News Archive for 02/11/18

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Apple details security updates in OS X 10.2.2

11/18, 11:50pm

Apple details security updates in OS X 10.2.2

Apple has posted details of the security issues resolved in Mac OS X 10.2.2, including two different local user privilege elevations, a NFS vulnerability, an IP Firewall problem, remote access to CUPS printing Web administration, a NetInfo vulnerability, a TCP issue in RPC, and others.

Maxtor intros 250GB hard disk drive

11/18, 9:55pm

Maxtor intros 250GB hard disk drive

Maxtor today unveiled a 250GB ATA hard drive kit -- the largest single-disk storage device in the industry. The $400 drive runs at a modest 5400RPM, includes set-up instructions, connects via an included ATA/133 cable, and comes with the necessary mounting bolts. It also comes with an ATA/133 adapter card, for a "limited time." Maxtor boasts that the drive could theoretically be used to store 62,500 songs, 250 hours of video, or 250,000 high-resolution digital photos.

irEdit 1.5: FTP support, better performance

11/18, 8:10pm

irEdit 1.5: FTP support, better performance

irEdit 1.5 is a significant upgrade to ideaResources' programming aide for Mac OS X. Version 1.5 boasts "dramatic" performance improvements, built-in FTP support and default window sizes. irEdit is a syntax coloring utility that recognizes the syntax of several popular programming languages.

Tech: Windows, Office keep MS afloat, more...

11/18, 6:50pm

Tech: Windows, Office keep MS afloat, more...

Four of Microsoft's seven business divisions lost money in the most recent quarter, with its Windows and Office divisions making up for Xbox and MSN losses; video card designer Nvidia today unveiled its long-awaited, GeForce FX graphics chipset, which it said is the first capable of delivering real-time, movie-quality images for DVDs and video games played on desktop computers; Lindows.com has unleashed version 3.0 of its new Linux-based operating system, promising an affordable Linux operating system with full Microsoft's Windows compatibility.

Peripherals: Serial ATA info; Belkin

11/18, 6:00pm

Peripherals: Serial ATA info; Belkin

Peripheral roundup: Seagate recently published a document that details its new 150MB/s Serial ATA drive interface -- which is used in its 'Barracuda' products -- as well as future generations of the technology; Belkin, a prominent developer of Mac and PC-compatible devices, today announced its support for the proposed IEEE 802.11g standard, which enables products to communicate at nearly five times the speed of existing 802.11b Wi-Fi networks; DVBase today debuted the DVForge -- a stylish iPod stand that will be available December 1 at an unspecified price.

Apps: OmniOutliner, FlashMath, ADT...

11/18, 5:50pm

Apps: OmniOutliner, FlashMath, ADT...

FlashMath is an easy-to-use flash card program that teaches basic math. The $15 shareware includes a setup assistant, separate settings and customized quizzes for each student, a unique lesson-based system for groups, password protection, and report cards that allow you to track each student's performance. [2.1MB]
Code Line has posted Art Directors Toolkit 3.1, a free update to its Web and print design application. It adds a new interface, better compatibility with non-US English keyboards, improved international support for number entry and display, improved stability for Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar), and a 'Page Size' utility to find measurements of standard document sizes. Upgrades to the $40 utility are $20; a 15-use demo is available. [Classic, OSX]
The Omni Group has updated OmniOutliner 2.1.1, its outlining and organizational tool that now includes OPML importing and exporting, French and Japanese localizations, and improved responsiveness. The $30 utility is available for Mac OS X only. [1.8MB]
BK Task Timer 2.0 (formerly BK Project Timer) has a new database backend, support for MySQL database servers, the ability to assign tasks to specific projects, support for multiple users, the ability to export contacts to MS Excel, a new report engine, and other enhancements. The $15 shareware timer helps users track of time spent on projects and the tasks associated with those projects. [Classic, OSX]
Brian Dunning's free Function Junction is a simple and fun tool for graphically plotting two-dimensional mathematical functions in FileMaker Pro. It uses common FileMaker calculations. [13KB]
Native Instruments today introduced Absynth Sounds Volume 1, a collection of 256 sounds, including evolving soundscapes, evocative pads, authentic marimbas and vibes, etc. The patches leverage Absynth's multiple synthesis techniques as well as its modulation and performance capabilities. It is due at the end of November for $50.

