Monday, December 31, 2001
Review
Sidetrack
James Davidson is researching on the MP3 format, and the seemingly unavoidable silience at the beginning and end of each MP3 — and a suggestion on how Apple can get ahead of the game, again.
Wintel
Nine States Urge Judge To Reject Microsoft Delay
Nine states opposed to a proposed settlement of the Microsoft Corp. antitrust case asked a federal judge Monday to reject the company's request for a delay in hearings on alternative sanctions.
Sunday, December 30, 2001
News
Review
Latest AIM Client For Mac OS X Is Slick
Clearly the software team for the Mac OS X AIM client are taking this opportunity to improve their product.
Wintel
Compact Designs With Big Output
IBM's NetVista X series of PCs borrows from the Macintosh book of compact design to deliver a diminutive desktop that runs on the Microsoft operating system.
Windows CE .Net Ready For January Launch
In a move that takes Microsoft one step closer to realizing its .Net vision of ubiquitous access to Web-based content and services, the company is gearing up for the January launch of the next version of its Windows CE operating system, Windows CE .Net.
Saturday, December 29, 2001
Sidetrack
Mr Barrett: Why would a device from Picsel.com have an Apple logo on it?
Friday, December 28, 2001
News
Economy Takes Bite Out Of Apple
Apple noted that among the factor sthat threaten the future of its retail stores are consumer acceptance and the ability to attract new Mac users.
Year In Review: X Marks The Spot
What is it about the letter X?
Palm Gives OS X A Thumbs Up
Mac OS X can finally speak directly to Palm handhelds.
Opinion
Sweet Exec Deals Sour Apple's Image
It would have been nice to see the company hold off on such sweet deals — at least until the ship is clearly righted.
Review
Happy Holidays, And A Simply Productive New Year
If you have someone on your Christmas list who's determined to get stuff done, or if you've made a resolution for a more productive New Year, then check out this list of what you can get for less than $200.
Choice Shareware Programs Improve Upon Mac OS X
Here are three programs I not only recommend, but use, a million times a day.
A Mac OS Innocent In Linux Land
If you want the stability and power of Unix without (msot of) the hassle, be thankful for OS X.
Sidetrack
Microsoft
Brent Ashley: Microsoft will stop being a bully and a brat on the day when people show them that they will lose business unless they smarten up and stop treating us like cattle. We're not cattle. We refuse to have you steer us to your abbatoir. I'm busitn' out of this corral. Who's coming with me?
Walter S. Mossberg: Microsoft has good year, at expense of customers.
Random
Can MacSurfer make up its mind on whether it want to tag a post-date to its headlines? :-)
Brent Simmons: We've entered the age where email is no longer reliable... Virus catchers, black hole lists, and spam filters set up by your ISP, your office email server, and probably by you. These filters aren't perfect. You will miss some email.
If you e-mail me, and didn't get a response from me, chances are, I've deleted your e-mail without reading. I do have tons of rules in my Eudora. And even though the rules don't delete any e-mail, they do put them into separate folders which I glance over. And sometimes, I do get tired, and misses mail. Damn spam.
The Seven Wonders of the Web: Google, Yahoo!, Project Gutenberg, Multimap, Ebay, Amazon, and Blogger.
Joe Barr, prediction for 2002: At least one global megacrop will announce a complete migration away from all Microsoft platforms to an interoperable mix of Unix, Mac and Linux platforms.
Bruce A. Epstein: I finally understand gardening. Like a programmer creating a virtual world, you get to make life and death decisions.
Wintel
Will Microsoft's Passport Net Success?
What businesses certainly will not like is Microsoft using its clout to dictate to them from a position of power.
Thursday, December 27, 2001
Top Stories
New iMacs For The New Year?
Apple has never lacked chutzpah; it it can convert that renewable resource into major new products, the Mac maker could emerge from this recession with a fresh new coat of Teflon and some new users to boot.
News
Steve Jobs To Give A Keynote At CES 2002
Steve will be "presneting Apple's line of digital lifestyle appliances" and "an intuitive vision for consumer devices: think simple."
Opinion
Mac's Year Not So Bad After All
In all, it wasn't a bad year, considering how bad a year it was.
Review
For Use Anytime
Connectix's Virtual PC for Mac 5.0 offers both reasonable speed and relatively low cost in an easy-to-install software package.
Sidetrack
CMS Newsfeed?
Does anyone know of any RSS-based news-feed on content management? Please mail me. Thanks!
Random
I just wanted to say that creating an application to play QuickTime video on Linux is not the same as porting QuickTime to Linux.
Today, I had to use the online help manual to find out how I can delete a folder in Lotus Notes. Sigh.
Bill Fox: It would seem... that many Carbon apps, including AppleWorks from Apple, are not optimized for OS X and do not take full advantage of the graphics accelerator card while Illustrator does.
Blogger has a security breach ó change your FTP password now, if you are using the service.
Paul Boutin: Instead of trying to build an uncrackable safe, DRM makers should ask themselves: How can we be more like the newspaper box?
Wintel
Fiorina Mars HP's Image, Survey Says
More than 800 tech marketing executives in 17 countries voted the HP chief to the top of CEO's who most harmed their brand in the past year.
Microsoft Warns Of Holes In SQL Server
A pair of security holes in Microsoft's SQL Server database could make the product vulnerable to a denial-of-service attack and to the execution of malicious code by an attacker.
Wednesday, December 26, 2001
Top Stories
Apple: Our Stores Will Lose Money
Apple expects to post a "small loss" in its retail operations in the current quarter and in all fiscal 2002, ending September.
Apple CEO Jobs Takes $1 Salary Again In 2001
Steve Jobs took a salary of $1 in the past fiscal year while other top executives were rewarded with options for one million shares each, a major increase in compensation, according to a filing with securities regulators.
News
Amnesty Period For Software Pirates
Campaign urges scofflaws to pay fees, avoid penalties.
A Time For Helping Others
Austin Henry can't write, but uses a Macintosh iBook computer at school to help him with his work.
Review
2001: A Great Year For Businesses That Use Macs
Apple made major strides in providing a platform that could meet the needs of the general business customer.
Mac Browser Roundup
We test drove and reviewed updated versions of Opera browser and Internet Explorer.
Outdoor Guide Software Makes A Great Planning Tool
This compact disc would make a nice Christmas gift for any outdoor enthusiast.
Sidetrack
Gizmo of the Year
It's time, yet again, to cast your vote for your favorite gizmo in this MSNBC's poll. (Hint: iPod)
Tuesday, December 25, 2001
Top Stories
Apple Loyalists Cheering Microsoft
Well-received Mac Office suite helps take bite out of rivalry.
News
Compal Rumored To Receive iBook Orders
Apple Loyalists Cheering Microsoft
Well-received Mac Office suite helps take bite out of rivalry.
Opinion
Review
2001 - A Vintage Year For Apple Portables
Apple's portables are now solidly capable of supplanting desktop computers for most users.
Sidetrack
My New Digital Camera
I've just bought my very first digital camera (Canon PhotoShot A20), and I went out for a practice session this evening. If you are into photography, please do take a look at my photos — not because they are good, but maybe you can give me some feedback and pointers. Please? Thanks.
By the way, I don't know either of those two people.
Random
James Coates: It's a particularly good idea to wait a bit [for DVD burning] if you want to do stuff in the Windows world, which lags the Macintosh side... Meanwhile, you already can do what you want with a $2,500 or so investment in a Macintosh G4.
Wintel
Buffer Overflows Seep Into Windows XP
Some critics questioned how the latest bug might have slipped through.
