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Apple iDisks updated with new software

updated 12:24 pm EST, Sat January 6, 2001

Several readers are noting that Apple has updated (some of) its user iDisks, offering a new folders and software for both Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X (note the absence of 'public beta' in all documentation) and suggesting that Apple has plans to use its iTools as a software distribution network: "The Apple software folder just has an image of Disk Copy 6.3.3, but the OSX folder has a ton of stuff [including games, utilities, and internet applications]." One reader has posted a screenshot as well as the complete contents of the included Read Me.

by MacNN Staff

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01/06, 01:44pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Cool.

What's one of the advantages to Apple making the whole widget, you ask?

Say hello to iTools.

My iBook is about to become the smartest dumb terminal on the 'Net.

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01/06, 01:52pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
new iTools

It would be even more, if it wont be soooo sloowww (even with ADSL)
MIchael

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01/06, 02:50pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Speed

OS X seems to handle data in/out much better (i.e. faster).

Most of this is the true multitasking and fully PowerPC-native underpinnings, and also that OS X has a lot of "clean" code compared to OS 9 which has upteen layers of APIs and code and 680x0 emulation whackin you in the knees.

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01/06, 03:13pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Not far behind

The lair of the white worm
So Redmond owns the software you use and controls access to your data. It's for your benefit, after all; it's cheaper than owning it, and you do love a bargain, don't you? It's more secure too, we are told, because you communicate directly via a pre-encrypted client-to-client link in which you have no opportunity to stuff things up. h***, you don't even know or have access to the key -- and what could be more secure than that?

Don't mind that the Beast has to maintain access to your network so it can bill you accurately for use of its, not your, software. Don't mind that the accounting is handled by a funky little chip pre-installed on your mobo which awards you the distinction of being a 'trusted client'. It's all for your protection. And don't mind that the magic chip measures how much time you've spent using the software you no longer own. This is all about trust; and trust is paramount, isn't it?

All right, it's unfortunate that your data has to be stored on the M$ trusted network along with the software you use, but this could not be helped. Your PC no longer needs, or even has, a hard drive. It has, instead, a non-volatile ROM chip which identifies all the software you're eligible to be billed for using, the amount of time you've spent playing with it, and your credit details. It's brilliant, but God help you if there's a stuff-up.

Unable to connect your otherwise worthless and virtually empty PC to the remote Microsoft server where your software and personal files are stored, you have a problem and a half. Perhaps a Winter ice storm has crippled your ISP; perhaps you've neglected to 'fund' the magic mobo chip; perhaps you're simply broke.

Generally, a broke company can do limited business so long as the lights stay on, and so maintain hopes of extracting itself from imminent ruin by the force of determined cleverness. Not yours, sucker. No, your billing software is out of reach; your customer database is curtained off; and so the means of rescue are off limits. You're flying blind.

We hope you printed out all your crucial files; but as the Beast charges you -- through its trusted-client magic chip -- for each hard-copy page you dare to make, and because you thought you'd just economise on that, there is no paper backup of whom you owe and who owes you.

You search in vain for a temporary remedy. The UCITA (Uniform Computer Information Transaction Act) tells you that all the bizarre rights M$ claims, whether you read or agreed to them or not, are in full force, and that all the common-sense rights which you thought you should have are null and void. Damn. Corporate flacks have been writing legislation again, and you have no legal recourse. None at all.

Redmond has spoken; the case is closed.

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01/06, 03:35pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Network computing is dead

Hmm, doesn't Apple realize network computing is dead. If they think iTools will allow people to run apps across the Internet they are a day late and a dollar short.

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01/06, 03:39pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Not Network Computing

Hmm, this isn't network computing. You don't run the apps in the new Software folder across the internet. You download them and run them from your Mac.

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01/06, 03:51pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Nice.

"Hmm, doesn't Apple realize network computing is dead. If they think iTools will allow people to run apps across the Internet they are a day late and a dollar short."

I can only assume this is sarcasm.

iTools in its current form doesn't allow users to run apps across the Internet, but someday it--or a variant of it--will.

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01/06, 04:28pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Remote disk.

"Hmm, this isn't network computing. You don't run the apps in the new Software folder across the internet. You download them and run them from your Mac."

It's just remote storage, dude. Rather than going to download.com or versiontracker.com you mount your iDisk and cruze the file system. You drag and drop to download and install.

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01/06, 04:32pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Geez, chill people!

The network computing post was obviously looking towards the future. The poster didn't mean it was like that now. You all know how slow iDisks are over 56K modems and h***, it isn't much better on DSL!

I also think it would be a dumb idea for Apple to turn the iDisk into a network computing environment.

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01/06, 04:43pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
OS 9.1 via iDisk?