Mac gurus continue to share Jaguar tips

11/18, 5:35pm

Mac gurus continue to share Jaguar tips

Randy Singer has published a short tutorial that addresses some of the common problems found in Mac OS X 10.2. Included are solutions to performance issues caused by incorrect permission settings or HP scanner/printer drivers. The tutorial also deals with countless other problems, such as frequent kernel panics. The Atomic Learning Library is also easing the transition to the relatively-new OS, with a series of free instructional QuickTime movies.

Ravanex "community" suite coming to OS X

11/18, 5:15pm

Ravanex "community" suite coming to OS X

Ravanex 1.0 is a cross-platform communication and file-sharing community suite, similar to the popular 'Hotline' and 'Carracho' client-server suites. Unlike its competitors, says developer Bracast, Ravanex includes a more robust feature set, with IRC-style chatting, bandwidth capping, a wide range of banning options, peer-to-peer "mini games," account templates, integrated 'bots,' and media playing. Ravanex consists of client and server applications, as well as applications for icon creation and database publishing. The suite is expected to be available for Mac OS X in the latter quarter of 2002, or in early 2003.

TOLIS adds OS X support to backup solution

11/18, 2:45pm

TOLIS adds OS X support to backup solution

The TOLIS Group today announced it is now shipping BRU-Pro 2.0 Client for Mac OS X: "The BRU-Pro agent for OS X is a daemon process and requires no user intervention once installed, fully automating the backup of the OS X client system by the BRU-Pro server system. [It has] full support for mach-o CFM single file binaries and their resource and Finder information as well as full Unix-based compatibility." [525KB]

700MHz iBook has slightly modified appearance

11/18, 2:25pm

700MHz iBook has slightly modified appearance

MacNN reader Issac Dickinson notes the new low-end 700MHz iBook has a slightly different appearance than the other models and is apparently made from different material: "It seems like the low-end iBook hase been changed to an 'all-White' rather than the "metal on White" coloring."

Unsanity updates system-enhancing utils

11/18, 2:20pm

Unsanity updates system-enhancing utils

Unsanity has posted Application Enhancer 1.2, its freeware system which allows for third-party modules to modify and enhance the way applications behave and operate. Application Enhancers work on an application-level. It adds a new APE Manager Preference Pane for configuration and management of the installed Application Enhancer modules as well as better error reporting. A SDK is also available for developers. It also posted two freeware utilities: Metallifizer 1.1 (adds/removes brushed metal appearance from Cocoa applications) and ClearDock 1.2.2 (removes Dock background in Mac OS X 10.2). [AE, MF, CD]

CTX debuts four 17" LCD monitors

11/18, 1:40pm

CTX debuts four 17" LCD monitors

CTX has launched two new 17" FlatView LCD monitors, the S700 and S730 active matrix TFT panel monitors, as part of its value series. Both monitors feature a sleek, slim, next-generation design. The S700 model is available in beige while the S730 features a champagne bezel and chrome buttons. The LCDs provide SXGA resolution, a reduced footprint with VESA wall mount capability, radiation-free and flicker-free image quality as well as an ultra wide viewing angles, 1280 x 1024 native resolution, a 350:1 contrast ratio, and an analog input.

The company also introduced its PV722i and PV722E as additions to its 17" FlatView LCD performance series. Both utilize a MVA active-matrix panel with 170 degree viewing angle and offer a 500:1 contrast ratio and a 25ms refresh. Both monitors support analog and digital inputs, can be wall mounted, and an attachable speaker module, while the PV722E also includes a USB 2.0 hub. Pricing was not available. [site not updated]

USR devices increase 802.11b speeds by 4x

11/18, 1:30pm

USR devices increase 802.11b speeds by 4x

U.S. Robotics today announced that its 22 Mbps wireless networking products are now capable of providing users with up to four times faster data throughput speeds over other 802.11b standard equipment. The latest development firmware upgrade and driver update will be available for a free download to existing customers and will ship as standard for new users starting in January. The U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps product family will remain fully compatible with standard 802.11b Wi-Fi devices and interoperable with forthcoming 802.11g equipment. The update will bbe available for its Wireless Cable/DSL Router (includes a 2-port Ethernet switch, 802.11b wireless access point, router and integrated print server), Wireless Access Point, Wireless PC Card, and Wireless PCI Adapter. The company is also offering mail-in rebates of up to $40 on its equipment through Janaury 31, 2003.