Monday, December 24, 2001
News
Hewlett Aims To Replace The Print Shop
Behind the deal is another Hewlett-Packard ambition: to extend the reach of its dominant printing and imaging division.
Sidetrack
Random
Department of Transportation: Santa Gets Cleared For Christmas Flight.
Backup Brain: Why this company and product (Modem Magic) should be avoided at all costs.
Sunday, December 23, 2001
Top Stories
Apple Pulls iPod Updater: B&W PowerMac Issues
The update has compatibility issues with "blue and white" Power Macintosh G3 systems.
News
Gifts For Geeks: Vintage Technology A Hot Market
History can be a factor determining a vintage computer's popularity - and price. The first Apple computer recently sold in a private auction for a reported $25,000.
Sundance's Sizable Online Film Fest Has Both Fire, Ice
Pull up the office chair, set the microwave popcorn on the desk and refill the coffee mug. It's movie time.
Nine Inch Nails
Documenting a tour on DVD.
Review
Mac 10.1.2 Update Is PC Card Heaven
After spending the better part of the morning wrestling with my Windows laptop to even recognize my PC card, tonight's experience with Mac OS X has me grinning from ear to ear.
Wintel
Who Needs Hackers When We've Got MS?
Windows XP doesn't protect you from Microsoft, an entity some argue is more dangerous than any cyber terrorist or hacker gang.
Saturday, December 22, 2001
Top Stories
Inetd: Bad Coder, No Doughnut
What is going on with you people who write installers and applications these days?
News
Mac IE Browser Defaults To Netscape Page
Ironic turn of events.
Sidetrack
The Source
Chris Coleman: When Apple began developing Mac OS X, they did something really cool: they chose BSD Unix as the core foundation for the OS. On top of BSD Unix, they added their programming APIs, Graphics Engine, and Aqua GUI. This is common knowledge. But what many people don't know is that the source code for much of Mac OS X is available to the public.
Vidmaster: This evening, something so remarkable happened at the Apple Store that I felt I needed to share.
Brad Templeton: I remember USENET.
Friday, December 21, 2001
News
School Board Duel Erupts Over Laptops
"This is not a toy. This is a tool." "That's a crock."
Buzzle In Liquidation
Failed Apple reseller consortium Buzzle has been placed in provisional liqudiation by the Supreme Court of NSW.
Opinion
Apple's FireWire To Go Wireless At 5GHz
The promising new GigaWire standard could lead to innovative products that will blow past all other networking technologies on the market today.
Review
Tech Gizmos In The Spotlight
Attenion, Mac lowers: It's finally your turn in the digital audio spotlight.
OS X Server 10.1 Is No Laughing Matter
We found that the Mac-based GUI management tools provided much easier administration than did the Unix-based versions of these tools.
PowerBook G4 Is Top Suggested Gift
When creativity seems a lost art, I gotta give Apple high marks for the PowerBook G4.
Sidetrack
There's not enough free native e-mail client for OS X. Well, at least not for me. That last OS update trashed my Mail.app. Eudora Beta is flacky and does not have a good interface. While Netscape has a horrible interface.
Please do e-mail me if there are other freeware e-mail client out there that I missed.
Random
Crazy Apple Rumors Site: January 7th keynote to be a repeat. Apple to re-introduce iPod.
Well, even Microsoft needs a second chance to tell the time correctly.
Is Xerox coming after Steve Jobs next?
Wintel
Microsoft Seeks Antitrust Hearing Delay
Microsoft asked to extend by another four months the scheduled date for a remedy hearing.
HP Goes On Offensive
Ad, letter to shareholders defend Compaq bid.
Microsoft Schools Settlement Decision Held Until 2002
A US judge says he will give Microsoft and attorneys more time to negotiate a compromise with dissenters.
Thursday, December 20, 2001
Top Stories
Burning With Ambition
Sales of recordable DVDs expected to heat up, thanks to home movies.
News
Interview: Erik Ryan Of Microsoft
The inside scooop on the MBU, Office v. X, and more.
Bare Bones Releases BBEdit 6.5.1
The new version gains language support for JSP and an improved version of the "bbedit" command-line tool.
Qualcomm: Eudora For OS X Coming In Early 2002
"We will be resuming the OS X effort immediately."
Apple Preps For QuickTime Live Conference
QuickTime Live will give attendees a chance to get more information on Apple's implementation of MPEG-4.
Review
OS X Is Good To Go Mainstream
For many of the niches where the Mac is popular, the transition to OS X will take more time. But for mainstream business and Internet use, OS X has reached its stride.
Digital Cameras For Less: How Much Will $300 Buy?
To see just how much trickling has gone down, I asked each major camera company, How much digital camera does $300 buy?
Sidetrack
Idiot Installers
Now, here are some of things I do when I update software on my Mac...
- Backup my data.
- Move application back to its original folder, if I can remember. Otherwise, just dump it at the top level of Applications folder.
- Pray.
Damn idiot installers.
Random
Dave Winer: It's the perfect workaround for future antitrust problems. Just let the PC die and replace it with [Xbox] that they fully control. Does Microsoft have the power to make the PC die? I don't know. They'll deny it's their intention, but the tea leaves say something different.
Manny, Omni Group: Once a pgorammer has used Cocoa, there's never any question about what the future of programming will be.
Doc Searls: Buy Apple stock.
Is Eudora's OS X development effort still continuting towards a final release, or has it stopped, with just a beta version? MacInTouch's readers weigh in with different hear-say.
Downloading the Internet here.
Wintel
Microsoft Sues Linux Start-Up Over Name
Microsoft filed a motion against Lindows, which is developing a version of the Linux operating system that will run popular Windows applications.
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Top Stories
Office X's Secret Ingredient: Fun
Microsoft isn't often associated with playful design, but the new Mac version of Office takes Apple's spirit and runs with it.
News
Opinion
Macs Influenced 'Lord Of The Rings'
Hopefully, the experiences with apps like HiDef and VPC 5 will cause Apple to realize that real developers are having real problems with OS X's core technologies.
Apple Computer
Laws that back up [Apple's] actions were written with companies in mind, to prevent nfair competition, not to stifle consumers.
OS X, An Unfolding Epic
The story has unfolded slowly, and it won't have a happy ending until more business applications arrive.
Review
Low End Mac's Low Cost Holiday Gift List
A list of fifteen truly low-end Mac-related gifts.
Sidetrack
Desktop Linux? Dead
Kimbro Staken: Now that there is an OS that has true UNIX core, an outstanding GUI and robust application support there is no going back. Any hope for Linux on the desktop is gone.
Cool ads? Dead
AdCritic has closed shop. And I've just gotten broadband. Sigh.
Random
I hope that whatever Steve Jobs is going to unveil next is not as boring as merely iMac with flat screen.
Anybody saw that "If this banner is flashing, you've WON!" banner ad over at Low End Mac? That's precisely one reason why I don't want advertisement on this hobby site.
Is Byte, the dead-wood version, back?
Wintel
Worm Surprises As Holiday E-Mail
A newly discovered computer worm, sent under guise of a holiday greeting, has popped up in the United States and Europe and, if activated, could destroy personal computers, experts said on Wednesday.
Microsoft Settlement Likely To Fail
The settlement deliberately fails to compensate plaintiffs and lis likely to be rejected by the court perhaps in the next couple of days.
Tuesday, December 18, 2001
Top Stories
Expect A Revolution Says Apple
Apple Computer has said it will unveil a new "innovative, revolutionary and different" device, fueling speculation that the compnay will introduce flat panel iMacs.
