Saturday, June 30, 2001
Top Stories
Developers Support Mac OS X
More than 50% of Mac OS platform developers who attended the WWDC 2001 conference plan to release a Mac OS X product within the next six months, according to a survey conducted by Apple.
News
Oracle Looks To Mac OS X Clients
In a boost for Mac OS X as a corporate platform, Oracle Corp. has announced that it is developing client software to connect workstations running Apple Computer Inc.'s new OS to Oracle's own database applications.
It's D-Day For Diablo II Fans
Today marks the official release day of Diablo II: Lord of Destruction, Blizzard Entertainment's long-awaited expansion pack for its best-selling actionole-playing game, Diablo II. Although there have been a few scant reports of gamers who have been able to lay their hands on the software prior to today, the today marks Blizzard's official release day for the add-on pack.
Opinion
So You Wanna Work For Apple?
That seriousness may disillusion you about Apple somewhat, akin to finding out there is no Santa Claus. But you should shy away from the challenge of tempering your zeal with professionalism and business acumen.
Review
iDVD 1.0
iDVD makes the complicated task of creating DVDs impressively easy, but it's far from perfect. If you're thinking about buying a new Power Mac G4 just to get iDVD, beware: you can make it work, but not without a good deal of frustration.
Wintel
Gateway Server Promotion Backfires
A promotion this month helped Gateway win some new server customers, but the effort backfired when the company couldn't keep up with demand.
Microsoft: Structural Change Unacceptable
Freed at least temporarily from a court-ordered breakup, Microsoft declared Friday it would not accept any settlement with the government that made changes to the company's structure.
Some Feds Push To Settle Microsoft Case
Members of Congress are pressing the Bush administration to settle the 4-year-old antitrust case against Microsoft, following Thursday's federal appeals court decision reversing the breakup of the software titan.
Microsoft Banks On XP Launch
The jury is still out, however, on whether XP's rollout will spark a surge in IT spending as users and analysts weigh the merits of upgrading to the new OS.
Microsoft Fails To Renew Its Digital Certificate
Microsoft isn't alone in having trouble keeping to date with the administration of its secure sites.
Bundle Of Questions Remain For XP
Microsoft still faces questions about what products it can legally integrate into its Windows operating system despite an appeals court ruling on Thursday that spared it from being split in two for antitrust violations, legal experts said.
Dell Quizzes Customers On AMD-Based PC
Is longtime Intel champion Dell Computer testing the waters for home PCs based on Advanced Micro Devices processors?
Appeals Court Victory Fleeting For Microsoft
Microsoft's antitrust triumph may be short-lived.
Friday, June 29, 2001
News
Bill Might Exempt Digital Goods From Net Tax
A key House committee plans to consider legislation that would exempt digital music, software and other intangible goods sold over the Internet from sales taxes, committee members said Wednesday.
Opinion
Cube To Apple: Please Don't Cancel Me
Apple Needs Ads With Guts
Can warm and fuzzy sell Macs? If you look at Apple's stagnant market share, you can be highly skeptical that the message is getting across.
Apple OS X - Enemy Of My Enemy
Apple's biggest worm is not going to be Luddite Mac users. The ship will be destroyed by the enlightened Mac users whom Apple won't be able to keep.
Wintel
Real MS Verdict: Jackson Blew It
Microsoft's adversaries were left fuming on Thursday, insisting that if Jackson had held his tongue, the breakup order would have remained intact.
A Future According To Microsoft
Poof, there goes AOL, I thought, as Ballmer droned on. Gone from the front door of most Microsoft-powered devices.
For Microsoft, A Window Of Uncertainty
Microsoft's ambitious plans for extending its Windows operating system face several hurdles as a result of the court ruling.
MS And DoJ: Hap-hap-happy As Pigs In Filth
Somebody's lying
Judging A Moving Target
The appeals court ruling yesterday in the antitrust case against Microsoft left unanswered one of the most pressing questions facing the computer industry: Will Microsoft have to change how it acts?
Microsoft Core Illegalities
Microsoft's partial victory should not be allowed to minimize the underlying triumph for federal prosecutors and American consumers.
Microsoft Bad, Judge Jackson Worse
Microsoft today won the skirmish, the battle, and — in light of the leanings of a Bush/Ashcroft Justice Department — probably the war, in its fight against the pesky antitrust suit that's been nipping at its heels.
Game Not Over
Microsoft broke the law, says the appellate court. But the company is still a long way from losing the biggest antitrust case in a generation.
Microsoft Wins — Or Does It?
Experts and observers analyze the appeals court's ruling in the antitrust case.
Microsoft Will Abandon Controversial Smart Tags
I don't doubt that there is some role for user annotation of Web sites. But it will be hard for the company that controls the digital printing press to do this in a way that doesn't seem self-serving.
Gates' Reaction: Let's Settle
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said Thursday that a federal appeals court decision in the government's antitrust case "lifts the cloud of breakup over the company" and may open the way for a settlement.
Analysts: MS Can Bundle Up Now
Microsoft is free to cram more features into its upcoming software after a U.S. appeals court on Thursday put aside a ruling that could have blocked Microsoft's bid to tie together products, analysts said.
Antitrust Case's Big Loser: The Judge
As both sides declared victory after Thursday's appellate court ruling, one clear loser emerged in the landmark antitrust case against Microsoft: Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson.
Microsoft Shares Rise After Court Ruling
Microsoft investors cheered Thursday after a long-awaited federal appeals court ruling that reversed a judge's decision to split the software giant into two pieces.
Sony Computer Adds Built-In TV
Whoever at Sony hatched its newest idea in digital video convergence likely figured: 'So many people are spending so much time glued to their personal computers, we might as well include a television.'
Thursday, June 28, 2001
Top Stories
A Tip From Apple's Branches
"The reality is that Apple's new model makes sense, and it is destined to be copied."
News
Opinion
Http://www.osopinion.com/perl/story/11632.html
Now that Microsoft has had the victory it expected in the appellate court review of the breakup order that was hanging over it, we can expect more news about the plans that the software giant has for the future. And that has end users more concerned. There have been calls for a grassroots assault on Microsoft. The plan many are suggesting is that Linux and Mac operating system users join forces.
I'm Slow — Microsoft Misdirection — .NET On Linux/Macs?
Let's say you're a company. You have a product coming out. How do you ensure that every press person will write about your new product coming out?
Review
Expectations And Reality In Home Networking
Networking extends the life of an old computer, but not without performance tradeoffs.
Disc Burning With Sony's Digital Relay
Sony equipment often comes at a premium price. But to their credit, they have designed a beautiful tool that works equally well on both Macs and PCs.
TiBook V. iBook: Half The 'Book Or Half The Price?
The Adventure Continues: Tomb Raider: Chronicles Conqueres The Mac
Wintel
Appeals Court: Don't Break Up Microsoft
Microsoft and the government claimed victory Thursday after a federal appeals court vacated an order calling for the breakup of the software giant but also determined that it illegally maintained its monopoly in operating systems.
Dell Throws Its Weight Behind DVD+RW
In a battle reminiscent of the one between Betamax and VHS in the 1980s, DVD+RW is competing with DVD-R and DVD-RAM to become the industrywide standard.
Decision: More Jackson Than Microsoft
A large boulder has been lifted off of the Microsoft antitrust case, and its name is Thomas Penfield Jackson.
Intel Ready To Launch Fastest Pentium 4s
Intel, the world's largest semiconductor maker, on Wednesday set a launch date of next week for the next-fastest version of its Pentium 4 microprocessor, which the company had said would be available only in the third quarter.
LDAP Flap As Passwords Put At Risk
A flaw with the way Microsoft allows access to LDAP directories over the Internet could permit crackers to gain passwords and hack into database servers.
Intel Moves Forward With Tualatin
Intel has moved forward in two major areas of the chipmaking process with "Tualatin," the new Pentium III processor the company showed off at the PC Expo trade show Wednesday.
Will Dell Hound Rivals Out Of PCs?
As top dog in the PC industry, Dell Computer is looking to make its bite as nasty as its bark.
Patent Poses Challenge To Microsoft's New Operating Systems Plan
A small developer of software for protecting digital information received a patent yesterday that it said would challenge Microsoft's strategy for linking its next- generation operating system to Internet services and content like digital music.
Microsoft, Corel Open .Net Software
The software giant said it has enlisted Corel to build shared-source-code versions of Microsoft's C# language and associated programming components called the Common Language Infrastructure (CLI). This software, which Microsoft hopes will become a standard used more widely than just with Windows, underpins the Microsoft.Net software-as-a-service strategy.
Wednesday, June 27, 2001
Top Stories
Updated iBook Is Bound To Impress
It's versatile, reliable and obedient ó it did just about everything I asked it to do, without complaint or conflict.
Why The Heck Can't I Download Driver
Apple used to grumble enough about Microsoft using that line, so there's really no excuse for using itself now. However capacious my hard drive, I don't want it filled up with files I don't need - even if I might do one day.
Apple Has Winner With Its iBook
As compared with many products from Sony - a company that Apple loves to one-up - the new iBooks have a significant "comfort" factor: They're comfortable to own, to use, to look at.
News
Sppedy New Wireless Networking
If you thought wireless Ethernet was fast, wait till you see what's in store for you in the near future.
Jobs To Keynote Macworld Expo
IDG World Expo today made official what many Mac fans take for granted: the company indicated that Apple CEO Steve Jobs will once again host the keynote address to attendees at next month's Macworld Conference & Expo.
Maxtor Plans 137GB+ Hard Drives
Maxtor today set out its stall in the heavy duty hard drive market, saying it planned to surpass the 137GB interface for ATA drives by the end of the year.
The DVD Wars Have Begun
Personal computing, the Internet, and home entertainment are on a collision course. This could wind up being that wonderful ìsynergyî they talk about in those pop-business books, or it could be a train wreck. What happens at PC Expo this week may give us a clue as to which it will be.
Imation Aims For "Hip, Fun"
To prove it, Imation this week is unveiling a barrage of new data-storage devices, optical media and accessories meant to reinvigorate its image as well as its bottom line.
OS X Version Of FaxSTF On The Way
Mac-Compatible Britannica 2002 CD-ROMs, DVDs
Adobe Releases Premiere 6.01 Beta Update
With Premiere, users are able to import digital video, edit it, add special effects, titling, and other changes, then export back out to video or to other formats.
