11/20, 5:55pm
Version 7 adds more Windows disk support
SubRosaSoft has upgraded its file recovery software, FileSalvage 7. The software recovers deleted files, as well as files lost in an accidental reformat or initialization. It works on multiple file systems, recovering files from Mac OS hard disks, iPods, flash cards, Linux and Windows disks or Boot Camp partitions. The software is also claimed to work with scratched CDs. The interface provides previews of recoverable files, with options to reconstruct file names of many formats such as JPG, MP3 and M4A.
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11/20, 10:25am
Should restore support for 'hackintosh' netbooks
A workaround has been developed to restore Atom processor support in Mac OS X 10.6.2, a Russian hacker claims. The technique relies on a custom version of the Mach kernel, which must be installed using Terminal because of the need to gain root access. Once active, the kernel should support so-called hackintosh netbooks, most likely to use Atom chips.
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11/19, 10:55pm
Boot Camp download fixes optical audio issue
Apple on Thursday released an update to its Server Admin utility for Snow Leopard Server, as well as Boot Camp drivers for Windows. Server Admin tools 10.6.2 includes the latest releases of iCal Server Utility, Podcast Composer, Server Admin, Server Monitor, Server Preferences, System Image Utility, Workgroup Manager, and Xgrid Admin.
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11/17, 8:05pm
Software can launch some applications on clusters
Dauger Research has announced Pooch and Pooch Pro 1.8 with new support for Snow Leopard. The clustering software provides a graphical user interface for its supercomputer-compatible parallel computing utiliities. Version 1.8 can configure, manage, monitor and maintain Mac clusters (also Linux clusters) and uses technology like BSD-standard sockets for communications, POSIX-standard paths for file access, and Apple's open source mDNS library.
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11/16, 8:55pm
New offerings for Canon, Brother, HP, Lexmark
Apple on Monday released a wide range of new printer drivers for Mac OS X Snow Leopard. The drivers add compatibility for many printers and scanners manufactured by Canon, Brother, HP and Lexmark. Users with devices not supported by the drivers included on the original v10.6 installation DVD can use Software Update to automatically check for new drivers after the printer or scanner is connected to the Mac.
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11/14, 11:30pm
Apple's fastest iMac given a verdict
The 27-inch iMac is already a milestone for Apple through its inclusion of a truly greater-than-HD display, but the addition of Core i5 and Core i7 processors transforms it into a near powerhouse. This is the first iMac in recent memory to come close enough to Apple's workstations that it could replace one of them. Our review of the Core i5-equipped iMac will find out how close it comes to that goal and whether it's a worthwhile option for any other prospective Mac desktop owner.
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11/12, 11:00pm
New version supports up to 256 cores
The Portland Group has announced the 2010 version of its PGI compilers and development tools. The new release is the first to fully support the PGI Accelerator Programming model 1.0 standard for x64 processor systems that use NVIDIA CUDA-enabled GPUs. CUDA Fortran, which is the primary GPU interface, is also now included to give developers direct control of NVIDIA GPUs.
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11/12, 5:50pm
Quad-core iMac near 3X faster than past gen
Electronista has received one of the first Core i5 iMacs and is putting it through its paces. Since many already are already familiar with the 27-inch iMac in Core 2 Duo form, we'll provide impressions specific to the faster model. We also have some of the first benchmarks of the system, which is Apple's first quad-core system ever outside of its Mac Pro workstations.
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11/10, 3:05pm
Rogers HSPA Plus tested
Over the past few days, Electronista has had the opportunity to test Rogers' new HSPA+ 3G service to see whether or not it lives up to the cellular provider's claims and see what T-Mobile USA users can expect in the near future. With peak speeds of about 21Mbps, it's theoretically three times faster than the best anyone has to offer on a national level. We'll find out whether that's the case with Rogers' only USB modem for the service and provide an important tip for Mac OS X Snow Leopard users looking to sign on.
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11/10, 1:05pm
Some crash, Dock issues eliminated
Yesterday's Mac OS X 10.6.2 update has also solved some problems related to Photoshop, says Adobe product manager John Nack. The fixes are noted to have been tested with help from Apple, and target problems such as application crashes when opening or saving files. Similarly, crashes and program errors should no longer occur when using the Menlo font, in Premiere as well as in Photoshop.
