Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2006.12.08
DiskWarrior has been one of the most important Mac utility
programs since version 1.0 first shipped in November 1998. That
original version supported Macintosh System 7.1 through Mac OS 8.5.
It quickly became the standard for fixing damaged directories, and
I've been using it since version 2.0. And now version 4.0 is out,
the first to support Intel Macs.
DiskWarrior is not only a powerful tool, but a cleverly
configured one at that. Alsoft has figured out how to make the
DiskWarrior CD boot into a supported version of the Mac OS
determined by the computer you're using. Clever, and invaluable
when supporting multiple Macs.
In other news, Matrox has dual- and triple-head video adapter
for Intel-based Macs, and ScreenRecycler lets you use almost any
old networked Mac or Windows PC (so long as it can run VNC) as an
extra monitor with your OS X computer. Clever, although the
additional screens may update slowly.
On the connection front, Belkin has a cable-free USB hub that
lets you work with peripherals no tethered to your Mac, and LaCie's
new Huby USB 2.0/FireWire 400 hub is perhaps the most unusual
looking one to date. Take a look, but I think it would perfectly
complement the G4 iMacs. dk
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is
covered in The 'Book Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
DiskWarrior Now Universal Binary
PR: DiskWarrior repairs disks no other utility program
can repair: DiskWarrior can find your missing documents and files.
Using a patent-pending, award-winning method of rebuilding
directories. Now Universal Binary
DiskWarrior is a safe, technologically advanced, powerful
utility to eliminate directory damage available for any
computer.
DiskWarrior uses a different approach to disk directory repair
than other programs.
DiskWarrior is not a disk repair program in the conventional
sense. Instead of patching the original directory, it uses a
patent-pending technology to quickly build a new replacement
directory using data recovered from the original directory, thereby
recovering files, folders and documents that you thought were lost
and that no other program could recover.
The
first thing DiskWarrior does is scavenge your original directory to
find all the file data it can. It then uses this data to build an
entirely new replacement directory.
DiskWarrior is the only product that finds all of your data. Its
patent-pending method always results in a perfectly rebuilt
directory without any errors and that contains all of your file and
folder data.
DiskWarrior is designed from the ground up with a totally
different approach to preventing and resolving directory damage
which is the leading cause of Mac instability.
DiskWarrior resolves existing disk damage by rebuilding your
disk directory using data recovered from the original directory,
thereby recovering files and folders that you thought were lost.
The directories DiskWarrior creates are also optimized for maximum
directory performance.
DiskWarrior is not a disk repair program in the conventional
sense. It does not attempt to solve all of the possible problems
that can occur with a disk. It specializes in eliminating directory
errors - the most common problems Mac OS users have with their
disks.
DiskWarrior rebuilds your disk directories making them
error-free, eliminating any problems the errors would have caused,
and recovering lost files.
It fixes any problem with master directory blocks and alternate
master directory blocks (HFS), volume headers and alternate volume
headers (HFS Plus), volume bitmaps, catalog trees, and extents
trees.
This approach has a significant advantage that the others
overlook. Other products attempt to repair your directory one step
at a time, ignoring the big picture of what is truly wrong with
your directory, and risking file information that could be saved.
Too often, they will incorrectly begin to "repair" your directory,
and then give up when they realize that they have modified the
directory to an irreparable state. At Alsoft, we know that the most
important thing when you are attempting to repair your disks is
getting your data back. That's why the first thing DiskWarrior
checks is your directory data, and that's what it uses to create a
replacement directory. DiskWarrior continues its rebuild operations
unless no directory data can be found.
Directory damage isn't the only threat to your data. A physical
hardware malfunction can cause intermittent loss of access to any
data on the drive. If the malfunction is serious enough, the only
way to retrieve the data on the drive is through an expensive data
recovery service. DiskWarrior can be configured to automatically
check drives for possible drive malfunction, giving you the chance
to back up your data before a drive completely fails. The hardware
monitoring can also be run manually if you suspect a drive
malfunction.
Alsoft has been making disk utilities for the Mac over 20 years.
Our disk optimization utilities have always chosen the safety and
security of your data over anything else, and have been able to
detect and report directory errors no other program can (the others
obviously couldn't fix the problems they couldn't even find). That
knowledge has been put into DiskWarrior to give you the only tool
that can eliminate all directory problems and recover lost files
and folders! And, as an added bonus, the directory DiskWarrior
creates is optimized for maximum speed when accessing your
files!
