Stan's List

This update is recommended for all Intel-based Macintosh computers and improves compatibility with AirPort Extreme base stations and networks.

This update includes the content from the AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001, and addresses a security issue as described in: http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n305031 …

This update also improves compatibility for the MacBook Core 2 Duo and the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo when using certain third-party access points configured to use WEP Open System security. Download page

Software Update does not always show the latest firmware updates for Intel Macs. This KB article tells you how to determine your present version and provides a chart of the latest firmware. You can manually download and install any updates you require. More …

Apple provides no DST patch for Mac OS X 10.2. You’re left changing the computer’s clock manually twice a year, or you can download a patch from AFP548. The patch for Mac OS X 10.3 was modified to work in 10.2. More …

Microsoft today released an Office 2004 11.3.2 Update along with Office v. X Update (2006-12-19), addressing a serious security problem. A Microsoft PR spokesperson notes:

The new download is for both Office X and 2004 and contains all of the stability improvements that were ready to go live, and removes the not-yet-ready-for-prime-time code that was accidentally released last week. Use AutoUpdate or direct download

Learn how to restore a user’s home directory after an Archive and Install installation. When performing an Archive and Install, you can select the Preserve Users and Network Settings option. If you do, this automatically preserves the users on the computer and keeps their home directories properly associated with them. In other words, if you selected Preserve Users and Network Settings, you do not need this document. More …

Pop Syndicate interviews an Apple retail store Mac genius: “What should people realistically expect when they need to see a Mac Genius? They should expect a long wait. Just because you’re appointment is scheduled for 5:00 doesn’t mean yo can stroll right up to the Genius Bar and get help. Name one friggin’ place that will see you exactly at your scheduled appointment time without any wait. Now you may ask yourself why you would have to wait if your appointment is at 5:00 and that’s when you showed up; because we’re dealing with other people that are just as arrogant as you!” More …

The topics of this document fall into one of two general issues. Tip: Sometimes it’s OK if an item can’t be moved to or from a certain location. Mac OS X restricts access to some folders (including Applications, Library, and System) to preserve the integrity of the operating system and user data.

Issue 1
If you try to move a file in Mac OS X 10.2 or later, this message appears: “The operation could not be completed because the item ‘(item name)’ is locked.”

If you try to modify an item’s permissions, this message may appear: “The operation could not be completed. An unexpected error occurred (error code 1).”

This issue might occur if you copy one volume to another by dragging its icon over the other’s, or to one of its windows, for example.

Issue 2
An alert box appears with one of these messages:

* “The operation cannot be completed because you do not have sufficient privileges for ‘(item or folder name).’”
* “The item ‘(item name)’ could not be moved because ‘System’ (or other folder name) cannot be modified.” More …

Alsoft has released DiskWarrior 4.0. The new release is the first to sport Universal Binary status, gaining compatibility with Intel-based Macs. New features in this release include the ability to locate and delete corrupt .plist. Among other new features:

* Significantly faster than previous versions
* Repairs invalid file permissions
* Includes an additional suite of file and folder tests, to find problems before they cause you trouble
* Identifies corrupted Preference (.plist) files
* Recovers more data from drives with hardware malfunctions
* Detects and repairs more disk problems than ever
* Repairs and rebuilds FileVaults
* Fully supports case-sensitive file names
* Repairs and rebuilds Attribute B-trees
* Repairs Access Control Lists (ACLs)

The new release is available as a US$50 upgrade, and a $100 full version. Alsoft

Consumer Reports writes in its latest piece that consumers will spend a mind-boggling $1.6 billion on extended warranties for portables, TVs and other consumer electronics and appliances. But the real story is that it’s the vendor or retailer that makes real money out of the warranties – up to 50% of the value of the warranty. More …

After updating to Mac OS X 10.4.8 or Mac OS X Server 10.4.8 on a Mac Pro that has a software RAID boot volume, a kernel panic may occur during startup. More …