Saturday, January 31, 2004
News
TuneRecycler Takes Unwanted Winning iTunes/Pepsi Codes
Downhill Battle will use it to take some of the unwanted winning codes from among the 100 million being given away and use them to buy "quality music from honest independent labels," according to group member Holmes Wilson.
Apple Updates Final Cut Express
Apple Kicks Off "Better Together" Promo With Epson
"Better Together" is the name of Apple's new promotion with Epson that enables new Mac buyers to get an Epson printer for free.
Will Nemo Find An iPod?
Now that Pixar and Walt Disney have gone their separate ways, does it make sense for Apple to buy Pixar?
Opinion
The Mac As An Entertainment Server
What does a digital hub really mean?
Review
Law & Order: Dead On The Money
Unless you're a fan of the show or if you've got Sherlock Holmes or Perry Mason's DNA, it'll probably be more frustrating than entertaining.
Sidetrack
WE'RE WAITING : "Sounds like someone [in Apple] needs to get an (i)Life," remarked Robert X. Cringely© on Apple's attempt to delete posting on how to hack iLife.
Wintel
Dutch Judge Blocks Lindows Over Trademark Issue
Linux seller Lindows has lost the first of several trademark challenges by Microsoft.
Friday, January 30, 2004
Top Stories
The Mac Lovers Of Microsoft
People sometimes stare when Microsoft Corp. executive Tim McDonough opens his laptop in meetings. But that's probably to be expected when someone uses a Mac PowerBook in the center of the Windows world.
News
'Rings' Digital Dailies Circled Globe Via iPod
During the making of the "Rings" trilogy, Jackson and his Wellington, New Zealand-based Weta Digital crew upped the ante on Apple's innovative iPod storage technology.
Arlington Schools Debate Switch From Mac To PC
The Arlington Public Schools are looking at making the switch from using mostly Macintoshes to personal computers, but teachers say they have been left out of the decision-making process and want to keep their computers.
Pixar Says 'So Long' To Disney
Pixar Animation Studios ends talks with Disney aimed at striking a new deal. The Finding Nemo co-producer wants ownership over future movies, while Disney execs say the new agreement wouldn't make financial sense.
Opinion
OS X Without Tears
No one likes migrating to a new operating system, even if it is OS X.
Paying For Style
People pay for expressing themselves personally through style.
Freshening The Rotten Apple
There's precious little that makes me more annoyed than a company that miraculously decides to do right by its customers just after enough of those customers express interest in a class-action lawsuit against it.
Wintel
Gateway Makes Bid For Rival eMachines
Gateway plans to acquire rival eMachines in a bid to regain its footing in the PC game and broaden the distribution of its Gateway-branded consumer electronics devices at retail.
Microsoft Says U.S. Govt May Cancel Eolas Patent
Microsoft said on Thursday that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office may come to its rescue and cancel a patent that could force the world's biggest software company to rejig its most popular product.
Thursday, January 29, 2004
Top Stories
Apple Launches iBook Logic Board Repair Program
The iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program is a worldwide program covering repair or replacement of the logic board in specific iBook models manufactured between May 2002 and April 2003.
News
Some PowerBooks, iBooks Exhibit USB 2.0 Port Problems
Jef Raskin, Macintosh Inventor, Looks To The Future Of Computing
Opinion
Apple's iPod Culture: Call It Rock Of All Ages
Despite generation gap, a pair of users enjoy comparing notes.
Having Bitten The Forbidden Fruit, It Bit Me Back, Six Times
Two years ago I was smitten with OS X and the easy wireless connectivity that iBooks could give me. Two years later I'm abandoning OS X and Apple.
XGrid Or The Future Of Computing
Imagine for a second what can be done in universities or companies in which dozens — if not hundreds — of Macs stay idle at night, during lunch breaks or holidays!
Review
Burning Monkey Casino
Simple casino games like Blackjack, Video Poker, and Slots by themselves usually don't impress me much, and they can get rather tedious if played for too long. But Freeverse's quirky sense of humor and lively presentation are a big plus here.
iPhoto 4
iPhoto 4 is a darned good step forward. If you've been disappointed with iPhoto in the past, it may be time to give it another try.
Getting The Most Out Of Classicial Music With iTunes And The iPod
Wintel
Study: Small Businesses Wary Of Microsoft
Many small and midsize companies harbor some level of trepidation regarding how dependent they have become on Microsoft software, according to a survey.
Microsoft To Change IE Behavior To Block Spoofing Attacks
Microsoft Corp. has announced in a support document that it will be releasing a software update to Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer to disable the use of certain syntax in HTTP URLs.
New Explorer Hole Could Be Devastating
Browser users could be fooled into downloading executable files.
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Top Stories
Pod People
Ethics, pricing and availability aside, students are reveling in the usefulness of their iPods.
Apple Signs Mysteriously Return To Store
Who swiped the Apple logo signs that once crowned the Elite Computers and Software store in Cupertino? The answer might cause red faces at a certain company whose name starts with "Apple"' and ends with "Computer."
News
FBI Agent: 'Macs Running Mac OS X Can Do Just About Anything'
'From KFO To iPod' In Less Than 48 Hours
Five songs from the show are available for purchase, allowing consumers to download the live recording from iTunes to their Macs or Windows-based PCs and iPods.
iTunes-Compatible AAC Music Store Launches
Nupha has announced the launch of its international, cross-platform digital music store.
Wednesdays Are 'Pro Days' At Apple Stores
"Every Wednesday, we open an hour early to offer free special presentations and demonstrations to help business professionals learn about all the latest technologies."
Apple's '1984' Super Bowl Commercial Still Stands As Watershed Event
Poll: Most Happy With iPod Battery
The Dawn Of The iGrill, The iPhone And The iScooter
The very fact that people argued over its shape and colour (and drink-holder suitability) was a defining characteristic of the iMac's revolutionary success.