OK, maybe this is far fetched. But could Apple be planning to put OS9.1 in everybody's iDisk software folder? Could be yet another cool way to update your OS!!??

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01/06, 05:05pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
OS 9.1 via iDisk

Actually, that makes perfect sense to me...kinda the virtual equivalent of the mouse-under-the-seat stunt at MWNY!

I can't wait to be in S.F. next week for the show!

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01/06, 05:23pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Re: OS 9.1 via iDisk

Haha! OK, so when everyone attempts to download 9.1 off their iDisk, the whole system will go *boom*

Give me a break guys. Good idea, but I doubt it'll happen.

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01/06, 05:58pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Yes -- 9.1 via iDisk!

actually i think Apple will just do that -- put 9.1 in everyone's iDisk. Since Mac OS 9.0 is required (yea, i know their are work-a-rounds) to use iTools, only 9.0 users will get access to 9.1 -- good plan Apple

and speedwise, i get a pretty decent connect speed w/ my 56K connection in OS X. iDisk is _alot_ faster in OS X than 9

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01/06, 06:28pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
9.1 via iDisk

I must concur. It looks like Apple is doing just this. The timing is too much to be a coincidence. I suspect there may be even more goodies.

Having said that, I'm not really sure why Apple is doing this. For starters, an iDisk is slow. I have 640k DSL, and it is still slow. For modem users, it's unbearable.

Another poster pointed this out, but it bears repeating: the entire iDisk/mac.com system will go kaplooie unless Apple has done something radical.

Finally, this is redundant. Do we really need System 9.1 on an iDisk when we have Software Update?

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01/06, 06:29pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
9.1 via iDisk

I must concur. It looks like Apple is doing just this. The timing is too much to be a coincidence. I suspect there may be even more goodies.

Having said that, I'm not really sure why Apple is doing this. For starters, an iDisk is slow. I have 640k DSL, and it is still slow. For modem users, it's unbearable.

Another poster pointed this out, but it bears repeating: the entire iDisk/mac.com system will go kaplooie unless Apple has done something radical.

Finally, this is redundant. Do we really need System 9.1 on an iDisk when we have Software Update?

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01/06, 06:34pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
aaig, 72 MB from an iDisk

man, I hope Apple isn't planning to make me download the 9.1 update from my iDisk. Connection speeds suck under 9. And, 9.1 can't be installed under OS X, so connecting under OS X isn't that great an option.

I'll wait to download it from work, like everybody else. :-]

Still, the fact that the documentation doesn't mention "beta" anywhere is certainly interesting, don't you think?

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01/06, 07:28pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Why 9.1 on iDisk?

Do you notice there is NO 9/9.1 software in the iDisk currently -- it's all Mac OS X. This, along with the fact that the beta of OS X is not mentioned in the documentation points to one thing: the release of Mac OS X (or at least a newer version). I still see this as unlikely. The luckiest we'll get is Mac OS X Public Beta 2 for download and the OS 9.1 update available through software update or on the web.

Brad

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01/06, 07:48pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Haven't used Update

I have YET to see anything come along when I try to use Software Update. I just wait until the damn thing is posted in the TIL and is linked from macfixit. At least that way you *know* something is ready to be fetched.

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01/06, 07:50pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Haven't used Update

I have YET to see anything come along when I try to use Software Update. I just wait until the damn thing is posted in the TIL and is linked from macfixit. At least that way you *know* something is ready to be fetched.

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01/06, 09:49pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
iDisk speed

When I was at home on a 56k, the speed of the iDisk was plenty fast for me.

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01/06, 10:01pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
:(

I hope OS 9.1 is put on plain FTP, this idisk is too damn slow for 75MB, we pay for internet time here and I will hate apple for it, ALso why don't they allow mac magz to bundle there updates and Fixes with Mac CDs??? plain stupid to refuse to.

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01/06, 10:32pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
iDisk, what it is

To the person(s) who think you can't run apps from an iDisk... You can indeed run an app across the internet. Not only is it online storage, but it is a full-fledged Appleshare volume. Meaning you can launch any app that's residing on it (treat it as a regular disk).

While it may sound cool to have the update on iDisk, it would be a stupid idea. The reasons have already been explained in previous comments.

1) There's already a system in place for softare updates, "Software Update" control panel. That's where one could get the 9.0.4 update, so naturally the 9.1 update will be there.

2) iDisk is slow for 56K users. I don't care what anyone says, it's slow and it's not the proper medium for 72MB OS updates.

3) I don't believe Apple will try something this braindead. Using iDisk is a brainless idea for OS updates.

So much speculation from people in effect causes confusion.

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01/07, 12:30am | report spam | close Reply | delete
iDisk on Akamai

Isn't the iDisk, as well as homepage, mirrored on Akamai servers,so there should be a backbone of iDisk volumes for everyone to enjoy with speed?

