2002 | Issue Archive | Search TidBITS | TidBITS Home Page
Happy New Year! Most of the staff is en route to Macworld Expo, and we have some updated appearance schedules. Also in this issue, Adam looks at what's ahead in the computer industry for 2003, and also starts employing Habeas headers to thwart spam. Contributing Editor Mark Anbinder looks at Virtual PC 6, and we note the releases (and a few snags) of Mac OS X 10.2.3, iCal 1.0.2, and iSync 1.0. We hope to see you at Macworld!
Steve Jobs kept us busy during his keynote at Macworld Expo, introducing two new PowerBooks; updates to iMovie 3, iPhoto 2, and iDVD 3 (grouped with iTunes 3 into a package called iLife); a presentation application called Keynote; and the new Safari Web browser. We cover them all, including a look at how it affects the Apple-Microsoft relationship. Also this week: X11 for Mac OS X; Rendezvous support from TiVo, Brother, and Aspyr; and Office X 10.1.3.
How extreme is Apple's new AirPort Extreme? Sure, it boost throughputs to 54 Mbps, but it's more important that Apple's adoption of 802.11g puts the company back into the pilot's seat for the industry's wireless technology adoption. Adam and Glenn Fleishman take off with all the details. We also pass on some of the best and worst bits from the Macworld Expo show floor, and take a quick look at Apple's $8 million loss for the first quarter of 2003.
New PowerBooks may have sparked interest at Macworld Expo San Francisco 2003, but more attention has gone to Apple's new Web browser since, so Adam dons his pith helmet to explore Safari. We also finish off our Macworld Superlatives list, noting the most interesting products at the show, including a bit of sartorial splendor for the wireless networking set. In the news, we note a new 31-Jan-03 release date for iLife and a welcome upgrade to PowerMail 4.1.1.
Get an iLife! We're here to help with detailed reviews (complete with essential tips and tricks!) at what's new and cool in both iPhoto 2 and iMovie 3, two of the four applications in Apple's iLife suite of digital hub applications. Other Apple news this week includes the release of new Power Mac G4s and a new 20-inch Cinema Display, along with huge price drops on Apple's other LCD displays. Plus, teachers can now get iLife plus Keynote for $15!
Apple seems to be on a weekly hardware release cycle these days, with last week's release of the "Spring Line" of flat-panel iMacs (along with eMac price drops) and this week's release of new Xserves. We examine both, but devote the bulk of the issue to Kirk McElhearn's tutorial on navigating via the command line. In TidBITS news this week, find out how you can get pre-publication chapters of Adam's iPhoto book and see him this week in New York City.
The utilities you choose radically affect your Mac experience, and this week Adam reviews the Bayesian spam filter SpamSieve and Matt Neuburg offers a comparison of three Mac OS X multiple clipboard utilities - PTHPasteboard, Keyboard Maestro, and CopyPaste X. Also tune in for a Web resource of supporting information for Mac evangelists. The news brings details of Mac OS X 10.2.4, Safari v60, Final Cut Express 1.0.1, and USB Overdrive 10.2.1.
We can hold our tongues no longer, and this issue contains Adam's personal statement on the situation in Iraq. Mark Anbinder weighs in with a look at Microsoft's acquisition of Connectix's Virtual PC, and Tonya Engst makes a rare appearance with a review of StickyBrain 2.0. In the news, Apple swaps loud Power Mac G4 power supplies, we look at new goodies for .Mac members, MYOB offers Jaguar to purchasers, and we note BBEdit 7.0.2 and WebSTAR 5.2.4.
With a no-show projector, one of Adam's recent user group presentations almost suffered a Keynote-free passing. Fortunately, it's not that easy to thwart a geek: read on for Adam's camera-inspired save! Also in this issue, Kirk McElhearn flexes his organizational and creative muscles with Inspiration 7. In the news, we note the releases of Bare Bones Software's TextWrangler 1.0, REALbasic 5.0, and the important AirPort Extreme 5.0.3 firmware update.
Mac OS X traded stability for flexibility by removing the system-level hooks that enabled utilities like QuicKeys to automate nearly anything. That flexibility has now returned in Jaguar, and Matt Neuburg explains how you can use it right now with only AppleScript! Also this week, Glenn Fleishman looks at network storage devices that don't require a computer, and we note the releases of Keynote 1.0.1, iMovie 3.0.2, and Security Update 2003-03-03.
