[1/30] Former Apple Marketer Ed Prasek Opens Mac-Exclusive Strategic Marketing and Business Services Firm

Mac industry veteran Ed Prasek launched Spin Studio, LLC, a company specializing in providing world-class marketing, merchandising, channel, and business strategy and consultation services exclusively to developers and companies in the Macintosh industry.

"The Mac industry is famously unique. Its customers, the way the channel works, everything, is very different from the standard PC industry," says Spin Studio founder and Mac industry veteran, Ed Prasek. "And it takes real Mac industry know-how in order to provide effective, well received marketing programs and initiatives. And now with Spin Studio, developers and companies in the Mac industry can take advantage of just that: marketing and business services designed especially for them."

Spin Studio's services for developers and companies in the Mac industry include strategic, guerilla, blend, and viral marketing; business strategy consulting; relationship building and networking; merchandising and channel penetration; product planning; website layout and presentation; go to market initiatives; and more.

We have known Ed for a long time. Prior to founding Spin Studio, he was an integral member of Apple's Worldwide Developer Relations organization and also served as Publisher & Editor in Chief of MacHome Journal magazine. He is a great guy personally as well as professionally. We wish him success in his new venture. [Bill Fox]

[1/30] Software Special of the Day: 3D Data Visualizer Pro 1.0.7 (Universal) for 49% Off Today Only--$19.95

3D Data Visualizer Pro quickly creates and animates great 3D line, surface, and scatter plots from table based data. Choose your delimiter type(s), and select the type of plot desired. Specify your desired colors, lighting, and rotation, and animation.

Normally $39.00, 3D Data Visualizer Pro 1.0.7 (Universal) is offered for $19.95--that's 49% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[1/30] Warning--Intuit is ending Online Services for Quicken 2004

In a not-so-thinly-veiled effort to sell Quicken 2007, Intuit has sent out notices that it is discontinuing online services for Quicken 2004. It's not just that Intuit will no longer provide support for Quicken 2004, it's that the services will apparently no longer actually work. The note from Intuit states:

Online Services are being discontinued for Quicken 2004 users.

Discontinuing online support for older versions helps us provide you with high service levels, while still delivering leading-edge financial solutions at a low cost. Discontinued services will include:

• Downloading financial data from your bank, credit union, credit card, brokerage, 401(K), or mutual fund accounts
  
• Online bill pay
  
• Downloading stock quotes, news headlines, and other financial information into Quicken
  
• Uploading portfolio information from Quicken to Quicken.com
  
• Access to the investing features on Quicken.com, including portfolio tracking, any watch lists you have created, One-Click Scorecard, Stock Evaluator, and Mutual Fund Evaluator
  

For more information about the Quicken Service Discontinuation Plan, click here.

Maintaining uninterrupted service is easy and affordable.

To make this transition as simple as possible for you, we're offering a $20 savings on Quicken Mac 2007. We'll also provide free installation assistance, shipping, and bonus software. You'll pay only $49.99 for Quicken Mac 2007—and get the tools to optimize your investments and maximize your return.

Act today to ensure continued access to Online Services.

To avoid service interruption, upgrade and install Quicken 2007 before April 30, 2007. Upgrade online today or call 1-800-811-8766. Make sure to reference the priority code at the top of this e-mail to receive your savings.

Fortunately, we are using Quicken 2006 because we determined that the few improvements in Quicken 2007 do not justify the upgrade cost for us. The online services discontinuation date for Quicken 2004 is April 30, 2007. [Bill Fox]

[1/30] From the Dark Side--RESCUECOM Urges Not Upgrading to Windows Vista

At the public release of Microsoft's long-awaited Windows Vista operating system, in a note to us David A. Milman, founder and CEO of RESCUECOM, an independent national computer repair and technology company, is urging computer users NOT to buy Vista,

"While the hype surrounding Vista is in many ways justified, we are urging the tens of thousands of businesses and home computer users we service to take a wait and see approach. Sometimes the latest is not necessarily the greatest and we'd hate some minor glitch to result in major headaches for our customers or anyone else. We suggest waiting six months before purchasing Vista. Allow the early users to discover the flaws and weaknesses and allow Microsoft to perfect this exciting product before blindly and enthusiastically placing your computers and your data in its care."

Actually, it may be years before large businesses and governmental agencies migrate to Windows Vista while they test it. For the more intrepid, Vista won't really be ready for prime time until later this year when the first service pack will be released according to Digit.

Aren't you glad you use a Mac and Mac OS X? [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[1/29] [Updated]Photoshop Lightroom 1.0 (Universal) Available for Pre-Order at $199

After a year of public betas, Adobe will ship Photoshop Lightroom on February 19, 2007, but it can be pre-ordered today at a special introductory price of $199. A free trial download will be available on the February 19th date as well.

Photoshop Lightroom is Adobe's software product built especially for digital photographers who shoot and work with large volumes of images. It streamlines the photographer's workflow from importing RAW images directly from digital cameras to managing the collection of those images to applying most re-touching effects non-destructively to presenting the results or to exporting to Photoshop for further work on those few special images that require it.