At least, I think I remember that.

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01/07, 01:38am | report spam | close Reply | delete
iDisk speed variations

It is ignorant of anyone here to be saying "everyone is stupid to say iDisks are slow/fast" -gimme a break, WTF do you know?
I will tell you this - iDisk speed is dependent mostly by the internet connection. Sure, the software and hardware that makeup your computer have an effect, sure the transfer protocol (iDisk/Appleshare) has an effect, but most importantly is the fact that the data is still coming from Apples computers, or a mirror/proxy, through internet lines to your computer - those internet lines can be slowed down, if lots of people are downloading from those apple computers or proxy servers then you will be slowed down, if there aren't too many people on at the time then it will be faster. FTP (for example) from Apples computers or proxy servers won't neccessarily be any better, and since I do not believe there is as much flexibility for mirror/proxy servers with FTP than with the new 'net implementation of Appleshare, it would likely be slower, since EVERYONE would be connected directly to Apples computers. Just a thought, I could be wrong.

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01/07, 06:22am | report spam | close Reply | delete
big brother

this type of software delivery, etc is just another attempt of controlling us all via our computers....apple , microsoft, etal, knows whats best for us all....we must obey or we cannot play....
Forget this c***!
I want my own version of the software on my own computer so I can access when I want it.

C'mon the internet is tapping out as far as speed. ADSL is not that great and few have it. This "centralized" more-profit-for the manufacturerer only helps one enitity---the corporation.

Anarchy against the corporate suits is coming!

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01/07, 06:25am | report spam | close Reply | delete
ironic

Isn't ironic that Apple is known for it's 1984 commercial that shows the little guy fighting against big brother and for independence....but now Apple is moving boldly toward the step of all computer owners be dependent on them and their servers.....
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......Apple = big brother?????

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01/07, 09:57am | report spam | close Reply | delete
iTools 2002

that "Apple controling our computers" isn't comming for @ least another year.

but yes, i'm sure a later version of iTools will do this.

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01/07, 10:42am | report spam | close Reply | delete
Apple controlling comps?

what is this all you guys are talking about? Apple controlling our computers? iDisk as the only way to get to apps? Someone please explain, and preferable someone with more sense than the guys who claimed anarchy against the corporate suits is coming.

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01/07, 12:12pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Too early for paranoia?

Hey, guys, call me old-fashioned, but I feel a lot more secure with a fresh CD-ROM of a whole system/application on the shelf.
But where's all the anxiety coming from?
Why assume Apple is not going to make software available in the usual channels?
There's been no announcement that CD-ROMs are a thing of the past.
Could it instead be that Apple has enough public-relations sense to plan a BENEFIT to their customers in these iDisk folders?
Hey, it could happen...

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01/07, 12:42pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Apple cannot be Big Bro

Apple cannot even try to play Big Brother. Even if one forgets the "1984" ad, they cannot even try to play that game.
Of course, it is a "big corporation". But in the computer world, it is relatively small. Would they do anything like that, they would lose their traditional customers and one of their prominent selling points against Wintel. (Especially now, since they do not have any elbow room, thanks to Motorola.)
That would be the end of Apple.
Would they try to do that, Chapter 11 (bankruptcy) would be their next step (no pun intended).

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01/07, 12:52pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Try iDisk under Mac OS X

Anyone complaining that iDisk is slow should try it under OS X. It clearly isn't the same user experience ! While not as fast as Anarchie (Interarchy), it certainly feels zippy enough not to be a pain in the a** as it is in OS 9... it is much more that plain "usable" (seems to be the speed of a Zip drive) and my PPPoE ADSL connection is far from being optimized (it's a hack, remember ?)

All this to say that iDisk is not for OS 9, it is really designed for OS X

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01/07, 01:12pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
OS X is very near.

I think the big deal from this is that they're updating in preperation for OS X FINAL! Does this mean it can actually be right around the corner? MWSF?

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01/07, 01:40pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Big Brother? Cummon...

Please tell me you don't actually believe this... Here are some simple facts to put your head back down on this planet... iTools is a service. A service that you sign up for. You are not required to have an iTools account. The only files that you upload/download are things YOU choose. They never cram ANYTHING down your throat. Puh-lease!

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01/07, 02:16pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Wonks on mine....

But on anything slower than a cablle or DSL connection, iDisk is too slow to be overly useful.
it took almost 10 minutes to transfer Disk Copy 6.3.3 to my HD, on a 48887bps connection (56k modem).

It's a good idea though.