News
David Pogue Reviews Sharp's Tiny Laptop; Recommends Apple's TiBook
The reason is that Sharp sacrificed a lot to obtain the tiny footprint.
Cocoa Programming Book Published
'Smart' Browser Ships For X
Surfboard 1.0 is an application that summarizes Web pages and searches for specific information.
Opinion
Let's Kill The Hard Disk Icon
Multiple desktops make it easier to organize data nad add information about locations inside the computer.
Apple Owes Us
Supporting the accelerated graphics chips hardwired into the older G3 models is the right thing to do.
Review
Sidetrack
Good To Be Nominated
This weblog has been nominated for Best Technology Weblog in Scripting News Awards 2001. The award is now open for voting.
If you cannot find the myapplemenu name in there, don't panic though. It is listed under its old name, AppleSurf.
Oh, and, by the way...
Cameron Barrett: These awards are a rather lame attempt by Dave Winer to shine some press on his company and their software.
From Be To X
This is a story of how a BeOS refugee (and not just everyone, but the author of the 'BeOS Bible' book) lost faith in the future of computing, resigned himself to Windows but found himself bored silly, tore out half his hair at the helm of a Linux box, then rediscovered the joy of computing in MacOSX.
And the Slashdot discussion.
Random Google Moments
Seth Ross: Jobs unveiled the NeXTStation, a compact pizza-box shaped unit [which] runs three times as fast as NeXT's original computer.
Random
Apple engineeers must be doing something right, when clones of iTunes start to appear.
Sometimes, when working, it is really difficult to find one's rhythm. And once the rhythm is found, it's time for "artificial" activities such as lunch or going-home-or-risk-being-lectured-by-wife. Sigh.
Sadness
For some unknown reasons, I am feeling a "general sense of sadness" today. I do admit that there are quite a fair bit of things that will cause sadness in me, but I also do have quite another fair bit of stuff that I'm thankful for. It's just, for some reasons, the sadness won today.
What do you, my dear readers, do when you are feeling sad? Buy chocolate? Buy anything? Go for a walk? Go to the sea? Anything unusual that I can try tonight after work?
Somehow, I don't think I want to blog too much tonight.
Wintel
Loving Bill Gates To Death
If you want to trip up the Devil, start with a big, warm embrace.
PlayStation 2 Holds Slight Edge In Sales Over Xbox
Reports finds Sony has been better able to meet demand than rivals Microsoft and Nintendo.
Monday, December 17, 2001
Top Stories
Adobe Cozies Up To Apple's OS X
Upcoming software upgrades from Adobe Systems could help reinvigorate sales of professional-oriented Macs, though the biggest boost — the release of Photoshop for Mac OS X — is still up to six months away.
Apple's Sleek iPod Heralds Revolution In Music
Then I saw an iPod, the sleek new portable music player from Apple Computer, and my world changed. I bought a Mac.
News
QuickTime Heads Toward Open Standards
An interview with Frank Casanova, director of QuickTime product marketing, on QuickTime 6, MPEG-4, Microsoft and Real.
Mac AOL Users Get OSX-Savvy Software, Plus A Wireless Option
AOL-loving Mac users have received a double dose of good news courtesy of America Online and Apple Computer.
PowerMail 3.1 Boasts Over 91 Enhancements
Carbonized and ready for Mac OS X, sports over 95 enhancements, support for the IMAP protocol, and reliability and performance enhancements.
Windows No Longer The Only OS In Town
An increasing number of accounting software developers are supporting operating system platforms besides Microsoft Windows.
Opinion
Jobs Is All Talk Before Macworld
Master buzz builder Steve Jobs has added an odd but clearly effective new trick to his toolbox.
Macworld SF: Expensive Fun Or Big Disappointment?
Speculation flies concerning what new products Apple will trot out at next month's gathering of Macintosh aficionados.
The Company That Flet Hostage
Does Apple Computer really understand its users?
Review
Office-Strength Mac Software Shines
This full-blown implementation of the Office suite makes an OS X-equipped Macintosh shine.
Entourage X Integrates E-Mail, Contacts, Calendar
It's powerful, simple, and completely integrates e-mail, an address book, and appointments.
Sidetrack
Random
Charlotte Ricca: If you're after a truly portable home entertainment system with your notebook, maybe you should consider Apple's iBook.
Riley B. Vandyke: Add Apple Computer to the list of those who just don't get it... The market continues to say loudly and clearly that running Apple's entirely proprietary operating system on Apple's entirely proprietary (and premium priced) hardware is not a palatable alternative.
Wintel
The End Of The Road For The IBM PC
If IBM sees PCs as a dead-end business, then why spend any money to celebrate them?
For Microsoft, A Season Of Triumph
Legal pressure is not the only thing forcing Microsoft to change. Technology trends — notably the spread of Internet technology — are equally responsible.
Land Of The Rising Xbox
Nintendo, Sony and Sega have made Japan king of the game console. Can Microsoft make a dent in Nippon?
Sunday, December 16, 2001
News
Middle School To Have Wireless Apple Laptops
"It's going to become like a textbook for these students."
If USB 2.0 Is So Good, Where Is It?
Making quality connections has not been much easier for computers than for human beings.
Mac OS X Shareware Products Proliferate
Apple Store #27 Opens In Cambridge, MA
Apple's first store in Greater Boston opened this morning in Cambridge, Ma.
Sidetrack
Random
MacMinute, rumor monger: Apple will introduce a revised PowerBook G4 featuring a CD-RW/DVD drive in the very near future.
Just watched Monsters, Inc. last night, and was a little disappointed that there's no outtakes at the end of the movie (here in Singapore). But, well, never mind. They will be in the DVD, which I am going to buy.
Saturday, December 15, 2001
Top Stories
Bioinformatics Meets Mac OS X
Many of the important bioinformatics applications that previously existed only for Unix platforms are now being brought over to the Macintosh, thanks to Mac OS X and its Unix underpinnings.
Operating Systems: Expect The Unexpected
Mac OS X and Windows XP (and of course Linux) will represent not only different flavors of the same basic idea of computing, but increasingly different approaches to achieving a variety of tasks using an increasing number of devices.
Out Of The Jar: Mac-Sculpted Music
"It's such a flexible creative medium, and fast — we've added years to our lives in rewind time, track selection and editing."
News
New Apple Retail Store Feels At Home Near Hub
Apple Computer Inc. tomorrow brings its new retail concept to a city that's always had a taste for Apples.
Oscar For Steve Jobs?
The Academy have added a new Oscars category for feature-length animations — the first new award to be created in 20 years.
Apple Staying Mum On Flat-Panel iMacs
Should Apple take the flat-panel route, it will be the latest major computer maker to join the trend.
'Making Awesome iMovies' Is Complete 'Home Film School' Course On CD-ROM
"Video is the most powerful media language in the world. Our mission is to teach people how to communicate in this language."
Public Beta Of Z-Write Available
Z-Write is a word processing organization app designed for use with large writing projects.
Your Right To Link
In this litigious society, you can't even assume that another site wants you to send visitors their way. Crazy, isn't it.
Power Mac G4 Wins Award By Presentations
PowerMac G4 is a graphic designer's dream.
Opinion
Discussion: Apple OS X, BSD And Jordan Hubbard
Early G3s Losing Support
It's disturbing when a company like Symantec decides it can abandon support for hardware that Apple actively supports with the latest OS.