Analyst: Apple Supercomputer No Stand-In For Strategy
Apple's goal is to be recognized as a bona fide supplier to the enterprise, but Forrester analyst Frank Gillet says the firm can only be a niche player. Its user-friendly marketing strategy rings hollow to many I.T. professionals who are focused on two dominant systems: Linux and Windows.
Opinion
Everyman's Supercomputer
The great strength of universities is to show what is possible through proof-of-principle experiments and inventions. Machines like Virginia Tech X fall squarely into this category.
Raging Against The Machine
In its '1984' commercial, Apple suggested that its computers would smash Big Brother. But technology gave him more control.
Review
Garage Daze
GarageBand is music synthesis for the rest of us.
Sidetrack
FACTS OF LIFE : "As soon as a man says, 'I do,' he loses 50 percent of his hearing."
Wintel
Micerosoft 'Supports' Chinese Internet Crackdown
Human rights group Amnesty International has attacked Microsoft and other computer giants for selling technology which allows Chinese authorities to control and monitor the internet, leading to a huge rise in the number of people detained for using the web.
XP Hole Could Compromise System
A hole has been discovered in Windows XP Professional and Home Edition that could compromise a network and be used to get into protected areas.
Microsoft Shines More Light On Longhorn
As Microsoft prepares developers and independent software vendors for Longhorn, the next version of its Windows operating system, the company wants to wean them off older Windows programming models.
Windows Sequel Gets Set To Entertain
Microsoft plans to start testing a new version of its Windows XP Media Center edition, a customized operating system designed for entertainment-oriented PCs.
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Top Stories
A Very Personal Computer
Not too many 20-year-olds can say they changed the world, but the Bay Area-born Macintosh personal computer was revolutionary from the time it first blinked from its tiny 9-inch screen.
News
Gates: Windows 'By Far The Most Secure' System; Tries To Use 'Mac OS X Secure Through Obscurity' Myth
Bare Bones Offers BBEdit Maintenance Update
'Steer Clear Of Apple,' Urges Napster Boss
Virgina Tech To Upgrade Supercomputer To Xserve
By moving to the thinner servers, the supercomputer will consume less power and generate less heat, said Srinidhi Varadarajan, assistant professor of computer science, college of engineering, at Virginia Tech.
The Mac At 20: An Interview With Bruce Horn
Let me introduce you to another member of the original Macintosh team, Bruce Horn, who was responsible for a number of the key aspects of the Mac and who has continued to write innovative code.
Apple Releases AirPort 3.3 With WPA Support
Provides "support for the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) specification for the AirPort Extreme base station and AirPort Extreme and AirPort clients.
Mac OS X Lawsuit Deal Gets Final Approval
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Monday gave final approval for the class-action settlement that will allow some Mac OS X owners to get a refund for the operating system.
Opinion
Which Format Will Win?
Apple will have to be innovative if it doesn't want to be marginalized once again.
Mac.Ars Takes On The iPod Mini
Will Apple's pricing and strategy be successful?
Why No Love For Apple?
Apple gave up on the mass market in the 1980s, even before John sculley joined.
Review
Apple Program Can Turn Anyone Into A Musician
You think video games are addicting? Try Apple's new $49 music composition program, GarageBand.
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
If you consider yourself a FPS gamer, you must buy this title.
Wintel
'Negative Decision' Against Microsoft In Antitrust Case
Press reports indicated that European antitrust regulators were moving ahead with plans to require Microsoft to separate its digital media-playing software from its ubiquitous Windows operating system.
Antitrust Ruling Near For Microsoft In Europe
Antitrust officials at the European Commission have drafted a final ruling in their six-year case against Microsoft, people close to the commission said on Monday.
Microsoft Launches Search Toolbar
Toolbar provides shortcuts to MSN services.
Monday, January 26, 2004
Top Stories
OK, Mac, Make A Wish
Apple's 'computer for the rest of us' is, insanely, 20.
News
Apple Opening Windows To Change
20 years after rolling out Mac, rebel firm moves toward mainstream.
Scott Barrows: Biomedical Visualization
"Our profession is overwhelmingly Macintosh. It's just so much easier to use. It's more dependable. It's more intuitive. It's faster and it's just more elegant."
Jim Swaffield: Creating A DVD For Wyclef Jean
"This DVD is a comprehensive demonstration of Apple's pro capabilities and workflow from start to finish."
Apple Releases January Security Update
Apple Is TV And Film Computer Product Placement Of Choice
It seems like you can't turn on the television without seeing an Apple computer.
FWB Source Code Available For Sale On eBay
Apple At 20
A fan club... for computers?
iPod 'Threatens Marriages'
The iPod is being blamed for causing rifts in relationships with a new breed of "iPod Widows" emerging.
Apple To Open New Florida Store In The Adventura Mall
The store is located in the Aventura Mall on the second floor across from the food court.
GarageBand Lures 'Em At NAMM
One of the hottest items at last weekend's NAMM conference (National Association of Music Merchants) in Anaheim, California, was GarageBand, the newest addition to Apple's iLife suite of tools.
Hundreds Line Up For Tucson Apple Store Opening
The first person got in line at midnight, said Christina Sanchez, the store's manager.
Opinion
The Revolution At 20; Save The Trip Down Memory Lane, Apple — Keep Looking Ahead
Microsoft's Attention Defecit Disorder & The Music Industry
With the iTunes music store I have variety, I have simplicity, I have speed, and I have a player that ties it all together. I don't care about the other 40 or 100 or 500 music players out there.
Apple Of My Eye
The appearance of the Mac 20 years ago wasn't an evolutionary advance, it was a macro-mutational leap.
