News Archive for 03/04/23

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Apple completes stock option exchange program

04/23, 11:10pm

Apple completes stock option exchange program

Apple today announced the successful completion of its employee stock option exchange program, which expired at 5:00 p.m. PDT on Thursday April 17, 2003. Apple has accepted options to purchase 16.5 million shares of its common stock, and will issue new options to purchase approximately 6.9 million shares of its common stock in exchange. The remaining 9.7 million options will be cancelled, reducing Apple's issued overhang from 18.2 percent to 16.4 percent: "Issued overhang is defined as options outstanding as a percentage of total options and shares outstanding. Approximately 93 percent of eligible options were tendered in the exchange program. Pursuant to the terms of the exchange program, the new options will be issued on October 20, 2003, the first business day that is six months and one day from the expiration date of the offer."

Apple posts AirPort 3.04 software update

04/23, 11:10pm

Apple posts AirPort 3.04 software update

Apple has also posted its AirPort 3.04 software for both Mac OS X 10.2 and Mac OS X 10.1.5 (also available via the software update in OS X). It provides improved AirPort wireless networking software. This software includes the latest version of the AirPort Extreme Base Station firmware - v5.0.4. Instructions for updating the base station firmware can be found in AirPort Help. The update is recommended for all customers with French AirPort Extreme Base Stations or if your AirPort Extreme Base Station stops responding after being on a busy Ethernet Network. [10.2, 10.1.5]

AppleWorks 6.2.7 now available via the Web

04/23, 11:05pm

AppleWorks 6.2.7 now available via the Web

Apple has posted a free AppleWorks 6.2.7 update, which "provides improvements to the presentation module, AppleScript, web content searching, printing, label printing, table support, and spell checking with user added words. The update provides better recognition and handling of Office 97 and Office 2000 files, improved support for multimedia files in database documents, improved web template downloading over slow internet connections, improved spreadsheet module--including Auto-Calculation, as well as enhanced support for documents which contain links. This version also supports web based templates and clipart on networks using proxy servers."

Peripheral makers offering spring savings

04/23, 11:00pm

Peripheral makers offering spring savings

WiebeTech announced sale pricing on its MicroGB+40EX pocket drive, which features dual FireWire interfaces. Until May 10, this 40GB configuration of MicroGB+ has been reduced by $80 to $240. This configuration features a 40GB drive, with a 5400RPM spindle, and a 16MB cache.

Charismac has lowered the price of its FireDino FireWire hub to $70 through May 9th. The FireDino is shaped like a dinosaur, stands eight inches tall, and has eyes that glow red.

Apps: HenWen, MacAnalysis, eProof, Spy ...

04/23, 8:15pm

Apps: HenWen, MacAnalysis, eProof, Spy ...

HenWen 2.0 is a network security package for Mac OS X that makes it easy to configure and run Snort, a free Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS). Version 2.0 features a new XML-based alert configuration system, Support for MySQL 4, Support for the ARP spoof preprocessor and "numerous internal fixes for better forward compatibility." HenWen is $25 shareware for commercial use. [Download - link not functional]
MacAnalysis is a $55 utility for Mac OS 9/X to help administrators avoid intrusions and damage caused by hackers. "The principal behind MacAnalysis is simple," the developer says, "it hacks your server (Unix, NT, Mac) like any experienced hacker would, and informs you what it did and how to efficiently fix the vulnerabilities in your server." [Download - Classic, OS X]
cyan soft today released eProof PDF 3.2, an update to its online proofing solution that helps customers correct and approve jobs over the Internet from various locations and at any time. It enables multi-page PDF and PostScript files to be securely transferred. "Everybody who downloads the installer before April 30th can use cyan eProof PDF free of charge for an unlimited time." [Download - form]
Pixture Studio recently released QuickImageCM, a contextual menu plugin for MacOS X that displays graphic image files without launching any application; SnapClip, a small application program to take screenshot easily and save it as a clipping file on the Desktop; and CalculateSizeCM, a contextual menu plug-in for MacOS X that calculate the total size of the selected files and folders. [Download - QICM, SC, CSCM,]
Spy allows you to run a server on your Mac, that when accessed by any normal Web browser, allows people to see a snapshot of your screen, as well as information about your Macintosh. "[Users] can look at a normal static image, or they can look at your screen, live, continously updated, in real-time." Operators can also choose which image format you want to use - JPEG or PNG. [Download - Classic, OS X]
Infinite Nexus is pleased to announce DriveGauge 2.0, a freeware utility to visually indicate how full a drive is right on it's icon. This version extends capabilities and includes selectable application of gauges. "We think DriveGauge is a useful little utility and are proud to be able to share it for free with the world." [Download - 780KB]
R.A.D. Productions has released ColorTagGen a free application that generates HTML/CSS tags from a color. ColorTagGen lets you use the MacOS color picker to pick a color. It displays the Red/Green/Blue (RGB) values and the HTML/CSS to be inserted into your Web page. "It allows you to pick from the 4 possible ways of specifying the color in the CSS Spec." [Download - 66KB]

