Stan's List

Debian is ready to change the name of Firefox in its distributions, beginning with Etch. They say it can be done within a week. The reasons stem from Mozilla’s recent insistence on trademark fidelity and its preferences regarding Firefox patches. More …

Engadget has a revealing look at Apple upsampling some of their new 640×480 videos from lower quality 320×240 videos. In fact, their upsampling appears to produce lower quality videos than quickly upsampling yourself with Quicktime. More …

TechWhack is reporting that the Apple and SecureWorks are working together, months after a public spanking involving the security (or lack thereof) of third-party wireless drivers for the Mac. “SecureWorks and Apple are working together in conjunction with the CERT Coordination Center on any reported security issues.” More …

Apple has released Security Update 2006-006 for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and Mac OS X 10.3.9 Server.

The new release improves the security of the following components:

* CFNetwork
* Cyrus SASL
* Flash Player Plug-in
* QuickDraw
* WebKit

Security Update 2006-006 is available through Software Update or via the following download links:

* Security Update 2006-006 for Mac OS X 10.3.9 client [30 MB]

* Security Update 2006-006 for Mac OS X 10.3.9 server [43 MB]

Computer Reseller News (CRN) is quoting comments by Mike Rhodin, general manager of IBM’s Workplace, Portal and Collaboration group, aka the IBM/Lotus group. In the write up, he states that the next version of Notes will be on par with those available for other platforms.

“We have millions of Notes seats on the Mac now, and some very large customers are active in the beta and are very vocal about that,” Rhodin said. “The Mac is a resurgent platform.” More …

The 10.4.8 Update is recommended for all users and includes general operating system fixes, as well as specific fixes for the following applications and technologies:
- connecting to wireless networks using the EAP-FAST protocol
- Apple USB modem reliability
- using OpenType fonts in Microsoft Word
- compatibility with 3rd party USB hubs
- scanner performance
- RAW camera support
- printing documents with Asian language names
- performance of the Translation widget
- broadband network performance
- security updates

For detailed information on this Update, please visit this website.
For detailed information on Security Updates, please visit this website.

iPhoto 6.0.5 released: Adds new card themes, improves Aperture 1.5 compatibility. The new release adds new calendar, greeting card, and postcard themes for use with Apple print services, including a variety of holiday card designs. It also addresses compatibility for accessing Aperture 1.5 content in iPhoto.

iPhoto 6.0.5 is available through Software Update, or as a 56.1 MB standalone download.

GarageBand 3.0.4 released: addresses Aperture 1.5 compatibility. The new release addresses compatibility for accessing Aperture 1.5 content in GarageBand.

GarageBand 3.0.4 is available through Software Update, or as a 29.7 MB standalone download.

iDVD 6.0.3 released: addresses compatibility for accessing Aperture 1.5 content in iDVD.The new release addresses compatibility for accessing Aperture 1.5 content in iDVD.

iDVD 6.0.3 is available through Software Update, or as a 5.8 standalone download.

iWeb 1.1.2 released: Address Aperture 1.5 issues. The new release addresses compatibility for accessing Aperture 1.5 content in iWeb.

iWeb 1.1.2 is available through Software Update, or as a 22.7 MB standalone download.

Keynote 3.0.2 released: Aperture 1.5 compatibility improved. Keynote 3.0.2, a maintenance update to the company’s PowerPoint-compatible presentation software.The new release improves compatibility for accessing Aperture 1.5 content in Keynote.

Keynote 3.0.2 is available through Software Update, or as a 2.7 MB standalone download.

Pages 2.0.2 released: Aperture 1.5 issues addressed . The new release addresses compatibility for accessing Aperture 1.5 content in Pages.

Pages 2.0.2 is available through Software Update, or as a 2.8 MB standalone download.

iMovie HD 6.0.3 released: Addresses Aperture 1.5 issues. The new release addresses compatibility for accessing Aperture 1.5 content in iMovie HD. It also improves overall stability and addresses a number of other minor issues.

The iMovie HD 6.0.3 updater is available through Software Update and as a 6.1 MB standalone download.

AppleInsider reports that the latest development versions of OS X 10.4.8 for PowerPC and Intel have been seeded to developers, with the specific request that the seed be tested with scientific applications running under Rosetta.

AI writes that the 10.4.8 update should be out by November and it is expected to contain support for upgraded Core 2 Duo MacBooks and MacBook Pros, which are likely to be available in time for the Xmas shopping season. More …

Apple has released iTunes 7.0.1, a widely-anticipated bug-fix that addresses a range of issues that have come to light over the last two weeks. This dot-fix addresses stability and performance issues with Cover Flow, CD importing, iPod syncing, and more. Downloads can also be via Software Update.

Pro Applications Update 2006-02–This update addresses several issues with underlying frameworks and shared components for Apple’s professional applications and is strongly recommended for all users of:

Final Cut Studio 5.1
Final Cut Pro 5.1
Motion 2.1
Soundtrack Pro 1.1
DVD Studio Pro 4.1
LiveType 2.1
Compressor 2.1
Apple Qmaster 2.1
Final Cut Express HD 3.5

Final Cut Pro 5.1.2–Final Cut Pro Update 5.1.2 provides important bug fixes and compatibility updates for certain Canon, Sony, JVC and Panasonic devices. This update is recommended for all Final Cut Pro 5.1 and Final Cut Pro 5.1.1 customers.

Apple Cinema Tools Updater 3.1.2 [MacUpdate.com]–Apple Cinema Tools 3.1.2 addresses inter-application compatibility and fixes some potential issues with reverse telecine when using files larger than 9GB. Owning any applicable Apple Pro Application will will make this update available via Software Update.

Apple CHUD Tools 4.4.3–The Computer Hardware Understanding Developer Tools (CHUD Tools) are designed to help hardware and software developers measure and optimize the performance of PowerPC Macintosh systems running their products under Mac OS X.

Logic Pro 7.2.3 addresses performance issues when Logic Pro 7 is used on Mac Pro and G5 Quad computers. Logic Pro 7.2.3 is recommended for all Mac Pro and G5 Quad users. An existing Logic Pro 7.2.1 or Logic Pro 7.2.2 installation is required for this update.