Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2006.04.07
PowerBook, iBook, iPod, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review. News about
Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments is
covered in The Macintel Report.
iPod news is covered in The iNews Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Tips
Products
Software
News & Opinion
Apple Does Not Recommend 'Repair
Permissions' with System Updates
Daring Fireball's John Gruber says:
"As you know, with any update we are told to repair permissions
before and after installing new system software or updates. With
the 10.4.6 update, there is a new twist to the installation process
and a welcome surprise after. After you install the update and are
prompted to restart, the machine does its usual thing. It stays on
the Grey Apple screen for a longer than usual time, but now instead
of stalling, it restarts itself and boots normally. The welcome
surprise is that after the machine boots up, a quick 'Repair
Permissions' says that everything is A-Okay. There were no repairs
needed! That is a first! Perhaps they added a script to do exactly
that, since most people haven't a clue on how to or where to find
the Disk Utility and Repair Permissions. All is fine so far with
the update.
"We are told to repair permissions before and after each update
by whom? Certainly not by Apple. Perhaps Cruse means 'them', the
same 'them' who, in the classic Mac OS era, recommended zapping
your PRAM every time you need to reboot your Mac after the system
was wedged by a crashed app.
"To be clear, perfectly clear: Apple does not recommend that
you do this. All you need to do before applying a system update
is follow the steps in the accompanying release notes, and nowhere
therein has it ever been mentioned that you should run Disk
Utility's Repair Permissions feature before or after installing the
update, let alone doing so before and after."
Editor's note: Repair Permissions is a trouble shooting
procedure. Over the years, some OS X users have found that
some updates have introduced problems with permissions. Running
Repair Permissions has been seen as a preemptive strike. It should
also be noted that Apple doesn't recommend not running
repair permissions with system updates. Apple is mute on the
subject. dk
- Link: 'Repair
Permissions' Not a Recommended Step When Applying System
Updates
Mac OS X 10.4.6 Update Released
PR: Apple today released the Mac OS 10.4.6 update. There
are two ways to update to Mac OS X 10.4.6: Use Software Update or
the standalone installer. You only need to use one of these methods
to update your computer.
Mac OS X 10/4/6 via Automatic Software Update
Software Update, located in the Apple menu, will automatically
download the latest Apple software. Note that the update's size may
vary from computer to computer when installed using Software
Update.
Mac OS X 10/4/6 via Standalone installer
Download the Delta or Combo update installer and run it
manually. This a useful option when you need to update multiple
computers but only want to download the update once. Two versions
of the standalone installer are available from Apple Downloads:
The Mac OS X 10.4.6 Update (delta - PPC 65 MB/ Intel 163 MB)
updates Mac OS X 10.4.5 to version 10.4.6 on both Intel-based Macs
and PowerPC-based Macs.
https://web.archive.org/web/20060421074935/http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303411
The Mac OS X 10.4.5 Update (combo - PPC 140 MB/ Intel 191 MB;
Yikes!) updates Mac OS X 10.4, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, or 10.4.4 to
version 10.4.5 on both Intel-based Macs and PowerPC-based Macs.
https://web.archive.org/web/20060419012251/http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303180
Mac OS 10.4.6 Changes and Improvements
Internet, iDisk, and networking
- Safari no longer quits unexpectedly when deleting AOL mail
messages via AOL webmail.
- Apple's IPSec VPN client now works with Cisco servers whether
or not NAT is used.
- Addresses an issue in which you could not sync with an iDisk
larger than 4 GB.
- Files copied across a network via Portable Home Directories are
now copied as temporary files until the transfer is complete, in
case the network connection is interrupted before the transfer
finished.
- Addresses an issue in which some Epson printers could not
successfully print via AirPort Extreme.
Other
- Allows the rotating cube effect to appear as expected on both a
primary and a mirrored display, when switching users via Fast User
switching.
- Addresses an issue for Mac OS X 10.4.4 in which background
columns of text within the RSS Visualizer screen saver are
sometimes superimposed over one another.
- Dragging a widget out of the widget bar while the desktop
picture is changing (automatically, for example) no longer stops
the animation on an Intel-based Mac.
- On an Intel-based Mac, Telestream Flip4Mac now installs
correctly.
- Prevents the Setup Assistant from unexpectedly quitting if
Kotoeri is selected as the keyboard type following an English
language installation of Mac OS X.
- Allows applications that run using Rosetta on an Intel-based
Mac to successfully open files that are located via an Open
window's "search" field.