New in DiskWarrior version 4
DiskWarrior 4 is now the one utility program that solves all of
the common problems you'll likely encounter on your Mac. Just look
at these new features:
- Universal binary - DiskWarrior 4 works on both PowerPC and
Intel Macs.
- Significantly faster - For many disks, directory rebuilding is
twice as fast as the previous version.
- Repairs invalid file permissions - No need to run more than one
utility. Repairing permissions and repairing directory errors are
the two most common disk maintenance procedures.
- Includes an additional suite of file and folder tests - Finds
problems before they cause you trouble.
- Identifies corrupted preference (.plist) files - A bad
preference file can wreak havoc. Now you don't need to reset all
your preferences because a single preference file is bad.
- Recovers more data from drives with hardware malfunctions =
Recover your important files from most failing drives, possibly
saving you thousands of dollars in professional recovery
costs.
- Detects and repairs more disk problems than ever - The best is
even better.
- Repairs and rebuilds FileVaults - FileVaults suffer from
directory damage too. DiskWarrior is your only choice if you need
the data security of a FileVault.
- Repairs and rebuilds disk images - Get back the files you
thought you had safely tucked away in a disk image.
- Fully supports case-sensitive file names - If you use
case-sensitive disks then DiskWarrior is your best choice.
- Repairs and rebuilds Attribute B-trees - First introduced in
Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger), Attribute B-trees are a new addition to the
disk directory. DiskWarrior rebuilds them as easily as it rebuilds
the original catalog and extents B-trees.
- Repairs Access Control Lists (ACLs) - ACLs are a new
permissions model first supported in Mac OS X 10.4. DiskWarrior
repairs them too.
- Plus a lot more for only $49.95 plus s/h
Please note that to install DiskWarrior 4, your Mac must start
up in Mac OS X 10.3.9 through 10.4.x. This is a change from
DiskWarrior 3 which supported older versions of Mac OS X.
System Requirements
DiskWarrior supports any Mac OS Standard (HFS) or Mac OS
Extended (HFS Plus) disk including RAID volumes, journaled disks,
case-sensitive disks, FileVaults, and iPods.
DiskWarrior requires a G3 Mac or better (such as a G4, G5 or any
Intel processor) with built-in FireWire and a minimum 256 MB RAM
(512 MB recommended) to start up and run from the DiskWarrior disc
regardless of what operating system is installed on the disk to be
rebuilt.
To install, you must be started from Mac OS 10.3.9 or later.
The computer must also have the latest firmware updates
installed. The disk to be rebuilt must be locally connected and
must not be write protected
If you plan to rebuild the directory on your startup disk, you
need to start up from another disk capable of starting up in Mac OS
X 10.3.9 through 10.4, such as the DiskWarrior CD. DiskWarrior
cannot be run while started up from the Apple Mac OS X install
CD.
If you wish to enable DiskWarrior's automatic hardware
monitoring, you will need to install the DiskWarrior application on
your Mac OS computer. To install the DiskWarrior application, you
must have a Mac OS computer running Mac OS X 10.3.9 through 10.4.x
with at least 256 MB RAM. Installing DiskWarrior is not required to
run the application from the DiskWarrior CD to rebuild a disk
directory.
If you Mac is running Mac OS 9.2.2 or earlier, DiskWarrior 2.1
is still available for purchase directly from Alsoft.
US$49.95 upgrade, $99.95 full version.
Link: DiskWarrior
Matrox DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go for
Mac
PR: Now Mac users can benefit from Matrox's
multi-monitor expertise with the award-winning Matrox DualHead2Go
and TripleHead2Go products. DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go are
palm-sized boxes that connect externally to the VGA output of
compatible Mac notebooks and desktops, uniquely allowing users to
attach two or three monitors to their systems, creating an
incredible multi-monitor environment.
With DualHead2Go, home users can use iLife for multimedia
projects on one monitor and organize and play iTunes on the second
monitor, while corporate professionals can employ both email and
Microsoft Word or Excel simultaneously without having to constantly
toggle between applications.