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11/10, 12:15pm
Authors tackle Snow Leopard quirks
MacNN has produced two new reviews, the first covering Readdle's Scanner Pro for iPhone. The app uses an iPhone's camera as a document capture tool, transforming photos into PDFs which can then be uploaded to several destinations or copied back to a Mac or PC. After capturing an image, users can rely on default processing, switch to grayscale, or make tweaks to contrast and brightness.
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11/09, 11:15pm
QiuckTime interface adjustments added to 4.6
Maintain has launched a new update to its maintenance utility, releasing Cocktail 4.6. The software runs maintenance scripts, such as Unix, with a user-friendly interface. It can run daily, weekly and monthly scripts, repair permissions, set journaling for disks and force empty the trash, among other features. Users can also clean cache files and clear Trojan horses.
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11/09, 10:30pm
Change poses hurdle for hackintosh configurations
Apple's final Mac OS X 10.6.2 update breaks support for Intel's Atom CPUs, according to an OSNews report. The company's intent was unclear as the software was under development. Early builds dropped compatibility for the components, although subsequent versions seemingly returned the support.
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11/09, 5:25pm
Security fixes include online content, image files
Apple on Monday released Security Update 2009-006 for Leopard and Snow Leopard operating systems, including Server and Client editions. The update addresses a number of vulnerabilities, including an issue that could have allowed disk images using FAT filesystems to execute arbitrary code. Memory handling has also been improved with DirectoryService to prevent remote attacks.
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11/09, 4:55pm
Also corrects litany of lesser-known bugs
Apple has at last released Mac OS X 10.6.2, a key update to Snow Leopard. The patch addresses a variety of technical problems, most notably one which would permanently delete data when logging into a main account after having just used a guest one. The bug has been known since at least early October. Other resolved account problems include unexpected logouts, and difficulty authenticating as an administrator.
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11/08, 1:25pm
Genius' low-cost tablet tested
Genius' EasyPen i405 tablet promises to undercut the mainstream in tablets by offering a substantial number of drawing features attached to a reasonable price tag. However, can it compare to the user experience of industry titans like Wacom, whose businesses revolve almost exclusively around pen input? We take a look in our review.
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11/06, 2:40pm
Dock-It, Snard, Snippet Monkey upgrade
Gideon Softworks has launched updates for Dock-It, Snard and Snippet Monkey, adding Snow Leopard support to all three. Dock-It 2.7.2 is a multifunctional dock and Finder enhancement tool, enabling users to create or customize multiple docks and navigate folder contents without the need of a Finder window. Docks can be used to hold files, folders, apps and scripts; users can drag-and-drop as well as copy and paste text clippings or URLs.
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11/04, 9:20pm
Build 10C540 seeded to developers
Apple's latest Mac OS X 10.6.2 beta, build 10C540, reportedly includes a wide variety of new bug fixes for software and hardware issues, according to AppleInsider. The software addresses problems with graphics drivers, AirPort performance on the new iMacs, and the latest VMWare Fusion virtualization software.
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11/02, 9:55pm
Support added for Snow Leopard, Windows
Thursby Software Systems has announced ADmitMac 5 and DAVE 8, two updates in the company's line of Mac networking products. The apps are designed to connect Macs to Windows networks, enabling bi-directional file and printer sharing. The latest versions of both ADmitMac and DAVE provide multi-processor and multi-threaded optimizations for Apple’s newest Snow Leopard operating system, in both 64-bit and 32-bit modes, along with continued support for the older v10.5 OS.
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11/02, 3:30pm
Switch from DST hurts CPU performance
The flip from daylight savings to standard time has created unusual problems for Snow Leopard owners, Apple's support forums indicate. Some Mac users note that nearing the point of the official changeover, 2AM on November 1st, their CPU usage peaked as high as 100 percent for no apparent reason. Aside from rendering software unusable, such spikes also run the risk of overheating a computer.