Apple Hires Open-Source Leader
Apple Authoring Support 1.1.2: CD Burning
Apple Retires Asu.info.apple.com
Apple has retired asu.info.apple.com, which was used as a source of Apple software updates.
EarthLink Raises Prices, Adds Services
EarthLink, Apple's preferred Internet Service Provider (ISP), is raising the price of its basic, unlimited dial-up Internet service by $2 to $22 per month.
New OS X Games Revisit Classics
While there is plenty of hype for big-name titles shipping as or being converted to Mac OS X native versions, Apple's new OS continues to inspire programmers to create new (and old) shareware creations as well.
Opinion
iCheap
I can tell you for a fact that owning a Macintosh can be just as inexpensive as owning any bargain basement PC. Iíll tell you how.
Another Apple Victory In Education: iBooks Galore!
He is evangelizing but not a product or for bragging rights, but an idea and way of life, namely, the Apple idea and way of life, which is a perfect fit for education.
Why Apple Is Going Direct, Part 1
There are many advantages of going direct to customers.
Review
Wintel
Microsoft Sharing Its Wares For .Net
Microsoft said Wednesday that it will share the source code for its newest development tools with hand-picked customers and business partners.
Intel To Develop Plastic Memory Prototype
A joint development effort with Opticom ASA could see a polymer memory that is ten times faster than current flash memories.
Dell Says To Aggressively Market PCs With New Chip
Dell Computer Corp the world's top selling personal computer company, said on Wednesday it will agressively market machines with the new Intel Pentium IV microprocessor in the face of flagging PC sales.
Compaq Preps Back-To-School PCs
Compaq Computer on Wednesday announced three new models of Presario desktops, starting around $550. The company also will ship several new notebooks in the next month.
Microsoft's XP: Hardware Changes A Turnoff
The company's new product-activation technology, which locks Office XP or Windows XP to a particular PC hardware configuration, can deactivate unexpectedly, rendering the software useless. The feature could present the biggest headache to people that frequently upgrade or change components on their PCs.
PC Sales Or No, Intel, AMD Flaunt Chips
With the midpoint of the year upon them, PC chipmakers Intel and Advanced Micro Devices will fill out their product lines and hope for the best in the second half of 2001.
InterTrust To Use Patent Against Microsoft
InterTrust on Tuesday said it has received a new patent that it will use against Microsoft in a closely watched intellectual property dispute that could affect the way consumers access music and other digital content.
Good News For Windows Shops
A stronger focus on services by Compaq could benefit end users with large Windows environments and global support needs.
Why Microsoft Fears Open Source
"OSS developers have positioned themselves as the new generation of discounters, undercutting Microsoft on price and challenging the software giant's domination."
Win XP Gets $1B Marketing Blitz
Microsoft and Intel alone will spend $500 million to market Windows XP, which is slated for an Oct. 25 launch, with PC makers and retailers spending another $500 million.
Tuesday, June 26, 2001
Top Stories
72 Hours Of MacHack
Highlights of programming conference include Mac reunion, an evening with Woz, and annual hack show.
Jobs Throws Apple At Teachers
Jobs said that Apple is involved in education "because we give a damn ñ- just like you guys."
Apple Signs New Software Deals
Apple Computer said Monday that the Chicago Public Schools and two other school districts have signed up as new customers of Apple's PowerSchool software.
News
The 16th Show Of The Macinchat Variety
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MacVillage.net
Mac PR
The 16th Episode of 'The Macinchat Variety Show' Is POSTED!
Company Name: The Macinchat Radio Network
Company URL: http://www.macinchatradio.com
Released On: Tuesday, June 26, 2001
Well, we untangled Bill from the mess of wires last week and we are back again—against the most daunting technical odds—to bring you the show that the Reverend Al Sharpton has called "the devil's spawn." Yes, it's the show llamas ask for by name, "The Macinchat Variety Show." We are back for show number 16 and we have finally slayed our technical demons—or have we?
Hear this week's special guests, "Cleo," everyone's favorite television psychic, and "Bruce," everyone's favorite loudmouth. Also hear the boys from Macinchat Radio go back in time to when they were just little kids on the playground! If that wasn't enough, hear the review of the MacAquarium, which will be the star of our soon-to-come web camera—maybe we will even put some fish in it! Need more? We have a funny phone call to a local bar—who actually serves a drink called the 'Appletini.'
So, sit back, steal yourself a can of Smitty Light and listen to the show that for 16 weeks has etched itself into the hearts and minds of the Macintosh user community....or something heartwarming like that. Check us out at: http://www.macinchatradio.com. While you are there, check out the super messageboard and leave us some feedback!
NECC: Charger Bay For New iBook Introduced
The charger bay sports a modular design so users can snap multiple bays together for charging or storing. iBooks can be slipped into the bays with a "simple one-hand motion," according to Rod King, Senior vice president, sales and marketing for SmartDisk.
FreeBSD's Jordan Hubbard To Work For Apple
Keyspan Announces Credit Card-Sized Mini USB Hub
Change Your Life, Not Your Keyboard
Doubts surround the benefits of ergonomic keyboards in preventing repetitive strain injuries at work.
Bryce Joins The OS X Landscape
Corel executives concede that their company has an image problem among Mac users and have vowed to improve Corelís reputation. So what better way to make amends with Mac users than by updating an application thatís popular among creative professionals and hobbyists alikeóand by making it available as an OS X-native program to boot?
Pre-Orders Accepted For Sorenson Video 3
Results Of MacHack Poll Show Mac OS X Flaws
The top gripe among developers was general poor performance, followed by poor performance in the Finder and the inability to open more than one Get Info window.
Iomega To Launch New USB-Powered Zip 100MB
Apple Adds 480,000 Students To PowerSchool
During today's NECC keynote, Apple announced that three new school districts have chosen PowerSchool to handle their student/teacher/parent/admin communication and infrastructure needs.
Opinion
Argument For The New PowerBook G3
US$800 is a pretty large gap and can certainly be filled by a PowerBook G3 for users who want a larger screen, a Cardbus slot, and are willing to pay for it.
Discussion: For A Good Laugh, Check This Out
Dell don't even have a vision for education that goes beyond "Give us your money."
Are Comptuer Chains The Enemies Of Mac Users?
Steve Is The Lizard King. He Can Do Anything
If you think about it, the Doors, and their Dionysian, but doomed leader, Jim Morrison, have some things in common with Steve Jobs.
Discussion: Mac OS X Absent At NECC?
The most surprising bit of news to come out of Steve Jobs this morning was not the announcement of anything in particular, but the complete absence of one.
Review
Should You Get An iBook Or An Inspiron?
If you need a laptop right now — and music, movies and wireless networking are important to you — get an iBook.
Sizing Up The iBook
But as a so-called digital hub for mainstream users, the iBook works remarkably well. You can believe Apple's boasting — at least this time.
Tropico: Live The Good Life On Your Mac
Ever want to stop what you are doing and retreat to your own island paradise? Well, until you win the lottery, we have a slice of Caribbean real estate just for you!
Wintel
MS Monopoly Vigil Intensifies
Nearly four months have elapsed since a federal appeals court heard arguments in the Microsoft antitrust case, and advocates on all sides are starting to sweat.
Web Sites! Banish Those WinXP, IE6 Smart Tag Blues!
So has Microsoft confused the issue and messed up the rollout by greedily lobbing a big pile of Moneycentral smart tags into IE6? Maybe...
The Tide Changes For Microsoft
For the first time in a decade, the big Redmond machine has genuine reason for concern as it struggles to ensure market dominance in a most uncertain future.
Compaq Switches From Alpha To Itanium
By 2004, all Compaq servers will use the Intel chip, with Compaq transferring its own technology to Intel.
Intel Gains Alpha Chip Operations
In a major boost to Intel's Itanium chip, Compaq Computer will license its Alpha chip technology to Intel and will use Itanium in its servers as the PC giant looks to consolidate its operations to focus on software and computer services.
Is Microsoft's .Net Ready For Prime Time?
Despite the anticipation caused by Microsoft's .Net strategy, many developers still are not convinced that the impending Web services platform is stable, reliable or ready for the enterprise.
Monday, June 25, 2001
News
PowerMail 3.0.9v2 With Mac OS X Version Now Available
IBM Preps 210GHz Chip Technology
Chips based on the transistor are at least two years off, and even then you're looking at 100GHz parts. They will also be aimed at embedded applications, specifically communications roles, such as wireless and optical networking. It will be some time before this technology makes its way to the desktop.
Flat-panel Screen 'colour Accurate'
The LCD1830 boasts a screen size equivalent to a 21-inch CRT monitor. It provides a flicker-free display and a six-colour axis control that individually adjusts basic printing colours - including yellow, magenta and cyan via the on-screen menu. This achieves an exact colour match between the monitor and printer, according to the company.
Opinion
ëWarm Fuzzyí = Joy Of Being A Mac Salesman
Apple's HyperCard: How Arthur Abandoned Excalibur
Several comebacks ago, Apple developed a wonderful easy to use consumer codeing enviornment called Hypercard. Sadly, Apple decided this program was too heavy to carry, and removed it for its product line. If Apple has no interest in pulling HyperCard out of obscurity, then why not make it an open-source project?
Review
Great Classroom Computer Buys
Older Macintosh computers abound at various sales at bargain prices.
Wintel
Intel To Buy Alpha Chip Operation
Intel gains valuable intellectual property from Compaq for use in its chips, while eliminating a competitive threat to its Itanium processor.
Transmeta Unveils 0.13 Micron Crusoes
The new chips, the TM5500 and the TM5800, are fabbed at 0.13 micron by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. That process and a new version, 4.2, of Transmeta's x86-to-native Crusoe code morphing software make for a 20 per cent power consumption reduction, compared to previous Crusoes, the company said.
If You Want Office 2000, Buy It Now
If you, your company or department, have standardised on Office 2000, and you're not keen on buying copies of Office XP for any new machines, then you'd better stock up on packs of Office 2000 now.
Flaw Means Virus Could Disable Norton Anti-Virus
A security loophole has been discovered in Norton Anti-Virus (NAV) which could allow the creation of a virus able to shut down the software on a user's machine.
Report: Compaq Plans Massive Restructuring
The company plans to take an approach that puts Compaq in competition with the likes of IBM, according to internal memos from Compaq chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Michael Capellas, cited by the WSJ.
What Steve Ballmer Sees Outside His Windows
Microsoft's chief executive talks about the software giant's determination to move beyond the operating system and rule the world of web services, instant messaging and gaming.