Upgrading your system with DualHead2Go or
TripleHead2GoÝ will provide a larger viewing area which is
ideal for digital content applications. Creative professionals
using animation or video editing applications are now afforded
ample onscreen desktop space with three monitors for the placement
of multiple UI elements (viewports, image windows, toolbars and
dialogs). Audio editing professionals can also benefit from
extended desktop space, as they can stretch tracks, and place
effects and mixers across all three displays for the complete
digital audio editing workstation experience.
Get the most out of your Mac
System Requirements
- DualHead2Go: MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and Intel-based Mac
mini and iMac
- TripleHead2Go: MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and Intel-based 20" and
24" iMac
- Mac OS X 10.4.x
A complete list of compatible Mac systems is posted on the
Matrox website.
Link: Matrox
DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go for Mac
ScreenRecycler: Use Any Networked Computer as
an Additional Display
PR: Recycle your old iMac, PowerBook, or even Windows
PC.
Most Mac users have a spare computer sitting right next to their
main computer on their desk. ScreenRecycler now enables you to use
this spare computer as second display for your Mac. You can even
use an idle machine for that purpose.
Just start ScreenRecycler on your Mac and connect to
ScreenRecycler via VNC from your old machine.
New in version 0.64:
- Added maximum hextile degration preference - this enables you
to set the maximum level of picture degration when the picture is
changing a lot.
- Virtual display now shows up with name.
- prerelease expires now mid January.
Link: ScreenRecycler
Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub Available in
Mid-December
PR: The Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub, the industry's
first USB Hub that doesn't require a cable to connect to the
computer, will be available for purchase in mid-December. Utilizing
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology with the Wisair chipset, this hub
allows you to place your laptop anywhere in the room so you can
print, play music, scan, download photos, and burn CDs from
anywhere in the room.
- Gives desktop-computer users the freedom to place their USB
devices anywhere in the room without running long cables
- Laptop users gain the freedom to roam wirelessly with their
laptops around the room while still maintaining access to their
stationary USB devices
- Connects USB printers, cameras, scanners, and other devices to
your computer wirelessly, from up to 30 ft. away
- Transfers data at speeds of up to 480 Mbps for USB 2.0
devices
- Includes a 4-port Hub, a USB Dongle (that connects into your
computer), and a Dongle stand to give you optimum wireless
reception
Available in mid-December, with launches in Asia, Europe, and
Australia to follow at an indefinite date, pending respective
country's regulatory approvals.
Available at Belkin as well as through a network of major
distributors, resellers, and superstores.
Cable-Free USB Hub - $199.99
Link: Belkin
LaCie Huby USB & FireWire Hub
PR: Experience the art of
connectivity with this fun, stylish USB & FireWire combination
hub for your PC or Mac. Designed exclusively for LaCie by
Ora-•to, the Huby's round shape, glossy white polycarbonate
finish, and flexible cables give it a distinctive, modern look.
Add 4 USB ports and 2 FireWire ports to your computer system and
connect up to six devices simultaneously*. Bundled with 8 flexible,
twistable cables (5 USB 2.0 & 3 FireWire 400), a USB fan, a USB
light, a USB extension cable and a FireWire 400 extension cable, it
comes fully equipped for easily making all of your connections.
User Benefits:
- 4 USB 2.0 ports & 2 FireWire 400 ports
- Easy to use; plug & play; hot-swappable
- 8 flexible cables, 8 colorful LEDs, USB light, USB fan
- Original, exclusive design by Ora-•to
Color: White
Interfaces:
- 4 downstream USB 2.0 (type A) ports
- 1 upstream USB 2.0 (type B) port
- 2 downstream FireWire 400 (6-pin IEEE 1394a) ports
- 1 upstream FireWire 400 (6-pin IEEE 1394a) port
Interface Transfer Rate:
- USB 2.0: up to 480 Mbits/s
- FireWire 400: up to 400 Mbits/s
Size: 4.33 x
5.2 in. / 110 x 130 mm (without cables)
Weight: 2 lb. / 900 g
System Requirements: Mac OS 9; Mac OS X or higher / Windows
98SE, Me, 2000, XP, Windows Vista / Linux; available USB 2.0
connector; available FireWire 400 connector
Box Contents: LaCie Huby; USB fan; USB light; 2 x USB 2.0 cables
(type B male-type A male); 1 x USB 2.0 cable (type A male-type mini
B male); 2 x USB 2.0 cables (type A male-type A female); 2 x
FireWire 6-to-6 pin (male - male); 1 x FireWire 4-to-6 pin (male -
male); USB extension cable; FireWire extension cable; external
power supply; Quick Install Guide
1 year limited warranty
Price: $79.99
Link: Huby
Apricorn 80 GB Aegis Mini Hard Drive
PR: Apricorn has announced the availability of the 80 GB
capacity Aegis Mini, a pocket sized, ultra-portable 1.8" external
drive with USB 2.0 or FireWire connection options.