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01/07, 04:26pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
iDisk as test drive of X

IF it were fast enough, it would be great to test drive OSX in a netboot kind of way. That way, you can see if you like it -- a teaser. (I know I know, it's so SLOOOOW - and it is. On my iBook with a cable modem, it's painfully slow - and it's not my connection, I watch Quicktime broadband movie trailers all the time and they start right up.) Either way, it would be nice to get to check software out before buying it.

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01/07, 05:43pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Don

[-snip-]
... and Mac OS X (note the absence of 'public beta' in all documentation) ...

I woulnd't read too much into this, I believe it just means that these apps will also run on Mac OS X final and not just the PB.

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01/07, 05:44pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Don't hold your breath

[-snip-]
... and Mac OS X (note the absence of 'public beta' in all documentation) ...

I woulnd't read too much into this, I believe it just means that these apps will also run on Mac OS X final and not just the PB. I think we have a conciderably longer wait than the February release date that ZDNet has alluded to. Possibly May or as late as July.

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01/07, 11:08pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
iDisk NOT on Akamai

I suspect that putting 9.1 on iDisk would not be a good idea for the simple reason that iDisk is not on Akamai---and I can't think up a good way for them to put it there. A great pity, but Akamai works mainly with the Web, or at least things accessed via URLs, to do its magic.
Doing a traceroute I see the route to idisk.mac.com bypassing the local Akamai servers and heading directly to mac.com. Directly in this case transits the Pacific Ocean (I'm in New Zealand), so at BEST I get 300ms pings, and even on Cable, response is not wonderful.
Now, if Apple have found a way to do local caching of iDisk, with or without Akamai, akin to web caching, that is pretty cool in its own right.I can think of ways to do it, but they require client changes and would probably work a lot better in OS X---which may be significant in its own right, but doesn't help getting 9.1 out to users.

Actually, if you look at what is in the Software folder, it is mainly Add-ons, rather than system software itself, which is why the absence of "BETA" on the MacOS X directory means so little I believe.

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01/08, 01:18pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Cool

This is remote storage. Nothing more. 137 MB of free, organized, Virus Free Mac OS X files is very cool. This is not microsoft. This is not .NET. The revolution will not televised.

My iDisk was updated. I like it. I thinks it's really neat.

It is a link to one place. So that when that one place gets updated everyone get's the updates. So chill out and save those conspiracy theories for M$.

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01/08, 02:24pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
the Big Brother issue

Most of you clearly don't see it coming. It is, and has been in development for some time. Cookies is/was just a small start. Nothing will be accepted in big moves, obviously the public would notice and revolt. Our privacy is being systematically wiped out, and this is clearly by intentional design, by those in power, that want to control all. You may have a good Firewall, but you really are not secure. All ISP's have to log your activities, as to comply with legal issues. Not only to protect themselves from possible litigation for some outside hackers use of their system, but more scary...pressure from the Fed, and other big industrial powers, that want clear records of what YOU do, where you go, what you download/upload, where, and if you paid their fees... By now, you must know of the FBI sniffer that is taking heat on this issue. Will they stop? Heh, don't be stupid...
Microsoft truly is the initiator of the evil technology behind these privacy attacks. Consider all of the independent and open/honest apps they've broken, for their own evil control. Sun's Java is the best example. Microsoft broke it intentionally, so 'their version' (like they innovated something?) will only work with their systems. NOBODY knows what gets installed where, when you install anything Windoze based on a PC. This is by design. They will win/defeat the lawsuit against them. Dubya (and his controllers) will be paid well to see to that. There are way too many details to continue here, but, spend some time surfing the freedom.org sites, and learn. ...We are losing the war. BTW- Apple will have to fall in line to a major degree, or will be crushed like those that refused so far.

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01/08, 04:31pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Firewalls

iDisk just doesn't work through firewalls. That's pretty lame.

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01/08, 05:19pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Re: the Big Brother issue

Wow dude. Take some Lithium or something.

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01/08, 06:10pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
idisk/afp thru firewalls

Works through my firewall... You need to make sure that appletalk and afp is enabled.

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Apple iDisks updated with new software

updated 12:24 pm EST, Sat January 6, 2001

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Nice.

Remote disk.

Geez, chill people!

OS 9.1 via iDisk?

OS 9.1 via iDisk

Re: OS 9.1 via iDisk

Yes -- 9.1 via iDisk!

9.1 via iDisk

9.1 via iDisk

aaig, 72 MB from an iDisk

Why 9.1 on iDisk?

Haven't used Update

Haven't used Update

iDisk speed

:(

iDisk, what it is

iDisk on Akamai

iDisk speed variations

big brother

ironic

iTools 2002

Apple controlling comps?

Too early for paranoia?

Apple cannot be Big Bro

Try iDisk under Mac OS X

OS X is very near.

Big Brother? Cummon...

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Don

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iDisk NOT on Akamai

Cool

the Big Brother issue

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