McGraw-Hill Education adopts ExtremeZ-IP

04/23, 6:30pm

McGraw-Hill Education adopts ExtremeZ-IP

Network workflow software developer Group Logic announced today that McGraw-Hill Education has selected its ExtremeZ-IP as the standard for file sharing software for Macintosh. ExtremeZ-IP 3.0 now supports Apple's latest version of the AppleShareIP file sharing protocol. "ExtremeZ-IP is the first and only Windows-based file server to fully support Mac OS X." Group Logic's ExtremeZ-IP product connects Macintosh computers to a Microsoft Windows Server or Workstation/Professional using the TCP/IP Protocol.

Article compares popular consumer laptops

04/23, 6:00pm

Article compares popular consumer laptops

"Laptop computers are being purchased faster than their desktop counterparts," an OSCast article says. As such, the report examines a number of low-cost consumer laptops, to compare value. "I found that Apple's hardware was less expensive than Dell's, this even after Dell out-priced its PC competition."

Mammoth PostgreSQL 7.3.2 to ship in May

04/23, 4:40pm

Mammoth PostgreSQL 7.3.2 to ship in May

Mammoth PostgreSQL 7.3.2 from Command Prompt, Inc. is a SQL-compatible Object Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS) that provides a commercially-supported and optimized PostgreSQL distribution for Win32, MacOSX and Red Hat Linux x86 platforms. Mammoth PostgreSQL ships with built-in support for SSL connectivity (C/C++, ODBC and JDBC), as well as programming APIs for C/C++, PHP, Perl, Java and Python. The Deluxe version of Mammoth ships with S/ODBC and S/JDBC, which support not only SSL connectivity to the database, but compressed connectivity for low bandwidth connections. It features new schemas/namespaces, drop column functionality, and support for prepared queries, dependency tracking, privileges, more logging options, SSL, compression, and a new Universal Administrator. It will ship on May 15th.

Java-based content management system for OS X

04/23, 4:25pm

Java-based content management system for OS X

The Ingeniux Content Management System is now available for Mac OS X 10.2. The Java-based system allows users to create, manage, and update Web content. Ingeniux CMS provides a complete Web content management and publishing system for developing, managing and deploying Web content throughout the enterprise. It offers the ability to create a permissions-based photo gallery, team collaboration, and a configurable workflow as well as editing functions such as text updates, new page creation, drag-and-drop content from common applications, spell check, and rollback to previous versions.

DYMO Label Software available for Mac OS X

04/23, 4:25pm

DYMO Label Software available for Mac OS X

DYMO has released its DYMO Label Software for Mac OS X. The software has been re-designed, sporting a new interface, integrated address book, support for CD/DVD labels and other new technology features, incluuding DYMO's new "smart paste" technology, which allows users to print data or text from programs like Microsoft Word and Excel, with only a few mouse clicks and without having to import/export into other programs. Additionally, an add-in for Microsoft Word for Mac allows for easy label printing from Word with a click of the mouse. The update also includes support for DYMO's newest label form. It is compatible with DYMO LabelWriter 300 series and EL series with direct USB connections.

Pangea announces Enigmo Custom Game Contest

04/23, 3:40pm

Pangea announces Enigmo Custom Game Contest

Pangea Software today announced its Enigmo Custom Game Contest: "Enigmo is the new 3D puzzle game for the Macintosh that was released last week, and one of the features of the game is that users can create their own levels that other people can play. To enter the contest, contestants must submit their own Custom Game Files to Pangea Software to be judged. The person who submits the best Custom Game File will win a new Apple iPod." The Enigmo Custom Game Contest will run from April 23 until July 1st; the winner will be chosen by officials at Pangea Software on July 4th. Update: Enigmo 1.1 is now available for download, adding the ability to run Enigmo in a window.