Mac At 20 — Bringing It All Back Home
Apple watchers of all stripes have good reason to celebrate the Mac's anniversary — and applaud Apple's focus on its core values.
Apple's Overlooked Upside
All told, though, the Street might be missing the forest for the trees in Apple's latest numbers, and lots of green could shake loose if Jobs & Co. realize even a little bit of the upside that investors seem to have overlooked in the earnings report.
Review
Apple iPod Mini
Try as we might, we just can't see the appeal of the iPod mini.
Sidetrack
THE PEOPLE AND THE TIME : Folklore.org presents anecdotes about the development of Apple's original Macintoshc omputer, and the people who created it.
Sunday, January 25, 2004
Top Stories
Steve Jobs On The Mac's 20th Anniversary
"I think we're leading the industry and we're having a good time."
News
Steve Jobs: "It Feels Good"
Apple's chief talks about its rapid rise to the top of the digital music biz, Pixar, and what tunes he's listening to today.
Apple Embracing Big Brother
Apple's recent moves, though perhaps painful to some Mac aficionados, are earning it profits and accolades on Wall Street.
Show Time!
Just as the Mac revolutionized computing, Apple is changing the world of online music. If Steve Jobs plays his cards right this time, Apple could end up with a big chunk of the digital-entertainment market.
Apple's Core: The Mac Turns 20
Despite Microsoft's dominance, Apple fans remain loyal.
The Machine That Changed The World
"It has made millions of people happy and lasted 20 years."
After 20 Years, Apple Adjusts
New direction could, finally, be key to market share.
Opinion
Communication, Control And Collaboration (The Mac's Next Decade)
Happy 20th Anniversary Mac
"After twenty years, I think it's safe to say it's true love."
Review
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
iLife Bundles Sophisticated Tools For Manipulating Digital Media
Panther: A Look At Mac On Its 20th Birthday
While it may not be the only choice for many types of deployments, it certainly is hard to imagine how you would go wrong with it. The big black cat means business.
Sidetrack
Wintel
Microsoft Justifies Its XML Patent Moves
Redmond claims its decisions to open its XML schemas, while seeking patents for elements of its XML implementations, are not as contradictory as they appear.
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Top Stories
The Measure Of Apple's Success
Steve Jobs says analysts should stop worrying about market share and focus on profits. And moving beyond Macs could boost both.
News
Apple's iTunes European Debut Held Up By Red Tape
Old-fashionsed red tape is delaying the eagerly awaited European launch of Apple's Internet music store iTunes, a company official said on Saturday.
iPod Row: MPs Rush To Apple's Aid
Apple has certainly got friends in high places — rather than criticise its iPod battery policy we should apparently be hailing the 'revolutionary impact' it has made, MPs now say.
The Macintosh Turns 20
You could argue that every PC is a Macintosh, because of the similarity of Windows to the original Mac OS.
Tiny iPod Is Top Of The Pops
It is this year's must-have gadget, topping hottest product lists in the developed world.
The Mac Turns 20
From 'insanely great' to 'think different,' what has Apple taught — and learned?
Opinion
Bluetooth Phones And iSync Woes
The Version Problem
Still, it would be nice if you could download Safari 1.1 without buying and installing a new operating system.
Apple's Mouth Says 'No' To The Enterprise, Yet All Signs Point To 'Yes'
The truth is, Apple cannot survive by just feeding off its installed base, and the company knows it.
Review
BYOB: Build Your Own Browser
WebKit gives developers the ability to make their applications much more powerful with very little added effort.
New iPod Mini Pricey; Rivals Ready To Rock
Wide-Screen Desktop Bliss
This is one sexy piece of Mac hardware.
GoLive CS
Changes make it more intertwined with the Adobe family.
InDesign CS
A very worthwhile upgrade.
Wintel
Microsoft Settles With Teen Over Web Site
In the end, it paid to be Mike Rowe.
Microsoft To Change Protocol Licensing
Microsoft, under pressure from antitrust regulators, plans to revamp a program that lets developers gain access to Windows protocols.
Judge Satisfied With Microsoft's Antitrust Case Compliance
A federal judge said yesterday that she was generally satisfied with Microsoft's efforts to comply with the settlement terms in the government's antitrust case, after the company announced steps to make it easier for outside companies to license its technology.
Friday, January 23, 2004
Top Stories
iPod May Define New Era Of Open Strategy
The company has long held the philosophy that its software and hardware should be tied almost exclusively to the Macintosh computer for both quality and profit. But it is developing and marketing the iPod with uncharacteristic openness to work with Microsoft's Windows software and other technologies.
News
Pepsi Ads Wink At Music Downloading
A new sort of Pepsi Generation will get air time on the Super Bowl: music downloaders.
Apple 'Will Drive Consumer Music-Making'
Apple's recent audio related announcements are "very welcome" and are likely to encourage "increased growth at the consumer end of the market", according to Emagic UK distributor Sound Technology's managing director, David Marshall.
Pepsi/iTunes Super Bowl Ad To Feature Teens Sued By RIAA
MPs Batter Apple Over iPod Batteries
The iPod's limited battery life has already caused Apple some grief. Now a collection of British politicians are putting the boot in, but Apple says their claims are inaccurate.
Now Playing On Your iPod, Words You'll Never Forget
Most iPod owners use the device mainly for entertainment. With an accessory from Griffin Technology called iTalk, however, the music player can also be put to work as a voice recorder.
Apple Bytes: The Mac At 20
Memorable beginning, lasting influence.
Apple's Groundbreaking Computer Marks 20th Anniversary
Today, as Apple celebrates another 20-year milestone, the Cupertino, Calif., company has come full circle, with regular profits, the leading online music store and player, and piles of cash on hand.
Apple Director Chris Bell On Why iTunes Rocks
Chris Bell, director of product marketing for iTunes, talked with the E-Commerce Times about how Apple has always paid attention to music — and why it always will.