Sunday, June 24, 2001
News
McCyber Success Story
A Gilbert McDonald's is driving up business and getting rave reviews from parents, children and McDonald's corporate officials with an interactive computer ride.
Wintel
Microsoft Reboots And Waits
Although legal analysts expect the appeals court to throw out the order to break the company in two, how it rules on the three antitrust counts on which Microsoft was convicted will chart a new course for the company, which could run the gamut from quick settlement to protracted legal battles to severe restrictions on how it does business.
Saturday, June 23, 2001
Top Stories
iBook, Once Tested, Shows Touch Of Elegance
I've had one for a month now. And, having torture-tested it daily, I'm even more enthusiastic.
Schiller, Casanova Discuss QuickTime With MacCentral
Schiller thinks that the perception that QT is falling behind overlooks several important developments.
News
The General Semantics Of Symantec
A review of Symantec's product releases indicates it is in a predictable trough between major product generations, primarily because both Microsoft consumer version of the Windows operating system will be upgraded later this year and Apple Computer recently upgraded its Macintosh operating system.
Teens' Photos Tell Stadium Story
The Metropolitan Football Stadium District gathered eight teenagers in December 1999, armed them with cameras and told them to document the construction of the $400.8 million project.
Despiritualized: Lupine Howl
Sean Cook, Mike Mooney and Damon Reece bit the bullet when they were collectively canned in 1999 from the live-act psychedelic rock phenomenon known as Spiritualized. But they came back quickly in 2001 like a pack of wolves, releasing their first full-length LP on the Beggars Banquet label as Lupine Howl.
Digitizing The Dalai Lama
Who would think that the demise of an American dot-com would lead to a project to archive the teachings of one of the world's great spiritual leaders?
OS X System Wide Scripting Language Available
Adobe On OS X And Macworld New York
Adobe Systems Inc. confirmed for MacCentral today that the company would not be an exhibitor at the upcoming Macworld Expo in New York.
Opinion
A Mac Family Reunion
When these people wake up in the morning, they have an excuse to roll over and slap the snooze bar — they've already sort of justified their existence. At least once in their lives, they helped to birth something truly great, something that knocked the world on its ear and left it in a better shape.
Apple's HyperCard: How Arthur Abandoned Excalibur
Now is the time for Apple to wield that sword again and perhaps inspire some other 11-year-old to start creating the next Myst.
Review
Should I Trade My PC For A Key Chain?
There have been many times I have carried a computer around just to make sure I had access to some files. With DiskOnKey I now have an alternative.
Escape From Monkey Island
If you find the adventure genre appealing and have a bit o' the pirate in ye, then set sail for Monkey Island, by hook or by crook.
2-Minute Drill
With repeating questions, no multiplayer mode, and poor use of audio, 2-Minute Drill is a weak sports-trivia game and a pale imitation of its TV counterpart.
Consumer Portables Break Barriers In Price, Features, Excitement
The new iBook is a small wonder — a beautifully crafted compromise that is true to Apple's philosophy of delivering feature-complete notebooks at an exceptional price.
Wintel
Inside Intel's Current Mindset
As far as Intel CEO Craig Barrett is concerned, there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful at the moment, even if the world's biggest microchip maker is looking at slow sales and profit warnings.
Transmeta To Keep 'Em Coming
Transmeta's current chips aren't selling as well as expected, but the upstart is still moving ahead on future processors.
If Windows XP Worth Wait, Why Buy A PC Now?
Microsoft Corp's Windows XP operating system hits stores October 25, raising high hopes for sales in the flagging personal computer industry — but also fears that no one will buy a PC ahead of the rejuvenated operating systems' release.
Microsoft License Spurns Open Source
Microsoft lawyers have joined the company's campaign against open-source software, restricting how developers may use what it terms "viral software" in connection with Microsoft programming tools.
MS Hacked Once, Twice, Three, FOUR Times
Notorious hacker Prime Suspectz has gone on a cracking spree against Microsoft servers that has resulted in the defacement of FOUR of the software giant's sites.
Microsoft: Audit, Or Else There's Trouble
In its continuing jihad against software piracy, Microsoft's legal department has sent letters to corporate customers demanding they conduct internal audits of their software licenses and submit their findings within 30 days to the software giant.
Friday, June 22, 2001
Top Stories
Laptops Of Luxury
Get over the G4's drop-dead gorgeous looks. There's a reason business-class tray tables are PC-heavy: you need practicality.
Apple Releases Mac OS X 10.0.4
According to the information included with the update, Mac OS X 10.0.4 delivers a significant number of improvements for USB devices, including additional external device support for iTunes burning; improved battery life for many PowerBook G3 systems; and Classic compatibility improvements.
News
Mactrivia To Open July 1st!
On July 1, 2001, The MacTrivia Network (http://www.mactrivia.com) will open the doors to the largest Macintosh-only collection of interactive trivia on the web today!
We are hoping to reach over 1,000 questions by then, ranging from super-easy to incredibly hard—and yes, there will be a contest or 2 along the way for the Mac Geniuses out there. Do you think you have what it takes?
We think—-YOU DON'T KNOW MAC!
___
(We are also accepting advertising on the site, so head over and contact us before we open—we want your prizes to give away and we want your banners on our site!)
LaCie Ships PocketDrive CD-RW
LaCie has launched its palm-sized PocketDrive 8x-8x-24x CD-RW.
Mac OS X's Finder: Cocoa Rewrite Not The Answer
"The Carbon engineers have done an amazing job. The fact that you can run the same application on both OS 9 and OS X is a really amazing thing that should be celebrated, not called a kludge."
Maxtor Cutting Up To 1,500 Jobs
Hard drive maker Maxtor will lay off up to 1,500 employees, or about 14 percent of its workforce, accelerating its cost-cutting amid weakness in the PC market.
Schiller Talks QuickTime In Streaming Media Keynote
Phil Schiller, vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing for Apple, outlined Apple's arguments for QuickTime as the "complete solution" for Open Source rich content delivery over the web. Citing over 20,000 applications that "not only support, but also ship with QuickTime" as well as "150 million" QuickTime 4 players distributed in its 24 month existence, and "15 million QuickTime 5 players from Apple's US servers alone in the past 2 months," Schiller pointed to QuickTime as a long-term streaming solution that "will still be here 5 years from now."
Wintel
Intel Speeds Pentium 4 Ramp With 1.9, 2.2GHz Chips
Desktop Pentium III dead by Q2 next year
Microsoft Pushes Its Legal Luck
It must be getting harder for Microsoft to think of new ideas to persuade us all to upgrade our desktop operating systems.
MS Masters NC Mind-Set
Wake up, open-source community.
Intel To Aim Itanium At Tough IT Crowd
Intel, in the midst of a stagnant market for new PCs, will use a technology show next week in New York to drum up interest in its powerful new processors.
Toshiba Postpones Updated Notebooks
After skipping a second-quarter launch of updated notebooks, Toshiba will release four revamped models next month.
Intel: Linux Has 'No Place' On Desktop
Intel chief executive Craig Barrett concedes that Linux has its uses, but doesn't see much of a future for it on the desktop until it can compete with Windows in the number of applications available.
Windows XP To Get Fewer Microsoft Smart Tags Outside United States
International versions of Microsoft's forthcoming operating system Windows XP will likely be shipped with fewer Microsoft-developed Smart Tags than the U.S. version. Many of the U.S. tags are useless to foreign users, according to Microsoft.
WiN XP Needs PasspoRT TO Travel
Critics argue that by using Windows XP to encourage Passport account sign-ups, Microsoft is drawing on its dominance in operating systems to gain a foothold in the nascent market for online services and subscriptions. Passport integration raises the specter of antitrust hanging over the operating system, they contend.
Thursday, June 21, 2001
Top Stories
Why Is OS X Slow?
Apple shipped OS X when it did because it had to for Apple, and for developers like us.
OS X, Apache Security Hole Discovered
Due to the way that Apache handles commands, and the HFS+ disk structure of most OS X enabled Macs, not all private files on a machine are safe.
News
MicroMat TechTool Lite 3.01 Has New Features
Mac OS X-Native Grammarian X Beta Announced
Apple Sued Over Printers It No Longer Makes
HP already caved in on laser patent infringement case
Pitney Bowes Sues Apple For Patent Infringement
Melton told MacCentral that the LaserWriter line is among those Apple products that infringed the Pitney Bowes patent, which predates Apple's development of the LaserWriter. Melton also suggested that other Apple products might have infringed the patent, as well.
Mesa 3 Spreadsheet Software Released For Mac OS X
P & L Software Ltd. today announced the release of Mesa 3, the first commercially available spreadsheet application for Mac OS X developed using Cocoa.
Mac School Coming To Mac OS X
Chancery Software, publisher of student management solutions, has added Mac OS X support in the new version of Mac School, a component of Chancery's student management solutions.
Opinion
Does Mac OS X Rest On Adobe?
Will Adobe products still be keynote showstoppers at the Macworld Expos of 2002 and beyond? I'm eager for the answers, and I might even brave another traffic jam on Highway 280 to get them.
Review
Iomega Peerless 10GB/20GB Removable Storage Drive
The Peerless is clearly a great solution for fast backup of today's massive hard drives. And the removable cartridges make it easy for you to carry around lots of your own information.
Dazzle Hollywood DV Bridge
When it works, it works well and has a good price point. I was really hoping for the best in this product, but the issue with the video synchronization was extremely frustrating.
Focus On Fonts: A Look At OS X's Font-Management Tools
USB CD-RW Drives
USB drives have conveniently been Mac-compatible since the first iMac. But if you have a computer equipped with FireWire, you're better off with a faster, FireWire CD-RW drive.
Nothing But Air
In short, the advantages of a hardware router are numerous. Your situation may not be identical to mine, but if you're tempted to go with a cheaper software solution, I urge you to look at the current hardware router situation.
Wintel
Commie Cell In MS Secretly Pushing GPL To Customers
Bill Gates' trenchant warning about the Pacman-like qualities of the GPL this week has come too late. GPL-toting commies are already inside the organisation and busily subverting Microsoft in order to overthrow the US economy.
Ballmer: No Contingency Plan For Breakup
Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said the company had no contingency plans to deal with a potential breakup, according to a report Thursday.
Transmeta Cuts Back Sales Outlook
Transmeta, which designs power-saving chips for notebook computers, on Wednesday slashed its sales projection because of a slowdown in shipments to Japan, its primary market.
