Apple has released iTunes 8.2, an update that “now supports iPhone or iPod touch with the iPhone 3.0 Software Update.” The extremely brief release note also indicates that iTunes 8.2 includes many unspecified accessibility improvements and bug fixes; a security vulnerability involving itms: URLs has also been addressed. It’s available via Software Update or as a standalone 77.3 MB download.
iTunes 8.2 Ships, Hints at iPhone 3.0?
June 2nd, 2009Possible Java Security issue
May 20th, 2009Reports are coming in about a security exploit in Java for Mac OS X. While this exploit does exist, the exploit allows a website with a malicious Java applet run software remotely on your computer. This would require a malicious piece of software to already be on your computer.
I rate the security risk at a 3 out of 10.
“Several Mac security companies, Intego and SecureMac, have issued warnings related to an unpatched Java vulnerability that affects OS X. The flaw could be exploited to allow local code to be executed remotely, leaving the computer open to ‘drive-by-attacks’ which can install malicious software just by loading a website containing a specially crafted Java applet. Hackers could also access or delete files on a system,” MacNN reports.
“Disabling Java within the browser may serve as the best protection. Users can leave JavaScript enabled, as the issue only affects Java applets,” MacNN reports.
To turn off Java:
• Safari 4 Public Beta: Preferences>Security>Web content and uncheck “Enable Java.”
• Firefox 3: Preferences>Content and uncheck “Enable Java.”
Disable bouncing Dock behavior
May 12th, 2009Are you annoyed by bouncing icons in the Dock—and I’m not talking about the bounce when you open an application, but when a program wants to get your attention. Like when iChat has a video chat request, or System Preferences wants your OK to install a new panel, or Software Update found an update to install. The main problem I have with the bouncing icons is that they’re never-ending; once they start, they won’t stop until you switch to the application to end the bounce.
Don’t panic about Liquid damage
May 12th, 2009
We’ve all had an “oh poopie” moment involving liquids: Time slows down, you watch as the glass tips over, its contents cascading (beautifully, in another context perhaps) over the rim and onto the table. The rivulets of beverage roll in a miniscule tidal wave across the surface, over the edge, and drip to the floor. All in the span of a few seconds.
ComboFix (Windows)
May 12th, 2009
ComboFix is just as spartan as the screenshot here makes it look. You download ComboFix, run it, and it takes care of the rest. The basic ComboFix process looks like this: It backs up your registry, checks to see if you have Windows Recovery Console installed, and then it goes to town on your system scanning away through 40+ stages. When it’s done, ComboFix spits out a log file and lists all the malware it found, which ones it was able to remove, and which ones you’ll have to use your Google-fu to look up how to remove manually. It isn’t fancy, but it gets the job done and gives you a detailed report at the end to take to security forums for help if you need it.
Panda Cloud Antivirus is a Lightweight, Always-Updated Virus Killer
May 12th, 2009
Windows only: Panda Cloud Antivirus uses the power of cloud computing to scan and eliminate viruses from your PC that can identify new malware in almost real time.
Traditional anti-virus applications simply download an update from the servers on a periodic basis to keep your virus definitions scanning for the latest viruses—Cloud Antivirus uses their cloud system to do the work of classifying and scanning for new viruses, and is constantly updated with the latest virus information based on information from every other PC running the software.
The client is lightweight, taking a mere 16mb of RAM on our test system—and while it caches a copy of the definitions for offline use, it doesn’t seem to take much drive space either. We’ve not had a chance to test the software against real malware—in our testing it quickly found and eliminated a bunch of spy cookies, but it’s refreshing to see new innovation in the boring world of virus killing.
Panda Cloud Antivirus is a free download for 32-bit Windows only, and according to CNET will stay free for personal use even after it is released from beta. For more, check out the five best malware removal tools, and the five best antivirus applications.
iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.4
May 12th, 2009This update fixes intermittent system freeze issues for iMac computers with ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics and fixes wake-from-sleep issues in Boot Camp.
To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/iMac EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the Installer closes.
After the firmware is successfully applied to your Mac, your Boot ROM Version will be: IM91.008D.B08
For detailed information on this update, please visit this website.
Kindle DX: Larger Screen, Native PDFs
May 12th, 2009
Bucking the trend for ever-smaller devices, Amazon has announced the Kindle DX, a scaled-up version of the company’s much-discussed ebook reading device. Along with a larger screen, the Kindle DX provides a native PDF reader, finally making it compatible with the most common digital format for highly formatted electronic documents.
Apple Refreshes Wet iPhone Policy
May 12th, 2009Apple has recently revised its replacement policy regarding water-damaged iPhones. The company still won’t replace your damaged device for free if its Liquid Submersion Indicator has been activated (see “Liquid Submersion Indicators Reveal Accidental Dips,” 2009-02-17), but you can now purchase a $199 replacement phone. While $199 isn’t cheap, it’s still $400 to $500 less than purchasing a new iPhone without a 2-year contract.
Things 1.1/Things Touch 1.3.5
May 11th, 2009
Things Touch 1.3.5 has been released along with Things 1.1 and, among a heap of bug fixes and UI improvements, you’ll find a new feature for syncing Areas of Responsibility from your Mac to your iPhone (it’s not yet possible to create Areas in Things Touch). The feature requires Things 1.1 on the Mac side, which was officially released today, but has actually been available (sans release notes) for about a week (assumedly waiting for Things Touch to make it through App Store approval).
Another new addition (which is more exciting, to me) is full AppleScript support in Things on the Mac. I haven’t had a chance to dive into it yet, but it’s a topic I discussed with Cultured Code at the last Macworld Expo and I’m excited to see it come to fruition. People using Things in any kind of group setting will appreciate the reconsidered approach to task delegation, as well.