Easy Elegance
After 20 years of shrinking market share, but fierce loyalty, the little computer "for the rest of us" remains a friendly, inviting machine.
Apple Sows G5 Seeds Into Server Market
"Mac OS X's value proposition from a management standpoint is very significant."
Apple: In Pursuit Of The ENterprise Customer
We caught up with senior consulting engineer Tom Weyer, who is one of the company's top resources in the enterprise-gear arena.
'Apple Confidential 2.0' Released
No Starch Press has announced the release of the second edition of journalist Owen W. Linzmayer's best-selling "Apple Confidential" book.
Opinion
What Will Become Of Apple In The Next 20 Years?
Jobs is placing his bets that Apple can win the hearts and minds of digital media and Internet consumers. If he is serious about serving up enterprise-class solutions beyond digital media, he should consider finding partners who are willing to do the heavy lifting.
Tales From The Dark Side
Apple's recent surge in education sales notwithstanding, the Macintosh is still considered barely a computer at my school.
As The Mac Turns 20, Has The PC Caught Up?
Twenty years on then, it looks as though the PC has finally grown up: the Mac was simply born mature.
Review
Adobe Photoshop CS: Speedy, Comprehensive New Tools Boost Productivity And Image Quality
Photoshop CS is an awesome upgrade for every type of Photoshop user. Its slick, user-friendly new features make a huge difference in both productivity and image quality. This version is too good to pass up.
Adobe InDesign CS: Publishing Program Poised To Topple QuarkXPress
XPress's unique strengths have dwindled to a few little-used functions, and InDesign CS is the program that will relegate QuarkXPress to PageMaker's status of a decade ago.
Adobe Illustrator CS: New Version Focuses On Typography, Gets Cool 3-D Features
Though it doesn't support a lot of new drawing tools, Illustrator CS's wealth of new typography and text-formatting controls makes this upgrade a no-brainer. In this upgrade, you'll get a few new drawing tools and improvements, and nice 3-D features.
Adobe GoLive CS: Print-Savvy Web-Authoring Tool Stumbles With Complex Interface, Flawed Support
If you depend on Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign documents to fill your Web pages, GoLive CS is an invaluable tool for accelerating the Web-development process. But while the program offers many advanced features for building and managing Web sites, its lackluster support for current CSS techniques and its sometimes complex and overwhelming interface are serious drawbacks.
Suitcase X1: Font Manager Gains Speed And Better Activation Features
Aside from the dangers of accidental system-font deactivation, Suitcase X1 is a pain-free way to keep your fonts in line.
Photo Printers: Strong Contenders In Latest Batch Score High On Detail And Color
Canvas 9 Professional Edition: Multifaceted Illustration Program Has New Technical Features
While Canvas is an excellent technical-illustration program, we wouldn't recommend it over a full-blown CAD program; it just doesn't have all the tools an architect or an engineer needs in order to create technical drawings. However, if you want technical- and graphic-design capabilities without extreme specialization in one package, Canvas is your best bet.
Revolution 2.1: Development Tool Breathes New Life Into Old Card Game
Revolution 2.1 is a real accomplishment: once again, we have a development environment for both newbie programmers and experienced consultants who need to get working apps quickly into the hands of clients. Just don't imagine that you'll be able to build the ambitious programs you can turn out with RealBasic and Xcode.
Photo Edit 1.3: Low-Priced Image Editor Is Underpowered
As an image editor — even as an adjunct to iPhoto — PhotoEdit 1.3 comes up short in several important ways.
The 19th Annual Editors' Choice Awards
The best Mac hardware and software.
Five Things The Next iPod Software Version Needs To Have
Here's five things Apple could put in the next update to the iPod's software that would make it a music power tool.
Sidetrack
APPLE AT BOSTON EXPO? : No change in hell, rumors Think Seceret.
Wintel
Microsoft's Revenue For Quarter Gains As Profit Declines
While sales were unusally strong, Microsoft's profit declined in the quarter because of a significant charge for stock-based compensation for employees.
Microsoft Wants Trial Moved, Questions RealNetworks' Venue Motive
Microsoft alleged that RealNetworks chose San Jose as the venue because it believed it would get a more favorable jury there.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Top Stories
Apple Plays 32-Processor War Games
G5 Xserves and Xserve RAIDs [are] now available for budget-challenged, computation-intensive situations.
Maine iBook Progam To Be Extended To High Schools
Calling the original US$37 million laptop program a success, Baldacci proposed expanding it from all public middle schools to all Maine high schools, starting next year with high school freshmen.
News
Microsoft Predicts Mac Renaissance
Microsoft's group marketing manager for home and retail products, Jonathan Hulse, said: "We anticipate a growth in Mac sales over the next two to three years."
.Mac Members Get Keynote Discount, Free Themes
Apple's latest promotion for members of its .Mac subscription-based online service rewards them with US$30 off Keynote, the presentation software, as well as seven free themes from third-party designers valued at $100.
Opinion
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
News
Microsoft's Office XML Lags On Mac
Without better XML support companies with mixed Macintosh and PC desktops could be faced with the choice of not adopting the XML features or limiting them to Windows desktops only.
iTunes Under Net Patent Threat
E-Data, a company that claims a patent covering music downloads, has secured a global agreement with digital music providers — and may already have moved to enforce its patent against Apple.
AppleCare Opinions Divided
"Prior to December is was a breeze. Now customers are telling us they have been kept on hold for over an hour."
IMSI Acquires Aladdin Systems For $8 Million
Laptop Initiative Lets Students Learn Online
The laptops will allow students Internet access anywhere on school grounds without using a phone line.
Apple Store Opening In Aventura, FL On Jan. 31
The new Apple Store, located at the Aventura Mall, will be Florida's sixth.