Apps: Six Degrees, dataComet-Secure, Ridge

11/18, 1:20pm

Apps: Six Degrees, dataComet-Secure, Ridge

Creo has releaed Six Degrees v1.5, a free update to its application that "automatically connects and displays related email messages, files, and people on the desktop so that the user can quickly navigate through projects." It adds filter searches by time frame, integrated mail options, search by keyword, relevance-ranked searches, an automatic file/message locator, a show/hide columns feature, and other enhancements. It sells for $100 and requires Microsoft Entourage X. A trial is available. [18MB]
dataComet-Secure VX 10.0.0 for OS X is now available from databeast, offering fast, reliable terminal emulation for local Shell sessions, Kerberos 5 Telnet/TN3270, SSH1 & SSH2, and serial device connections; the Carbon Mach-O binary also adds support for drag and drop. Licenses are $60/copy for commercial and $20/copy for educational users. [780KB]
Juggy software has released Ridge 2.0, an Internet download and upload meter for Mac OS X that offers notices for customized transfer limits, PPPoE and PPP compatibility, packet hexadecimal dump and parsing for PPP/IP/TCP/UDP packets, a floating graphic window, and other enhancements. The $10 shareware is available for free to owners of TCPManager, a MacOS 9 internet connection viewer. [350KB-option click]
Computer Systems Odessa has introduced ConceptDraw MINDMAP 2.0, an update to its application for organizing, generating, and presenting ideas in "a simple and visual way, with the help of the Mind Mapping technique." Version 2.0 features an enhanced set of mind mapping tools, integration with MS Outlook, support for FTP, export of linked documents to HTML, XML import, and other enhancements. The Standard version is $100, while the Professional version is $150. It is a free update.

Thursby reduces MacSOHO, TSStalk pricing

11/18, 1:05pm

Thursby reduces MacSOHO, TSStalk pricing

Thursby today announced special limited time offer on its MacSOHO and TSStalk products. MacSOHO, available for $50 (regularly $100), is designed for homes or small offices that have Macs and PCs needing to share files using the NetBEUI protocol. TSStalk, available for $100 (regularly $150) runs on Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000, enabling PC users to access AppleShare and AppleShare IP servers on the Mac. TSStalk also allows access to AppleTalk PostScript printers. The special pricing is good through December 31, 2002 from Thursby's online store.

NEC debuts MultiSync 60 Series LCD monitors

11/18, 11:40am

NEC debuts MultiSync 60 Series LCD monitors

NEC-Mitsubishi has launched its NEC MultiSync 60 Series LCD monitors, which includes the 15-inch NEC MultiSync LCD1560V, LCD1560M, LCD1560NX, 17-inch LCD1760V, LCD1760NX, LCD1760VM and 18-inch LCD1860NX. The NEC MultiSync LCD 60 Series incorporates screen-enhancing capabilities, including response times of 30ms or less on most models, both DVI-D and traditional 15-pin VGA connectors, on-scree monitor controls, built-in power supply and cable management, support for multiple resolutions up to 1280 x 1024, and a detachable base and arm/wall mounting capabilities. Select models offer color matching features, a USB 2.0 hub, and integrated speakers. Prices range from $330 to $750. [site not updated]

Beta apps: iStream, Audacity, CopyPaste X...

11/18, 11:15am

Beta apps: iStream, Audacity, CopyPaste X...