- Addresses an issue in which Rosetta-translated applications
running on Intel-based Macs would not correctly receive Keychain
notifications.
- Console no longer reports a series of "Quartz Composer
QuickTime Component" messages for iMovie '06 when applying a Ken
Burns clip or image.
- Addresses an issue for iMovie HD and Mac OS X 10.4.4 in which
iMovie could unexpectedly quit when switching themes.
- Updated the rules for time zones and Daylight Savings Time to
conform to changes in the law for the United States, Australia, and
other locations, for 2006 and later.
- Addresses a potential issue that could cause the system process
"configd" to unexpectedly stall.
- Addresses an issue when viewing streaming media behind a
firewall on Intel Macs.
- Eliminates some potential video redraw issues when using Front
Row on Intel-based Macs.
Finder, networking, and logging in
- 802.1X login authentication configurations created in Internet
Connect can now be used at the Mac OS X login window, too.
- Addresses an issue in which, when at the login window, the
computer would not shut down automatically at a time specified in
Energy Saver Schedule preferences; for more information, see this
article.
- Prevents a potential issue in which Mac OS X might stop
responding when trying to log in as a FileVault-protected user if
the protected Home image file has been damaged or moved; instead, a
"You are unable to log in to the user account (name) at this time."
alert message appears.
- Addresses an issue for home directories on AFP servers in
which, after failing to burn a disc, an "error -61" alert message
would appear when trying to delete the Burn Folder related to the
unsuccessful burn.
- If you change your login password at the Login window, you will
now be given an opportunity to apply the same change to your
default keychain.
- You can now copy folders with files to an SMB-based server
instead of only the folder being copied and this alert message
appearing: "The operation cannot be completed because you do not
have sufficient privileges for some of the items."
- Addresses an issue that could prevent MacBook Pro from printing
to wireless printers via AppleTalk.
- Improves iDisk (WebDAV file system) performance.
- File and folder names that contain colon or forward slash (
"/") characters in the main directory of an iDisk or WebDAV volume
no longer cause issues.
- Resolves potential issues that could occur when using automatic
proxy configuration (PAC) files.
Apple applications
- Resolves an issue in which Mail could unexpectedly quit when
lowering the quote level within a reply message.
- Addresses an issue in which iChat, on an Intel-based Mac with a
built-in iSight camera, could sometimes stop displaying video from
the iSight camera until the computer was shut down and started up
again.
- Dragging a movie clip into iMovie 6 on an Intel-based Mac will
no longer potentially cause some of the iMovie window to turn
black.
- Disk Utility's repair permissions feature will no longer report
"We are using special permissions for..." messages.
- Updates Calculator so that the percentage button ("%") will no
longer divide, under certain circumstances, when you expect it to
calculate percentage - this could happen in Mac OS X 10.4.3 through
10.4.5.
- Resolves an issue that could cause Help Viewer to sometimes
display a blank window.
- Addresses some issues that could cause DVD Player to
unexpectedly quit when playing a movie disc on an Intel-based
Mac.
- Terminal windows will no longer fail to open when using the
/bin/zsh shell.
- EXIF data is now exported with TIFF images in Aperture.
- Aperture will no longer unexpectedly quit when exporting a file
with keywords that contain twelve or more Cyrillic characters.
- Resolves potential issues with several iPhoto Automator
actions, such as Import Photos into iPhoto.
- Includes iSync 2.2 which provides support for additional mobile
phones. For more information, see iSync 2.2: Read before updating
to Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later, or before first sync.
Third-party applications
- Resolves an issue in which Blizzard World of Warcraft character
graphics could be distorted on an Intel-based Mac with a built-in
graphics processor when vertex shaders are enabled.
- The Command-H key combination now hides QuarkXPress 6 as
expected when it is the front application.
- Addresses an issue for Aspyr Media's True Crime: The Streets of
LA game in which game movies are very dim on Intel-based Macs.
- Addresses an issue for Microsoft Word 2004 in which Word would
display a "Word cannot complete the operation because too many
files are open" alert message when autosaving a document to a
network-based home directory.
- Improves character graphics appearance for Aspyr Media's The
Sims House Party when running with Rosetta on an Intel-based
Mac.
Other
- Makes Mac OS X aware of United States Daylight Savings Time
(DST) changes enacted by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
- Clicking an unmounted iDisk icon in the Save As dialog window
of an application running with Rosetta no longer causes the
application to stop with a spinning cursor.
- Spotlight is now better able to search the content of older
Microsoft Word documents.