Does Microsoft Think Users Are Dumb?
Microsoft claims that Office XP is so much easier to use than its predecessors that even the dimmest of us won't need the sort of help that the paperclip and its chums provided.
Microsoft's Ballmer Meets With VP Cheney
Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer on Tuesday paid a "courtesy call" to Vice President Dick Cheney to discuss a range of issues but did not bring up the imminent U.S. Court of Appeals ruling on the government's landmark antitrust case against the software maker.
Intel To Cut Router And Switch Products, Trim Workforce
States May Sue Microsoft Again
The state attorneys general who pursued the antitrust case against Microsoft are privately discussing a new lawsuit, concerned that the software giant's latest products will unfairly hamper competition, two leaders say.
Microsoft Touts New XP-Ready PCs
Microsoft on Wednesday introduced a campaign to market new PCs equipped to run the company's upcoming Windows XP desktop operating system.
Compaq Still On The Takeover Prowl
Compaq Computer Corp. is moving down the short list in search of a takeover target in the wake of its failed attempt to buy Internet consulting firm Proxicom Inc.
Wednesday, June 20, 2001
Top Stories
Apple Notebooks Take A Wide Turn In A New Direction
For maybe the first time, Apple's made a notebook that disappears inside a backpack.
News
Mesa Spreadsheet Ready For OS X
Mesa Spreadsheet combines an icon-based interface with the features of Microsoft's Excel spreadsheet package.
Video Tols Bring 'Star Wars' Spoof To Life On Web
Digital home moviemaking has become a popular part of the new "digital lifestyle." But a couple of Macheads have taken it to new heights with their home production of "Duality."
Finding Statistical Order With SPSS
A Horse! A Horse! My Kingdom For A Horse!
"Within an hour of setting up the iMac, I had gone through he tutorial and was putting together the first scene."
Sherlock Can Do Much More Than Elementary Searches
While it's not perfect, it's a versatile tool that's been overlooked by much of the Mac community.
Apple Aids Initiative To Improve Teacher Quality
Apple Cube's Demise May Be Near
Supplies of Apple Computer's Power Mac G4 Cube are dwindling, but the fate of the diminutive desktop is unclear.
Apple Releases OS X, iBook, 17" LCD In China
Mac OS X Among April's Top Sellers
Users Push Apple For OS X Server Upgrade
Apple is logging complaints via 1-800-MY-APPLE regarding the lack of a reduced upgrade price for the new Mac OS X Server for purchasers of Mac OS X Server 1.0.
17" Apple Studio Display Begins Shipping
Opera For Mac Carbon Technology Preview 1 Released
It's the first public release of Opera Software's OS X browser — previous releases have been able to work in "Classic" and on older versions of the OS only.
Opinion
A Surplus Auction
I once nodded my head yes to a question from my son at one of their auctions and found myself the not-so-knowledgeable owner of a $5 piece of farm equipment.
Review
Final Cut Pro 2
Version 2 solidifies Final Cut Pro's position as the leading video-editing solution for the Mac. If you edit for a living with Final Cut Pro, upgrade and buy into an RT hardware solution. You'll recoup your investment in no time.
Power Mac G4
With these new models, Apple has given business, professional, and multimedia users just about everything they could want in a reasonably priced Power Mac. All that's missing from these admirable Macs is a Sound Input port.
Wapp Pro
It isn't often that you can quickly add more control to your Mac without having to learn a new application.
Wintel
Microsoft Urges Urgent Action On Windows Security Hole
A vulnerability affecting every version of Windows 2000 and current Windows XP betas allows remote attackers to take control of victims' machines.
Dell CEO Would Like 40 Percent PC Market Share
The world's largest personal computer maker Dell sees the current weak market as a chance to boost its global market share, possibly up to 40 percent, its chief executive was quoted as saying on Wednesday.
Kill This Priacy Plan
Microsoft has decided that its stranglehold on the desktop gives it the right to force changes in user behavior. This is its first egregious, monopolistic act directed at its customers. It should be stopped.
Gates Wades Into Open-Source Debate
While he has no objection to open-source development efforts, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is concerned about the "Pac-Man-like nature" of the license that governs the distribution of such software.
Intel Starts Shipping New Pentium III
Intel has begun shipping the Pentium III processor desktop version, a chip that was produced using an advanced manufacturing process that cuts power consumption while boosting speed.
Microsoft's Ballmer: .NET Is About Integration
We want to help [companies] bring that information together in new applications. We want to help them expose the information to the consumer.
Windows XP: Are You Compatible?
Microsoft Corp. plans to publicly address the issue of application compatibility for its upcoming Windows XP operating system at a couple of sessions here at its TechEd conference later this week.
Gates Tout Microsoft's 'Most Solid Beta'
As expected, Bill Gates, Microsoft Corp.'s chairman and chief software architect, this morning announced the availability of the second, and last, beta for the Visual Studio.Net development tool in a keynote address to a packed house here at the TechEd conference.
Dell Reconfigures Notebook
The new options include a 14.1-inch active-matrix display, an Intel 800MHz mobile Pentium III processor and a hard drive of up to 48GB that runs more quietly than previous hard drives.
Whistler Gets (Another) New Name
During his keynote presentation Tuesday at the TechEd developers show here, Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman and chief software architect, announced amid several new product releases that the next generation of the company's server software will take on the name Windows.Net Server.
Tuesday, June 19, 2001
Top Stories
The OS X Files
OS X just might be the OS to get Wintel users on a Mac.
News
An Interview With The Authors Of Learning Cocoa
The overall message of Cocoa is that Cocoa "makes easy things easy and hard things possible."
Meet The New Champ Of Wi-Fi: Notebooks
No, I'm not suggesting the demise of cell phones or wireless PDAs. But wireless notebooks do offer compelling advantages.
Cocoa Version Of GIMP In Development
MacSoft Releases Pong, Now In 3D
Pong has been totally rebuilt from the ground up with a new 3D engine that sports animated colorful graphics.
Grab Got You Down? Snapz Pro For OS X On The Way
Apple UK Offers iMac Loans, Six Months Interest Free
The offer can also apply to software, accessories and third-party hardware products purchased at the same time as the iMac, up to one-third of the total purchase price.
Defector Returns To The Mac
"How could anyone have guessed that Steve Jobs would return to Apple and restore it to its current healthy state?"
Opinion
20 Stock Speculations In Time For Summer
Investing insight strikes when you least expect it, in the form of sunshine, waitresses and Apple Computer.
Review
When 'Support' Isn't Supportive, Try Out These Sites
The New iBook Is Made For Students
Windows laptop makers, who see the school and student markets as a potential source for growth, should take a close look at Apple's winning design.
Wintel
WSJ Takes The Rap For MSNBC Snafu
We're just glad to have helped clear up the confusion - and nail a conspiracy theory.
Microsoft Signs Up Helpers To Deploy .Net
Developing applications around Microsoft's .Net initiative may sound easy enough, but in reality it can be hard work. Just ask the more than 100 third-party vendors populating the exposition at Microsoft's TechEd conference here this week.
Pentium 4 May Miss Sales Targets
Pentium 4 will not hit Intel's sales targets for 2001 because of its reliance on Rambus memory, according to a leading industry analyst.
Experience Is Your Guide To Windows XP
Microsoft believes experience should be your guideóor XPerience, anyway. Its forthcoming Windows XP operating system aims to apply a simple design to the desktop landscape.
Microsoft Touts The Tablet
The future of computing may be flatóbut Microsoft isn't predicting a downturn in sales. Rather, the company is betting that corporate users will snap up new tablet devices due to debut next year.
Oracle, Sun Aim Tools At Microsoft
In a bid to convince Microsoft developers to support the Java programming language, Oracle and Sun announced they are jointly marketing a set of new tools that easily converts Microsoft-based software into Java software.
Microsoft Security Flaw Threatens Web
Microsoft said Monday that a "serious vulnerability" in its flagship Web server software used by computers running more than 6 million sites could allow hackers and online vandals to take control of the computers.
MS Missteps Lead To Feeding Frenzy For ITV Rivals
Amid a fragmenting interactive television market, Microsoft faces an uphill battle to regain the lead after watching a $5 billion bet on the nation's largest cable operator go bad.
Will A Faster Pentium 4 Heat A Tepid Market?
Intel will celebrate the Fourth of July with the launch of faster Pentium 4 chips, but don't expect fireworks or a major bump in lagging Pentium 4 sales.
Legal Experts Question Windows XP
Despite Microsoft's confidence that it will ultimately prevail in its federal court battle, critics feel the company is playing with fire in its recent maneuvers.
Intel Cuts Prices On Some Mobile Celeron Chips
Microsoft Unveils Mobile-Access Software
Microsoft on Monday unveiled the public version of Mobile Information 2001 Server, which brings wireless e-mail and data access features to the Windows 2000 operating system.
Monday, June 18, 2001
Top Stories
Things Are Looking Brighter In The World Of Apple LCD Displays
I'm not trying to talk you into anything. Honest. But stop by a Mac reseller soon, and gaze longingly into the crystal. You're looking at the future.
News
Opinion
Wintel
Microsoft Fires .NET Arrows At Java
The company will use its TechEd developers conference in Atlanta to extol the advantages of integrating enterprise systems with Web services.
Sunday, June 17, 2001
News
Opinion
Review
Swiss Army Knife Software Will Hone Presentation Skills
From back in the times when multimedia was monomedia, HyperCard and some impassioned teachers taught the Mac how to teach and present. Fifteen years later Mac Apps are now teaching us new ways to get our point across.
A Spy Story And A Nature Lesson For Children
It's silly, but it's great fun for youngsters ages 7 and up. It's also a game parents can play with their children because they'll get the puns and the references to the Bond films, even if the kids don't.
Saturday, June 16, 2001
Top Stories
Advertising Expedrts Give High Marks To Apple's Latest TV Spots
Apple's new ads may be different, but are they good? Do they make Mac owners proud? And, more important, will they encourage other computer users to cross over to the Mac?
Apple Kills Cube?
So farewell then, Apple's Cube. Almost gone, and probably soon forgotten. It didn't even make its first birthday.
News
Adobe Has 'Nice Surprise' As Revenue Tops Forecast
Adobe Systems sold more software than Wall Street expected this spring, even as other big tech companies turned in disappointing numbers.
Sony Intros New Digital Camera For Beginners
BusinessWeek Posts Design Award Winners
Not only did Apple get a gold for TiBook, but a Bronze for the G4 Cube and Apple Pro Speakers.