Adobe says that over 500,000 photographers participated actively in the public beta program through beta 4.1, the last one. There were over 1 million downloads altogether. So, the final 1.0 version of Photoshop Lightroom has many new features and changes from the public betas.

New Features in the Final Version

Since the last beta there are significant changes to the Library and Develop modules complementing improvements to the Slideshow, Print and Web components. Here is the final interface (click on it or here to see five large images of the component interfaces):

While in the Library module, new advanced keywording tools help photographers filter through large collections, and an improved import dialogue with more flexible file handling allows more choice when determining file location.

The new Key Metadata Browser provides quick access to key information tags with an improved ranking and rating system that now incorporates color labels and a pick/reject system that sorts and locates photographs faster than ever.

New to the Develop module, Virtual Copies and Snapshot tools help present multiple versions of the same image, providing the most choice to clients without the confusion of saving separate physical versions.

Additional tools added include a Hue, Saturation and Luminance targeted adjustment tool for precise and intuitive image edits. Clone and Healing features provide non-destructive edits to eliminate sensor dust across one or many images.

Photoshop Lightroom supports over 150 raw file formats in addition to JPEG and TIFF. The latest camera models supported include the Nikon D 40 and 80, and Pentax K10D. Upon import, files can be converted to the Digital Negative specification (DNG) or renamed and segmented by folder or date.  DNG is an industry-wide initiative to create a universal file format for solving workflow and archiving issues. It aims to eliminate barriers to new camera adoption while giving professional photographers the confidence that their digital body of work is securely archived and will remain accessible as digital imaging technology evolves.

Requirements

The requirements are Mac OS X 10.4 or later; a G4, G5 or Intel Core Duo CPU; 768MB RAM (1GB recommended); 1GB of free hard disk space; a monitor with 1024x768 resolution; and a CD-ROM drive. We have been using the beta versions on a 1.66GHz Mac mini Core Duo and a 2.33GHz 15" MacBook Pro C2D.

Compatibility

Photoshop Lightroom has been tested with beta versions of Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" due out this Spring. If needed in order to run on Leopard when it comes out, Adobe plans to provide a free update.

Adobe has also tested to ensure that the final version of Photoshop Lightroom 1.0 is compatible with the files or databases made by the final Beta 4.1. Files from earlier betas may not be compatible. This will not affect original digital photograph images and they may simply need to be re-imported into Photoshop Lightroom 1.0.

Pricing and Availability

The special introductory price of $199 is good through April 30, 2007, at the Adobe Store or resellers like Amazon.com. Thereafter, Photoshop Lightroom will sell for an estimated street price of $299. Photoshop Lightroom beta 4.1 will expire on February 28, 2007. A trial edition will be available for download on February 19.

We will post a review when Photoshop Lightroom 1.0 becomes available. [Update: Added Amazon.com as another source per a note from reader Mark Gipson.] [Bill Fox]

[1/29] [Updated]Faster Macs Coming--Intel Using Technology Breakthrough Similar to IBM's for Faster, Smaller and More Efficient CPU's

The speed of CPUs has been "stuck" near 3GHz for awhile but IBM working with AMD, Sony and Toshiba have developed a new way to construct the tiny transistors with a new material, clearing a path toward chip circuitry that is smaller, faster and more power-efficient than previously thought possible. The technology, called "high-k metal gate," substitutes a new material into a critical portion of the transistor that controls its primary on/off switching function. The material provides superior electrical properties compared to its predecessor, enhancing the transistor’s function while also allowing the size of the transistor to be shrunk beyond limits being reached today.

The new technology allows the industry to again get on the path of "Moore's Law" of doubling the number of transistors on a processor every 12-18 months. Only minimal retooling of manufacturing plants is required to use the new material.

Subsequently, Intel announced that it was using high-k material and metal gate technology in its 45nm process to build faster, smaller and more power efficient CPUs later this year. The new CPUs are called the Penryn family and are targeted at computer applications, including Apple's Macs running Mac OS X.

According to Intel,

"With more than 400 million transistors for dual-core processors and more than 800 million for quad-core, the Penryn family of 45nm processors includes new microarchitecture features for greater performance and power management capabilities, as well as higher core speeds and up to 12 megabytes of cache."

Intel explained that silicon dioxide has been used to make the transistor gate dielectric for more than 40 years because of its manufacturability and ability to deliver continued transistor performance improvements as it has been made ever thinner. Intel has successfully shrunk the silicon dioxide gate dielectric to as little as 1.2nm thick – equal to five atomic layers – on our previous 65nm process technology, but the continued shrinking has led to increased current leakage through the gate dielectric, resulting in wasted electric current and unnecessary heat.

Transistor gate leakage associated with the ever-thinning silicon dioxide gate dielectric is recognized by the industry as one of the most formidable technical challenges facing Moore’s Law. To solve this critical issue, Intel replaced the silicon dioxide with a thicker hafnium-based high-k material in the gate dielectric, reducing leakage by more than 10 times compared to the silicon dioxide used for more than four decades.