Every so often, a utility comes along that is so useful and so well-implemented that it's painful to use Macs that don't have it. For Adam, that utility is LaunchBar, a simple yet powerful application launcher with great potential. Also this week, we offer Mac OS X troubleshooting advice wrapped in a plea for a Conflict Catcher-like utility, discuss the release of BBEdit 7.0.3, note Chimera's renaming, and mourn the demise of Caffeine Software.
Ever try to do something nice and have it come back to bite you? To the tune of $15,000? That's what happened to author Glenn Fleishman - read on for his tale of woe. Adam then keeps things practical with his look at configuring an external hard disk for maximum utility. In the news, Apple reschedules WWDC such that it conflicts with MacHack, Al Gore joins Apple's Board of Directors, the iPod gets an important update, and the CRT-based iMac quietly disappears.
We're still fielding Macintosh conference news, as MacHack reaffirms its commitment to its 19-Jun-03 start date and IDG World Expo announces that Macworld Expo New York 2003 is now named "Create." Also this week, Adam reveals how to set up a print spooler under Mac OS X and details improvements in the Info-Mac Archive mirror network. In other news, we note the releases of Web Crossing 5.0, LaunchBar 3.2.10, and Apple's Security Update 2003-03-24.
News abounds in this issue, with Apple again rescheduling WWDC and TidBITS Publisher Adam Engst receiving a fellowship at Cornell University. New products include heat-resistant Handeze gloves, a clever anti-flaming plug-in for iChat, a Keynote-compatible Canon PowerShot camera, the iPodPowerMate, and a kid-sized Segway. Adam also looks at a new add-on product for the Xserve, Tonya breaks some welcome news about Word 5.1, and we interview someone whose voice will be familiar to all Macintosh owners.
Remember Glenn Fleishman's bandwidth nightmare? It's over now - read on for our look at the final bill and what Glenn learned in the process. Adam offers a look into our deliberations about our next generation content management system, and Matt Neuburg reviews his current favorite digital shoebox - Casady & Greene's iData Pro X. In the news, Apple announces a slew of high-end digital video editing tools and SETI@home 3.08 closes a security hole.
We're more optimistic about TidBITS turning 13 than when we entered our own awkward teenage years, and Adam reveals why. Plus, Andrew Laurence reviews the SLIMP3, a device for streaming your iTunes music to your hi-fi stereo system (or anywhere else in the house). Also in this issue, The Wireless Networking Starter Kit becomes available electronically, and Apple releases both Mac OS X 10.2.5 and Safari Public Beta 2.
Remember how computers were going to make our lives easier? Matt Neuburg takes a look at NoteTaker, an application that's helping to organize and quickly access all sorts of information. Plus, we'd like you to help TidBITS experiment how to integrate TidBITS Talk discussions into our weekly issues. Also, Apple posts a surprising second quarter profit of $14 million, and we note releases of Snapz Pro X 1.0.7 and StuffIt Expander/Deluxe 7.0.3.
Apple's big news for the week is the iTunes Music Store, a commercial Internet music service, backed by the new iTunes 4 and redesigned iPods. We have early details of all three in this extra-large issue, along with a look at Palm's Tungsten C and Zire 71 handhelds from Mark Anbinder, and oodles of advice for developers of Mac OS X software from Dan Frakes. Other news items include a second name change for Macworld Expo NY and improved iBooks.
We continue to focus on the iTunes Music Store this week with a detailed analysis of how it works, who stands to benefit, and its impressive results so far. We also explain why you might have seen old issues of TidBITS appearing in your mail, pass on news of Rick Smolan's latest collaborative photography project, and ask your opinion of listing TidBITS Talk discussions in TidBITS. Interesting releases this week include Watson 1.7 and Palm Desktop 4.1.
Looking for fast, mobile Internet access without the bulk of a laptop? Geoff Bronner reviews Palm's new Wi-Fi-enabled Tungsten C handheld. Also, if you've spent the past two weeks browsing the iTunes Music Store, Adam offers some tips on making the experience smoother. This week also brings news of new eMac models, a Mac OS X 10.2.6 update that fixes crashing problems with some USB hubs, and our stand on challenge-response anti-spam systems.
Do you have a road trip coming up? Some would argue that Apple's iPod is the best addition to the road trip since air conditioning. But how to play your music through your car's speakers? Travis Butler looks at the iTrip, and compares it with two other FM transmitters that work with the iPod. Also in this issue, Adam's iPhoto 2 Visual QuickStart Guide is now available, as are Safari 1.0b2 v74 and Interarchy 6.2. And, we're taking next week off!