Review
Microsoft Office V.X For Mac Has Plenty Going For It
This is the best version I've ever used, and I've been using Office since time immemorial.
From Walkman To iPod
Making the leap to the next revolutionary mobile audio product.
2001 Game Hall Of Fame
Here's a look at the best of the games that have come out of this year of great change.
Final Cut Pro 3
Apple is certainly proving it's serious about Final Cut Pro.
Checking Out OmniWeb
I think I'm going to really like this browser.
Microsoft Office V. X
High-quality carbonization delivers a strong office suite for OS X.
Sidetrack
Random
Kevin Hemenway: Apache Web-serving with Mac OS X: Part 2.
Chris Stone: Learning the Mac OS X Terminal: Part 1.
Random Google Minute
gus@Shasta.ARPA: Yes folks, eventually, you might be able to port UNIX to the Mac, but it would take so many hardware kluges which are not supported by Apple that it would hardly be a viable product.
Wintel
Microsoft Cleans Up Office XP
In addition to the collection of bug fixes and features enhancements, Microsoft has also included the SharePoint Team Services site migration tool.
HP Jumps Ahead In Notebook Race
HP weathered a tough retail market to become the top notebook seller in October.
HP Petition Irks Some Employees
Some HP employees took exception Friday to what they saw as an attempt by the company to characterize a pro-merger petition as an example of grassroots sentiment.
Friday, December 14, 2001
News
Jobs 'a US Tycoon Icon'
Apple CEO Steve Jobs is one of the USA's most fascinating tycoons, a Forbes.com survey has revealed.
Review
Suite It Is
This is big software muscle, very well produced, fast and intuitive, with heaps of useful features.
iPod
It's rare that Apple owners have a chance to really make PC users envious. Well, eat your heart out, Bill Gates.
Sidetrack
An Apple A Day
Project Omega: Our aim is to provide all the necessary hints, links, guides, docs, examples, etc to help people starting programming on Mac.
Random Google of the Day
Peter Cohen: So, take heart. It looks like eWorld is in capable hands and is heading towards a bright future. Nov 7, 1995.
Random
Charles Nettles: McKesson found answers in the curmudgeonly skepticism of the Mac's creator.
J Miller, As The Apple Turns: Steve had profound religious objections to delivering a keynote address on the sacrosanct occasion of Elvis birthday. Ta-daa!! Mystery solved.
Jordan Hubbard: Mac will get all the open-source software to consumers' desktops faster than all the open-source software projects ever dreamt up over a six-pack of Jolt Cola.
Amy Wohl: Maybe the airlines need to ask themselves exactly who their best customers are and what they think they're doing to us.
And if you still haven't seen this: say hello to Megway TH. Bigger than Jesus.
Wintel
Dell To Discontinue Itanium Workstation
Frustrated by a lack of sales, Dell is going to pull the plug on its Itanium-based workstation, according to sources at the company.
Microsoft Weeds Out Office XP Bugs
New downloads fix vulnerabilities in Word, Excel and PowerPoint and prevent remote manipulation of data by hackers.
Thursday, December 13, 2001
Top Stories
At The Core Of Apple's OS X
After seeing a preview of OS X last year, Hubbard felt like an early Christian after the conversion of Emperor Constantine.
News
Laptop Composing
At a recent electronic music festival, a bunch of virtual producers performed together as Fleetwood Macintosh.
Opinion
They Still Make Apple Macs - Don't They?
With the market place getting more competitive and every dollar spent having to be justified, Apple seems to be hiding its light under a bushel.
Mac OS X Gaining Traction In Real World
Apple must bring out its new G5 hardware soon for Mac OS X to help people realize the new OS is the future.
3 Macs And A Printer
The original name of the site, 3 Macs and a Printer, was literally true.
Review
Make Beautiful iMusic
Apple's new iPod player and iTunes 2.0 software go together like Sonny and Cher.
Sherlock Now Seems Elementary
In fact, some might argue that Watson and programs like it are cyber-leeches, sucking information from sites whose owners might rather you view their pages directly — along with their sponsors' advertisement.
Sidetrack
Keynote
MacFixIt: That sound you hear is countless travel arrangements being altered at the last minute.
MacFixIt also heard that the media will be able to visit Apple's booth after the keynote. Would the press want to touch the real thing if it is a mere update of iBook or iPod? Probably not...
An Apple A Day
Crazy Apple Rumors Site: Dedicated to the fabrication of Apple rumors that defy verifiability, grammatical convention or any basis in reality.
Random
Courtesy of MacFixIt, the mother of all Macintosh rumors.
For those who want their iPod to match the color of their iMac...
Is Intiuit (Quicken) in deep finanical trouble that they can't afford to upgrade their installation SDK?
Andy Oram: Entrenched interests tried to sue inventor of radio... Rather than provide havens for experimenters, nations today are "harmoniziing" their laws and signing cybercrime treaties that require them to act as each other's prosecutors.
I having a hell of a headache. I wonder how I am going through this work day. Update at 2 pm SST: Still headache. Swallowed two pills.
Wintel
Could Small Shareholders Swing HP Vote?
Microsoft Appoints Compliance Officers
Microsoft named two compliance officers Thursday in anticipation of concluding its antitrust settlement with the Justice Department and nine of 18 states.
HP/Compaq: HP Exec Says Merger Will Go Through
They expect to secure enough shareholder support to push the deal through.
Hewlett To Directors: Give Up On HP-Compaq
Walter Hewlett continued his assault on the rationale behind the HP merger with Compaq.
Wednesday, December 12, 2001
Top Stories
Still Giving: One Woman's Legacy
Her love for Seminole Elementary School continues to shine as her estate donates more in her name.
News
Next Byte Makes It Nine
Australian Apple retailer Next Byte, one of the few Apple chains to resist last year's Buzzle fiacsco, has closed one store and opened two new ones.
Opinion
Games Kids Play — But Not On Macs
Apple needs to get game developers to release their hottest creations for the Mac simultaneious with PC versions — or first.
An Introduction To AppleScript On Mac OS X
Look out everyone — AppleScript is coming back and coming back big!
Review
Sidetrack
Weblogging
What do you mean when you tell others that one of your hobbies is "weblog"? You like to share discoveries? You like show-and-tell? You like to surf the web? You like to keep a journal / diary? You have lots of opinions? You have lots of opinions on what's good and what's bad?
Yesterday, I had the chance to share with others what's my interest and hobbies are. At the moment of panic and/or desperation ó after seeing others put down stuff like scuba diving and tennis and travel, none of which I enjoy very often ó I just put down reading (copying from another response) and weblog. Which got me wondering: what the heck is weblog as a hobby?
Random
As reported by MacFixIt, the recent article on Apple India's Managing Director is outdated in a way: "The interview is several months old... A new Managing Director was appointed last week."
Also from MacFixIt, a new version of RealPlayer will support Mac OS X. Good news, or simply more advertisment junk coming our way?
The end of the year is almost here, cause there are less people in the office nowadays... Clearing leave.
Wintel
Mapcap Maneuvers Halt MS Hearing
Hackers, Programmers "Improve" Xbox
The Xbox has encouraged an unprecedented level of tinkering for a game machine in the few weeks it has been on the market.
Pentium 4: Too Hot To Handle
When Intel's Pentium 4 comes to notebooks next year, consumers will discover a boost in computing power — and possibly an extra fan.
Microsoft's Remedy Doesn't Budge Much
Microsoft filed a remedy proposal in its antitrust case Wednesday that closely matches a settlement cut with federal and state trustbusters last month.