Because the high-k gate dielectric is not compatible with today’s silicon gate electrode, the second part of Intel’s 45nm transistor material recipe is the development of new metal gate materials. While the specific metals that Intel uses remains secret, the company will use a combination of different metal materials for the transistor gate electrodes.

The combination of the high-k gate dielectric with the metal gate for Intel’s 45nm process technology provides more than a 20 percent increase in drive current, or higher transistor performance. Conversely it reduces source-drain leakage by more than five times, thus improving the energy efficiency of the transistor.

Intel's 45nm process technology also improves transistor density by approximately two times that of the previous generation, allowing the company to either increase the overall transistor count or to make processors smaller. Because the 45nm transistors are smaller than the previous generation, they take less energy to switch on and off, reducing active switching power by approximately 30 percent. Intel will use copper wires with a low-k dielectric for its 45nm interconnects for increased performance and lower power consumption. It will also use innovative design rules and advanced mask techniques to extend the use of 193nm dry lithography to manufacture its 45nm processors because of the cost advantages and high manufacturability it affords. [Update: Clarified headline.] [Bill Fox]

[1/29] Software Special of the Day: Studiometry 4.1 (Universal) for 44% Off Today Only--$105.95

Studiometry can store information about clients, contacts, projects, to-do's, payments, timers, invoices, reports, employees and more.

It features networking, multiple employee support (with permissions and hour tracking), simultaneous search of all data, multiple currencies (with automatic exchange rate updating), multiple contacts per client, project and client statuses and categories, modifiable taxes, and many more features.

Normally $189.95, Studiometry 4.1 (Universal) is offered for $105.95--that's 44% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[1/29] Mac Version of TurningPoint Released--Audience Response Software

Turning Technologies, LLC, released the new Mac-compatible version of their interactive PowerPoint software, TurningPoint. TurningPoint for Mac provides an audience response system for any presentation-focused environment.

TurningPoint audience response systems create a fully interactive experience in the classroom, the lecture hall, the meeting room or even the conference auditorium. With seamless PowerPoint integration and detailed reporting via Excel, TurningPoint transforms any PowerPoint presentation into an engaging hands-on discussion and assessment tool. Teachers, professors, and presenters can collect real-time data from students or meeting participants through the easy-to-use TurningPoint software and ResponseCard keypads. Immediately evaluate participant comprehension and alter presentation material to meet particular needs and/or integrate additional feedback into your presentation. TurningPoint is a global leader in a variety of markets including K-12, Higher Education, Government and Corporate settings.

"We've been listening to the feedback of our customers. The Mac release of our TurningPoint software has been a frequent request in the marketplace. We're extremely pleased to now offer the premier capabilities and usability of TurningPoint to Mac users around the world." stated Mike Broderick, Turning Technologies' CEO.

TurningPoint for Mac is 100% native to Microsoft PowerPoint 2004. [Bill Fox]

[1/29] Smart Scroll x 2.1 (Universal) Released

Smart Scroll X makes scrolling more convenient:

• Super Wheel makes your scroll wheel smoother, faster and more comfortable.
• Grab Scroll gives you a Hand tool to easily move any window's contents. It features coasting, just like on the iPhone.

Other features include Universal Scroll Keys that let you scroll from the keyboard, FileMaker Pro and AppleWorks enhancements, and more.

New in version 2.1:

• Super Wheel improvements for the Finder, Firefox and other Carbon applications.
  
• Smoother horizontal scrolling for Super Wheel and Grab Scroll, in Carbon applications.
  
• Various other fixes and improvements.

Smart Scroll X 2.1 is shareware ($19 single user license) and runs on Mac OS X 10.3.9 or newer (universal). [Bill Fox]

[1/29] Cool Mac Software--AppleJack 1.4.3 (Universal)--Free (Donationware)

Reader John Esser recommends AppleJack 1.4.3, a free (donationware) application from The Apotek available for download via MacUpdate.com.

AppleJack is a user friendly troubleshooting assistant for Mac OS X. With AppleJack you can troubleshoot a computer even if you can't load the GUI, or don't have a startup CD handy. AppleJack runs in Single User Mode and is menu-based for ease of use.

Using AppleJack, you can repair your disk, repair permissions, validate the system's preference files, and get rid of possibly corrupted cache files. In most cases, these operations can help get your machine back on track. The important thing is that you don't need another startup disk with you. All you need to do is restart in Single User Mode (SUM), by holding down the command and s keys at startup, and then typing applejack, or applejack auto (which will run through all the tasks automatically), or applejack auto restart (which will also restart the computer automatically at the end of the process). [Bill Fox]

[1/26] Brief Hands-On Report--AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001

AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001 is available via Software Update or as a stand-alone file from this Apple Web page.

According to Apple,

This update is recommended for all Intel-based Macintosh computers and provides compatibility with AirPort Extreme base stations and networks.