Developers Under The Gun To Deliver Native Applications
Macworld is tracking the progress of some four dozen essential applications as they make the move to OS X.
Is That An iMac In That Gus Pump?
This definitely fits in the category of "Gift For The Mac Lover That Has Everything."
Opinion
OS X, A Perfect II
I don't care, put a slick GUI on my monitor and write made by Apple on the box and I'm there. Or at least I would be, if only there weren't such a downside to OSX.
Dell Continues Campaign Of Innuendo, Discounts Apple As 20th Century Technology
All this manure oozing forth from Dell really makes me wonder why Dell is so afraid of Apple.
Think Same: It's About Thinking Different; Now More Than Ever
The future is here... again. It is time to start thinking different about computing and the Macintosh once again. Are you ready?
Wintel
New Virus Tools Raise Concerns
Security consultants have warned of two new varieties of virus, and said IT managers should ensure their antivirus measures are kept up to date.
HP Goes Ultradense With "Powerbar" Server
Hewlett-Packard will take its first steps into the "ultradense" server market in the fourth quarter with a machine code-named Powerbar, and Transmeta's Crusoe chip could find its way into the design.
Justice's Antitrust Head Confirmed
Senators on Thursday confirmed Charles James' nomination as assistant attorney general, making him the new head of the Justice Department's antitrust division.
Xbox Is Microsoft's After All
Redmond settles a trademark dispute with XBOX Technologies, saving the company from a marketing disaster for its upcoming game console.
Microsoft: No Comment On Warning Rumor
Microsoft on Friday declined to comment on mounting speculation by traders that the world's largest software company was set to issue a profit warning.
Microsoft Is Not The Enemy
So the next time you find yourself cursing Microsoft, decide whether you want to give the company the implicit respect that devolves from choosing to take it on as an enemy. Maybe there are more important battles around.
New MP3 Format Challenges Windows Audio 8
The decade-old MP3 digital sound recording format has been updated, and now features double the compression rate at the same sound quality.
Intel Stalks System Builders
How times have changed.
Friday, June 15, 2001
Top Stories
My Old Flame: The Macintosh
I'm rethinking the Mac as a factor in computing. One simple reason: The Macintosh seems to work.
Apple To Shine Through PC Market Gloom - Analyst
Apple will defy the PC industry downturn, market analysis firm Goldman Sachs has claimed.
News
PowerMac G4 533 MHz End-Of-Lifed
In a move that traditionally signifies that a new product is due, Apple has urged resellers to book their Dual 533 orders by today Friday 15 June 2001.
Office 2001 For Mac Wins Packaging Award
Microsoft today announced that Mac Office 2001 is a Gold winner in the 2001 Industrial Design Excellenc...
iBook Ad Campaign Going Strong In London
MacNN reader Ash Mishra sent us a note about Apple iBook ads in London:
"There essentially isn't a single underground station (subway) that doesn't
have mutliple...
Master Of Motion Graphics
"Final Cut Pro is like a Swiss Army knife; it lets you do anything you want."
OS X Compatible Internet Scheduling Software Updated
Apple Releases Developer Tools 10.0.1 For OS X
Apple ships a disc full of developer tools with the retail version of Mac OS X, and now the company is offering an updated suite of tools. Developer Tools 10.0.1 is available for download from Apple's Web site.
OS X For Traditional, Simplified Chinese
Dell Education GM Talks About Apple
Rodriguez said that Dell has working in its favor its status as a Windows-compatible product.
Mac OS X Web Server Handbook Published
In the new Prentice Hall PRT publication, "The Mac OS X Web Server Handbook," author David Hart, a long-time Web server columnist, covers everything from basic Web server setup through database integration, XHTML, XML and e-commerce.
Opinion
Wintel
Trojan Horse Exploits Microsoft Word
A month-old flaw in Microsoft Word has opened up PCs to attack by a new Trojan horse, antivirus researchers said Thursday.
Thursday, June 14, 2001
Review
The Final Frontier
Just for kicks, I decided to install Mac OS X on my grandmother's iMac this past week.
Wintel
Windows XP Requires More Horsepower
Microsoft will deliver the first preview version of Windows XP by early July, but early adopters could find that their PCs lack enough memory and processor speed to run the new operating system.
The Campaign Against Linux Is Uphill Battle For Microsoft
A Microsoft Corp. campaign to vilify Linux and other ìopen sourceî software appears to be backfiring, with the campaign drawing criticism from legal experts as well as serving to unify the movement's often-fractious group of leaders.
Microsoft: We Messed Up
Rather than fix the problemóand the security holeóthe company's second attempt at a software patch included a catastrophic bug that caused many servers to hang. The company was not aware of the problem until alerted by reporters.
Wednesday, June 13, 2001
Top Stories
A Stroll Through The Apple Store
The best thing about the Apple Store is that it finally helps to quash the myths that have dogged the company in the past 20 years. You can see for yourself the speed, power, and ease of use that is Macintosh.
Don't Be Surprised By An Apple Warning
There has been recent weakness in its iMac line.† With no noticeable pick-up in the US economy, sales have continued to remain behind Appleís targeted growth rates.† Apple is also behind its peers in introducing a portable web access device or handheld system.
News
Netscape 6.1 Beta Release Said To Be Close
Netscape Communications is preparing to release an upgrade to the latest version of its Web browser, a move that comes as it seeks to bolster other parts of its business in the face of evaporating market share.
NetObjects To Support Mac OS X
Matrix's open, component-based interfaces allow NetObjects to register and integrate third-party Web Services seamlessly into the Web site building and hosting process ñ giving small businesses the ability to "mix and match" Web Services to create a truly tailored e-business solution.
Hess Memorial Macworld Events/Party List Live
Adobe Upgrade Policy Explained
The question: is there a time limit on when Adobe software is upgradeable.
BlockBuster DVDs' (In)compatible With PowerBooks?
Some BlockBuster Video stores are using DVD security stickers that seem to make the discs unplayable in slot-loading PowerBooks.
Opinion
Panasonic Beats Apple To Market With Low Cost LCD All-In-One Desktop
In the plus column, there are lots of ports, PC Card support, analog sound in and out, and I think the white al-in-one case design is reasonably attractive.
Discussion: 1 Wrong 'Space' In Terminal; Lost Everything
1984, Round 2
I can honestly say that this might be Apple's last big chance to press forward and gain new users.
Apple's Image - Good Or Bad?
As for me, hearing the word Apple makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.
Larry Ellison Ain't No Mere Apple Polisher
After all, he has a good track record.
The Mac Web Site Funding Debate
You can help support your favorite Mac Web sites by not blocking the ads, clicking some of them from time to time, and giving your business to firms that advertise there.
Review
Wash Away Those Annoying Web Ads
People have been ignoring newspaper ads and muting TV commercials for years. Now, they're tuning into the fact that they can erase Web ads from their computer screens, as well.
Apple Mac OS X
It needs a few months to smooth out its rough edges, but OS X looks like it has a promising future.
Winners Of Apple Design Awards
Willow Design's Jacques Pack Titanium G4 Powerbook Backpack
Willow Design has created a backpack with the Titanium G4 specifically in mind.
New iBook FireWire Blows Away G4 PowerBook FireWire!
The iBook 2001 reads and writes to FireWire drives much faster than the G4 Titanium PowerBook. Moreover, it is on par with the newest desktop iMacs and PowerMacs.
Number Plane
With three levels of difficulty and an option to reduce or increase levels of play in games, this CD is capable of sustaining a pupilís progress in maths for a year. The only drawback is its lack of an option for teachers to save and then monitor individual pupilís lessons.
Pro Tools TDM
If youíre working with surround sound, this upgrade is essential.
Wintel
Linux To Challenge Microsoft On TV
Linux is already giving established players a run for their money in the computing world. A new alliance aims to do the same on your television.
Transmeta To Launch 1GHz Crusoe On 26 June
Athlon Closes The Gap: Why Pentium No Longer Rules The Roost
Microsoft Exchange Bug: Strike Three?
Microsoft's latest software fix for a security hole in the company's Exchange mail server may still be causing problems, CNET News.com learned Tuesday.
Linux Server Share: Gartner Goof-Up Or Microsoft Meddling?
Observers were surprised when Microsoft and Gartner's report on the Linux server market contradicted similar reports by IDC and AllNetResearch.
Dell Turnaround Still Months Away
Dell Computer Corp. Chief Operating Officer Kevin Rollins said on Tuesday that he does not see any signs of recovery until the fourth quarter.
Evaluating Intel's New Risk
While the company will continue to grow in value, it's pursuing, by necessity, a much more complicated strategy. This has made it harder to analyze and more susceptible to changing technology. Investors should adjust their willingness to pay a premium for the company's shares accordingly.
Tuesday, June 12, 2001
Top Stories
Windows XP Hits Where Apple's Aqua Misses?
The point is, though, that Apple hasn't fundamentally rethought the 1980s' graphical user interface, it has just redesigned it. Under the hood, OS X is a giant leap ahead of the classic Mac OS, but Aqua is just one small step forward.
Analysts See Hope, Struggle For Apple Stores
In a report issued last week, Anthony Penzarella, an analyst at IDC in Framingham, Mass., lauded Apple for providing a "revolutionary interactive display and sales approach" but said that "the road to increased market share [for Apple] in the retail channel does not look smooth."
News
Show 15 Posted! No We Won't Go Away!
This week be disgusted by even less content, including:
ï Billís bitter tirade during the news segment
ï The introduction of the new Apple ìThaiBookî
ï A phoney commercial/phone call to everyoneís favorite internet service provider, AppleISP
ï Another phoney phone call to a local record store asking if they have a strange new bandís CD
ï The top 9.6b4 things to watch for at Macworld in July
Adobe Introduces PageMaker 7.0, Coming This Summer
The new version, PageMaker 7.0, sports improved interactive with business software and now integrates Adobe's "network publishing" concept.
Apple Updates DVD Player To 2.7
PowerBooks Rock
Q&A with Bryan Adams.
Apple Warns Of NFS Glitch In OS X Server
Microsoft Word + Entourage 2001 SE Coming In July
Although the package was released to manufacturing today, Microsoft notes that Word + Entourage 2001 SE isn't expected to hit store shelves until July. The package will cost US$149.
Get Your Apple T-Shirts For Cheap!
RedLightRunner is a great resource for ordering Apple and Macintosh merchandise, and with MACWORLD right around the corner it is time to stock up on some new shirts to hit the show in style.