BRU CLI provides command-line backup for OS X

04/23, 3:05pm

BRU CLI provides command-line backup for OS X

The TOLIS Group has released BRU CLI, new Command Line Interface (CLI) data protection software for Mac OS X systems: "BRU CLI fulfills the specific need for easy-to-administer and reliable native headless backup on Apple's Xserve platform. BRU CLI also supports other Apple systems running Mac OS X 10.2 and newer. BRU CLI includes TOLIS' tapectl and libctl tools that manage the functions of tape drives and libraries under Mac OS X. BRU CLI allows multiple processes to easily drive multiple tape drives simultaneously with a minimal increase in system load and the application properly backs-up and restores all file elements including data fork, resource fork, finder info, and UNIX permission attributes. A demo of the $330 application is available now.

MacPlay to distribute Another War game title

04/23, 2:15pm

MacPlay to distribute Another War game title

MacPlay today announced it would distribute the role-playing game Another War, the second title in the company's distribution agreement with British publisher Virtual Programming. The game is scheduled to ship May 1, 2003: "Set during World War II, Another War tells the story of an adventurer who tries to rescue his friend from Germans in Nazi-occupied France and becomes trapped in a web of intrigue. The storyline eventually takes the player to battle-scarred Leningrad, where Soviet and German engineers guard a secret project that could turn the tide of the war." Another War offers active lighting, smoke, explosions and other affects, as well as surround sound for the ultimate sonic experience. It is $30.

Regional finals for DVD Fest 2003 on April 26

04/23, 11:40am

Regional finals for DVD Fest 2003 on April 26

Carleton College is hosting a "regional finals" of iMovie competitions from around the midwest: "This is the first time in the country this type of event has taken place where schools from around the midwest have a chance to share their ideas created exclusively with iMovie and burned to DVD exclusively with iDVD." DVD Fest allows teams to go through the entire process, beginning to end -- coming away with finished products on DVD, including outtakes, special features, and more -- to share with family and friends. DVD Fest Regional Finals is scheduled for 7:00 PM, Saturday April 26th.

Same-Day Pickup Service for PowerMac repairs

04/23, 11:35am

Same-Day Pickup Service for PowerMac repairs

MacResQ announced today a new nationwide same-day pickup service as part of their PowerMacResQ repair program. "The new same-day pickup allows PowerMac or iMac users to get their computers repaired and back in their hands faster than ever, improving on PowerMacResQ's already fast, convenient and affordable service." The new same-day pickup service is $100 ("$30 less than our regular Overnight Service! It also speeds up the process by an entire day"). The standard overnight PowerMacResQ service is $130 and includes 3-way overnight shipping, the initial diagnostic service, and the PowerBox, which the customer may keep for future use.

Apps: Gamma Control, MacSQL, Mezzo, Synergy

04/23, 11:25am

Apps: Gamma Control, MacSQL, Mezzo, Synergy

Menu Master 1.01 is a maintenance update to the haxie that allows you to change or remove menu shortcut keys in any application. Additionally, users can set shortcuts to any menu item that had no shortcuts, or remove shortcuts from menu items. It is $10 shareware. [910KB]
Michel Fortin has released version 2.1 of Gamma Control, a utility to adjust the gamma curve of the screen without having to use ColorSync Calibration Assistant. It adds the ability to save settings in a document, which can be later retrieved an applied. [159KB]
Brad Rhine today released his $6 utility for sending content updates to Blogger websites. Frequency, now available for Mac OS 9, obviates the need log into Blogger’s web-based update system. It offers asy posting of weblog updates, an HTML preview, HTML buttons for styles and links, and multiple blog support. [Classic, OSX]
Runtime Labs today released MacSQL 2.6, an application that provides a simple, graphical way to interact with SQL databases. It includes support for Sybase, PostgreSQL 7.3, and improves Microsoft SQL Server support. It also improves printing, has automatic crash reporting, and adds the ability to edit queries in BBEdit. It is a free update to the $250 application. A "Lite" version is $100. [4.6MB]
Address Book Reports 1.6 is a $15 shareware that generates printable reports on contacts from the Address Book and can also address envelopes and mailing labels including POSTNET bar codes. It improves performance, adds custom font sizes, improves layout customization, and offers direct printing. [7.4MB]
Mezzo Technologies is accepting pre-orders (with a 10% discount) for Mezzo 4.5 for Mac OS X. In addition to Mac OS X compatibility, the data management application for Pro Tools and DP offers software-based Disk Mirroring functions, CD/DVD-R support, support for new FireWire/USB AIT format backup devices from LaCie and Sony, and other interface enhancements and improved performance. It is $300 and expected to ship by May.
Synergy 0.98, a $5 shareware iTunes controller, brings accuracy improvements to the automatic album cover download feature, as well as a number of minor bugfixes. The application allows the user to control iTunes via system-wide customisable hot keys, or menu bar control buttons and can display info about the currently playing song in a floating transparent window. [482KB]
Publicspace.net has released A Better Finder Attributes 3.0, a Finder enhancement utility for Mac OS X. The $10 contextual menu plugin allows users to change the file date and other attributes of Mac OS X files, including both the modification and the creation date. [1.2MB]