Here are the security details:

AirPort
CVE-ID: CVE-2006-6292
Available for: Mac OS X v10.4.8, Mac OS X Server v10.4.8
Impact: Attackers on the wireless network may cause system
crashes
Description: An out-of-bounds memory read may occur while
handling wireless frames. An attacker in local proximity may be
able to trigger a system crash by sending a maliciously-crafted
frame to an affected system. This issue affects the Core Duo
version of Mac mini, MacBook, and MacBook Pro computers equipped
with wireless. Other systems, including the Core 2 Duo versions
are not affected. This update addresses the issue by performing
additional validation of wireless frames. Credit to LMH for
reporting this issue.

We downloaded the update and installed it on a MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo and an iMac Core Duo with no difficulty. Our brief use before publication time did not reveal any problems. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[1/26] Software Special of the Day: Tribal Trouble 1.6 (Universal) for 33% Off Today Only--$19.95

Tribal Trouble is a fast-paced, humorous, real-time strategy game where your job is to lead your cartoonish and somewhat clueless kinsmen (be they Vikings or Natives) to new discoveries and victories as tribal clashes rage across tropical and northern islands.

Unlike most other RTS games, Tribal Trouble is quite easy to grasp and offers single player skirmish and campaign games as well as online multi player battles on a near infinite number of maps.

While Tribal Trouble is quite simple to grasp, planning successful strategies and utilizing the complex and varying terrain to your advantage, is the real challenge. The game features:

• A single player mode where you can play against computer controlled opponents of three difficulty levels.
  
• A single player campaign mode.
  
• A multi player mode where you can challenge other players online and enter The League.
  
• An endless supply of computer generated islands (up to one square kilometer) with varying terrain.
  
• Massive battles with up to six players and 900 tribesmen at the same time.
  
• Resource gathering and weapon production.
  
• Three types of buildings for each tribe: Quarters, armories, and watchtowers.
  
• Five types of units for each tribe.
  
• Chieftains with destructive special attacks.

Normally $29.95, Tribal Trouble 1.6 (Universal) is offered for $19.95--that's 33% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[1/26] OWC reduced the Price of its On-The-Go 2.5" Mobile Hard Drives

The new reduced prices for OWC's Mercury On-The-Go 2.5" FireWire 400+USB2 line are as follows:

- 40GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer remains $114.99
- 60GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $129.99, now $124.99 - a $5 Drop
- 60GB 7200RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $159.99, now $149.99 - a $10 Drop
- 80GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $139.99, now $129.99 - a $10 Drop
- 80GB 7200RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $179.99, now $169.99 - a $10 Drop
-100GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $159.99, now $147.99 - a $12 Drop
-100GB 7200RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $209.99, now $199.99 - a $10 Drop
-120GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $169.99, now $149.99 - a $20 Drop
-160GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $237.99, now $219.99 - an $18 Drop

If a USB 2.0 interface is not needed, Mercury On-The-Go 2.5" FireWire-only
models of the above On-The-Go capacities are also available, and are priced $5 - $10 less than the combo FW+USB 2.0 version. Check them out on OWC's Web site.

We have several of the 5400RPM FireWire 400-only versions and can highly recommend them. [Bill Fox]

[1/25] Apple Month of Bugs Update

Three weeks ago we noted that hackers LMH and Kevin Finisterre planned to provide a security bug a day during January for Apple's Mac OS X. As of publication time, they have provided 24 security flaws and are right on their projected pace. The 25th is due out today.

Meanwhile, Landon Fuller has provided fixes for the first 20 bugs. [Bill Fox]

[1/25] Software Special of the Day: Dejal Simon 2.2 (Universal) for 50% Off Today Only--$14.95

Dejal Simon is the essential site monitoring tool for Mac OS X. It checks web pages, FTP and DNS servers, local or remote ports, and other services for changes or failures, and notifies you via e-mail, sound, speech, or HTML reports.

Add tests to Simon to track updated sites, to alert you when an important server goes down or recovers, check on Samba SMB, take periodic screenshots of the system, track posts and new comments on your or friends' blogs, check for web mail, make sure a key application is running, get notifications of updates to favorite news and entertainment websites, keep an eye on auctions, and many other uses.

Services include Web (HTTP) to check web pages (including secure ones, and supporting POST and cookies), FTP files and directory listings, DNS, Ping servers, watch a local Application, capture periodic Screenshots, watch for System Log Errors, and more. Plus, you can easily add your own services via custom port connections, AppleScripts, shell scripts, or Perl, PHP, Python, etc.

Receive notification of changes, failures, and/or recoveries via various Actions, auto-generated E-mail messages (including to your pager or cellphone), Growl notifications, an audible Sound, or customizable Speech.

HTML reports allow remote viewing of a summary and/or details of Simon monitoring. Reports can be saved to a local web server, or uploaded remotely. Customizable templates (with several examples provided) allow embedding in a web page, using a compact format suitable for viewing on PDAs and cellphones, creating a RSS feed, and more.