Alternative OS X Mail Application Updated
PowerMail is a full-featured e-mail client, easily handling complicated rules, multiple accounts, and customized configuration.
Opinion
Macs Still Cost Too Much
While Apple has had an amazing run of new products and the value to cost ratio of the latest Macs is always improving, there is still a need for Macs to cost less than they do. Apple wants to grow their market share by five percent, and lower cost Macs are certainly a way to do so.
Review
Shopping For A Fresh Apple: Where To Get Great Deals On iBooks
Olympus P-400
The P-400 is a big investment at $999, but those who need a lot of high-quality 8- by 10-inch enlargements quickly will find it to be a worthwhile solution.
The New iBook Gives PowerBook A Shake
For school use, and home or small business use, it offers about everything you could need.
iBook Review And Philosophy
My point is that Apple, like other great inventors, don't just improve things that people are complaining about. They put new things in the world, they don't just work on what is already there.
Now Up-To-Date & Contact 3.9
Back from the brink of doom, the package works well with modern Macs and is once again in active development.
Wintel
PC Sales Flu Infects Servers
The server market followed PCs into the high-tech slump in the first quarter of 2001, with worldwide sales of $13.3 billion representing a 4 percent drop from a year ago, research firm IDC will report Wednesday.
AMD Sees 30 Percent Chip Market Share
Advanced Micro Devices, the world's largest microchip maker after Intel, is on track to achieve its stated goal of a 30 percent global market share by year-end, a company official said on Tuesday.
AMD Preps Slimline Athlons For Slimline PCs
AMD is set to release a series of Athlon and Duron processors aimed at power-limited applications called Slim Form Factor (SFF) parts.
MP3 Gone From WinXP, And It's Not Coming Back
MP3 ripping is gone for good from the Windows XP beta, and will not return in the shipping product.
Microsoft Plugs Seven Telnet Holes In Windows 2000
In the advisory, which was posted on Microsoft's Web site last Thursday, the company said the vulnerabilities could leave Windows 2000 systems open to denial-of-service attacks and other security problems. But it stopped short of urging users to install the patch, saying only that companies running the Telnet service "should consider applying" the fix.
Intel Transistor Paves Way To 20GHz Chips
The breakthrough means that Moore's Law, which stipulates that the number of transistors on a chip doubles every two years, will remain on the books until at least 2007.
Hitachi, Microsoft To Pair On Data Storage
Microsoft Fixes Flawed Exchange Patch
Microsoft took another go at fixing a security flaw in the company's Exchange mail-server software this weekend, releasing the second version of a patch for the program.
Monday, June 11, 2001
Top Stories
An iBook Is The Apple Of My Eye
One day, all portable computers will be made this way. But the chances are that, by then, Apple will have moved on once again.
News
eKiosk 1.1 Provides 'Internet Kiosk' For Macs
You can use it to control the look and functions of Internet Explorer, block access to the Finder, block CD-ROM usage, and hide the Menu bar. You can delete all downloading files.
Pixar's New Digs Coddle Animators, Writers And Tech Heads
Steve Jobs stood just inside the main entrance to Pixar Animation Studios, gazing across the broad atrium, flanked by sandblasted-steel bridges, that forms the main artery of the building. Dozens of Pixar's 550 workers - animators, computer technicians, writers, accountants - bustled around him, chatting, listening to music on earphones, some riding metallic scooters.
Is An Apple 'eRing' In Our Future?
"The e-Ring boasts a color LCD display below a miniature microphone, video camera eye and speaker on one side, and a LCD numerical display, numeric keypad as well as two buttons - Call and iDisk - on the other side."
Opinion
The Coming Flat Panel iMac
I'm not saying the new flat panel iMac will look like a thicker Studio Display, only that this is something Apple could release at Macworld Expo in July.
Value And Panhandling
The problem isn't the donations; it's Schultz's paradigm. We should either be a commercial site that survives on ad income or a noncommercial site that survives on donations. Black or white, but not gray.
Review
Mac OS X Little Black Book
Mac OS X Little Black Book is perfect for the intermediate user transitioning to Mac OS X. However, I think it falls short for systems administrators in all situations except for very simple ones because of its lack of depth with UNIX and the applications that a Mac OS X user will need to work with in a networked environment.
Digital Age Babies Get With The Program
Web Is Cheap, Easy Way To Listen In On The World
With thousands of stations worldwide to choose from, Internet radio is a gold mine of popular and obscure music and other content all just a few clicks away.
Wintel
Microsoft Back On Attack
The kinder, gentler face that Microsoft Corp. put on after last year's landmark court decision to split up the company seems to have all but disappeared, as the company has stepped up its software bundling efforts and its campaign against Linux.
Big Numbers Don't Check Out In Microsoft Money
A printer template bug may cause large checks to bounce at the bank.
Hot New Products Kick-Start 'Microsoft Unbound'
A trip to the Redmond campus reveals a Microsoft that is newly reassertive, newly in touch with its strengths, ready to flex its muscles after the Court of Appeals' decision — "Microsoft Unbound," if you will.
Sunday, June 10, 2001
Top Stories
Apple Padlocks UI Decor
Why on earth would Apple harass a small group of developers whose only sin seems to be the desire to make a contribution to the computing platform they love? The only explanation seems to be that, far from being afraid that theme developers will copy elements of the Mac user interface, somebody at Apple fears that the developers will create a better UI than Aqua.
News
New Wireless Standards Challenge 802.11b
Some of these standards have been kicking around for a year or more and are about to be commercially deployed; others are new, and may supplant 802.11b entirely.
Wintel
Intel: Is No News Good News?
So despite all the giddiness this week, there still may be some hand-wringing to come for Intel.
Office XP Cracked, Say Bootleggers
There is increasing evidence on the internet that Microsoft's flagship Office XP has been cracked, despite Microsoft's denials.
Saturday, June 9, 2001
Top Stories
Why Killer Apps Are Killing Me
As nefarious as I'd like to say Windows is about crashing my computer and generally making most third-party applications as annoying as a blood tick in the nose hairs of a hound dog, truth is, my vaunted Mac is only slightly lower on the annoyance scale.
Steve Jobs' Amoral Compass
What a sick place this can be.
Why MSN Needs The Mac OS
If Apple's hopes and dreams of doubling market share in the coming years truly comes to pass, then Mac users deserve more choices for getting online. They deserve the chance to choose MSN too.
Mac OS X Versus Windows 2000 In The Heavyweight Round
Color us shocked, but our panel of seven judges delivered a solid victory to the revolutionary Mac OS. We couldn't overlook the Mac's legendary installation ease and its smooth hardware integration—most notably, digital video media such as cameras and video cameras, thanks to its FireWire support.
Apple's iBook Easy On The Wallet And On The Back
Because it's a Mac, many people will overlook or ignore the iBook, even though its pricing is more than competitive with Windows-based portables. But PC manufacturers ought to take a look at this stylish, sturdy little machine — there's a lot for them to imitate.
New AppleScript Worm Targets Outlook Express, Entourage
Symantec AntiVirus Research Center (SARC) has confirmed the existence of a new AppleScript worm called MacSimpson@mm. The AppleScript worm targets users of Microsoft e-mail clients Outlook Express and Entourage.
News
Relationship With Apple, Strong Finances Are Good Signs For Zomax
Zomax hasn't given investors much to cheer about recently, but that situation is starting to change, thanks to the Plymouth-based company's strong finances.
Apple Moonlights With Mac OS 9 Update
While Apple Computer Inc. focuses buyers' and developers' attention on Mac OS X, the company is continuing to tune up its classic Mac OS with a forthcoming update.
Fair Game: What OS X Means For Gaming On The Mac, Part II
Only time will tell if OS X will boost the number of games ported over to the Mac. OS X has certainly removed some of the obstacles in porting a game to the Mac. But developers will need time to gain experience with the new OS. They also need Apple to bring Mac OS X's drivers to the same level as that of the classic Mac OS.
IBM Intros New PPC Chips, Due In 2003
Apple TIL: Two Different OS X CDs Available
Apple's Tech Info Library notes two different circulating OS X CDs, warning that users should not "mix and match" the versions on each CD.
Minnesota School Successfully Running Mixed Mac/WIndows Network
Group Logic has announced that one school district has successfully used their ExtremeZ-IP software to set-up and run just such a network.
Canvas 8 For OS X Coming This Summer
Canvas is a full featured image editing and creation tool and it provides users with a host of powerful tools and features.
Two More For X: Symantec Updates Software
An upcoming update to Norton AntiVirus will allow Mac users running OS X to ditch the disc — version 7.0.2 of the antivirus software has reworked to run in OS X. Symantec is also updating Norton Personal Firewall to run as an OS X-native application.
Maya Still Has Plans For The Mac
Mac advocate's departure shouldn't sidetrack development.
Woz Gets Visionary Award
Visionary Awards are presented annually to "acknowledged experts in their field who have enriched the lives of others through their work, while creating the technologies of tomorrow," according to SDForum.
Opinion
Brother Can You Spare A Dime? Click Here!: A Bad Omen For The Mac Web
Keep a careful watch on the Mac Web my friends ... I bet we see other changes soon at some sites because of decreased revenue.
How "Human" Is The Mac OS X Interface?
Even the most conservative Classic Mac OS fan can have his or her dogmatism gradually eroded by time spent with the new OS. My argument here is not that Mac OS X is perfect — there is undoubtedly a long way to go yet — but rather that many of the paradigm shifts it brings with it are actually exciting opportunities for the future and not scary departures from the past.
Review
How Does The GeForce3 Compare To The GeForce2 MX And Radeon?
Epson Stylus Photo 870
Regardless of cost, you won't be disappointed with output quality from this excellent printer.
Wintel
Dell Takes The Price War Gambit
Is Dell Computer Corp. fighting a price war with itself?
Intel's Outlook Could Bode Well For Microsoft
Intel's cautiously optimistic midquarter report could provide Microsoft with some welcome good news on the health of the computer industry, analysts said on Friday.
Intergraph Pursues Intel Case, Drops Antitrust
Intergraph Corp. said on Friday it plans to pursue it's long-running patent and contract interference suit against chip maker Intel Corp. after hitting a dead-end on its antitrust claims. In a statement, the maker of computer design systems said it did not believe that the antitrust claims filed in a suit begun in 1997 against Intel were necessary for other claims involving business tort and contract claims to succeed.