Artic Software's iStream 2.5b includes many bug fixes and new features such as Ogg Vorbis Streaming support. The $35 MP3 streaming server also features the ability to broadcast live audio from any Mac as well as commercial management, directory listing and on-demand streaming. [1.9MB]
The open-source (free) audio editor Audacity 1.1.1b has much improved support for Mac OS X and for foreign languages. It can record sounds, play sounds, import and export WAV, AIFF, and MP3 files as well as mix tracks and apply effects to recordings. [2.4MB]
CopyPaste X 1.5b5 from Script Software brings better window management, DVORAK-keyboard detection, and other enhancements to the $20 copy/paste utility that offers an unlimited number of clipboards and other useful functions. [730KB]
Aurora Video Systems has released OS X beta drivers for its Igniter video editing cards: Igniter 5.0b driver. It supports IgniterLT, Igniter, and IgniterRT series boards and adds several new features for the editing hardware family, including adding the Igniter Film bundle, perfect previews for uncompressed video, and playback of QuickTime formats directly from an editing timeline out through all available IgniterRT outputs. [1.9MB]
Yenco's Archive 5.0b1 adds Mac OS X support to the catalog utility. It also brings a new UNIX-powered disk catalog engine and vastly improved memory management to the $20 shareware utility. [875KB]

Apple hosts Thanksgiving shopping event

11/18, 10:40am

Apple hosts Thanksgiving shopping event

Apple will be holding a special Thanksgiving shopping event at its retail and online stores on Friday, November 29th from 6:00pm to Midnight. The events will include free stocking-stuffers, special savings and a chance to win a new 15-inch iMac. The stores will be closed Thanksgiving Thursday, Nov 28.

Apple expects to open both its Bay Street (Emeryville, CA) and Cherry Creek (Denver, CO) stores on Saturday, November 23rd. Meanwhile, David Dahl writes: "I thought the Apple Store (on Michigan Ave in Chicago) was going to open earlier this year. Apple must have changed plans. I snapped a few photos of the Apple Store location yesterday, and they are gutting or demolishing the building they bought."

Apps: SpamSieve, HotApp, ChimeraBooster...

11/18, 10:30am

Apps: SpamSieve, HotApp, ChimeraBooster...

ChimeraBooster helps boost surfing speeds when using the open-source Chimera 0.6 browser using HTP pipelining. The script changes Chimera's preferences to activate this function. [49KB]
SpamSieve 1.2 brings powerful Bayesian spam filtering to other popular e-mail clients, including Emailer, Eudora, Entourage, Mailsmith and PowerMail. The $20 shareware now decodes base64 and quoted-printable text parts, tracks added spam messages, offers an undo feature, logs all activity, and has new dock-based status indicators. [1.4MB]
Kanex Group has updated Air Whisper 1.2. The $10 MP3 player adds transparency to its skins to better match Mac OS X 10.2's look and feel: "Three levels of transparency allow Mac OS X 10.2 users to adjust Air Whisper skins on such a way that it does not interfere with other applications, while being visible." [262MB]
Image Info 3.0 is a tool for viewing and retrieving detailed information about images. It can view data such as EXIF, IPTC and color profile info, and details about an image's dimensions, color space, channels, layers, clipping paths, comments and much more. The $25 utility ($10 upgrade) has a new interface and supports AppleScript. [Classic, OSX]
TrufSoft's HotApp 1.7 is a Mac OS X application launcher with new features such as a quick search in the local address book, support for HotAlias files, improved AppleScript support, new icon for the keyboard listener. A 3-hour demo is available in English, Japanese, French, Dutch, German, and Spanish. [1.7MB]

Adobe GoLive PDF module announced

11/18, 10:20am

Adobe GoLive PDF module announced

Adobe today announced the Adobe GoLive PDF Module and a new version of the Adobe Web Collection. The GoLive PDF Module enables Web developers to convert HTML files to Adobe PDF for easier client review and speeds publishing of Adobe PDF files to the Web, while the updated version of Adobe Web Collection ($1000) now includes a full version of Adobe Acrobat (as well as GoLive, Photoshop and Illustrator) to the integrated Web design suite. The updated suite is expected to be available in the U.S. and Canada by the end of November. The Adobe GoLive PDF Module will be included in the Adobe Web Collection (Universal English only) in the U.S., U.K. and Canada and is expected by the end of 2002 and will be available for download for $20.