Normally $29.95, Dejal Simon 2.2 (Universal) is offered for $14.95--that's 50% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[1/25] Apple Revised the Offerings from Five Hot Deals Retailers

CDW Macwarehouse has deals on a variety of Mac compatible products including: BookEndz Docking Station for the MacBook Pro for only $299.95; Microsoft Office 2004 Pro for only $469!; Nikon Coolpix S7c 7.1-megapixel compact digital camera for only $349.95!; NEC MultiSync 20-inch LCD display for only $489.99!; Lexmark C522 color laser printer for only $299.99!; Epson GT 2500 document imaging color scanner for only $599.99!; TechTool Protege complete package from MicroMat for only $246.99; TurboTax Deluxe Deduction Maximizer 2006 complete package from Intuit for only $43.99; EMC Retrospect Desktop back-up software for only $95.99; and much more.

ClubMac has deals on a variety of Mac compatible products including: AudioStation for iPod from Logitech for only $299.99!; iStopMotion 2D animation software from Graphic Sim for only $37.99; USB-powered notebook cooler from Micropac for only $14.99; Inspire T3030 2.1 multimedia speaker system from Creative for only $51!; VG730m 17-inch LCD display from Viewsonic for only $209.99!; ScanMaker S400 high-resolution flatbed slide/film scanner from Microtek for only $99.99 after mail-in rebate!; Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Warlords expansion pack from Asypr for only $29.99!; Pixma MP810 Photo All-in-One wireless BlueTooth printer w/color display from Canon for only $299!; and much more.

J&R Computerworld has deals on a variety of Mac compatible products including: CanoScan LiDE 600F flatbed color image scanner from Canon for only $138.99!; Slingbox AV SB240-100 (yes, it works with Mac OS X!) from Sling Media only $178.99!; 40GB Porsche Design external hard drive from LaCie for only $19.99!; Podcast Factory kit - everything you need to create professional podcasts only from M-Audio for only $129!; Harmony Audio lets you record real instruments, or any analog source, to your Mac from Migila Tech for only $139.97!; left-handed Vertical Mouse from Evoluent for only $79.99!; and much more.

MacMall has deals on a variety of Mac compatible products including: EOS 30D Digital SLR kit w/17-85mm lens from Canon for only $1,472.99 after mail-in rebate! 120GB Titanium II external hard drive from Fantom w/FireWire/USB 2.0 interface for only $49.99!; Video-55 protable audio/video player w/7-inch screen for iPod w/video from Sonic Impact for only $189.99!; My Book Essential external hard drive w/FireWire/USB 2.0 interface from Western Digital for only $89.99; iGroove HG all-in-one speaker solution for iPod from Klipsch for only $194.99!; Perfection V350 flatbed photo scanner from Espon for only $149.99!; Toast Titanium 8 w/Blu-ray support from Roxio for only $58.48!; and much more.

Ramjet has Hot Deals exclusive pricing on Mac compatible memory upgrades including: 2GB memory upgrade kit for the (Intel-based) iMac for only $248!; 2GB memory upgrade kit for the original iMac G5 w/iSight for only$282!; 1GB memory upgrade kit for (Intel-based) Mac mini for only $256!; 1GB memory upgrade kit for the PowerMac G4 (w/Mirror Drive Doors) for only $71!; 2GB memory upgrade kit for the PowerMac G5 for only $257! ; and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[1/25] Tonight on The Tech Night Owl LIVE--Photoshop CS3, MacFixIt and Parallels Desktop for Mac

Tonight, host Gene Steinberg calls upon famous Adobe Photoshop guru David Biedny, in "The David Biedny Zone," to deliver a full analysis of the new features of Photoshop CS3. This is the public beta of the upcoming Universal version that'll run native on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs. You'll also receive the latest Mac troubleshooting news and views from MacFixIt editor Ben Wilson. In addition, with a spanking new version of Parallels Desktop coming, Product Manager Benjamin Rudolph tells you about all its great features and plans for the future of this popular "virtual machine" application. You can tune into the Web broadcast tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 to 11:00 PM Eastern. [Bill Fox]

[1/25] From the Dark Side--CNet gives Windows Vista Home Premium a Tepid Review

According to CNet,

"The bottom line: Windows Vista Home Premium is essentially warmed-over Windows XP Home Edition. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade."

With Mac OS X 1.5 "Leopard" coming soon, aren't you glad you use a Mac? [Dana Baggett]

[1/24] Brief Hands-On Report--Apple released Security Update 2007-001

Security Update 2007-001 is available for download via Software Update or as a stand-alone file from this Apple Web page. There are separate Intel-based and PowerPC-based updaters. According to Apple, the update fixes a QuickTime security issue. Here are the details:

QuickTime
CVE-ID: CVE-2007-0015
Available for: QuickTime 7.1.3 on Mac OS X v10.3.9, Mac OS X Server
v10.3.9, Mac OS X v10.4.8, Mac OS X Server v10.4.8, Windows XP/2000
Impact: Visiting malicious websites may lead to arbitrary code
execution
Description: A buffer overflow exists in QuickTime's handling of RTSP
URLs. By enticing a user to access a maliciously-crafted RTSP URL, an
attacker can trigger the buffer overflow, which may lead to arbitrary
code execution. A QTL file that triggers this issue has been
published on the Month of Apple Bugs web site (MOAB-01-01-2007). This
update addresses the issue by performing additional validation of
RTSP URLs.