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11/02, 8:20am
Hacked netbooks out of Snow Leopard beta
Apple may have taken out support for Atom processors in its latest beta seed of Mac OS X 10.6.2, one user says. Those testing it claim Apple has changed support in a way that breaks compatibility with the small Intel chips, including their ability to enter sleep mode through an unofficial extension. If it reaches the final build, the move leaves those making "Hackintosh" systems with little choice either to stay with 10.6.1 or else to wait for an unofficial fix.
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10/31, 6:10pm
VMware's Win 7, Snow Leopard update tested
Virtualization on the Mac has had to move forward rapidly in the past several months: where it was once enough to run basic tasks in Windows XP, users increasingly expect an experience much like what they would have in Boot Camp. That's all the more true with the launch of Windows 7, where the visual effects are not only useful but often essential. Between this and the changes in the background brought about by Mac OS X Snow Leopard, VMware's Fusion 3 has much ground to cover. We hope to find out in our review whether it's an essential upgrade or simply nice to have.
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10/29, 9:25am
Concentrates on graphics fixes
Apple has begun distributing a new developer build of Mac OS X 10.6.2, 10C535. The release follows a week after 10C531, and is mainly said to address graphics issues, specifically relating to drivers, QuartzCore and ColorSync. Separately fixed are problems with the Dock; as with the past two builds, Apple has identified no outstanding issues.
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10/27, 7:25pm
Downloads available for Leopard and Snow Leopard
Apple on Tuesday released software updates that add Magic Mouse support to both Leopard and Snow Leopard operating systems. The downloads allow users to take advantage of the new Multi-Touch functionality featured in the new mouse. The top surface integrates sensors that detect gestures for controls such as scroll, swipe, click and double-click.
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10/26, 11:35am
Sour negotiations may be to blame
Support for ZFS was ultimately dropped from Snow Leopard as a result of licensing issues, claims Jeff Bonwick, a project team leader at Sun. The technology was initially expected to be a highlight of Snow Leopard, for instance providing image-based backups, and eliminating the need for drive partitions. Hints that ZFS had been removed came in June however, and the technology is nowhere to be found in shipping copies of the OS.
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10/23, 4:25pm
Company may be working on its own alternative
Despite previous efforts to bring support for the ZFS file-system to Mac OS X, Apple has dropped the project. Sun Microsystems CEO Jonathan Schwartz several years ago publicly claimed Leopard would utilize ZFS instead of HFS+, although Apple only provided limited support for the new technology. Even the read-only functionality was dropped with the transition to Snow Leopard.
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10/22, 5:45pm
Software assists DIY Mac clones
Psystar has begun offering its Mac virtualization technology in a software package, Rebel EFI, that allows users to install Snow Leopard on their own PC systems. The utility supports generic Intel hardware based on Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, i7 or Xeon Nehalem CPUs. The Darwin boot loader can also be used to load Linux and Windows XP, Vista or 7.
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10/22, 2:55pm
Most newer systems to work in 64-bit mode
Apple has pledged full support for Windows 7 through Boot Camp in Snow Leopard before the end of the year. Many Macs already can run Windows 7, although users have reported varying levels of compatibility. Not all systems are able to run in 64-bit mode, while certain hardware drivers currently create problems. The Boot Camp software update will enable Macs to load Microsoft's Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate variants.
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10/21, 9:40am
Imposes definite deadline on update's release
The forthcoming Mac OS X 10.6.2 update will be required for Magic Mouse compatibility in Snow Leopard, an Apple support document reveals. The mouse's user guide -- quietly published on Apple's website yesterday -- mentions that a "full range of features" will not work without v10.6.2. Leopard users must have a combination Mac OS X 10.5.8 and the unreleased Wireless Mouse Software Update 1.0.
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10/19, 11:30am
Tech migrates to first non-Apple OS
Grand Central Dispatch, originally introduced with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, has been ported to its first third-party operating system, says the team behind FreeBSD. When it is released, FreeBSD 8.1 is expected to support Grand Central by default. The technology is said to have been harder to adapt than some other Unix-compatible frameworks, due to the need to make kernel modifications. Mac OS X blends elements of BSD and Mach.