Enjoy solving crossword puzzles? If so, you'll want to read Kirk McElhearn's look at crossword puzzles on the Internet. Also this week, Adam opens a grab bag of wireless networking hardware and software, Apple reduces the prices of 12-inch and 15-inch PowerBooks, AOL and Microsoft settle an antitrust lawsuit, iTunes 4.0.1 drops Internet music sharing, Virtual PC advances to version 6.0.2, and Bare Bones Software celebrates their 10th anniversary!
Is it time to tear yourself away from the computer and get outside? Why not go geocaching? Mariva H. Aviram reports on this growing Net-related recreation where you use a GPS device to track down hidden treasure. We also explore Palm's announcement that it's purchasing rival Handspring, look at QuickTime 6.3, and note the releases of WebSTAR 5.3, Spring Cleaning 6.0, and After Dark for Mac OS X, along with Apple's iMovie 3.0.3, iSync 1.1, and Keynote 1.1.
After winning the browser wars, Microsoft is walking away from the battlefield by putting Internet Explorer for Macintosh out to pasture. Also this week, Adam quiets his Power Mac G4 with a new power supply, Mariva Aviram looks at other forms of Internet-guided offline recreation, and we note the releases of Internet Explorer 5.2.3, Final Cut Pro 4, QuarkXPress 6, QuicKeys X2, and NoteTaker 1.5, along with ratification of the 802.11g wireless specification.
This week's Worldwide Developers Conference spurred a bevy of announcements by Apple, and we have details of the new Power Mac G5, the preview of Mac OS X 10.3 Panther, iChat AV and the iSight video camera. But WWDC isn't the only Mac event in this busy June: Adam reports on the MacHax Best Hack Contest from last week's MacHack. Also, we note the releases of Safari 1.0, AirPort 3.1, iPod Software 2.0.1, and Mailsmith 2.0, plus how to get free Macworld passes!
Before you spend hours optimizing your Mac's hard disk, read David Shayer's article on why it's a waste of time. Also this week, Adam wraps up MacHack coverage with anecdotes about the conference's people, events, and fashions. Lastly, we note the winners of this year's Apple Design Awards, clarify some Mac OS X adoption numbers, pass on Extensis's acquisition of DiamondSoft and the demise of Casady & Greene, and call for German translators.
Got a long commute? Kirk McElhearn looks at audio books from Audible.com, which can be played on your Mac or iPod without losing your position. Keith Cooper looks at why you might want to consider color management for your digital photos. Also this week, using Broadcom-based 802.11g PC Cards with AirPort 3.1, the demise of Adobe Premiere on the Mac, and upcoming events at Macworld Expo.
As we gear up for Macworld Expo in New York, our thoughts turn practical: how can I import Netscape bookmarks into Safari, why use PrintFIX to build ColorSync profiles for printing photos, and what's new in Retrospect 5.1? We also cover Nisus Writer Express 1.0, WorkStrip 3, and Style Master 3, offer additional details about AirPort 3.1 compatibility, and note Jeff Carlson's talk at the Apple Store Bellevue Square on Saturday!
Is this the end of East Coast Macworld Expos? Adam returns from New York with a first-hand account of the show's size and atmosphere, as well as his list of superlative products. We also mourn the loss of TidBITS translator Walter Van Lerberghe. In the news, Apple posts a security update and a $19 million Q3 profit, Dantz provides a firmware update for some PowerBook G4 optical drives, Netscape lays off its developers, and iData Pro X survives Casady & Greene.
Switching to a new email program is a harder decision than swapping other software - Matt Neuburg explains why Mailsmith 2.0 is the email client for him. Also, Adam questions IDG's Macworld Expo policy barring children under 13, and Jeff Carlson reveals how to use iDVD 3 on Macs without SuperDrives. We also note the releases of Palm's Tungsten T2, BBEdit 7.0.4, Griffin's iTrip Station Finder, and Steve Wozniak's new wOzNet wireless network.
We're looking out for you and your data with this issue! First, Derek Miller passes on a warning (and identification tips) about clever spam that purports to be from PayPal in an attempt to get you to reveal your PayPal password. Then Adam reviews Granite Digital's FireVue Hot Swap Drive System; a great option for hard drive-based backups. In the news, we cover the releases of Entourage's new Exchange support, Tinderbox 2.0 and Font Reserve 3.1.2.