We downloaded Security Update 2007-001 and installed it on several Macs, including a MacBook Pro C2D and iMac Core Duo without a problem. We also used QuickTime to view various videos and QuickTime content on the Web with no problems. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[1/24] Software Special of the Day: SRS iWOW 1.1.3 (Universal) for 40% Off Today Only--$12

iWOW is an audio enhancement plug-in for iTunes from SRS Labs. It will provide amazing audio immersion and maximum thump for a personalized audio experience!

The advanced audio enhancement features so you can tune and customize your music, movie or video include:

• SRS® 3D - 3D stereo enhancement for moro or stereo content SRS 3D Center Control™ - a 'virtual' zoom lens that dynamically extracts and positions the dialog in the foreground or background of the audio mix
  
• SRS TruBass® - bass maximization
  
• SRS FOCUS™ - optimize speaker output to compensate and reposition audio placement
  
• SRS Definition™ - delivers a more lively and brilliant sound by highlightly the high frequency details originally presented in the audio source

Version 1.1.3, just released, will make iWOW process iTunes audio even when it is in the closed state. That feature was added due to popular demand. Additionally, it has audio improvements for bass enhancement.

Normally $19.99, SRS iWOW 1.1.3 (Universal) is offered for $12.00--that's 40% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[1/24] Phone plugins 1.1 for Address Book (Universal) adds Support for Nokia Phones

A free update supports sending SMS messages and dialing phone numbers directly from the Address Book of Mac OS X with mobile phones from Nokia. Address Book phone plugins Version 1.1 from nova media support Nokia mobile phones Series 40, 60 and 80, covering nearly all existing Nokia phone models available today. Until now, these plugins have been made available for Sony Ericsson phones only.

"These plugins support incoming call actions as well, e.g. to answer a call or send the caller to the mobile´s voice mail." states Jan Fuellemann, PR spokesperson at nova media. "Nobody should have to wait for the next Mac OS system update to use their latest mobile phone with iSync."

Address Book phone plugins are Universal Binary, require Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher and are available immediately from the Nova Media Web site for Euro 6.50 ($8.50). [Bill Fox]

[1/24] Open Door Networks Updated All of Its Security Products

Open Door Networks Inc. released major upgrades to its comprehensive line of Internet security products. The upgrades, available immediately, provide significant new functionality and enhanced integration, along with addressing new and evolving security issues. Open Door also announced special pricing on the products through February 14.

Each of Open Door's security products is receiving an upgrade:

• The DoorStop X Firewall, version 2.0, adds "Location sets," which specify different protection for different network environments, automated log archiving, service-specific logging options, direct integration with Open Door's isfym.com security blog and other new features and fixes.
• The Who's There? Firewall Advisor, version 2.1, includes new filtering and searching features, enhanced real-time scrolling, direct integration with Open Door's security blog, new service definitions and bug fixes.
• The eBook "Internet Security for Your Macintosh: A Guide for the Rest of Us" has been updated to discuss the latest issues and concerns, in particular security for Intel Macs running Mac OS X and/or Windows. The eBook, and its associated blog, isfym.com, are integrated into Open Door's other security products, and the book is also available as a standalone PDF file.
• The DoorStop X Security Suite, version 2.0, includes all of the above updated products. The Suite continues to represent the most comprehensive approach to Macintosh Internet security available today.

Through February 14, 2007, special pricing for the products is:

* DoorStop X Firewall 2.0: $39
* Who's There? 2.1: $29
* "Internet Security for Your Macintosh": $9
* DoorStop X Security Suite 2.0: $69

Through the same period, upgrade pricing includes:

* Any version of DoorStop X Firewall to 2.0: $29
* Any version of Who's There? to 2.1: $19
* "Internet Security for Your Macintosh": Free
* DoorStop X Security Suite 1.0 to 2.0: $39

Free 30-day evaluation versions of the updated products are available from Open Door's Web site. Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later is required. [Bill Fox]

[1/24] From the Dark Side--Microsoft tries to pay for Wikipedia Edits

Microsoft offered to pay blogger Rick Jelliffe to try to edit certain entries on an open source document standard in the community based online encyclopedia Wikipedia to be more favorable to Microsoft according to this AP article. The unethical event never happened and Microsoft claims it was just trying to set the record straight. Maybe, but a more ethical approach would have been to write and post a white paper on the topic and have it linked from Wikipedia's discussion of the article according to its founder, Jimmy Wales. Hmmm...well, just remember that the CEO of the world's biggest convicted illegal monopolist once stated publicly that he didn't know what a monopoly is. [Dana Baggett & Bill Fox]

[1/23] Almost Two-Thirds of Print/Prepress Workstations are Macs

The Industry Measure released its 2007 Graphic Arts Market Demographic Profiles report, an update to the Demographic Profiles report published in February 2006. The report provides snapshots of each of the graphic arts markets The Industry Measure regularly surveys—commercial printers and prepress shops, graphic design and production firms, and publishing companies. These snapshots include top-line demographic data (establishments, graphic production desktops, shipments/revenues, and capital expenditures), industry trends (business conditions and the forces that are causing those conditions), market outlook for 2007 and beyond, and guidance for industry firms, vendors, investors, researchers, and analysts.

