Apple OS more secure

Apple has released Security Update 2006-007. No, this update doesn’t make you James Bond. However, it does fix a potential security issue with the AirPort wireless driver that may let hackers, within the wireless network, execute arbitrary codes. Other fixes affect: Finder, Font Book, and Security Framework. The affected computers are those that have an original AirPort card (AirPort Extreme is not affected): iMac, iBook, PowerBooks G3 & G4 and PowerMac G4 systems. You can update from the Software Update pane in OS X or the Apple Web site.

www.apple.com/support/downloads

Apple iPhone patently obvious

Apple has filed a patent application that leads industry experts to believe that they are readying an iPhone device that would be integrated with the iPod, extending its life cycle. The competition in the phone market is tougher than the MP3 arena, where Apple leads all competitors by a huge margin.Apple would have to enter the media market and be competitive, while the phone companies are already in it. The phone market is now larger than the computer/MP3 market, and growing. Watch for a possible announcement at MacWorld in January.

Griffin iTalks to iPod

Griffin Technology is shipping the iTalk Pro. This device, which plugs into the iPod nano 2G and iPod video dock connector, enables one-touch recording. Built-in twin microphones record CD quality (44.1kHz) stereo audio. The volume level is adjustable. There is a 1/8th inch stereo input jack where you can plug in an external mic.   $49.99.

www.griffintechnology.com

iTunes–all about size

An OS X Tip: while you are watching a TV show, movie or video podcast in iTunes you may want to change the window size. One would usually use the View menu to pick a size or use the associated keyboard shortcut. However, by using your mouse you can control-click on the video and contextually change the size on the pop-up menu there.

Block’s back

H&R Block is bringing back its do-it-yourself tax preparation software to Mac users. They had discontinued TaxCut in 2005 because of a lack of Mac sales, but, responding to a vociferous few, H&R Block has brought it back–this time with the features that many had complained were missing. More  have been added in three versions: TaxCut Premium Federal is $19.95, TaxCutPremium Federal and State is 29.95, and TaxCut Premium Federal, State and e-file is $59.95. An alternative to TurboTax!  www.taxcut.com

Beatles on iTunes?

Fortune magazine reports that the drought of Beatles’ music on the Internet may be coming to an end. Apple computing and Apple Corps (the Beatles’ business arm) could “come together” and make a deal to have the music exclusively available on iTunes for download. Apple and the Corps had been in a legal battle when Apple allegedly violated a 1991 agreement that Apple computer could use the name Apple as long as it wasn’t involved in selling music related products (iPod and iTunes). The Corps lost in court but an appeal is pending. This deal could be beneficial for both parties. It is hoped by the music lovers all over that we will finally be able to download the Beatles music. Taking the number one portable music device and pairing it with the music of the Beatles  (possibly the number one music group of all time) is a win for all of us.   “Let it be!”

Fire Fox. Bad Manager!

FireFox, Mozilla’s Internet browser, has a flaw in its code that may allow hackers to steal user data on Web sites where they may create their own pages such as MySpace.com. The problem resides in the Password Manager software, which can be fooled into sending password data to the cyber criminal’s Web site. The hacker creates HTML forms on a site  and hosts a fake login page. Fooled by this ploy, users entered their account names and passwords, which are then sent to another server, rather than MySpace. The FireFox Password Manager fails to do a complete check on two critical items: whether to send the information, and which server it should send it to. It would check the form coming from MySpace but not check that the return data would go there. So, it became a Reverse Cross-Site Request, never returning to the originating server (MySpace). Although this could happen to Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) too, it’s not as likely. IE checks a little more carefully. Remember—it’s a jungle out there!

https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id+360493

Power to the Pismo

FastMac brings us an extended life battery for those “Pismo” PowerBook G3 laptops. This 84 watt-hour battery delivers up to 68% more power than the factory battery does. It uses lithium-ion cells that have a built-in charge indicator. Although they do not have the memory effect that Ni-cad batteries do, they will self-discharge over time without use. So, keep it on the charger whenever possible. Integral sensors keep battery from swelling,or a short circuit from occurring inside the battery. This is a relief, in light of the SONY laptop battery recall (affecting Macintosh laptops too). Priced at $139.95.

http://store.fastmac.com/product_info.php?products_id=290

Remote Desktop upgrade

Apple has released Remote Desktop 3.1. This is a new version of their workstation management software, and is recommended for all users. Here’s some of the stuff they fixed: scanning of computers on a network; authentication when using directory services; execution of AppleScript and Automator workflows; and compatibility with third party VNC viewers  and servers. Use with OS X 10.3.9 or later. Update using the Software Update control panel or on the Web at: www.apple.com/support/downloads

Apple in the RAW

Apple has posted their Digital Camera Raw Support Update 1.0.1 for the PowerPC. Tiger (OS 10.4) has support for image file and Digital camera formats with Preview, iPhoto and Aperture. These applications all support the RAW file format (no data loss, no compression, large file size). This  update makes the Nikon D80; Pentax DS; Cannon Digital Rebel Xti 400D and Kiss X cameras more RAW-file-compatible with the OS. A fix for lines that occur on Aperture-exported images, and the improved handling of Adobe Digital Negative format (.dng) and Cannon RAW files (.CRW) make this a necessary update for the serious digital photographer! 

www.apple.com/support/downloads/digitalcamerasupportupdate101ppc.html

G5 will start again

Apple has unveiled details about their PowerMac G5 Repair Extension Program for Power Supply Issues. This extension program lets PowerMac G5 users get their computers fixed free of charge. You must have suffered a power-related issue due to specific component failure in the power supply. The models affected—sold from October 2005 to August 2006—were: dual 2GHz, dual 2.3GHz or quad 2.5GHz G5 processors. Check your serial number range below:

    CK539xxxxxx – CK608xxxxxx

    G8539xxxxxx – G8608xxxxxx

    YM539xxxxxx – YM608xxxxxx

    RM539xxxxxx­ – RM608xxxxxx

You are covered if your G5 doesn’t start when you push the power button, there is no LED activity. and the serial number falls within the above numbers­. The program protects you for up to two years after date of purchase even if the warranty is up. For more details, check the Apple site. Don’t delay!

www.apple.com/support/powermac/powersupply/repairextension/

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Metropolitan New York Macintosh Alliance