It had to happen, eventually. But I kept hoping that it wouldn't be soon. The first virus, or actually a "trojan" appeared last week that attacks Mac OS X. Actually, it is sent via iChat It is being called OSX/Leap-A on Sophos' web site. It is sent to the buddy list and the user has to give permission for it to be installed. So, keep you eyes open. More info and reference links in the SafeNetting department
"I. Cringely", a long time computer columnist is now publishing on the PBS.org web site. He has proposed an interesting theory, that Apple could use Blockbuster's locations and customer list. The locations would become a place for people to download videos to their iPods and other similar devices with larger screens. I don't expect it to happen, it would be a gamble that Apple doesn't need, but it is an interesting proposal. ... see the full story...
Apparently Amazaon is looking at becoming a global music store over night. It is aiming specifically at Apple's market. They are not the first of course, but they could be the most competitive. Read more...
Our MUG in Fort Worth has been struggling lately. Membership is down. But last week, we had one of our best meeting in terms of audience participation. And it was one, that I thought wouldn't go to far.The topic was on how to create memories of events.
I had expected it to be about iPhoto and iMovie. But while those came up, the discussion spread far and wide into a field of genealogy, book publishing, vanity press, DVD and CD publishing.
Part of the reason the meeting went so well was the high degree of audience interest in doing these things. A few attendees had actually participated in such activities and brought other points of view and validity to the discussions.
The book publishing discussions included a member who had helped two people publish books in the past year, and could address paper and ink as well as various options for publishing from inexpensive to long lasting. (Not mutually possible.)
IMHO, this proves the need to ask membership what they want to hear, and let management to let discussions be carried on in the group, not dominated by the official presenter. Good job folks
Here is a web site that provides links to just that. In fact, there is even a link for downloading AfterDark. Other files include: Apeiron, Klondike, Glider Pro, Maelstrom, Marathon Trilogy, and Solarian II. There is also a link for Crystal Quest for PALM! Just imagine still enjoying all these games and many of them are available, because there were open sourced. ... see the full story...
Ok, how many of you really take advantage of Automator? I have used it a little but never got into it very far. Now here is a web site that keeps us up with the latest in this AppleScripting automator. See the site at: automatorworld.com
I just had problems with my G5 iMac that resulted in my reformatting my hard drive and reinstalling Tiger. While preparing material for this column, I used Stumble Upon (more later). It brought me to PodManager. PodManager is a simple program for bringing music files from you iPod to your hard drive. It doesn't automatically place the music in your iPod, but you can import the songs into iTunes once you put them on your hard drive. ($7.95 to get full access. Ten songs at a time.) Download a demo at: podmanager.brunoblondeau.com
Back when the Internet was new there was a web site that used a roulette wheel to give you random web sites. Stumble Upon does it one better. It categorizes web sites based on users recommendations. Once you are on a web site you can tell Stumble Upon whether you "Like It" or "Not For Me" by clicking a button. (Thumb up or thumb down.)
I have used Stumble Upon for sometime, always disappointed when the "Macintosh" section ran out of recommended sites. Now there are new features for the users. The ability to "tag" a web site and the ability to find others that are interested in the same topics. It is making a pretty good effort to "build a community." It works with FireFox, I don't believe it works with any other browsers, but it might. Download and get more info at: www.stumbleupon.com
Upgrading software and hardware is not alway easy and can often present some challenges and surprises. This old mouse salutes the programmers who brought us software that makes the leap to Tiger...
When you need a layout, or a layout idea, check out the StockLayouts section of the HP site... lifesavers for amateurs... a shot in the arm for the pros
We haven't seen a product this complete in some time... too bad there's no Mac version! This is a complete textures factory for making your own --- or using any of 500 textures built in. Genetica
This little black book shows network administrators and Mac users how to quickly get the most out of Mac networking with Tiger Server. ... see the full story...
From Fred: My son is in industrial design school, dominated by Windows and AutoCAD. He really hates to leave the Mac platform, but will probably be forced to in order to be 100% compatible with the school. First, we'll try HighDesign fills the absence of AutoCAD for the Mac because it looks like it could provide the rich architectural and engineering powers he needs! AutoCAD users may even want to take a look. Read more...
Microspot Modeler makes it simple to create and render models in real world dimensions and view the results as you are working -- then turn them into animations! ... see the full story...
These Daystar CPU Upgrades for the Aluminum PowerBook G4 deliver speeds faster than Intel-based Macs
The leading automation training event -- AppleScript Pro Sessions -- will be held in the New York City area for the first time Applescript Sessions
This collection of more than 300 unique designs in the most classical materials and textures provides an unlimited supply of digital photo frames ... see the full story...
iClock, CopyPaste, KnowledgeMiner and iKey Essential Software for Mac OS X get updated for the latest Mac OS, and INTEL Read more...
It is that time of year when people are looking for scholarships to pay for school next fall. This site, where students also register for the SAT has a service that matches students with a database of grants, loans and internships. Read more...
"Traditions are group efforts to keep the unexpected from happening."
- Barbara Tober
"If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts."
- Albert Einstein
Have a great week... (See last week)
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