Some key findings are:

• There are fewer than 26,000 commercial printing and prepress establishments in the U.S., a decline of 6.5% from the previous year;
• There are nearly 98,000 production workstations in print and prepress firms, almost two-thirds of which are Apple Macintosh computers.
• 48% of U.S. printing and prepress establishments are small commercial and quick printers, and yet small commercial and quick printers only account for 16% of all shipments in the industry;
• Ad agencies account for only 16% of U.S. design and production establishments, but account for 35% of the revenues;
• Book publishers account for 19% of U.S. publishing establishments, and account for 44% of the revenues;
• Magazine publishers' capital expenditures are up 7.7% over last year;
• U.S. graphic design firms plan to spend an estimated $44+ million on new software this year, down 6.2% from last year.

The Industry Measure reports are available for online purchase at the Industry Measure eStore in PDF format. [Bill Fox]

[1/23] Lights Out 2.3 Update (Universal)--More Control Over Mac OS X's Energy Saver

Lights Out, now a Universal application, is designed to give users more control over Apple's Energy Saver. It helps solve the problem of Energy Saver insomnia. Many software packages, scanners, and other peripherals interfere with the Mac's normal sleeping patterns. Lights Out offers a secondary idle timer to put your Mac to sleep even when Energy Saver fails to do so. The application also offers hot corners to instantly put your Mac to sleep, or keep your Mac awake. Lights Out offers the ability to customize Energy Saver settings for individual applications. This can be useful for long downloads, iTunes streams, CD or DVD playback, etc. Lights Out can even logout or shutdown your Macintosh after a specified idle period.

Version 2.3 of Lights Out is now a Universal Binary. This release adds the ability to toggle Safe Sleep on and off. It adds the ability to delete the sleepimage file to free up disk space. This release adds the ability to toggle the Wake When Lid is Opened setting on portables. This release also includes other minor bug fixes and improvements.

Lights Out is US $8.95 shareware. It is available for immediate download from the Northern Softworks Web site. [Bill fox]

[1/23] EarthDesk 4.0 is Out--Now Cocoa Native

Xeric Design, Ltd. is pleased to announce the release of EarthDesk 4.0, its award-winning, real-time dynamic desktop map, for Mac OS X. EarthDesk 4.0 has been rebuilt from the ground up as a modern Cocoa product. The application has been moved from the dock to the System Preferences Panel and an optional menu item has been added for easy access to the most common settings.

EarthDesk replaces your static desktop with a photo-realistic image of the Earth showing current sun, moon and city illumination as well as real-time global cloud coverage (hurricanes, storms, and worldwide weather systems) on your Mac desktop. EarthDesk is the only application of its kind to support accurate moonlight, multiple monitors, eleven different map projections, as well as political and satellite views.

Single user copies may be purchased online for $19.95. Upgrades are available for $9.95 or $12.95 depending on the status of your pre-existing license. For more information and to download an evaluation version, go to the Xeric Design Web site. [Bill Fox]

[1/23] From the Dark Side--CompUSA Guarantees Great Windows Vista Experience or Money Back

Windows Vista is coming up on its general public release in a week, January 30th. Do you think interest needs to be stirred up? Yes? Us, too. It seems that CompUSA also agrees with us so it is offering to take back Vista, reinstall your old OS and refund your money if you do not "...enjoy the overall performance and features of Windows Vista," according to their press release.

The rub, of course, is that you have to bring your computer in to a CompUSA store for an "evaluation" and installation. The installation will cost $19.99 if the computer is brought in on the 29th and $49.99 thereafter. We are also sure that the "evaluation" will result in the store pushing RAM and graphics card sales because CompUSA states that, "Some upgrades may be required to properly install Windows Vista...."

Aren't you glad you own a Mac?

[1/22] [Updated]Apple's New 802.11n Super-Fast WiFi for Macs Already Purchased to cost $1.99--Our Take

During Macworld Week, Apple announced Apple TV and a new AirPort Extreme Base Station that will use the super-fast WiFi 802.11n protocol, technically still in draft. The 802.11n protocol implementation in all shipping Core 2 Duo Macs was one nearly correct guess we made about Steve Jobs keynote announcements. While Steve Jobs mentioned that Apple TV will run on 802.11n, the release of the new AirPort Extreme Base Station and the fact that all shipping Macs with Core 2 Duo CPUs (except the cheapest 17" iMac model) can run the 802.11n protocol was announced in a press release, not in the keynote.

Even though virtually all Core 2 Duo Macs shipped already have WiFi chips that run the 802.11n protocol, the feature was disabled by Apple and needs to be enabled with software. The enabling software will be bundled with the new AirPort Extreme Base Station but others who want it will have to download the software from Apple and pay a fee, now set at $1.99 according to an Apple representative quoted in this CNet article. Apple claims this charge is required "to comply with generally accepted accounting rules for revenue recognition, which generally require that we charge for significant feature enhancements, such as 802.11n, when added to previously purchased products."

