Stan's List

This MacBook and MacBook Pro firmware update addresses an issue where the first key press may be ignored if the computer has been sitting idle. It also addresses some other issues.

The update package will install an updater application into the Applications/Utilities folder and will launch it automatically. Please follow the instructions in the updater application to complete the update process.

Installation of MacBook and MacBook Pro Keyboard Firmware Update 1.0 requires Mac OS X 10.5.2.

The MacBook and MacBook Pro Keyboard Firmware Update 1.0 supports the following products:

MacBook (Late 2006)
MacBook (Mid 2007)
MacBook (Late 2007)
MacBook Pro (17-inch Core 2 Duo)
MacBook Pro (15-inch Core 2 Duo)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2007, 2.4/2.2GHz)
MacBook Pro (Late 2007, 2.4/2.2GHz)

NASA reports that this will be the last lunar eclipse till 2010. The Moon will endure Earth’s shadow starting at 8:43 p.m. EST (5:43 WST)

Transiting the shadow’s core takes about an hour. The first hints of red appear around 10 pm EST (7 pm PST), heralding a profusion of coppery hues that roll across the Moon’s surface enveloping every crater, mountain and moon rock, only to fade away again after 11 pm EST (8 pm PST). No special filter or telescope is required to see this spectacular event. It is a bright and leisurely display visible from cities and countryside alike. While you’re watching, be alert for another color: turquoise. Observers of several recent lunar eclipses have reported a flash of turquoise bracketing the red of totality … The source of the turquoise is ozone.

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Weather report in the East Bay is rain for Wednesday. Clouds at least.

Reuters reports that Toshiba will quit the HD DVD business after Wal-Mart Stores said they would no longer carry HD DVD media or players. Blu-Ray is often compared to the Betamax VHS war which was won by VHS (longer recording times), but no one doubted that Betamax was the higher quality format. Initially, Blu-Ray is capable of storing 50 GB, compared to HD DVD’s 30 GB.

Apple will soon release iPhone 1.1.4 which can be anticipated to continue opening access to the iPhone desktop. With the iPhone SDK soon to be available, Apple will try to enlist developers. EE Times predicts Apple may even go after developer talent that Google would want for their Linux mobile OS project. Apple, Google and Nokia (GPS Maps 2.0) are forcing the main stream cell operators out of their comfort zone, that being dictating product and service. The iPhone has created list of desired features on other smart phones.

This other EE Times reports about the 77 percent approval rating by users of the iPhone. This much satisfaction can not be ignored.

Office 2004 11.4.0 Update patches a vulnerability that an attacker can use to overwrite the contents of your computer’s memory with malicious code.

iLife Support 8.2 supports system software components shared by all iLife ’08 applications to improve their stability and performance. This update also supports important bug fixes for Aperture 2.0.

Security Update 2008-001 is recommended for all users and improves the security of Mac OS X. Security Update 2007-009 has been incorporated into this security update. The update is available in PPC and Universal formats .

Leopard Graphics Update is recommended for all users and improves the stability and compatibility of your Mac. This update requires Mac OS X 10.5.2.

Getting your media into Apple TV

Is the Apple TV, take two, sufficient to move the market? Certainly, its ability to log on to the Apple Movie Store has to be attractive. Order and receive movies from your favorite movie chair. While the resolution may not be the highest its not bad. There is one feature of the Apple TV that should be taken advantage of. All media you can load into iTunes can be displayed through Apple TV. Read the rest of this entry »

Hundreds of bugs fixed. Nearly every area of the OS you encounter had issues resolved. See a complete list at About the Mac OS X 10.5.2 Update. A number of security patches are included as well.

Available via Software Update or standalone installer, both the regular and server versions are combo installers.