KB: LDAP startup issues, CF media mounting...

04/23, 8:10am

KB: LDAP startup issues, CF media mounting...

Apple says that if Mac OS X is set up to access an LDAP server for directory services, it may not finish starting up completely when that server is not available; Another document says that Compact Flash Media may stop appearing in the Finder and describes the steps necessary to have Compact Flash media appear. Finally, MacNN reader Joel Suplido of ClieSource describes how he used Euroware's CF driver for his Clie and OS X.

FileMaker Conference set for August 24-27

04/23, 8:05am

FileMaker Conference set for August 24-27

FileMaker has announced its FileMaker Developer Conference 2003 will be held August 24-27 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, in Phoenix, Arizona. The annual conference is expected to draw a record number of corporate and independent FileMaker database developers from more than 25 countries, according to the press release. Registrants signing up for the conference by June 30 will receive $200 off the regular $1,200 registration fee. Optional pre-conference seminars are available on Citrix and Terminal Services ($100) and XSLT Stylesheet ($100) as well as a $1000 materials-only package (with access to Web updates).

Griffin debuts FM radio device for iPods

04/23, 7:55am

Griffin debuts FM radio device for iPods

Griffin today unveiled its new FM radio device for the iPod. The Griffin iFM adds an FM radio to the iPod and uses iPod's own remote for its controls. Settings include room for six preset stations, station scan, volume control and muting as well as manual tuning. The iFM works with all iPods and requires the iPod wired remote control that’s included with all currently shipping 10GB and 20GB iPods. The iFM connects directly to the iPod via its headphone jack, embeds the iPod's remote into the case of the iFM itself, and is powered by the iPod. The $35 device is expected to ship in 8-12 weeks with pre-orders being accepted now.

MacSpeech debuts iLife Voice Solution

04/23, 7:40am

MacSpeech debuts iLife Voice Solution

MacSpeech today announced the release of its iLife Voice Solution, which allows iListen users to use their voice to control common functions and Menus within the four iLife application, iTunes, iPhoto, iDVD and iMovie. The iLife ScriptPak bundle is available from MacSpeech for $25. Each ScriptPak for the iLife applications can be purchased separately for $10 each.

Palm intros Zire 71, Tungsten C handhelds

04/23, 1:10am

Palm intros Zire 71, Tungsten C handhelds

Palm today introduced the Zire 71 handheld with a built-in digital camera and its sharpest high-resolution color screen. The Zire 71 handheld features an all-new sliding design that hides a concealed digital camera for spontaneous photo capture. Palm today also introduced its Palm Tungsten C handheld with built-in high-speed wireless connectivity. Both handhelds feature the new Palm OS 5.2.1 OS as well as other Palm's dual-expansion technology, which includes the Palm Expansion Slot for SD Cards, SDIO and MultiMediaCard media, and the Palm Universal Connector for hardware add-ons.

FileMaker releases FileMaker-to-Keynote tool

04/23, 12:40am

FileMaker releases FileMaker-to-Keynote tool

FileMaker has released a free FileMaker-to-Keynote tool, which allows FileMaker customers to transform data contained within FileMaker Pro 6 databases into native presentations for Apple Computer’s new Keynote presentation software. Leveraging the XML/XSLT support built within FileMaker Pro 6, the new tool helps developers extract text, graphics, and chart data from FileMaker Pro 6 databases to build professional quality Keynote presentations. In addition to the FileMaker to Keynote tool, there are over 20 business-ready XSLT stylesheets available for free download. Each of the stylesheets, ranging from FileMaker Pro-to-Microsoft Excel to FileMaker Pro-to-iPod, translates XML grammars, allowing FileMaker Pro to exchange data with other applications supporting XML.