Friday, June 8, 2001
Top Stories
Quaker Valley Teachers, Students Get An Apple
District officials had narrowed the choice of hardware supplier to Dell and Apple. While the board still must formally award the contract to Apple, it has released some details of Apple's proposal. Under the proposal, Apple will provide the teachers' computers for free.
News
48GB Drive Available For PowerBooks
Trans Intl., a company that designs and manufactures computer memory and mass storage products, has announced the online availability of a new 2.5-inch, 48GB, 5400 rpm hard disk drive that can expand the internal storage of PowerBooks.
Sony Intros New Printers With LCD, CD-RW
Sony Electronics has introduced new photo printers aimed at digital photo enthusiasts. The DPP-SV77 sports an LCD display, while the DPP-SV88 sports an integrated CD-RW drive for easy archiving.
Opinion
Why Mac OS And Linux Users Must Join Together In Common Cause
Apple is still too corporately beholden to Redmond to mount a full-scale defense of IT freedom. We all need Linux and the Open Source community.
In A Rush To Decide: Cocoa Or Carbon?
Macintosh Developer to the rescue. The MacDev staff compiled, at great expense and mental effort, a list of distinguishing features of Cocoa and Carbon development to aid you in your choice.
Review
Rogue Spear
Despite its shortcomings, Rogue Spear is a great game that balances strategy and action. If you enjoy playing solo, or exclusively against other Rogue Spear-for-Mac players online, the game delivers.
New Software Makes Great Father's Day Gift
With this product, the user can create a colorful, customized gift bag that can include Internet photos, images off a CD disc or scanned photos.
New iBook Has Style
This laptop is light, stylish and cool without looking like a toy. It performs well, is loaded with features and boasts a very competitive price.
Wintel
Security Hole Found In Exchange 2000
Microsoft revealed a security hole in its Exchange 2000 mail server Wednesday that could allow an attacker to target corporate employees with programs that delete their mail.
Microsoft's Predictable Revenue
The common denominator among many of Microsoft's new products and services is that each will be available through subscription. That's a significant shift that provides a more predictable and annuity-like stream of income. It's a positive for the company because it provides greater insight into future results and should help Microsoft weather difficult economic conditions.
Microsoft, Red Hat Set Open-Source Debate
After claiming last month that the open-source model is flawed and "responsible for releasing unhealthy code," Microsoft Senior Vice President Craig Mundie is set to debate the issue at an open-source conference in July.
Intel Stands By Its Earlier Forecast
Analyst fears notwithstanding, the second quarter looks the same as it did in April, Intel said Thursday.
Microsoft Antitrust Player's Start-Up Cuts Staff
Despite a promising market and a healthy war chest, Voxeo, a start-up from Microsoft antitrust-trial architect Gary Reback, laid off nearly 20 percent of its 135 staffers amid a drive for new funding.
Thursday, June 7, 2001
Top Stories
Economy Casts Conservative Hue On Color Trends
Designers said blue, the color of air and water, is now big and likely to surpass the ubiquitous green as the shade of the decade. Eight of every 10 people say blue is their favorite color, one designer said. He expects it to show up in updated navy to retro aqua, similar to what was popular in the 1950s.
Apple's Fundamentally New Operating System
Apple's operating systems - improved little by little over the years with upgrades - often have been light-years ahead of the Windows-type OSs, made by the Microsoft Corp. The new OS X (a Roman numeral meant to be pronounced "10") continues the tradition.
No Mac Is An Island
The profound change in the Mac's OS architecture has shaken up the game board and left Mac loyalists unusually open to considering the advantages of those applications that exploit the new ecosystem to its fullest.
News
Apple Distributor Ingram Micro To Cut 1,000 Jobs
Apple Releases PowerBook G4 Titanium Firmware Update
Apple Hires New Exec
Apple Computer has hired John Brandon as vice president of the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Brandon will be in charge of Apple's sales in these regions, excluding education-related sales and Apple's retail stores.
Creativebase.com, Apple Team For iMovie Project
"We are looking for the most innovative, powerful or witty approach to working with a straightforward DV camera and the most simple of editing packages — iMovie," said Creativebase.com.
Opinion
Crunch Time, Part 3
As the dot-coms learned last year, it's hard to get rich publishing content on the Internet, but at it looks like everything has fallen into place for Low End Mac the rest of the year.
Laptops For Everyone!
Giving laptops to all the of the students will also motivate the teacher to learn as he or she will be hard-pressed to keep up with those computer-savy students!
Review
Batch Image Processing On A Budget
DragThing For OS X: Stocking Stuffer Deluxe
If ìfive starsî means a perfect product, then DragThing gets 4 and 7/8, because of the few features mentioned above that are still missing, even though itís not for lack of willingness on the developerís part. But if ìfive starsî means a product that does all it claims to do, as well as it claims to do it, then DragThing deserves ten.
Crescendo/PB G3 333/512K
But improving the 1400's processor doesn't improve its other subsystems. You could max out its RAM and install a faster hard drive, but then you'll spend almost as much money upgrading your 1400 as you would by buying an iBook on eBay. We recommend the Crescendo/PB G3 333/512K only for those who use their PowerBooks primarily for Microsoft Office and Internet access. Otherwise, unless you're attached to your PowerBook 1400 until they pry your cold, dead fingers off the slate-gray casing, a G3 upgrade card just isn't a good value.
Wintel
AMD Kicks Up Its Chip Speeds
The new 1.4GHz Athlon will target the high-end PC market, where sales have languished this year as consumers focus on machines in the $800 to $1,200 range. The 950MHz Duron will be aimed at the budget PC market.
U.S. PC Shipments Seen Declining
The next couple of years will be lean ones in the PC industry, research firm IDC predicted on Wednesday.
Clowning Around At Computex
The war of words between Via Technologies and rival Intel has been fast and furious as usual, but the most heated comments at Computex are not about which deals were cut, but rather which balloons.
Microsoft Talks Xbox
Ed Fries and J Allard of Microsoft's games division speak on various topics related to the company's upcoming Xbox console.
Intel Set To Release Mid-Quarter Financial Update
Intel Corp. holds its first-ever mid-quarter update on Thursday, and while analysts don't expect the chip giant to say things are getting much worse, they aren't getting better very quickly, either.
Microsoft Migrates Its Java Developers
Compaq Looking For Acquisitions
Compaq Computer is aggressively seeking acquisitions in the services market following its failed bid for Proxicom in May, while the company is seeing softening in European markets, Compaq Chairman Michael Capellas said Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 6, 2001
Top Stories
Can You Believe It? G4s At JavaOne
The game plan according to the Apple folks is to get on the radar screen of Java developers.
Microsoft Patches Mac Word For RTF Security Risk
According to Microsoft, the security hole could potentially result in RTF files infecting a target system with Macro viruses.
News
Wireless LANs Come Of Age
The momentum behind Wi-Fi, a high-speed wireless networking technology, seems unstoppable.
Apple Climbs A Mountain
Out in the main office, Mac OS 9.1 continues to be in the mainstream, which is probably only to be expected for mission critical stuff on which most folk tend towards severe conservatism, but use of OS X is obviously growing quickly.
Future Power And Apple Settle iMac-Related Lawsuit
As part of the settlement, Future Power agrees that it won't sell its E-Power system through Feb. 1, 2004 — the original terms of a preliminary injunction first put in place in 1999.
Apple, Intel, Microsoft Sponsor 1394 Conf
Mac Software Used To Webcast Prep School Commencement
This year, the graduation ceremonies of historic Boston-area prep school Milton Academy will be Webcast via QuickTime. It's thanks to the efforts of SoftTech Inc. and Channel Storm. Channel Storm's Live Channel is being used to produce and distribute the Webcast.
Opinion
Mac Web Economics
I always wince a bit when I hear someone rhapsodizing about, say, iCab's facility to block banner ads.
Cocoa Carbon Classic And Compatibility
Running Classic is not just painfully obvious on Mac OS X. It is a tremendous burden.
For Once, Apple Should Follow In Dell's Footsteps
Apple should find the right company to make a Mac based voting system, and pay the development costs of making it.
Review
QT Authoring On Native Mac OS X
You can produce quality multimedia presentations working natively in Mac OS X.
The Perils Of Early Adoption, And Some iBook Bad News/Good News
My policy on early adoption of a new model is that it's wise to wait for the initial production bugs and glitches to be ironed out, saving yourself a likely load of aggravation and inconvenience associated with early adoption.
Macromedia FreeHand 10
Unless you're having specific problems with your current version, or perhaps if your business is on the Web, you may still be perfectly happy with FreeHand 7 or 8. There's not much here to win over Illustrator, CorelDraw or Canvas users either. But committed FreeHand-professionals, especially those upgrading to Mac OS X, will love it.
Final Cut Pro 2.0
The engineers at Apple have clearly been working overtime. It's our opinion that Final Cut Pro 2.0 is the smartest video-editing program available for less than $10,000, and, retailing at one-tenth of that price, an incredible value.
iBook Shows Its Color
With its good design and reasonable price, the new iBook should have a strong showing—even if it doesn't come in a rainbow of colors.
Wintel
AMD Expects Higher Revenue In 2001
U.S. chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices expects to boost revenue this year, despite a slump in the overall semiconductor industry, as it expands its market share, Chief Operating Officer Hector Ruiz said on Wednesday.
MS Scratches Compaq's Back By Restricting PocketPC Licences
Intel Executive Sees No Need For New Job Cuts
Microsoft's New Windows Spark A Real-Estate Rush On Desktop
One of the main issues: the dramatically stark, clean look of the software's opening screen, which differs markedly from the busy, icon-laden looks of older Windows products.
Who Needs More Than A Gigahertz?
Chipmakers are locked in an arms race of producing ever-faster processors, but many consumers are shunning the speed demons in favor of slower, budget-priced PCs.
Curing Steve Ballmer's Open-Source 'Cancer'
The GNU license is stricter in its requirements than the BSD license, but nowhere near as restrictive as Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's incorrect assessment of 'open source' suggests.
Microsoft Ends Free Support For Office 97
In another move at least partly aimed at prodding people to upgrading their software, Microsoft has ended its free support for customers of its most popular business software product.
Questioning Dell's Returns On Capital
Dell is a fine company that generates very good returns on capital — just not as good as one might think at first glance.
Itanium: New Opening For Linux?
Intel's new Itanium chip is getting muffled yawns from some quarters, but for Linux vendors, the architecture could represent a sterling opportunity to make much-desired inroads into high-end computing environments.