Well, $1.99 is a token payment. While we wonder exactly how Apple is going to charge for it (iTunes Store?), we are not going to quibble with the minor charge. However, we find the explanation rather strange because the feature actually already exists in the purchased product, disabled by Apple, and the software just enables it. GM never charged us for implementing the capability for MP3 playing in our navigation system when GM updated its firmware--the feature was there, just disabled until the firmware update. Perhaps, GM will eventually get into trouble for the free significant feature enhancement.

[Update: This ZDNet article "explains" the technicalities of the accounting issue. However, like most such technicalities they make sense to the technocracy that created them but make little common sense. Just be happy that Apple is going to charge only $1.99.]

Anyway, we ordered a new AirPort Extreme Base Station the day they were announced. It has a projected shipping date of February 28 so the announcement of them being available in February is correct but just barely. We look forward to trying this new super-fast WiFi with our MacBook Pro C2D and iMac C2D. [Bill Fox]

[1/22] Intaglio Interest Group established in Yahoo Groups

Dr. Phil Hendry started a Yahoo group for Purgatory Designs' Intaglio drawing application. It is aimed at any and all users or people thinking of trying it out. For anyone wanting more information or to join, here the link.

"The aim is to provide some support for users and to share techniques and different ways of using the tools in the application," wrote Dr. Hendry. "I hope it'll be fun too!"

[Bill Fox]

[1/22] Software Special of the Day: Billings 2.0 (Universal) for 32% Off Today Only--$39.95

Billings 2 - Create invoices, track time and expenses with ease. Free yourself from slow, mundane tasks and say goodbye to being held captive by expense spreadsheets and unappealing Word or HTML based invoices. The simple design and speed-tuned performance of Billings 2 gives you the power to create professional looking invoices from eye-catching templates, which can be fully customized to match your image. Use template slips to streamline regular item invoicing. Billings 2 is designed to save you time and help you prosper straight away.

We saw Billings 2.0 at Macworld and were impressed with it. We highlighted Billings 2.0 in our show floor report.

Normally $59.00, Billings 2.0 (Universal) is offered for $39.95--that's 32% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[1/22] FinanceToGo 1.1 Update (Universal) is Out--Personal Finance Manager for Mac OS X

FinanceToGo from FastForward Software is a finance manager for Mac OS X which seamlessly integrates dozens of intuitive financial management features into one affordable software package. Ideal for individuals and small businesses, FinanceToGo is based on the standard double-entry accounting system.

If you are tired of Quicken for Mac's limitations, you might want to try FinanceToGo. International currencies and banking systems are supported, as well as the ability to import Quicken Interchangeable Format (QIF) format files for existing Quicken for Mac users.

This update is the most significant yet, bringing stability and performance improvements, enhanced Quicken Import, an autosaving feature, a new Export Transactions feature, as well as several bug fixes and more. FinanceToGo 1.1 can be downloaded from this FastForward Web page.

The update is free to registered owners. FinanceToGo is $44.95, available in English and Dutch with a User Guide PDF and several example files. [Bill Fox]

[1/22] QuickerTek upgrades Quicky Wi-Fi Transceiver for iMacs

The QuickerTek Quicky USB Transceiver for wireless iMac networking provides up to ten times the wireless performance of any USB iMac with 500 milliwatts of RF power, according to the manufacturer. Other wireless networking enhancements require the disassembly of the computer to attach to the AirPort card or other connection inside. Quicky easily attaches to the USB port and can even be powered from USB. Of course, an AC adapter is included for maximum flexibility.

The new updates to Quicky's design include four high-visibility LEDs for transmit, receive, power and link. The new external case design also distinguishes this new Quicky USB Transceiver. In addition to the 500mW of RF power, Quicky includes a 5dBi antenna which is not only more powerful than the internal antenna, but it also is positioned up and out of the confines of the iMac case. Quicky temporarily clips to the top of the iMac case.

Quicky works with all 802.11b/g Wi-Fi equipment including Apple AirPort and AirPort Extreme--even the new one just announced at Macworld Expo since it is backward compatible with the 802.11b/g protocols. Quicky works with all AirPort-equipped iMacs and requires no software drivers.

Like most QuickerTek products, Quicky is backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Its SRP is $225. [Bill Fox]

[1/19] From the Dark Side--M$ CEO Steve Ballmer laughs at Apple's iPhone and Dvorak Blathers

What does Microsoft head honcho think of Apple's iPhone now that its been introduced? In a video posted to YouTube, CEO Steve Ballmer laughed at it saying "$500!...it's the most expensive phone in the world...it won't appeal to business customers because it doesn't have a keyboard." Ballmer also claimed that "we're" selling "millions and millions and millions and millions" of phones per year--interesting since Microsoft doesn't make cell phones. Check out Steve Ballmer's credibility in another entertaining YouTube video.

In another YouTube video, John Dvorak claims Apple's iPhone trends against what people like in a cell phone--no keypad. [Bill Fox via Al Feldzamen]