Is Apple's beefy 17-inch PowerBook G4 too big? Michael Shappe thinks not, and he's a happy convert from a PC laptop. Adam passes on a number of tips for using Mac OS X more efficiently through smarter scrolling, and Sander Lam remembers the late Dutch translator Walter Van Lerberghe. In the news, we look at the releases of Default Folder X 1.8, AirPort 3.1.1, and OmniWeb 4.5.
Who wields the most power in the Mac world? According to the annual MDJ Power 25, it's Steve Jobs. But Adam retains a spot in the top five for the fourth year, and we think we know why. Also, Kirk McElhearn explains how the command line can simplify certain file manipulation tasks, Adam reports on his current electronic book experiments, and we note the releases of GraphicConverter 4.8, Security Update 2003-08-14, TextWrangler 1.5, and DVD Studio Pro 2.
Do you own a Mac and a Bluetooth-capable cellular phone? Read Joe Kissell's review of Salling Clicker to learn how you can control your Mac from the phone in some ingenious ways. If text is more your style, Matt Neuburg slings praise in his review of Hog Bay Notebook. Also this week we see the releases of Snapz Pro X 1.0.8, Dejal Simon 1.2, a Photoshop plug-in that optimizes Photoshop for the now-shipping Power Mac G5s, and AirPort antennas from MacWireless.
Is the Internet susceptible to terrorist attack? We talk to an expert about Internet vulnerabilities and strengths. In lighter news, we're happy to announce the rebirth of DealBITS, starting with a Tom Bihn bag giveaway! Also in this issue, Macworld Expo heads back to Boston (without Apple), Bare Bones releases Mailsmith 2.0.1, Virtual PC 6.1 becomes part of Office X despite not working on the Power Mac G5, and Adam is interviewed on The User Group Report.
Wireless buffalo, a new way to block spam, and floating mice: TidBITS is full of surprises this week. Newly crowned Contributing Editor Glenn Fleishman expands his AirPort network with Buffalo routers. Adam looks at Eudora 6.0, including its new SpamWatch feature. Keith Kaiser thinks beyond the mouse pad with Gyration's Ultra gyroscopic mouse. In the news, we welcome Fetch Softworks as a new sponsor, announce the winner of last week's DealBITS drawing, look at iTunes Music Store sales, and note releases of new iMacs, larger iPods, Salling Clicker 2.0, and FileMaker Pro Applications.
iMovie expert Jeff Carlson offers advice on how to get the most from iMovie 3, including workarounds for a few of iMovie's most annoying problems. Adam chimes in with a comparison of a pair of wireless gateways from Asante and Linksys. In the news, we report on the Apple Corps trademark suit against Apple Computer, Adam's upcoming speaking engagements, and the releases of a Panorama V preview, PageSender 3.1, PowerMail 4.2 and iView MediaPro 2.0.
The Mac community let out a collective "Finally!" last week when Apple introduced aluminum 15-inch PowerBooks - and began shipping them, too! Apple also refreshed the 12- and 17-inch PowerBooks, and released a Bluetooth wireless mouse and keyboard. On the software front, StuffIt Deluxe 8.0 debuts today, and we note the releases of SpamSieve 2.0.1 and Office X 10.1.5. Also, Alex Hoffman reviews one of our favorite devices, the TiVo Series2 DVR.
Are you bothered by how stupid telephones still are, after all these years? Adam is too, but thanks to Parliant's PhoneValet, his telephone is more usable than ever before. Also this week, we note the cyclical nature of the industry and welcome two new sponsors, Aladdin and CS Odessa. In the news, we cover the releases of AirPort Extreme 5.1.3, Mailsmith 2.0.2, and PopChar X 2.1.2, along with the announcement of the Adobe Creative Suite and a few corrections.
TidBITS is 700! Okay, so we're not that old, but we are celebrating our 700th issue with news of a Creative Commons license and our choice for a new content management system. Also in this issue, Palm releases new handhelds (the Tungsten T3, Tungsten E, and Zire 21), Apple re-releases Mac OS X 10.2.8, and Kirk McElhearn takes the ShuttleXpress controller out for a spin, comparing it to the PowerMate he swore he'd never give up.