CMS adds security to ABSplus product line

11/18, 10:10am

CMS adds security to ABSplus product line

CMS Peripherals has announced its next generation ABSplus Automatic Backup System product line, which now includes a new One Button Restore interface for simplified disaster recovery; a new "redirect restore" function for restoration to another drive or file location, and better security options for the USB and FireWire versions of its product. The new bootable notebook ABSplus, with an interface choice of PCMCIA, FireWire or USB 2.0, is now shipping with a 3-year warranty in capacities of 20GB, 30GB, 40GB and 60GB. Pricing starts at $300.

Plextor ships 24x USB CD-RW drive

11/18, 10:05am

Plextor ships 24x USB CD-RW drive

Plextor today announced its PlexWriter 24/10/24U CD-RW drive, a lightweight and compact that features 24X CD-Write, 10X CD-Rewrite, and 24X-max CD-Read and a USB 2.0 connection. It features a 2MB data buffer, Digital Audio Extraction rates of up to 24X, and burst data transfer rates of up to 480 Mb/sec (USB 2.0) or 12 Mb/sec (USB 1.1). The drive supports several CD writing modes, including Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once, Session-at-Once, Multisession, and variable/fixed packet writing. It is available now for $200 with a 1-year warranty. [site not updated]

Gefen reduces prices on two products

11/18, 8:15am

Gefen reduces prices on two products

Gefen today announced special end-of-the-year price reductions on two of its products: the company reduced the price its ex-tend-it VGA-to-ADC Conversion Box, which allows users to connect the VGA graphics from a PowerBook G4 or other desktop computer (Mac or PC) to any Apple flat panel display. It is now $300 ($100 off). Its ex-tend-it DVI Hub, which is designed to split a DVI source and send it to two DVI flat panel or projector screens, is now available for $500. Gefen's DVI Hub enables both monitors and projectors to connect to a computer equipped with just one DVI port and also extends both output signals up to 330 feet from the computer.

Apps: shadowGoogle, Installgen, Event Proofs

11/18, 3:20am

Apps: shadowGoogle, Installgen, Event Proofs

Abracode's OnMyCommandCM 1.3.1 is a free Mac OS X utility that allows users to execute UNIX commands on specific files or folders. A collection of user-submitted commands is available online. [132KB]
VoJou Software's freeware Cocoa-based utility, @-time 3.0, is a dock-based application that displays the time in several world cities. It also displays GMT (UTC) time and Internet (@) time. [180KB]
stupidFish programming has updated shadowGoogle 2.02, its $8 shareware desktop search utility. It fixes localization-specific problems, an ADC search-related bug and adds Korean localization. A free lite version is also available. [lite, full]
Version 1.38 of Installgen generates the scripts required to automate the installation of Oracle 9.2.0 databases on Solaris 7/8, including the installation of Oracle patch 9.2.0.2. It is now available in a Standard Edition ($1300) provides a 3 user license with an unlimited number of database servers, while an Enterprise Edition provides a worldwide site license for an unlimited number of users and database servers. [2.7MB]
Event Proofs 1.2 ($450) is a cross-platform application that creates online web-based stores allowing photographers or small businesses to put their products online easily. Version 1.2 adds a tax exemption code, processing for ECHO, VeriSign, Authorize.net and FormMail support. [Classic, OSX]

Echo Fire 2.1 gains Mac OS X support

11/18, 3:10am

Echo Fire 2.1 gains Mac OS X support

Synthetic Aperture today released Echo Fire 2.1, an upgrade to its digital video previewing and productivity software for Adobe After Effects and Photoshop. Version 2.1 adds Mac OS X support as well as new features, such as clipboard previews, timecode overlay in After Effects, new waveform monitor options, and new scaling options. Upgrades to the $275 appication are $50 for v1.x users.

iPulse: Mac OS X system monitoring utility

11/18, 12:05am

iPulse: Mac OS X system monitoring utility

The Iconfactory today released a new Mac OS X system utility: iPulse is a system monitoring application that lets you peek at the inner workings of Mac OS X through a clever and visually compact user interface. Using iPulse's customizable gauges, users can monitor system activity such as CPU and memory usage, free disk space, network activity and more." It is $10 shareware. [560KB]