Tuesday, June 5, 2001
Top Stories
Apple's Moviemaking Revolution
Its cheap, fast Final Cut Pro software makes film editing affordable — and threatens industry leader Avid.
Apple Spots Turn 180° From '1984'
Selling the product on its merits, and not as a conscientious objection. An interesting concept. From a marketing point of view, thatís not thinking differently, itís just thinking ahead. Although, for Apple, thatís different.
News
Poll: 'Apple Needs OS X Handheld'
Most readers didnít want Apple to manufacture and sell a Palm OS handheld ñ with 28 per cent instead in favour of the company developing a totally new PDA operating system based on Mac OS X.
Mobile Computers Raise Academic Bar
"We believe that Apple provides tools that inspire creativity and critical thinking."
Hardware Adapters That Support Things Apple Should But Doesn't
Metrowerks Intros CodeWarrior For Wireless Java Tools
The new programming tools have been created to help software developers create wireless applications using Java technology. The new development tools are built from the ground up support Sun's Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME), according to Metrowerks.
OmniWeb Wins Two OS X Apple Design Awards
Apple Releases MySQL Update
If you're using a Mac configured with Mac OS X Server and MySQL, you should be aware of a new update in circulation.
Missing Some OS 9 Features In OS X? Try X-Assist
The most notable feature of X-Assist is the reintroduction of an Application menu in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.
Review
Final Cut Pro 2
Final Cut Pro 2 isn't a slam-dunk winner over Adobe Premiere 6, due to Premiere's lower price, audio mixer, and ties to other Adobe products. Still, it's a superb sequel. Its enhancements address the needs of video professionals, and its performance on a G4 Mac is stunning. Final Cut Pro's unmatched depth of features has made it the editor of choice for video pros, and version 2 will only strengthen that position.
Que M2 10GB FireWire Drive
This is the ideal drive to accompany any PowerBook with a FireWire port.
SPY Fox Computer Game Praised
In a world where children's software is often relentlessly educational or toothache-sweet, Humongous creates original characters and casts them in entertaining adventures that amuse kids and adults.
Mac Publisher Pro 1.5
You could probably design a basic flyer using Mac Publisher Pro, but with no decent templates, you'd have to work hard to make it attractive†—†and that's assuming you could get past the bugs, import limitations, and clunky interface. Aspiring desktop publishers on a budget should look elsewhere.
Who's There Firewall Advisor 1.0
If you're a home DSL or cable-modem user, Who's There Firewall Advisor is an invaluable tool for following through on intrusion attempts†—†as long as you're running one of the two firewalls it supports.
Mac OS X Diary: The Readers Speak
Some say the train has left the station, but I think it just pulled away from the platform to show us all that it can run. By looking the other way, we only allow that train to stay where it is, and not move forward.
Wintel
Office.Net Not Quite User-Friendly
My greatest fear of Office.Net arises not from the enormity of the coding challenge so much as from a very precarious dependence on the network.
Real Virus Piggybacks On E-Mail Hoax
It sounds like the newest twist in a second-rate thriller: Just when you were lulled into thinking it was a harmless prank, the killer virus attacks!
Microsoft's Mattress Fund
As corporate headaches go, this is the one to have: What to do with $30 billion in cash?
Watch The Skies For Mothership Microsoft
The essential dilemma of the innovator is that, if they truly hit the motherload, they will be too busy mining to see when another innovator is just about to seal up the entrance.
Wall Street Preps For Intel Outlook
Intel will host its first midquarter update with analysts Thursday, and Wall Street analysts aren't expecting much.
Microsoft Aims At Couch Potatoes With TV Software Launch
U.S. software powerhouse Microsoft Corp. takes aim at the couch potato market this week with the high-stakes launch of its top interactive TV product on a Portuguese cable network.
Analyst Pares Estimates For Compaq
Citing weakness in the PC market, J.P. Morgan Chase analyst Walter Winnitzki cut estimates on Compaq Computer, saying it could be difficult for the company to meet earnings forecasts for its June quarter.
Java Still Sun's Way To Minimize Microsoft
This week, Palo Alto, Calif.-based Sun will trumpet the latest improvements to its ambitious software project at its JavaOne conference in San Francisco. And Sun will update its strategy to undermine Microsoft with the latest technologies to make their way into the Java universe.
Monday, June 4, 2001
Top Stories
Mac OS X Crashes: Radeon Not Guilty
Fellow Mac OS X adopters who have bought - or are thinking of buying - ATI's retail Radeon graphics card can rest assured: Radeon Mac Edition is supported by Mac OS X - despite all my curmudgeonly complaints that it wasn't.
News
Z-Write Word Processor Goes OS X-native
The company calls Z-Write a "non-linear word processor", as it allows an unlimited number of documents to be stored as a single file. This makes project organization, editing and revision easier, according to Stone Table.
Opinion
Crunch Time, Part 2
Your generous donations and the sale of the Cube will let us pay our writers for April, cover our current bills, pay the June taxes, and keep me from falling further behind on payroll.
Review
Two Weeks With An iBook
I think the new iBook could be a great $999 educational laptop. Apple unfortunately chose to introduce it at an educational price of $1199.
Mac OS X Diary: The Progress Report
Print this checklist out and see how many of these issues get resolved by the July Macworld Expo in New York. After all, that's supposed to be the next generation's "coming out" party in many regards.
Wintel
HP PC Biz To 'Lose $100m' In 2001
What Can Bill Gates XPect Next?
His big plans for Microsoft's new operating system could hit a major snag if the courts, urged on by his enemies, decide to get involved.
Bill Gates's Saving Grace
At last, Microsoft has found a way to stop documents disappearing in a crash.
Sunday, June 3, 2001
News
Wintel
India-Born Whiz Kid Proves Microsoft Wrong
A New Zealander whiz kid of Indian descent has achieved an impossible of sorts by implementing Microsoft Site Server on Windows 2000 — a feat that the American software giant thought was "unachievable".
Saturday, June 2, 2001
Top Stories
PowerBooks Rock
Bryan Adams is a 21st-century Mac-head who uses his PowerBook for just about everything.
Fair Game: What OS X Means For Gaming On The Mac
One thing about OS X is fairly certain — it will change the way game developers approach the Mac platform.
Apple Retail Store Employees Move Swiftly To Pull PC-Only Title From Mac Games Section
Every once in a while, life delivers a little shock when you just didn't expect it.
News
iTunes Gets New Visual Plug-in
TechRTA provides faster transient response, a bigger, more visually engaging display, and more options than the built-in "thumbnail" real-time analyzer of iTunes, according to Robert Robinson of Monmouth.
Light Up My Keyboard
Do you need to compute in the dark or low light environments? Has your mum told you to go to bed but you want to keep tapping away all night without her being able to see you've still got the light on, because its shining under your bedroom door?
Mighter Than The Mouse?
Pen-driven computers are suddenly back in fashion.
iMac: Giving Power To The Kids
Dang, how I wish I had grown up in a home with a Mac.
Yellow Dog Linux 2.0 Teaches Mac New Tricks
With its splashy Aqua GUI and BSD Unix underpinnings, Mac OS X may command the lion's share of the Mac community's attention. However, Linux developers haven't ceded the PowerPC desktop to Apple Computer Inc.'s born-again OS.
CRT Remains For Apple Education Customers
Even PC Magazine Mixes Up Mac OS X & Windows XP
With all the confusion between Mac OS X's Aqua and Windows XP's Luna, it would seem that even the folks at PC Magazine are a bit confused when it comes to the differences between the two.
Opinion
Mac OS X: The Trauma Of Change
An operating system is a computer's life-blood, and more than any other component characterizes the computer for what it is.
Why You Want A G3
Whether you buy a new iMac, iBook, a used PowerBook 3500/G3, or an original Power Mac G3/233, having a G3 processor will make your Mac computing experience better than it ever has been before.
Crunch Time At Low End Mac
As a result of the dot-com shakeout, ad income is about half what it was a year ago on a per page basis.
Mac Web Sites - Who Will Survive?
I have never really tried to make a profit from this site, but that article made me realize that some people do this as their only means of income, and that the sharp drop in revenue really hurts.
PC Journo Pleas For More Mac Games, Because We Stink
"The fact that they use computers with baby-blue Dalmatian spots makes them all the more satisfying to blow up in online bloodbaths."
The Mac Is Dead! Long Live The Mac!
The software story on Mac OS X isn't great yet, incessant and strident railway metaphors notwithstanding. OS X has a long and hard way to go, but it's definitely showing promise.
Review
Hands On With Photoshop Elements
The new product — which replaces Photoshop LE for "midrange users" — offers all the features of Photoshop that I need, but without the steep learning curve.
Heavy Metal: FAKK2
An unfortunate audio bug occasionally interrupts the party with a burst of static, but this does little to damage the overall effect of Gathering of Developers' effort. The mix of gun action and melee mayhem, spectacular visuals, and great gameplay combine to deliver an imaginative action adventure that's bold, loud, and simply maximum rock 'n' roll.
PhotoImpression 3.0
If Adobe Photoshop's highly technical approach to image editing seems like overkill to you, PhotoImpression 3.0 is a splendid, inexpensive alternative.
How Does The iBook 2001 Compare To The G4 Titanium PowerBook?
Wintel
AMD To Roll Out Two New Revved-Up Chips
The chipmaker, as expected, will announce its 1.4GHz desktop Athlon processor and a new 950MHz Duron chip next week at the Computex trade show in Taiwan, sources familiar with AMD's plans said.
Office XP: A Leap Worth Taking
No, Word doesn't write for you, and you still have to know how to do math to use Excel. But the changes, most of which are cosmetic, make the applications friendlier to use. There are both individual improvements to the applications, and then there are across-the-board changes.
Office XP Makes Nightclub Song And Dance
Microsoft Australia has chosen a trendy Sydney nightclub for the daytime launch of Office XP.
How Microsoft Offended Millions Of Indians
Oh dear, oh dear. It seems that they can't do anything right over there in Redmond.
Gates: Office XP Will Sell 'Very Rapidly'
A federal appeals court is expected to soon decide whether to break his company in two, and sales of its key products have slowed, but Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is smiling.
MS Uses Hammer To Crack Piracy Nut
It's Hard To Muster Enthusiasm For Office XP
The problem with Office XP as column fodder is that Office 2000, and Office 97 before it, were and still are strong sets of productivity applications that are more than sufficient for one to get work done.