- Addresses an issue in which some third-party applications might
stop responding or unexpectedly quit when running on an Intel-based
Mac if you disconnect or connect a display while the computer is
on.
- Addresses potential vnode reference count mismatches that could
lead to a kernel panic.
- Addresses USB audio issues for PowerPC Macs; for example,
latency is improved.
- Addresses several AppleScript issues, including: Preservation
of property values in Script Menu, a potential Bonjour issue with
"choose remote application", an invisible "choose application"
dialog issue, and improved compatibility with Dashboard widgets and
applications.
- Includes recent Apple security updates.
Important to consider before installing.
- If you use iSync, you should perform a full sync with your
devices before installing this update. Mac OS X 10.4.6 Update
includes a later version of iSync with several improvements. For
more information and before-you-install steps, see iSync 2.2: Read
before updating to Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later, or before first
sync.
- With the Mac OS X 10.4.6 system software update, PowerPC-based
Macs will restart twice, instead of once, after the initial
installation.
- You may experience unexpected results if you have third-party
system software modifications installed, or if you've modified the
operating system through other means. (This does not apply to
normal application software installation.)
- The installation process should not be interrupted. If a power
outage or other interruption occurs during installation, use the
standalone installer (see below) from Apple Downloads to
update.
- If issues occur during installation - for example, Software
Update quits unexpectedly, please see this article:
- Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20060418140817/http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106695
Latest Mac mini/iPod Ideas and Commentary on
Mini Ture_MacJournal
Mini Ture_MacJournal's Darryl says:
Remembering 30 years back, is a while, but 1987 at San
Francisco, looking at the Mac II's impact and after the trip to
China, is not that long ago, really. Yet sitting in front of that
first Apple II, for me 1979 seems a very long time ago.
:-D
Tips
Intel Mac mini Fails Final Cut Studio System
Requirements
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"If you have a Mac mini (Early
2006), the Final Cut Studio (Universal) crossgrade Installer
does not prohibit you from installing the pro applications, but
this configuration does not meet the minimum system requirements
for Final Cut Studio."
- Link: Final Cut
Studio Is Not Supported on Mac mini (Early 2006)
Products
Miglia TVMini HD Now Available at Apple Online
Store
PR: TVMini HD - the smallest, lightest and most portable
TV receiver and recorder for your Mac - is now available through
the Apple Store in North America. Powered by EyeTV 2 you can watch,
pause, record and rewind live HDTV broadcasts form anywhere you
choose:
Miglia Technology, a leading manufacturer of video, audio and
storage products for Mac and Windows, has announced TVMini HD, this
cool looking device allows you to watch, pause record and rewind
HDTV on your Mac is now available from the online Apple Store.
Powered by Elgato's award-winning EyeTV V.2 Software, TVMini HD
will let you watch and record TV in outstanding digital quality on
your Mac. TVMini HD is smaller and less expensive than any
comparable product, and compact enough to take with you on any
journey.
Simon Ellson, CEO, Miglia Technology, commented: "Miglia's
TVMini HD combined with EyeTV will change the way you watch and
record HDTV on your Mac. The integrated online guide and TitanTV
(EPG) gives you full control of your TV schedule, allowing you to
program TV recordings automatically even when you're away. Just
like its big brother EvolutionTV, TVMini HD will help to replace
your VCR. We even include a portable antenna so you can watch TV on
the go"
Following the success of TVMini HD at Macworld San Francisco
earlier this year, Miglia are delighted to announce the
availability of TVMini HD through the Apple store online.
Store your favourite TV shows on your Mac to watch whenever you
want, or burn them to DVD to watch on your TV or export them to
your iTunes library and your iPod (5G). As usual Miglia includes a
high quality remote control that provides the 'complete viewing
experience' allowing remote scheduling and channel selection from
the comfort of your armchair.
ATSC, the Advanced Television System Committee represents the
future of television broadcasting, known as HDTV in the United
States. TVMini HD with its ATSC decoder provides interference-free
reception and remarkable digital picture and sound quality (this
assumes you have adequate reception for ATSC in your local area).
TVMini HD supports ATSC multilingual programs and Dolby Digital
audio if supported by your Mac.
Key features of the eyeTV software (from Elgato) built for
TVMini HD:
EyeTV lets you watch, record, edit and archive television on the
Mac. Watch live television on the Mac Record television digitally
to the Mac's hard drive "shift time" by pausing live television,
rewinding or fast forwarding Edit recorded television to remove
unwanted content or save a favourite scene Archive favourite
programs to DVD, SVCD or VideoCD to play on most standard DVD
players Closed Captioning and TeleText for International users.
