisession, and variable/fixed packet writing. It is expected to ship at the end of December.

New portable USB 2.0/FireWire drive

12/17, 9:25am

New portable USB 2.0/FireWire drive

Evergreen today announced its fireLINE 1394 and USB 2.0 Pocket HotDrive, a portable combo drive available in capacities up to 40GB. Prices are $260, $330, $400, and $530 for 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40GB models, with discounts of between $60 and $130 for direct online purchases.

Desktop util for WebShots supports OS X 10.1

12/17, 9:10am

Desktop util for WebShots supports OS X 10.1

Zonic has released SwapTop 1.3, an update to its $15 shareware Mac client for the WebShots desktop picture service. It allows Mac users to set up a schedule to automatically selecta random desktop picture, to download a new picture every day, and to search the WebShots image archive. It restores compatibility with the WebShots web site, adds support for Mac OS X 10.1, improves support of widescreen displays, and includes numerous minor bug fixes.

Mail Beacon 1.4 supports Mac.com SMTP

12/17, 9:05am

Mail Beacon 1.4 supports Mac.com SMTP

Navdeep Bains has released an update to his mail checker/online email client, Mail Beacon 1.4, which can check an unlimited number of POP3 & IMAP accounts for new mail, and can also view/delete/filter mail on server without downloading any messages. The $10 shareware now supports Mac.com's SMTP servers, implements a signature-like "Message Formats" feature, has a dramatically improved sorting algorithm, and many other bug fixes.

Skwonk 1.0 monitors network traffic

12/17, 9:00am

Skwonk 1.0 monitors network traffic

StimpSoft's Skwonk 1.0 is a freeware application that will listen to your Ethernet interface for traffic, playing specific sounds for specific types packets.

Apple ships TiPB with Combo Drive

12/17, 8:55am

Apple ships TiPB with Combo Drive

Apple today made its new slot-loading DVD/CD-RW Combo drive a standard part of all of its new Titanium PowerBook G4 models; the new Combo drive features CD burning at 8x speeds, while the iBook retains the older 4x burn model. Apple has increased the cost of the standard 550-MHz configuration (256MB/20GB) to $2,299, while keeping the price on its high-end retail 667-MHz PowerBook G4 (512MB/30GB/AirPort Card) at $2,999. Both product list an estimated ship time of 1 week from the Apple Store. [updated]

IGS Twisted 1.0: OpenGL screensaver for OS X

12/17, 8:55am

IGS Twisted 1.0: OpenGL screensaver for OS X

IGS Twisted 1.0 is a screen saver which :goes in the screen saver folder. IGS Twisted is just a bunch of squares in 3D space (using OpenGL). The interesting part is the movement algorithm (independently developed). There are more than 12 different controls adapted to the 'psychic vibes' surrounding your computer."

Dr. Bott intros new iPod Connection Kit II

12/17, 8:50am

Dr. Bott intros new iPod Connection Kit II

Dr. Bott today introduced the iPod Connection Kit II with Cassette Adapter, which includes options for connecting to iPod's 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack to automobile stereo systems, home stereo systems, mic input of computers and other devices(e.g., boom boxes, and tape players). It also includes an Auto Charger, Cassette Adapter, various audio cables and a carry pouch. The $50 kit will begin shipping in January.

X3 0.1.1 for monitoring system performance

12/17, 8:50am

X3 0.1.1 for monitoring system performance

X3 0.1.1 is "an application that visualizes the system performance in the form of a realtime rotating 3D-object in the Dock. It is designed to use very little memory and processor cycles so you can keep it running all the time." It offers eight more objects, a new extensible X3C object format, improved memory management, objects menu synchronization, new Dock menu and Process menus, and other enhancements.

Two symbol collections for FireWorks

12/17, 8:45am

Two symbol collections for FireWorks

Sapphire Symbols Vol 7 & 8 are each $15 collections with 400 Macromedia Fireworks-format symbols that are "based on a star/starburst theme" for web and page design.

Baker 1.3: newsgroup util gets faster

12/17, 8:45am

Baker 1.3: newsgroup util gets faster

Baker 1.3, an OS X program used to simplify the task of downloading files from Usenet newsgroups, brings a significant speed improvement when downloading articles.

PowerMail 3.1 adds new IMAP engine

12/17, 8:40am

PowerMail 3.1 adds new IMAP engine

CTM has released PowerMail 3.1, a free update to its $50 flagship e-mail client that brings "95 enhancements, support for the IMAP protocol and major reliability and performance improvements." Version 3.1 includes a completely rewritten IMAP engine, improved filtering performance, mouse wheel support under OS X, and many bug fixes. A 30-day demo is available.

Bprolog 6.1 improves performance in CLP

12/17, 8:35am

Bprolog 6.1 improves performance in CLP

BProlog 6.1, an update to Afany Software's constraint logic programming (CLP) system, delivers a 30 to 40% peformance boost.