Opinion
Apple 's iTunes Might Not Be Only Answer To Ending Piracy
Why, in this era of eBay, is all music priced the same?
Apple Delivered
Dell may have the hype and PR. But Apple delivered.
FUD On Your Apple Opinions
The commentary denigrates the achievement of Virginia Tech, its staff and its volunteers.
Review
Puting On The iMac Inches
While bigger screens aren't always better on notebook computers, they sure are when it comes to desktops.
Command-Tabbing Across The Universe
The application switcher in Panther is simple yet quite powerful.
How To Set Up Encrypted Mail On Mac OS X
Apple just added support for S/MIME in the latest Mail version, the one that ships with Panther.
Linux On Mac: A POWER Programmer's Primer
Your favorite operating system isn't only for x86.
Wintel
Slammer: One Year Later
Watershed worm spurred policy changes for enterprise security.
Microsoft: We Took MikeRoweSoft Too Seriously
Microsoft says it may have been overaggressive in threatening Web entrepreneur Mike Rowe over the name of his Web site, Mikerowesoft.com.
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Top Stories
Mac Vs. Microsoft: The Musical
Will other PC manufacturers follow in HP's footsteps? Only time will tell.
News
SightSpeed Adds Videoconferencing To Mac, Linux
SightSpeed Video Messenger 2.0 gains support for Mac OS X 10.3, with support for Linux expected to follow in the next few weeks.
Groupcal Helps Integrate iCal, Exchange Server
DVD Setback For GarageBand Punters
Mac users without a DVD-capable Mac are locked out of the new music revolution Apple is leading in 2004, its 'year of song'.
Safari Usage Nearly Doubled Since July 2003
Pepsi-iTunes Promotion: 'More Than Pop'
Apple Clarifies Logic At NAMM
Generally, Logic Express 6 can be described as a somewhat stripped-down version of Logic Pro 6.
Safari Exposes IE As A Brave Face For Poor Coding
Safari developer David Hyatt has attacked Internet Explorer for letting website developers get away with writing 'malformed code' and consequently holding back the development of Apple's browser.
Beat Goes On For Musical Instrument Makers
With new software promising to turn home computers into mini-recording studios, the industry is buzzing about its happiest prospect in years: the birth of the digital garage band.
iPod 'Could Be Industry Standard'
"To shareholders of Apple Computer the iPod is more than a miniature music player. It is, potentially, a platform."
Opinion
There Really Is Nothing Like A 'Book
How HP Invented The Market For iPod Resllers
How is it that a company with a filthy rich consumer device division, a long history pushing innovation and portable patents on hand failed to create the iPod?
Once Upon A Time In The Mac World
Did you know that there used to be a time when the Mac used to have some of the best games around?
A CNET Follow-Up
While I'm pleased with the reception of the piece, in some cases I feel my message was clouded, so I wanted to take a moment to clarify a few things so that I'm not misunderstood.
Twenty Years Of Insanely Great Macs
It seems like only yesterday: One commercial runs during the 1984 Super Bowl, and a new personal computer is born... not to mention a legend.
Review
My Beloved .Mac
After painful years spent with some of the most important hosting companies on the web, both for myself and for others, it feels great to find a service that has everything I need and offers more than actually advertised.
Macworld Expo SF 2004 Superlatives
Indiana Jones And The Emperor's Tomb
The action is great, and the story flows well. There are better games out there, and there are certainly many that are worse. Unfortunately, with all this competition, the only thing really distinguishes this game from the others is the Indiana Jones name.
Panther Uncaged
This major revamp of Mac OS X swaps eye-candy for speed and a compelling feature-set.
Sidetrack
RUMOR 20 YEARS AGO : The Macintosh is coming.
BRING ALONG A DICTIONARY : Don't understand what all those menu items at your local Starbucks? Just feel like ordering something random? Be very careful. You might not want second-hand beans.
Wintel
Mkicrosoft Gets Green Light To Punish OS-Less PC Vendors
Bagle Virus Hides As Calculator
Warnings are being issued about the rapidly spreading Bagle Windows worm.
Monday, January 19, 2004
Top Stories
Brookfields Chooses Apple Mac Upgrade Over Move To PCs
"The purchase prices of the Macs is fine and the lifespan of a Mac appears to be a little longer."
The Mac That Roared
It changed computing as we knew it.
News
Apple SVP Jon Rubinstein On The Reinvention Of Hardware
"Our objective was to make the best products in the world."
'Buy Apple' - Needham Repeats Upbeat Rating
"Apple is reinventing itself from a pure PC company into one that should be able to ride the digital revolution in the consumer electronics arena... Apple should emerge as a solid growth story moving forward."
iPod Mini Jumps To #1 At Apple Store
The recently introduced iPod mini has overtaken the top spot on the "Top Sellers" list of the online Apple Store.
Apple Store Announced In Jacksonville, FL
The shopping center (titled St. John's Town Center) will open in Spring 2005.
Opinion
Apple's Success With iPod May Presage Ascendance Of Hardware Over Software
Simply put, Jobs has managed to inject Apple's DNA into the PC world, meaning that it will be increasingly easy for his company to offer PC users any kind of iPod-style device — whether for music or other media — the company may create in the future.
Review
Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield
The good news is that while this is a title not to be missed, there is a lot of room for future sequels to grow and become distinctive games in their own right.
The Virtual Virtuoso
Apple's GarageBand puts a full-scale recording studio at your fingertips.
Sunday, January 18, 2004
Top Stories
Steve Jobs' Personality, Values Inseparable From The Apple Saga
In an era where bean-counters and marketeers call the shots and most valley CEOs wouldn't know a floating-point unit from a fish fork, Jobs is the last Big Kahuna still standing.