Export to iPod, PSP, iMovie HD, iDVD, or DVD Studio Pro allowing
you to make professional quality recordings. Seamless integration
with TOAST for easy burning of CD's/DVD's Play television in its
own window, side-by-side with other applications, at full screen or
even in the Dock.
Mac Compatibility
- Mac with USB 2.0 Connectivity
- G4/500 or higher (DualG5 required for 1080i resolution)
- Mac OS 10.3.9 and higher
- Mac OS X 10.4 compatible
Miglia TVMini HD is available now from Miglia's distribution
partners, and it's online store, for a recommended retail price of
$249. TVMini HD is exclusively available in the USA, for HDTV in
Europe please see TVMini online at http://www.miglia.com/products
All units carry a full 2 year RTB warranty.
Keyspan 60' RF Remote for Front Row
PR: Keyspan announced its new "RF Remote for Front Row" -
a sleek and powerful RF remote control designed specifically for
use with Apple's Front Row multimedia software.
Keyspan's new remote:
- Uses a radio frequency (RF) signal that works through walls and
furniture. This provides greater flexibility in locating the
Macintosh and video display that are used to display Front Row.
Also, RF is more convenient than infrared remotes that require line
of sight to the Mac.
- Delivers a range of 60 feet or more (twice the distance of
infrared remotes).
- Features a set of 9 buttons which allow a user to control Front
Row software, eject a CD or DVD, put the Mac to sleep and wake it
up.
Shipping this week with a suggested price of $39, the RF Remote
for Front Row is available to resellers at Ingram Micro, D&H
and Wynit. It is available to consumers at MacConnection,
MacWarehouse, Apple Specialist resellers, and other leading
resellers of Macintosh accessories.
- Link: Keyspan RF Remote for
Front Row
Next-Generation Deskstar Hard Drives Add
SATA-2
PR: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi) has
announced two new 3.5" hard drives that extend the company's
long-standing tradition of performance and capacity leadership. The
Deskstar® T7K500 and Deskstar 7K160 feature 7,200 RPM spin
speeds and 3 Gb/s SATA interfaces [editor's note: twice as fast as
the original SATA spec] to deliver maximum performance in
mainstream and high-performance PCs, gaming systems and low duty
cycle servers. The new drives use 160 GB+ per platter technology to
deliver up to one-half terabyte (500 GB) of storage capacity in a
one-, two- and three-disk design. The reduced platter count and
proven Deskstar design platform optimize the drives for high-volume
manufacturing and streamlined product qualifications.
Hitachi will continue to provide its award-winning Deskstar
7K500 for customers that require extended operation and higher duty
cycles. These 500 GB drives include enterprise-class features that
enhance reliability for nearline storage applications such as
disk-to-disk backup and high-bandwidth applications like digital
video editing.
"The Deskstar products announced today advance areal densities
and include a number of advanced features that provide customers
the competitive advantage they need to build innovative and high
performance systems," said Jose Antelo, vice president and general
manager, Business Management, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies.
"The new drives deliver the industry-leading capacity and
performance that defines the Hitachi Deskstar brand and helps
accelerate the company's growth in the 3.5" segment."
Hard drive performance is a primary requirement for today's
savvy consumers and IT managers that use Deskstar drives for
digital media and low duty cycle server applications. Both Deskstar
drives features optional 3 Gb/s SATA interfaces and Native Command
Queuing (NCQ), which enables fast data transfer rates for
enterprise ATA and other performance-based applications. NCQ is a
method of controlling commands sent from the host processor to the
drive to enable faster application activities for the end user.
The new Deskstar drives feature a fast interface transfer rate
and available 16 MB data buffers on the Deskstar T7K500 SATA
version for quicker system bootup, screen refreshes and more
efficient data processing. Hitachi's "Smooth Stream" technology
also improves performance for audio/video storage applications.
The Deskstar T7K500 and Deskstar 7K160 extend Hitachi's
reputation for quality and reliability with new features such as
"Thermal Fly Height Control" (TFC) to improve data integrity. TFC
technology uses an internal thermal sensor that monitors
temperature and makes adjustments to improve error rates in extreme
temperature conditions. The drives also include an optional low
power mode to minimize power requirements and enable cooler system
operation.
The Deskstar drives helps protect customer data with up to 350 G
(2ms) of nonoperating shock for increased drive reliability and
data protection. Both Deskstar models include Hitachi's unique
load/unload technology, which provides a safety ramp for the
read-write heads that help protect user data in non-power mode.