Dell In Hot Water Over DVD Drives
Six owners of patents related to data compression in video transmission have sued Dell Computer.
Microsoft Deal Meeting Next Week
A federal judge is hoping an outside mediator will help Microsoft Corp reach a settlement to end dozens of private class action lawsuits.
Windows XP To Get USB 2.0 And Bluetooth
Microsoft is to update Windows XP to allow networking using USB 2.0 and Bluetooth as well as FireWire and 802.11b.
Intel Envisions Computers That "See"
Intel has updated its open source software to help computers use two cameras in the same way that people use their eyes to recognize objects and gain depth perception, the company said Tuesday.
Tuesday, December 11, 2001
Top Stories
The Big Apple: How Architects Use The Macintosh In Practice
Designers dig the Mac's iconic look, but lower-priced, faster PCs have eaten into Apple's market share in recent years. Is there a place for the Mac in today's design practice?
RealNetworks To Support MPEG-4
While RealNetworks already supports Apple's QuickTime format, adding support for MPEG-4 may help drive greater adoption of the standard.
News
IT Wholesale In Mac Play
National distributor IT Wholesale is attempting to breath some life back into the suffering Apple market with a plan to position itself as a digital hub solution provider.
Apple, Nvidia Products Honored By Gaming Magazine
The Titanium PowerBook has been a consistent seller and award winner for Apple.
Review
Picking A Computer For Christmas
Shop wisely and get the most for the buck.
Sidetrack
Me! Me! Me!
Hey, what do you know... I've just realized, my first "weblog" started way back, at least as early as Aug 91.
It was called "TV This Week", and "links" to information from Washington Post, TV Guide, etc. I was really into watching television during that period of my life. Well, if I remember correctly, this weekly blog was more facts than opinions, and I really liked shows like "Quantum Leap" and "Simpsons". Oh, and there's not really a World Wide Web. The "weblog" runs on USENET.
Maybe I should start (yet) another TV weblog? Nah...
Take that, Dave Winer! :-)
Random
Dave Winer on a Segway.
Wintel
Itanium Sales Off To A Slow Start
It's going to be a long haul for Itanium, Intel's new server chip.
MS Unveils New Media Software
Microsoft on Tuesday took the wraps off "Corona," a new package of digital media products it hopes will help let the Internet deliver theater-quality entertainment to consumers and big profits to content providers.
Can Compaq Live Without HP?
Compaq appears to be positioning itself in case the companies' merger unravels.
AOL Pumps $200m Into Gateway
Gateway will continue to distribute and promote AOL's products and services, including Netscape browser and AOL Instant Messenger.
Monday, December 10, 2001
News
Wilco Move Into A Future Age At Denver Tour Finale
Eschewing its status as an alt-country offshoot, the now Chicago-based band has embraced the tools of technoogy to create a swirling, atmospheric amalgam of noise.
Offering Indian Business An Apple A Day
Naren S Ayyar, Managing director - Apple, India and SAARC countries, speaks about competition, the impact of the US economy slowdown on Apple India, nd the work culture at Apple.
Kids Use School Laptops To Download Porn
Pride over a deal to provide laptop computers to every high school student in a suburban district has turned to embarrassment after dozens of youngsters were found to have downloaded pornography.
Review
Ricoh's Caplio Digital Camera Praised
If Santa's feeling both flush and photogenic this year, a new digital camera by Ricoh is worth a look.
The Pod Plays On
Apple excels at this kind of so-simple-it's-brilliant stuff.
The iPod Experience: Does $400 Really Get You That Much Play?
I may not have put it through the most rigorous testing, but I believe I went through a lot of different scenarios to give an idea of what to expect, which is that everything you have read on the Internet is pretty much true.
Sidetrack
Random
Is Salon getting desperate? It seems to be using almost every annoying on-line-advertisement tricks. Is it time to write them off?
What's next from Apple after iPod? I have no idea, but if it's a TiVo-like appliance without the subscription requirements, I'd be first in line.
Wintel
Pocket PC Upgrade Missing Software
Some key software isn't included in the upgrade, and may never be released.
Microosft Shows Passport Users The Money
The program will doe out $20 rebates for each $100 spent using the online service, with total rebates capped at $100.
Get Out Of The MS Licensing Forest
Focus on your business' needs, not Microsoft's.
Microsoft To Amend Schools Settlement Plan
The settlement could be altered to give schools more choices in how funds are used, and to support training.
Hewlett Chief Battles For Her Deal And Her Career
Facing unified opposition from the families, the largest merger in computer history is in danger of a humbling rebuff.
Sunday, December 9, 2001
Top Stories
Apple Store Polishes Computer Maker's Image
If you've resisted buying a home computer or use a Windows PC, Apple Computer has you in its sights.
Apple Opens 25th Store In Salem, NH
Jobs had said that the company would open 25 stores by the end of the year. It's now clear Apple will exceed those initial expectations.
News
Lawndale Kids Give Time, Get Treasure
Bill Goosby runs the North Lawndale Time Dollar project, which lets young volunteers earn a refurbished Macintosh computer in exchange for 20 hours of pitching in.
LF Graduates Honored At 2001 TIE Conference
"The finished product was amazingly cool... It was superior in both quality and content."
The iPod Arrvies
At a price of S$748, the iPod has arrived in Singapore.
Opinion
The Days Of Wine And OSes
With the power, stability and stunning interface of OS X now coupled with the applications you need to get your work done, you are about to see fulfilled what digital technology has been leading to all along.
Cocoa's Documentation Gets A Much Needed Improvement
From flipping through the documentation I can say that it is much better than it used to be and the writers at Apple should give themselves a pat on the back.
Review
World Book Mac OS X Edition
Solid research reference for young students and a worthy successor to the hardbound version.
Microsoft Office V. X For Mac
While the four programs each have novel and useful improvements, they lack the kind of compelling giant steps that make people upgrade.
Sidetrack
Random
MacFixIt.com: It appears we can expect Mac OS X 10.1.2 to be released at any moment.
Scobleizer: Any Windows acolyte who says "Macs are just toys" haven't checked out OS-X yet. Of course, the same thing is true when Mac users say "Windows crashes a lot." That's not true either.
Glenn Fleishman: The mainstream media is treating Wi-Fi the way the Internet was treated originally. The technical details coupled with scattered widespread and disparate methods of adoption and deployment lead to articles that try to exemplify a trend, but only illuminate a tiny aspect of it.
Wintel
Compaq May Be Better Off Alone, Analysts Say
Compaq could thrive catering to large corporations instead of consumers, but would face significant challenges amid technology industry's worst downturn.
Saturday, December 8, 2001
Top Stories
Apple, Sun Could Gain From Remedy
Apple, Sun, and other competitors could benefit directly under a proposed remedy to be presented to a federal judge by the nine states reamaining in the antitrust case.
Apple Identifies And Corrects iPod Issue
The company has released an iPod firmware update that fixes the bug of not waking up from sleep.
Apple Confirms iPod Problem
Apple Computer on Friday confirmed a glitch with its iPod digital music player that can lead some machines to remain in sleep mode when their batteries get low.
News
Everything Seems To Play MP3s Lately
MP3s aren't just for computers anymore.
Week In Review: All About Apple
I'll Be Hacked For Christmas
A few dedicated hobbyists are tearing tech products apart in hopes of making improvements that manufacturers either didn't think of or didn't deem cost-effective.
School District Retains Macs With 3Com
The Cledonia Community Schools district is retaining its Macintosh systems thanks to new hardware from 3Com.
Netscape 6.2.1 Adds Features
The update brings improved stability.