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10/16, 3:45pm
Hints at rapid patch cycle
Apple is already distributing a third beta seed of Mac OS X 10.6.2 to developers, sources say. Called 10C527f, the build adds fixes for 13 different components of the OS. Of special emphasis are corrections for video errors, including several GraphicsDrivers problems which can cause screen flickering, crashes in OpenCL or stuttering while playing 1080p movies in QuickTime X. QuickTime itself has been fixed to allow some movies to play properly.
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10/16, 10:45am
Snow Leopard and Windows 7 benchmarked
A comparison test today revealed that Mac OS X Snow Leopard is faster than Windows 7 in common tasks. Benchmarks run on a 2.53GHz MacBook Pro by CNET show that Apple's own operating system is about 38.5 percent faster in multitasking with media apps than Microsoft's platform and is also more responsive as a whole, taking less time to start up or shut down. iTunes audio encoding is also faster, though as an Apple program it's expected to run faster in its native operating system.
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10/14, 6:10pm
Downloads available for Leopard and Snow Leopard
Apple on Wednesday released performance updates for both its Leopard and Snow Leopard operating systems. The downloads address intermittent stalls caused by hard drives, an issue reported by a a small number of users. The updates do not appear to include any other bug fixes.
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10/12, 7:10pm
Guest login could delete data permanently
Apple on Monday admitted that a serious bug in Snow Leopard could cause permanent data loss and said that it is working to find a fix for the problem. The company, responding to a growing number of posts on its discussions forums, confirmed that users can lose data when logging into the guest account on their Mac first and then logging into their regular account. Although the problem is not widespread, the consequences -- especially for those without backups -- could be disastrous: some users are finding all their data to be missing and their accounts completely reset.
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10/10, 11:15am
Snow Leopard 10.6.2 update adds WWAN support
Apple has reportedly provided a second beta release of its Mac OS X 10.6.2 update (labeled 10C514f) to developers, which incorporates a series of bug fixes and improved support. The update is said to deal with almost 150 different areas including applications such as Address Book, QuickTime Player, and Photo Booth, as well as problems related to app switching within the Dock. Additionally, the update is believed to deal with issues involving Front Row, Spaces and Time Machine apps as well.
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10/08, 12:40pm
Mossberg says Windows 7 closes gap
Microsoft's release of Windows 7 will be enough to eliminate most of Apple's advantage in recent years, Walt Mossberg said today in his review of the new operating system. Normally an outspoken proponent of Apple's platform, the columnist now believes that Mac OS X Snow Leopard only has a "slight edge" over Windows thanks to 7 running faster and sporting multiple interface improvements.
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10/07, 11:40am
Ballmer views only small gain from Win 7
Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer today cast doubt on the likelihood that the imminent release of Windows 7 will spur growth in computer sales. He told those at a Munich press event that he still anticipates a bump in sales from those waiting for the new OS but that it would "probably not be huge." The economy is blamed for the hesitation as Ballmer doesn't see the industry fully recovering for a significant amount of time.
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10/07, 1:30am
Camtasia Relay 1.2
TechSmith has released an update to its lecture- and presentation-capturing software, Camtasia Relay 1.2. The program is designed to create a video or audio record of a lecture, presentation or meeting, which can then be saved as an MP4, MP3 or WMV file. The 1.2 update features improved Real Media output and smaller MP4 file sizes to help deliver faster file transfers. The company has also added support for the latest Snow Leopard and Windows 7 operating systems, along with Windows Server 2008 64-bit.
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10/07, 1:05am
Likewise Open 5.3, Enterprise 5.3 updates
Likewise has announced two new updates to its authentication software for Mac, Likewise Open 5.3 and Likewise Enterprise 5.3. The latest versions add support for 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Apple’s Snow Leopard operating system. Likewise Open is designed to connect Linux and Mac machines to a Microsoft Active Directory and authenticate users with their domain credentials.
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10/02, 5:35pm
NVIDIA Fermi with Snow Leopard in mind
The just-unveiled Fermi graphics architecture will find its way into Macs and play an important role in Mac OS X Snow Leopard, NVIDIA chief scientist Bill Dally said today. While it's expected that NVIDIA would continue to play an important part of future Macs, the researcher drew a particular connection between the new GPU design and Apple's new OS, expecting that it would provide a significant boost for those apps that implement OpenCL. Windows 7 will also get support through DirectX 11 and DirectCompute.