News
20 Years Ago: How The Macintosh Computer Grew
When Apple Computer Inc. rolls out its Macintosh computer on Jan. 24, the company's self-proclaimed "pirates'" will have delivered their treasure.
20 Years Ago: A Look At Secret New Apple Computer
After two years of secrecy, brainstorming and sometimes zany company maneuvering, Apple Computer Inc. will unveil a new personal computer Jan. 24 that is the size of a stack of paper and, for about the same price, contains more power than the basic IBM PC.
Jobs Among Top Business Leaders Of Last 25 Years
Apple Planning Austin, TX Retail Store
New Jukebox A Pocket Dynamo
Say hello to the iPod, the portable jukebox of the 21st century.
20 Years Of Thinking Out Of The Box
To CEO Steve Jobs, Apple is an art form — that's why its products are always head-turners.
iPod Delivers Death Sentence To Tapes
Analysts predict that [iPod] will revolutionise the way we buy and listen to music. But they also warn that introduction of the svelte memory pod will herald the death of the audio cassette within two years.
Opinion
Review
Mac OS X Makes Best Digital Photos
Everything is shown in near-perfect scaling, no matter how large or small the items.
Wintel
It's Not ALL About Linux
Let's be real. Not every move Microsoft makes is dictated by its worries over open source.
MS Win98 Support Reprieve Was Move To Block Linux, Says Gartner
The research outfit concludes that the move comes too late for it to be relevant to enterprise migration plans, but that extra life support for 98 could be important to Microsoft elsewhere.
Saturday, January 17, 2004
Opinion
As The Macworld Turns
Who cares about the iPod mini when there are servers to scrutinize?
My iBook Changed My Life — Really!
Sure, it's a cliche... But, I'm afraid that it's true.
Review
Using WebObjects: More Practical Tips And Tricks
First Look: Hands-On With GarageBand
This was one of the best computing experiences I've had in the 17+ years I've been having computing experiences on my Mac.
Wintel
Microsoft Research Looks To Extend C#
'Xen' programming language unites C#, XML and SQL programming languages.
Search May Be Microsoft's Next Target, Court Told
Microsoft may be unlawfully wielding its desktop dominance to put the squeeze on search engines and on document formats like Adobe Acrobat, the state of Massachusetts claimed on Friday.
Plantiffs Say Microsoft Still Behaves Badly
The government's agreement with Microsoft to settle its antitrust lawsuit has "fallen short" of its goal of creating competition, according to the court- ordered report issued Friday.
Friday, January 16, 2004
Top Stories
How Do You Like Those Apples?
The fortunes of the innovative computer company have been transformed by the success of its digital music player, the iPod.
News
Analysts Divided On Apple Stock
Analysts are divided in their thoughts regarding the prospects for Apple, following the release of that company's first-quarter figures on Wednesday night.
No New Hardware, But Macworld Apps Hum
Technology No Longer A Dirty Word
Technology is roaring back. Quarterly earnings from three bellwether companies — Intel, Yahoo and Apple Computer — provide convincing new evidence that a consumer-led recovery is accelerating in many technology sectors.
Apple To Be Debt-Free Feb 16; Sells Remaining Stake In Akamai
Apple will be a debt-free company after it makes a US$300 million payment on senior debt due February 16, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Opinion
iPod: Think Different For Apple
Apple Computer has a history of introducing innovative products and then seeing competitors gain all the profits. Will iPod, its iconic digital music player, be any different?
What Size Fries Would Youlike With That
What musical keyboard would you recommend to someone buying Apple's GarageBand?
Review
More On Apple Pro Mouse Problems
"I have doubts about the longevity of any repair..."
GarageBand Simplifies Process Of Making Music
With a Mac and a couple of months worth of allowance money, that high-school band can set up its own recording studio.
Apple iLife GarageBand
GarageBand doesn't break new ground for pro users. Instead, it brings a pro-quality studio into the hands of Mac users for the price of a couple of pizzas.
Sidetrack
PATENTS GALORE : Did you know that Steve Jobs has a patent on staircase? Now you know.
Wintel
Security A Work In Progress For Microsoft
Two years after Chairman Bill Gates called on Microsoft to redouble its efforts to secure its software, the company is beginning to make progress, according to customers — but much work remains.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Top Stories
Anti-Microsoft Verdict Stands In Browser Patent Case
Microsoft Corp. yesterday lost a bid to overturn a $521 million patent-infringement verdict in a lawsuit over technology used in the company's Internet Explorer browser.
News
Apple Previews Next-Generation Audio Technology
Apple today previewed its next generation professional audio technology that will be incorporated into future versions of Apple's Logic audio production software.
Apple Launches Logic Pro 6, Logic Pro Express
Logic Pro 6 consolidates 12 pre-existing, groundbreaking products into one comprehensive package.
Apple Upgraded To 'Buy' At UBS
Apple Releases SoundTrack V1.2 Update
The new version adds features, makes general fixes and performance enhancements, and is strongly recommended for all users of Soundtrack, according to Apple.
Is The War On File Sharing Over?
The music biz is declaring success, citing lawsuits and Apple's iTunes. But to music fans who recall the glory days of Napster, the fight goes on.
Corel Ends Mac Development
"Corel has not experienced that much demand for this product from Mac users."
MacBU Comments On Office 2004
Microsoft's Macintosh Business Unit thinks that this is a great year to release the next major revision of Office.
Apple Offers AppleWorks 6.2.9 Update
According to the information posted on Apple's Web site, the 6.2.9 update supports mice with scroll wheels, improves performance and reliability of the presentation and spreadsheet environments, improves printing and resolves issues using Web based templates and clip-art on networks using proxy servers.
Second Apple Store Coming To Miami, Florida?