Fluid dynamic bearing motors are also used to ensure
"whisper-quiet" operation.
Hitachi's two new Deskstar drives meet the Restriction of
Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliance directive issued last year
by the European Union (EU).
The Deskstar drives are backed by Hitachi's renowned
compatibility testing labs and worldwide distribution support. The
drives, which carry three-year warranties, are expected to ship
worldwide in early 3Q 2006.
Technical Specifications:
Deskstar T7K500
- 500/400/320/250 GB (GB = 1 billion bytes, accessible capacity
may be less)
- 998 Mb/s max. media data rate
- 8.5 ms average seek time
- 7,200 RPM, 4.17 ms average latency
- ATA133/Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s
- 8 MB data buffer - PATA
- 16/8 MB data buffer - SATA
- 26.1 mm in height (max)
- 118 billion bits per square inch maximum areal density
- 3/2 platters
- 6/4 recording heads
- 350 G (2ms) nonoperating shock (2 disk)
- 300 G (2ms) nonoperating shock (3 disk)
- 6.0 (3 disk)/5.0 (2 disk) watt idle power (Parallel ATA)
- 7.0 (3 disk)/6.0 (2 disk) watt idle power (Serial ATA)
- 3.0 (3 disk)/2.8 (2 disk) Bels typical idle acoustics
- 0-60 degrees C operating temperature
- Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) spindle motor
Deskstar 7K160 (where different from above)
- 160/80 GB (GB = 1 billion bytes, accessible capacity may be
less)
- 966 Mb/s max. media data rate
- 8 MB data buffer
- 120 billion bits per square inch maximum areal density
- 1 platter
- 2/1 recording heads
- 4.9 watt idle power (Parallel ATA)
- 5.9 watt idle power (Serial ATA)
- 2.5 Bels typical idle acoustics
- Link: Hitachi Global
Storage Technologies
Software
PC-Mac-Net FileShare Lite 6.0
PR: Transfers files and folders easily and securely
between all varieties of MacOS, Windows, and Linux computers.
This free application is a fast and efficient file sharing and
remote movie and music playback controller which operates over LANs
and the Internet. It can turn almost any old PC into a media center
and file server. The Lite Edition has 10 MB download and 2 MB
upload file size limits, allows 3 users per workgroup, and has a 10
minute media playback limit. The commercial Standard and
Professional Editions do not have these limitations.
Note: All computers must run the same version number of
PC-Mac-Net FileShare.
System requirements:
- Windows 98/NT/ME/2000/XP (English, 19.7 MB)
- MacOS X (English, 17 MB)
- Linux (English, 4.7 MB)
- MacOS Classic (English) from System 8.6 - 9.2
System support: PPC
PC-Mac-Net FileShare Lite is free.
Also available in:
- Standard Edition - $24.95
- Professional Edition - $39.95
- Site Licenses from $299
- Link: PC-Mac-Net
FileShare Lite 6.0
Gimp To Go
PR: Portable Gimp.app is the binary distribution of the
GNU Image Manipulation Program for Mac OS X packaged as portable
application so you can take your preferences with you. Portable
Gimp.app is the Gimp.app - the self contained application bundle of
the GNU Image Manipulation Program for OS X by Aaron Voisine
packaged as portable application so you can carry around with you
on any portable device: USB thumb drive, iPod, portable hard drive,
memory card, or other portable device (also on your internal hard
disk) as long as it has 165 MB of free space and use on any Mac OS
X computer, taking your preferences with you.
Gimp.app requires Apple's X11 which is included in the "Optional
Installs" package on the OS X install disk.
Features
- First public release
- 100% standalone
- Drag "Portable Gimp.app" folder to your portable device, USB
thumb drive, iPod, portable hard drive, memory card, other portable
device (also to your internal hard disk) as long as it has 165 MB
of free space.
- Clicking "Portable Gimp.app" will open Gimp.app from your
portable device, wait a while before Gimp start. Portable Gimp.app
requires that either Apple's X11 or XDarwin be installed. Apple's
X11 is included in the "Optional Installs" package on the OS X
install disk.
There is a bug currently that Gimp.app will not work from within
a folder containing any of the following characters: pipe |,
forward slash /, backslash \, ampersand &, pound #, or double
quote ". Any other printable characters should be fine.
Gimp.app is packaged using the Platypus script wrapper from
http://sveinbjorn.sytes.net/platypus
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.
System support: PPC/Intel
Portable Gimp.app is free.
- Link: Portable
Gimp.app
Desktop Mac
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