Deimos Rising Out As Promised
The vertical-scrolling arcade game runs on Mac OS 8.6 or later, and natively on Mac OS X.
Apple Files Supplemental Brief In Microsoft Case
Calling the proposal "a massive subsidy for the adoption of Microsoft technology," Apple said that only five to six percent of the "value" contributed by Microsoft would be eligible to be used to acquire non-Microsoft technology.
Opinion
Can Apple Grow In India?
Macintoshes in India are scarce, pricey and lack after-sales support. Can Apple India remodel its marketing, support and investment policies to regain market share?
Macworld: G3s, G4s, G5s, Oh My!
Motorola's own road map, coupled with insider information and rumors around the Web, appears to confirm reports that the G5 will ship in January.
Java Or Cocoa? Mac Developers Choose Their Brews
Was Java up to snuff, we asked? Mostly, opinion was positive.
Review
iPod's A Winner
The iPod is a fantastic product that is easily topping the wish lists of many a Mac user this holiday season.
Sidetrack
Sad Sad State of Browsers
Out of the all the versions of web browsers available on my Mac OS X, only one — just one — can be used to access my accounts in my bank. And that's Netscape Navigator 4.x. How sad!
Actually, I don't know what's the state on the Windows side. I used to just use Internet Explorer, and everything works.
Sigh.
Random
James Davidson discovers the "fuel gauge" in the iPod is less than accurate. "If you've got a really good battery in your device [iPod] and you don't have to charge it every night, you wont."
Kevin Hemenway: Apache Web-serving with Mac OS X. It works — and is industry-strength. I use it everyday for my development work, including what you see here.
I am watching the Golden Horse Film Festival award ceremony on TV right now. My impression: horrible. Note: The Chinese movies' equivalent of the Oscar.
Is it Bin Laden or is it bin Laden?
Who says Java programmers don't have a sense of humor?
Wintel
Proposal Cheers Microsoft Competitors
A proposal greatly restricting Microsoft's businesses practices had the company's competitors sining the praises of nine state attorneys general.
A Play For Take-Two?
Microsoft's next move may be the games themselves.
Microsoft Finds Flaw In Outlook Web Access
Microsoft has warned that a flaw in the Outlook Web Access module in its Exchange 5.5 e-mail system could allow unauthorised access to users' mailboxes.
Compaq Shares Slump, H-P Up As Deal Doubts Rise
The stock moves came on Instinet after the Packard family foundation, a major Hewlett shareholder, said it would vote against hte companies' planned merger.
Friday, December 7, 2001
News
Microsoft Struggles With Office V. X Product Keys
Will Apple Win Big On Microsoft Case?
The nine US states who have so far rejected all moves for a settlement could ask for concessions which would benefit the Apple and Linux communities.
Opinion
Apple's Ahead-Of-Time Innovation
Innovation isn't about being just-in-time; it's about creating your own opportunities.
Sidetrack
Random
Dan Gillmor: If Americans think that destroying freedom is the answer to terrorism, then America is truly losing its way.
Never Regret
I had held the opinion that one should not regret the decisions one have already made. No point. No use. And I try to stick to that view.
Recent personal events, however, suggested another viewpoint. Maybe I was too coward in the past to make decisions that can be regretted down the road?
Oh well. No point regretting that now, is it?
Wintel
Packard Family To Weigh Compaq Merger
HP's largest shareholder, the Packard family foundation, meets Friday to consider whether to support a controversial plan to buy Compaq — a decision that could make or break the merger.
NPD: Xbox Is Hot
The Xbox video game system from Microsoft Corp. had the best-selling video game console launch on record after two weeks of sales.
Linux To Take 10% Of PDA Biz By 2003
Rising star of the PDA world will be Linux, which will have craved out ten per cent of the market from zero today.
Thursday, December 6, 2001
Top Stories
Color Matching: From Canvas To Steel
How do you get the color right when you have to transfer oil on canvas to ceramic color on vitreous enamel — and make a picky artist happy about it?
XP Video No Match For iMovie
As a movie-making platform, Windows XP is farther from Hollywood than Buffalo, N.Y.
News
Apple Upgrades Video-Editing Tools
New MP3 Player Salutes iPod And Treo
A small San Diego company has come out with a device that shares similarities with two of the hottest gadgets in the tech world.
In For A Challenge
New Windows and Mac operating systems raise issue of hardware incompatibility.
Apple's Just-In-Time Innovation: Can It Last?
It seems that whenever Apple Computer begins to run out steam, the company confounds competitors and naysayers by showing up with the Next Big Thing.
Corel Aims To Break New Ground
Corel plans to invest in order to both secure new markets and develop solutions for emerging ones.
Review
iTunes 2.0.2
The latest version now lives up to Apple's "Rip. Mix. Burn." advertising campaign.
Mutlipurpose App Does It All
An upgrade like BBEdit 6.5 reminds us what a powerful and flexible application this is.
A Worthwhile Upgrade!
The stability factor and Unix under the hood were two features that sold me.
Sidetrack
Mac OS X Metadata Petition
The purpose of this petition is to express support for the following proposal regarding the future of file system metadata in Mac OS X.
Random
How to run Linux on Apple AirPort. Take note: it's not running Linux with AirPort. It's running Linux on AirPort.
Microsoft Crash Gallery: The application Microsoft Excel / Word / PowerPoint / Entourage / Internet Exploer ha sunexpectedly quit. The system and other applicaiton shave not been affected.
Ready, Set, Go. Apply for the Apple Instant Loan and get low monthly payments on the Mac of your dreams.
After some heaving usage of Microsoft Word, I definitely gain some respect of this piece of software. It is actually quite good — if you know what the hell you are doing. Otherwise, all the formatting and indentation and styles and numbering is going to haywire. Still learning.
Dan Gillmor: Microsoft has always cared more about preventing you from making an unauthorized copy of Office than letting you keep your computer safe.
A few of my favorite web sites have stopped updating. Do you think it's safe to blame Excite@Home?
Dave Winer: Email is getting more and more useless. Soon it will be time for the next thing after email.
Doc Searls: [Limewire] doesn't have any of the sloth I've come to expect from Java on Mac. Suddenly I've got Napster back, with a far better UI and a P2P architecture I doubt anybody can throttle...
The last time I've tried Limewire, it had a menu-bar that is on the window, not at the top of my screen. That's not good UI. I don't want to use Windows. And I somehow couldn't change the download path. Not good at all. Maybe the latest version has changed that?
Wintel
Via Wins Another Round Against Intel
Although the trial still hangs by a thread.
Intel, AMD Up Sales Forecasts
Things are looking better in chips.
Queen Elizabeth Banishes Linux
The Queen's new Web hosting company has dumped GNU/Linux in favor of IIS Web servers.
New Tool Defuses Attacks On Microsoft Outlook
The add-in automatically converts all incoming HTML-based e-mails into harmless text format.
Microsoft Unveils Chinese Pocket PC 2002
Microsoft Has 'Lost The Enterprise Battle'
BEA chief Bill Coleman: "When .Net is here in a few years and it owns the low end, the enterprise will be gone."
What Microsoft Antivirus Software?
Microsoft may incorporate antivirus software into its system for marketing reasons directly related to the company's .NET strategy.
New Name For An Old Concept
Microsoft's eHome briefing was like deja vu all over again. I liked what I heard, but I could swear I'd heard it before.
States Hold Out For Unbundled Windows
The nine states still pursuing the antitrust case are considering ordering Microsoft to release a cheaper, bare-bones version of Windows.