On The Road With An iPod, A Way To Beat The Battery Blues
For iPodlings who really like to drive, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters has released the latest version of the TransPod FM, a combination digital FM transmitter and iPod-battery charger designed to work with the slim redesigned iPods that appeared last spring.
'It's A Miracle That It Sold Anything At All. It Was Not A Rational Buy.'
Happy birthday, Macintosh.
IDC: Apple Macintosh Market Share Under 2% Worldwide; Under 3% In United States For 2003
Apple Quality Control Mars Bullish Results
Discussing the quarterly results today, CFO Fred Anderson said Apple had accounted for "a higher warranty expense than expected" on PowerBook and iBook lines.
Opinion
A Grain Of Salt WIth Your C|Net, Apple Still Shines
The c|net piece was nothing but spurious speculation and Mac bashing from a publisher who has a history of negative press about Apple platform.
Marginalizing The Mac And Its Users
I don't know if this problem is getting worse, but it's extremely annoying.
Bluetooth To The Rescue
How an average CTO became a wireless superhero.
Review
Baldur's Gate II: Throne Of Bhaal
As expansion packs go, ToB is one of the most highly regarded.
Apple Pro Mouse Cable Issues
In every case, the problem seems to be a lack of reinforcement or support where the USB cable enters the mouse, eventually resulting in a short or break in the cable connection.
Recording Studio In A Box
Even in version 1.0, GarageBand is an exciting breakthrough.
Wintel
Micrsoft Agrees To Modify Software For Buying Music Online
Microsoft will offer updated software for its Windows XP operating system in February or March to stop its disputed practice of compelling consumers who buy music on the Web to use only Microsoft's Internet browser. The company continues to maintain its design was legal.
Intel To Delay Next-Generation Mobile Chip
Intel plans to open the floodgates on a new generation of Pentium processors in the next few weeks, but its next chip for notebooks will not be among them.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Top Stories
Apple Posts $63M Profit
Jobs said in the statement announcing this quarter's results that Apple had an "outstanding quarter" and is kicking off the year "with strong momentum."
Booming Baritone Has His Audiences Swooning, But What Sets His Heart Singing Madly Is... His Macintosh Computer
[Thomas] Hampson confesses: He is a computer geek, and his passion for computers — as well as golf — is almost as strong as his passion for music.
News
New Apple Store Opens In Tucson Next Week
Apple's newest retail store location comes to Tucson, Ariz. next week — Apple Store La Encantada is due to open on Saturday, January 24th at 10AM.
Apple Computer Becomes More Entertaining
Apple could be looking at a new way of doing business.
Apple Ripe For Strong Quarter
After years of being lumped in with the also-rans, it may be about time for Apple to crow a little.
One-In-Six Xmas iPods Sold In UK
It appears that in the region of 125,000 iPods were sold in the UK — the largest market for the product in Europe.
Bringing Apple Back Into The Race
Thanks to IBM (once regarded by Apple as its greatest competitor) that Apple is back in the race.
iPod Mini Color Ranking According To Amazon Customers
The silver iPod mini was the top seller.
Seeing Red: Exploring Mars With Maestro
If you're marveling over the incredibly detailed pictures of Mars sent back to Earth by Spirit, the Mars Exploration Rover, prepare to be blown away by what you can do with these images right on your own Mac.
Opinion
Tablet Mac Coming Your Way?
To fully realize the usefulness of the features Microsoft demoed at the last Macworld there's going to have to be a tablet option... Or maybe not, this is speculation and worth what you paid for it.
HP Deal = QuickTime For Windows
That's an awful lot of new machines that will come with QuickTime preinstalled.
The H-Bomb
It's a big deal for HP, and it's a very big deal for Apple.
Mac Users Vs. Mac Whiners; A Schism In Macland
I'm not suggesting we write Apple a blank check. What I am suggesting is that as Mac users, we support Apple, sign up for .Mac since it is going to become a much more important, useful, and integrated part of the OS, pay for OS upgrades if we want hundreds of new features, and basically act like Mac users.
Apple + HP = iPod Forever
Despite critics who decry Apple's proprietary audio format, this deal shows that Steve Jobs's digital-music strategy is a winner.
The One Where I Visited Microsoft
Microsoft has no plans to abandon the MacBU. Period.
Review
iPhoto Takes A Backseat To Music Again
After spending some time with iPhoto 4 at Macworld, I concluded that iPhoto 4 is almost competent, but not thrilling.
Apple Pro Mouse Cable Issue?
"The cord that comes out of the mouse is not reenforced and is subject to bending and straining."
Dreamweaver MX 2004 For Mac OS X
Dreamweaver MX 2004, the recently released version, has some improvements that may affect your decision. We survey some popular new and cool features of MX 2004.
Xgrid — A First Look At Apple's New Cluster Software
I can't stress enough how easy it was to set up this software and get Xgrid up and running.
Wintel
Microsoft Update Ignores Spoofing Hole
Microsoft has released its January batch of patches but has failed to fix an Internet Explorer 'phishing' vulnerability.
Intel To Chip Away At Itanium Prices
Intel wants to remove price as a barrier to the acceptance of Itanium servers, a goal that could allow the processor to become the company's primary server chip in the second half of the decade.
Microsoft Takes On Linux With Free Tools
Microsoft plans to broaden its attack on Linux and related operating systems this week by giving away a set of tools for migrating applications to Windows.
Microsot Issues Warning About VOIP Vulnerability
Microsoft issued its first security patches of the new year.
Court: No Microsoft Claims Via Lindows Site
A judge has ruled that the Web site Linux vendor Lindows set to aid California residents in processing claims against rival software maker Microsoft will not be tolerated.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
News
Apple Stock Up On Positive Coverage
Speculation from analysts is buoying Apple's stock price in Tuesday trading.
Portable Audio Players Duel For Listeners
OWC Reduces Prices On External FireWire Storage
Other World Computing has reduced prices by as much as 10 percent on many of its external storage solutions.