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10/01, 5:50pm
NetApplications shows Mac, Firefox gains
More than a sixth of all Macs are already running Mac OS X Snow Leopard in just over a month of use, new findings from NetApplications show. On September 29th, the one month anniversary of the release, about 18 percent of all Macs tracked by the stats firm were using some version of Snow Leopard, or 0.91 percent of all computers.
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09/24, 6:55pm
Separate case now headed to Florida court
US District Court Judge William Alsup has denied Apple's motion to include Snow Leopard in its case against Psystar. Apple initially argued to keep the updated operating system out of the case by "relentlessly objecting to discovery on Snow Leopard," Alsup writes. The company was successful at keeping the issue separate, as the update was released after the discovery period had come to a close.
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09/22, 3:20pm
Supports wide variety of printers
Apple has posted a new cumulative driver update for Mac OS X Snow Leopard, supporting printers by HP. The v2.2 HP update includes software for both scanning and printing, and ensures compatibility with a broad selection of HP hardware. Numerous product lines are covered, including Business Inkjets, LaserJets, Color LaserJets, DesignJets, DeskJets, OfficeJets, Photosmarts and PSCs.
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09/17, 1:50pm
May be intended as competition for Snow Leopard
Microsoft has launched a new educational discount for Windows 7, aimed at college and university students. Eligible buyers can now order a copy of either Home Premium or Professional for just $30; the discount runs until January 3rd at 12AM CST. The homogenized Professional pricing is intended for people at schools with a "domain join" policy, where features like HomeGroup and Remote Media Streaming may become useful.
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09/17, 12:35pm
Firewall adds web updates, other fixes
ProteMac has updated its network firewall, releasing NetMine 1.5. The Mac-based firewall can control all Internet and network access from Mac applications, limiting the possibility of attacks from network worms, trojans malware and viruses. It can limit any specified network traffic from reaching specified Macs. NetMine is a two-way firewall that can prevent the spread of Malware on a network.
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09/17, 11:35am
Best Mac OS launch in years?
Mac OS X Snow Leopard has been Apple's best OS launch in years, at least in terms of sales numbers, according to the NPD Group. Tracking figures are said to show sales more than twice those of the Leopard launch in October 2007, generally considered a success in its own right. The sales are also four times those associated with Tiger, released in April 2005.
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09/16, 1:45am
Asset, patch, license management tool updated
Pole Position has released v5.2 of its network management tool, LANrev, used to collect information about a users computer and software such as monitoring software license compliance and updating and patching software. Version 5.2 adds Mac OS X 10.6 compatibility, enabling the application to track Snow Leopard for asset inventory, theft recovery, lowering energy usage and patching the operating system. The update additionally shortens the time necessary to upgrade multiple machines to the new OS by running an imaging process in the background, saving the home directory files and OS settings.
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09/15, 5:40pm
Back-up software also adds CROs, new reporting
Arkeia has launched Arkeia Network Backup 8.1, an update to its cross-platform backup software. Version 8.1 brings Snow Leopard compatibility and Custom Restore Objects (CROs) that give system admins the ability to assign restoration rights, enabling end users to restore their own systems. With CROs in place, users can recover a volume without requiring IT workers and without the delays of waiting for assistance.
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09/12, 1:45am
MacPractice, CS Odessa add Snow Leopard support
In brief: Cortado has announced an update to its Hosted Exchange service for the iPhone, adding Mailbox creation support. CS Odessa delivers Snow Leopard support to its line of ConceptDraw applications featuring tools for project management and graphics creation. MacPractice, a developer of practice management and clinical applications, has added support for Apple’s latest Mac OS X 10.6 operating system to its MacPractice version 3.6.8 software.
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09/11, 3:05pm
Tech may encourage support
Apple has taken the decision to make Grand Central Dispatch, a key feature of Mac OS X Snow Leopard, available as an open-source project. Developers can now find the component's services API on the web. Grand Central is intended to simplify multi-core support in Mac OS X, which without an intermediate layer can be difficult to program for.
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