Compatible with both PC and Apple systems, Apricorn's Aegis Mini
is now available in 30 GB, 60 GB and 80 GB capacities. The hard
drive is bus-powered and features a convenient, integrated USB 2.0
or FireWire cable, which wraps neatly around the Mini when not in
use. Aegis Mini weighs in at a mere 3.5 ounces, is smaller than a
deck of cards, and is plug-n-play and hot swappable. The product is
bundled with Apricorn's Data Protection Suite, which provides
backup, synchronization and encryption and has a rugged shock
mounted enclosure.
Additional Items included
- A neoprene, padded protective carrying pouch
- One-meter USB extension cable
Software Bundle Features
- Backup Software
- EZ Gig II Backup and Disaster Recovery Software for
Windows
- ShirtPocket SuperDuper! for Mac
Synchronizing Software
- Second Copy Synchronizing Software for Windows
- Synchronize! X for Mac
Encryption Software
- Cryptainer Encryption Software for Windows
- Apricorn Encryption Utility for Mac
Hard Drive Health Monitor
System Requirements
- Hardware: Pentium CPU, Apple G3 or later, 32 MB RAM, USB,
FireWire, CD ROM.
- Software: Windows 2000 and XP, Mac OS 9.2 or later and Mac OS X
10.x
Apricorn's Aegis Mini is currently available in the US, Canada.
and online.
MSRP, USB 2.0
- 30 GB - $149
- 60 GB - $199
- 80 GB - $249
MSRP, FireWire
- 30 GB - $159
- 60 GB - $209
- 80 GB - $259
Warranty: 1 year
Link: Apricorn
FastMac's 'Just Say No To Crack' iPod Rehab
Program Includes 4G iPods
PR: FastMac has expanded it's popular "Just Say No To
Crack" iPod rehab program featuring same day LCD replacements for
Video iPods and Nanos to now include 4th Generation (Click Wheel)
iPods.
The program offers repair and replacement of scratched or
cracked iPod LCD screens, either as a Do It Yourself (DIY) kit with
tools & instructional videos or via a same day mail order
service provided by FastMac directly. FastMac uses only Apple
original parts to guarantee quality as well as fit and
compatibility.
FastMac's iPod LCD rehab program is available now for the iPod
5th Generation with Video, iPod nano, and iPod 4th Generation
(Click Wheel) with special introductory pricing that starts at
$29.95. Each screen carries a 1 year warranty and a 30 day money
back guarantee. FastMac's LCD rehab program replaces the iPod's
original display with a 100% matching Apple original part &
includes all necessary tools and instructions required to open the
iPod. 24-hour installation services are also available for an
additional $39.95.
Using a box in the mail service provided by DHL, FastMac will
pick up the customer's iPod, install the LCD screen and provide a
thorough checkup & light cleaning before shipping back to the
customer, all within 24 hours. During the rehab process, FastMac
will diagnose any other problems that the iPod may be experiencing,
and offer a free estimate for repair or upgrade, including battery
& hard drive upgrades, or logic board repairs.
"We've had such a great response to this program that it was a
no-brainer to expand it," said Michael Lowdermilk, Business
Development Manager for FastMac Performance Upgrades, Inc. "We're
working hard to include even more iPod models and should have more
available by the first quarter of 2007."
FastMac's LCD rehab program can also be combined with a
TruePower battery upgrade to obtain an almost new iPod. FastMac's
TruePower battery upgrades replace the iPod's original internal
battery with a larger capacity and longer lasting advanced power
cell battery. The upgrades offer 20-78% more capacity than the
original OEM battery and up to 7.5 times as many charge cycles.
Compatibility
FastMac's LCD rehab program is available for the iPod 5th
Generation with Video (2005 model), iPod nano (2005 model), and
iPod 4th Generation (Click Wheel). More information about the "Just
Say No to Crack" LCD rehab program is available online.
Link: Just Say No To Crack
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