The State of California has outlawed spam (again), but will legislation make a difference? Attorney Brady Johnson weighs in on why making spam illegal is a difficult proposition. Also in this issue, Jeff Carlson praises - and mourns - Netflix Fanatic, Apple announces that Mac OS X 10.3 Panther will ship 24-Oct-03, and we note the releases of iCal 1.5.1, iSync 1.2.1, StuffIt Standard Edition 8.0, StuffIt Engine 8.0.1, and ConceptDraw V.
This week we unveil a completely new publishing project, the Take Control series of electronic books, written by some of the leading Macintosh authors. We also look in depth at Apple's music-related announcements, including iTunes for Windows, marketing deals with AOL and Pepsi, and iPod improvements and gadgets. Also, DealBITS returns with a Business Card Composer deal! In the news, Apple reports a $44 million Q4 profit and DragThing 5.0 arrives.
Panther rules this issue! Jeff Carlson leads off with a look at some of the major features with an eye toward helping you decide to upgrade. Then Adam delves into smaller details that can make or break an OS upgrade. We also formally announce our first Take Control ebooks, which have already helped thousands of readers. In the news, we cover new iBook G4s, iSync 1.3, cheaper eMacs, and essential upgrades for Default Folder X and QuicKeys X in Panther.
Is your Classic Mac OS server aiding and abetting spammers? Chuck Goolsbee has found a serious security flaw in older Mac server software that's being exploited, and we have the details. Continuing in the security vein, Glenn Fleishman looks at the WPA support in the latest AirPort software update, and we note security fixes in Panther. Also this week, Apple identifies a problem with Panther and external FireWire 800 drives, and Eudora 6.0.1 is released.
We wrap up our Panther release coverage this week with Jeff Carlson's look at what's new and interesting in some of Panther's utilities and applications. Jeff Porten also joins us with a review of El Gato's EyeTV digital video recorder for the Macintosh. In the news, we announce the release of our first free Take Control ebook update, explain more about WPA passwords, and cover the releases of Snapz Pro X 1.0.9, PhoneValet 1.1, and NoteBook 1.2.
It's a grab-bag week! Charles Arthur explains why dialup users need the spam-fighting tool PostArmor, Tom Gewecke looks at the new, improved, and still-buggy aspects of Panther that relate to using Mac OS X in languages other than English, and Geoff Duncan makes a rare appearance to bury MP3.com and bemoan its passing. In the news, Bare Bones releases BBEdit 7.1, we report on our Panther upgrade poll, and we announce our newest sponsor: Dr. Bott!
What should you use to fix a corrupted hard disk? Disk expert David Shayer ran detailed tests comparing DiskWarrior, Norton Utilities, Drive 10, DiskGuardian, and Disk Utility - which do you think won? Adam also chimes in with the latest Take Control ebook free updates and system changes. In the news, Apple released a 20-inch iMac and speedier Power Mac G5s, and posted a new security update, and Creo released Tokens, a solution to file transfer problems. TidBITS is off next week for the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. - see you in December!
We're rolling toward the end of the year with an abundance of articles! Adam looks at MacPAD, a new way of updating software, and Dan Frakes looks at a iPod cases and accessories. TidBITS isn't the only gig for our staff: Matt Neuburg has just published AppleScript: The Definitive Guide, while Adam and Glenn Fleishman have released the second edition of The Wireless Networking Starter Kit. We're also happy to announce a DealBITS drawing for Bare Bones Software, free Macworld Expo passes, and point to releases of Security Update 2003-12-05, Business Card Composer 2, QuicKeys 2.0.2, and Timbuktu 7.
Happy Holidays! It's time once again for our annual double-size TidBITS Gift Issue, chock full of end-of-year gift suggestions from the TidBITS community. If you're still on the hunt for that perfect gift for your friends and relatives, read on for hardware, software, and other ideas, some of which are appropriate for anyone, whether or not they use a Macintosh. ("iPod is good. Buy more iPod stuff.") Feel free to tack a few items onto your own list, too!
We're wrapping up 2003 with a jumbo issue! First, we're happy to announce the release of our latest ebook, Kirk McElhearn's "Take Control of Users & Accounts in Panther." Then we have a pair of articles by Dan Frakes, covering a host of iPod accessories and headphones. Also in this issue is a heads-up on where you can find us at Macworld Expo in January, the winners of last week's Bare Bones Software DealBITS drawing, a new DealBITS drawing for Insider Software's FontAgent Pro, and news of Lasso Professional 7. Have a safe and happy holiday - see you in January!
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Last updated on Tuesday, December 30, 2003