Wednesday, December 5, 2001
Top Stories
QuickTime Prepared To Make Its Comeback
The rights management question may be MPEG-4 and QuickTime's Achilles' heel, at least for now, as the market hinges on what formats content providers choose for their programming.
Final Cut Ready For X
FCP 3 is described by Apple as "the industry's first video-editing solution to deliver professional-quality, real-time effects without the addition of specialized hardware."
News
Woz's Dangerous Handheld Liaison
Wozniak will advise Danger Inc. in engineering and entrepreneurial matters.
M Balachandran New Country Manager Of Apple
Home, Sweet Wireless Home
Wireless networks are getting cheap, realiable and simple enough to appeal to a mass market.
Laptop Deal Adds Political Leverage
The program has now gone from an abstraction to an emerging - and promising - way to give Maine students the learning tools they need.
Apple Releases Mac OS 9.2.2 Update
Improves Classic applicaiton compatibility in Mac OS X.
iDVD 2 Updated
The update "includes enhancements to the burning process, more accurate progress reporting and error notifications."
Final Cut Ready For X
FCP 3 is described by Apple as "the industry's first video-editing solution to deliver professional-quality, real-time effects without the addition of specialized hardware."
Review
Living In A Windows World
It can be done, but it takes some effort.
Adventures With Eudora
The current Eudora 5.1 beta for OS X still leaves quite a bit to be desired.
What To Buy Your Favorite Geek
Apple has packed an amazing amount of capability into a package that's about the size of a deck of cards.
Accessibility On The Mac: Further Glimpses Of Paradise
The cnetral problem remains Apple, which simply is not taking the issue serious enough as a corporation.
Sidetrack
What's Next?
I don't care about flat-panel iMacs. (No going back after getting a PowerBook.) I don't care about faster G4/5s. (No extra cash lying around.)
What I want for my post-Christmas party is a web browser that doesn't sucks. Maybe it can be called iBrowse or iWeb or soemthing.
I don't want my web browser to obey my close windows without warning if it contains unsaved data, like when I'm filling up forms.
I don't want my web browser to choke and die — or simply make things difficult for me — when my number of bookmarks exceeds, say, one hundred.
I want my web browser to be able to keep track of what I've read, and easily and intelligently retrieve stuff that I want. For example, what was that web site that I read about something to do with technology experimentation last week, around Tuesday?
I want my web browser to be able to alert me that there is a new web page that I might be interested. Hey, MacFixIt reports that iTunes 2.0 will wipe your hard disk clean. Don't install that iTunes package that you've just installed.
I want my web browser to be able to tell me what's wrong with the HTML codes I wrote, and teaches me how to fix it so that the web page is usable to other browsers.
I want my web browser to, upon finding out that a favorite site has moved to a URL, automatically update my bookmark list.
I want my web browser to tell me which of my interested sites have been updated enough that I should pay another visit.
I want my web browser to show me the interesting stuff first, and then, if there's time, download the advertisements.
And, last but not least, I don't want my web browser to crash. Ever.
Random
Dr Mac offers a free copy of his next book... and 15 minutes of fame (more or less).
What is worst than hiding file extension in Finder? Programs that automatically add file extensions without telling you.
I'm using Office 97 (on Windows), and is giving Microsoft a chance to prove the usefulness of Word's auto-formating. And I think I'm on the verge of giving up. Well, maybe subsequent versions, or maybe the Mac versions are better in guessing what I meant. Any ideas, people?
Wintel
Bill Gates, CEO And... Ad Salesman?
Microsoft will call out its big gunt o pitch a select grouop of European advertising executives.
Tuesday, December 4, 2001
Top Stories
Apple's Time To Grow
True to its contrarian style, Apple in recent months has had an entirely different idea about how to weather the economic downturn that has prompted its competitors to retrench and hunker down.
PowerPC G5 Redux
So, how likely is Apple to release the Power Mac G5 next January?
News
Innovator Finds Cash In A Crash
DriveSavers boasts a 90 percent success rate in its data-recovery efforts and is seeing business grow by 15 percent per year.
State Picks Apple As Supplier Of Laptops
"By being the first to do this on a statewide basis, we figured to get people willing to take a (financial) hit to work with us."
Winning Bid Would Put Apple iBooks On Seventh-Graders' Laps Next Fall
Fudning remains a thorny issue amid projections of a downturn in state revenues in the coming year.
Opinion
With Mac Dark Horse Take The Lead?
This year, I suspect Macworld Expo will feed much-needed fuel to the market for this hardy minority platform.
Review
Flat Monitors Cut Space, Heat
This was the breakout year for flat panel monitors.
Find The Inner Auteur
Home digital moviemaking is finally ready for its close-up.
Sidetrack
This Whole Hide-Extension Mess
I wish Apple didn't have to resort to the "Hide Extension From Users" feature in order to make file extension user-friendly. Because this doesn't work.
Microsoft has added that feature years ago with Windows 95, and it simply didn't work. And I cannot believe that Microsoft doesn't have enough smart people to solve this problem.
So, why does Apple think they are better than Microsoft?
The whole idea of having file extensions, according to Apple, is to make transfer of files in and out of OS X (presumably to Windows :-) a better experience. But this whole idea of hiding file extensions will only make the experience worse. Changing your index.html to index.shtml for uploading to a web server will most likely result in the file index.shtml.html if you have Hide Extension feature turned on.
Don't hide file extensions. Use a different font size or color if you want to, but keep the extension visible. It won't be pretty, but that's the price you'd have to pay.
Yes, I do believe Apple has heard the message and see the mess loud and clear. It just that I'm not sure if the Apple engineers still believe they are smarter than Microsoft's.
Random
Don't you ever wanted to pretend to be someone else (that you're not), and write an online diary / blog / journal built around this person?
Lando Clarissian: Go2Mac sources have assured us that the new LCD iMac... will be announced at [Macworld] San Franciso. Make that same prediction every Macworld Expo, and maybe someday, just maybe, it'll come true. And you'd look like a Mac Genius™.
Wintel
'Goner' E-Mail Worm Strikes Hard
The worm is affecting users of Microsoft's Outlook and Outlook Express, as well as ICQ instant messenger and Internet Relay Chat.
States To Sharpen Claws In Microsoft Case
A group of nine states plans to propose stiff sanctions against Microsoft.
West Virgina Files A Separate Suit Against Microsoft
West Virginia has filed a new lawsuit against Microsoft in state court, alleging that the software giant violated the Mountain State's antitrust and consumer protection laws.
Microsoft Rebuttal
Laws bar licensing of code, software giant tells the EU.
Microsoft Resisting Licensing Of Its Code
Microsoft is trying to head off demands that it give rivals licenses to use the basic code of its Windows operaing systems as a way of settling antitrust action against it in Europe.
Monday, December 3, 2001
Top Stories
Pioneering QuickTime Still Dominates The Multimedia Picture
The introduction of Apple QuickTime on Dec 2, 1991, shaped the multimedia experience we take for granted today.
News
... But Don't Try It With iPod
In the long history of war between devices and content, the hardware has always won.
Apple Selected As Top Wireless Vendor
The Maine Department of Education has selected Apple as the top-scoring bidder for the Maine Learning Technology Wireless Classroom Solution.
After Effects 5.5 Goes OS X Native, Adds Features
Multiple views, colored shadows, stained glass lighting, and the "Advanced 3D Rendered."
Review
iPod
We didn't think we'd be giving it a five-star review, but that was before we gave the iPod a chance. Maybe you should, too.