Apple Upgraded By Thomas Weisel
A Mac User's Look At The 2004 Consumer Electronics Show
The trade show offers a bountiful display of the Mac platform's possibilities, with hundreds of exhibitors displaying their wares.
Laptops Approved For Four Schools
Starting this fall, more than 3,200 students and teachers at four underperforming Jefferson County schools will receive laptop computers, with wireless Internet connections, in an effort to improve achievement.
Net iTunes-Sharing Tool Debuts
TunesAtWork is new beta software that claims to allow iTunes users to access their personal iTunes collections remotely over the Internet from their Mac.
Hewlett-Packard: No WMA For iPod
A spokesman for HP denied any [WMA] plans.
PocketMac Smartphone Edition Announced
Information Appliance Associates has released PocketMac Smartphone Edition, a new solution to allow Mac users to synchronize data between their Mac and a Microsoft Smartphone.
Opinion
Macworld Expo SF 2004: Enter The Musical Trojan Horse
Even if you're not a music aficionado, I encourage you to keep an eye on the large wooden horse with Apple logo emblazoned on its side that was just wheeled into the center of the computer industry.
Steve Jobs Keeps Wowing 'Em Just Like He Did 20 Years Ago
Whether you're an Apple-logo-tattooed member of the Cult or a mere observer, you can't deny that Jobs puts on a fabulous show.
The Mac Hardware Report: Do New Computers Make A Difference?
New computers will remain the major source of business for Apple, although music's share will grow tremendously.
20 Years Ago Today
So many possibilities are on the horizon, and an even better environment.
Apple Quietly Chases The Enterprise Customer
The unexpected appearance of a networking closet rack-mount display was what caught me off-guard, hidden as it was near the rear of the sprawling Apple layout. What was even more surprising was the fact that the rack-mounts were drawing their fair share of onlookers and tire-kickers.
Apple Nibbles At New Markets...
What's stunning isn't that Apple's engineers can, say, design a server with two 2-GHz G5 processors, 1GB of memory, storage capacity of 80 to 750GB and loads of other goodies all in a slim 1U package. No, what's stunning is that Aple's marketers will price the Xserve system at $3,999.
Review
Nostromo SpeedPad N52
The n52 feels like a much more complete product but gamers have to evaluate the games they play.
Sick Of Your Loud 12-Inch PowerBook G4? Me Too.
Apple turned this machine from a toasty but quiet machine into an endless wind machine.
Microsoft Office 2004 For Mac: A First Look
Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac is all about the view.
Apple iLife '04: A First Look
Based on what we saw at Macworld, '04 looks to be a very good year.
Sidetrack
RUMOR TODAY : Apple is gonna replace replace all 1,100 Power Mac G5s at Virginia Tech with the new G5 Xserves.
Monday, January 12, 2004
Top Stories
Expo Boost For Apple
Apple directors of marketing Peter Lowe (consumer software) and Stan Ng (iPod) are on a roll, following last week's Macworld Expo.
News
AppleCare Announces Optical Drive Enhancement Program For iBooks
Student iTeams Fix Tech Troubles
As Maine's pioneering laptop initiative got under way in the state's middle schools two years ago, it quickly became clear that some of today's computer-savvy students knew more about using the portable computers than their teachers did.
SpamSieve Update Processing Messages Faster, More
Accuracy tracking with Panther Mail has been improved; catching spam is better; bugs have been fixed; and more.
Apple Winning Over Wintel Schools
Apple's efforts in the UK education sector continue to reap rewards, the company revealed at industry show BETT 2004 last week.
Apple's Supercomputing Scientists
Apple Computer and its Macintosh, which has long sat on the desktops of many molecular biologists, are now seeing wider use in genomics.
Movable Movies?
Apple has doubts, but won't rule it out.
Opinion
HP Move Hurts Customers?
Perhaps HP wil ask Microsoft to add support for AAC audio. (We'll see how that goes.)
Dead iPod Syndrome — No Volt Found?
Apple has come under fire for the iPod's power problems — but the Great Battery Rip-off is a much wider issue for the industry, and consumers.
Is Apple Ready To Face The Music?
Apple is facing the music, and we will all reap the benefits.
The Twenty-Plus't Anniversary
Sometime in the first five minutes of dragging stuff around, it hit me. I mean... it HIT me. This is why you have hardware. To DO things. Not write code.
Democratizing The Media, And More
Not everyone is an artist, of course. Not everyone has a journalist's curiosity and ability to pull together disparate facts into something that resembles a coherent first draft of reality. Not everyone can play an instrument or sing on key. Not everyone should. But it's exciting to realize that anyone who wants to try can do so.
Apple Software: The End Of Free
I am not going to suggest that Apple reverse its path... On the other hand, I do want to see Apple set as low a price point for its stuff as possible.
Review
Shadowbane: The Rise Of Chaos
Shadowbane is a damn fun game. Its just a shame that the game gets in the way of the fun most of the time.
iPhoto Deletes Camera Raw Images Without Saving!
It's not surprising that iPhoto does not read the CRW raw files, but it is unacceptable that the software deletes them from the CF card and does not save them anywhere!
Sidetrack
PERSONAL PROBLEM : Recently, I think I violated one of my own policy... :-)
When a boss says he has an "open door policy", that just means his doors are opened. That doesn't mean he's in there. Proceed, still, with caution.
Sigh.
Wintel
Microsoft Breathes Life Into Windows 98, ME
Windows 98 and Millennium Edition users will have support for their operating systems extended by over two years, Microsoft announced on Monday.
Sunday, January 11, 2004
Top Stories
iPod's Creation Spawned Businesses
The momentum behind the iPod has spawned a new and already competitive market devoted to the iconic device.