Gorging On Gadgets
The home PC becomes a digital hub, teaming up with new cameras, wireless networks and even cell phones.
Apple iPod Plays Amazing Sounds
It's tough to find too much to disapprove of with the iPod device, and — in case I didn't mention it — the sound is utterly amazing.
Postscript Printing A Major Bug In OS X
This is not something you would expect from the company that brought us the "desktop publishing revolution."
A Mac Christmas For 2001
Your Mac holiday shopping list this year has a generous variety of offerings.
Sidetrack
QuickTime
Cameron Barret: You also have to admit that technologies like DVD, Windows Media Player, and RealVideo would not even be around had QuickTime never shipped.
Happy birthday, QuickTime.
Of all the "behind-the-scene" technologies inside Mac OS, QuickTime is my first love. Maybe because that's the very first project I worked on in my entire career. (It was a cross-platform multimedia library. I was handling the System 7 portion.)
Or maybe it was because I discovered, then in '94, how far ahead of Video for Windows. And, in fact, today in 2001, QuickTime ó the platform ó is still light years ahead of similiar offerings from Microsoft and Real.
I no longer do programming, let alone multimedia programming, for a living anymore. (Is that a good thing for me? I'd tell you in six months' time.) But, if I ever have to get back to programming full time, QuickTime would be one of my first choice.
Hey, anyone want to hire me to do some content management software for QuickTime media? :-)
QuickTime sessions were always among the most entertaining sessions in WWDC. I haven't been there (WWDC, i.e.) for a few years already. Any updates on the entertainment value, dear readers?
Some links for your reading pleasure:
QuickTime 1.0: "You Oughta Be In Pictures" by Guillermo A. Ortiz, in MacTech
QuickTime by TidBITS, Jul-91
QuickTime Rules by TidBITS, Jan-92
History & Peregrinations: The Dogcow Goes QuickTime VR, Apple's Tech Note TN1031
FUD-Proof
Doc Searls: Thanks both to sexy industrial design and a real Unix OS... this is a much deeper secret weapon than open source, because it's FUD-proof.
Geoff Allen: It's fun to have the coolest computer at a conferernce for geeks. And the TiBook connects to wireless networking easier than Windows and Linux.
So This Is 'IT'
Yeah, the one that Steve Jobs claims will change the world, where it doesn't have a fruity logo.
Marc Hedlund: Gyroscopes are cool and all, and I'm certainly in favor of less cars, but computing devices that require no learning and no interface — well, that's really neat.
Random
KPMG, KPMG, KPMG, KPMG, KPMG, KPMG. Didn't you know that today is Link KPMG day?
Think Secret (rumor monger): No PowerMac G5 this coming Macworld, but G4s at 1.4 GHz.
Wintel
Ximian Releases Outlook Clone For Linux
Ximian will do business the proprietary way with a new software package that lets Linux computers connect to Microsoft Exchange.
Microsoft Works To Lock Down .Net
Microsoft is subjecting elements of its loosely defined .Net framework to unprecedented levels of scrutiny.
HP Seeks New Post-Merger Culture
HP executives may find that the toughest challenge in their acquisition of Compaq is purely philosophical.
Chip Maker Via Braces For Brawl With Intel
Legal Heavyweights In HP Proxy Fight
Cases to be made in corporate drama.
Discounts Aid Sales Of New PC's
Computer makers and retailers prepared for the holiday by rolling out heavy price cuts and rebates.
Sunday, December 2, 2001
Top Stories
Apple Announces Next Two Store Openings
Store number 25 and 26 will open in West Nyack, New York and Salem, New Hampshire, reaching Apple's goan of 25 stores before year's end.
News
The Next Phase Is Here, Says Apple
The PC began its next evolutionary phase this year as a tool in "the age of the digital lifestyle."
Dean Kamen Set To Unveil Mysterious 'IT' Invention
Apple, Amazon, and Walt Disney might benefit from 'IT'.
Excitement Continues At Apple Store Opening
The bragging rights for who's first on line at an Apple Store opening has finally gotten competitive.
Opinion
The MacEdition Interview: Walt Mossberg
Since Mr. Mossberg approaches his technology from the personal angle rather than the technical angle, we thought his insights on the industry surrounding Apple would be particularly interesting.
Review
Best High-Tech Gadgets My Money Has Bought
It was a dangerous year for the budget of this battle-weary reviwer of high-technology tools and toys.
Quite A Toast For Macintosh World
Many consider Toast an essential addition for Macintosh owners who want to use iMovie.
Apple iMac
That iMovie software and the iMac's alluring style sure make it tempting.
Sidetrack
Rumor Mongers
If you are employed by Apple, you are hereby reminded to catch at least one screening of Monsters, Inc.
Rack-mountable Macintosh server is coming, according to our rumor mongers.
Wintel
Code Red Is Dead On Worst Lists
Many experts believe that Code Red wasn't nearly the threat it was made out to be.
Microsoft Gives Top Executives New Duties
Hopes to sharpen focus on Internet services, wireless phone, and database technology.
Saturday, December 1, 2001
Top Stories
Apple Exec Talks About QuickTime's Success
It's the quality of QuickTime that is making it so popular on the Internet.
Pundit Goes Mac After Disastrous XP Experience
"And to all of you geek snobs: you're right. I'm a total techie loser."
News
Apple Offers More Than An Update To Its System
The move by Apple generated scorn on technology-oriented sites.
QuickTime Anniversary Celebration This Weekend
"There are very few pieces of technology that get to be 10 years old and still have people using them, let alone leading the charge in the industry."
Review
LaCie U&I CD-RW Drive
Noise aside, LaCie's U&I CD-RW is even better than its prevoius incarnation, and it's a worthy buy.
Quicken 2002 Deluxe
Annual upgrades to software are often a questionable expense, but there's no question about a Quicken 2002 upgrade - buy it!
Maya For Mac OS X
Yes, Maya is expensive, but it's an incredible tool - a great investment if you want to learn an industry-standard application but don't have (or want) an NT or SGI machine to run it on.
iPod Subtlety
The more I use my new iPod, the more I love it.
Sidetrack
Think Secret: Mac OS X 10.2... has been delayed until early summer.
Dan Gillmor: I give Dell and other PC companies about five years of life before Microsoft squashes them like gnats.
Wintel
Can The Xbox Help Microsoft?
There is no question that Microsoft has made a superior product, and it is a technical tour de force.
Another Microsoft Monopoly In The Making?
Microsoft's planned entree into the CRM space comes at a time whent he company has almost completely saturated the markets for desktop operating systems and applications.
Compaq Not Ready To Ship Itanium Server
Refuse to offer specifics on problems encountered.
Microsoft's Most Valued Vounteers
"Our MVPs are our biggest fans, and at the same time our biggest critics."
Ballmer Instructs Microsoft On Settlement
Ballmer send e-mail to Microsoft employees to explain the terms of the company's legal settlement.
Cable Giant May Drop Microsoft Software
Europe's largest cable operator has decided to cancel its plans to install Microsoft software in next-generation set-top boxes.
Microsoft Has Bigger Plans For Xbox
Ballmer hints at an oft-guessed-at strategy to turn the machine into a wired entertainment hub.
Microsoft Foes: EU Last Hope For Hard Stance
It's the last, best hope to get tough sanctions against Microsoft.
Microsoft Restructures MSN Internet Unit; Announces Management Changes
Microsoft's Xbox — Desktop PC Of The Future
Is the Xbox going to be more than a game console as Microsoft makes a bid for the PC market?