News Archive for: Wednesday April 16, 2008 (later added items first)
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Safari 3.1.1 Update (w/security fixes)
Kevan sent a heads-up it's available via software update. Found a link at the apple downloads page also (I always prefer to use download updaters, quitting all apps before applying it):
"About Safari 3.1.1 (page D/L link goes to http://www.apple.com/safari/download/)
"This update is recommended for all Safari users and includes improvements to stability, compatibility and security.
System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4.11, Mac OS X 10.5.2, Windows XP, WIndows Vista"

Here's the Apple doc About the security content of Safari 3.1.1. (I suspect this addresses flaws exploited in the last cracking contest that lead to the MacBook Air being compromised after users were directed to view specific web pages.)
And speaking of browsers, checking for updates in Firefox shows there's a FF 2.0.0.14 update (javascript security issue fix) - see updated Other News/Software Updates listing below.

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Price Cuts on NewerTech miniStack v2 FireWire+USB2 Drives, Samsung F1 Hard Drives
(from site sponsor OWC)

" The NewerTech miniStack v2 FireWire+USB2 Combo solution provides reliable, high-performance storage capacity of up to 750GB + built in powered hubs making it easy to connect additional USB2 and FireWire devices in a most efficient and organized manner. Since its introduction, the miniStack v2 has well earned high marks in many reviews including 'Top Product' by Macworld Magazine. Fast, Reliable, and feature laden + all this in a compact 6.5" x 6.5" x 1.5" profile. Key Features:
Oxford 911+ Performance chipset
FireWire 400 Connecting Port + 2 x FireWire Hub Ports
USB 2.0 Connecting Port + 3 x USB 2.0 Hub Ports
8MB Data Cache on models up to 250GB, 16MB Cache for models 320GB & Higher
Performance 7200RPM Hard Drive
Intelligent Thermal Monitoring
Auto Power On/Off with manual override
Intech HD Speedtools performance Utility Suite included
Full 2 Year Solution Warranty

NewerTech miniStack Storage Solutions also include full retail versions of the award winning Prosoft DataBackup III for OS X (a $59.95 retail value) and award winning NovaStor NovaBACKUP® for Windows (a $49.95 retail value).

  • 80GB 7200RPM w/8MB Cache now $112.99
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  • 250GB 7200RPM w/8MB Cache now $139.99
  • 320GB 7200RPM w/16MB Cache now $149.99 ($26 Drop)
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  • 750GB 7200RPM w/16MB Cache now $269.99 ($20 Drop)

    Solutions are fully bootable on systems supporting FireWire and/or USB2 boot. Perfect for Audio/Video, Backup, General Data needs, Music, Photography, and more. Plug & Play ready for AppleÃs Time Machine.

    The NewerTech miniStack is also available without a hard drive, 0GB-Add Your Own Hard Drive Kit, including options including Prosoft DataBackup III & InTech HD Speedtools available from $79.99.

    UPS Ground Delivery only $2.95; Fast 2nd Day Air delivery is available for $7.95 or less!
    Best Regards,
    Lawrence R. O'Connor
    Other World Computing"

  • FYI - I just noticed the site specials page has the fast/dense (only 3 platters for 1TB) Samsung F1 1TB hard drive for $219.75 and the Samsung F1 750GB drive has a price cut to $127.95. (Oliver's previous 1TB drive tests showed the F1 was overall the fastest of the three 1TB drives tested.)

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    2008 Mac Pro powering up on its own
    This may have come up in the past but posting a reader request - he's seen his new Mac Pro power up at times for no reason. (Said wake on network access not enabled, no ES schedule set, etc., and that it was shut down, not put to sleep) - and I had already asked him about things like EyeTV (helper/schedules), Energy Saver schedules, etc. - none of that set he said so I suggested trying a PRAM zap/nvram clear and SMC reset. (I also asked he check the Logs for any info - I've had my AL iMac -wake- from sleep for no reason a couple times, Log/console didn't show any obvious reason (not the usual USB wake event listed when woke via the keyboard )- but again in his case the system was shut down, not in sleep.)
    Anyone else seen this or found a cause? If so let me know.
    (Some replies noted they've had this happen also but no root cause, although one reader asked if he had any connected USB or FW devices/hubs that could have had power cycled on them which had caused his G4 tower to startup.)
    BTW - I also asked him if he had any AC line dropouts and if he had ES set to Automatically restart after a power failure (although I'm not sure that matters if the system is shut down... but I've had some say they had systems wake if the AC line sagged/dropped out.) One later mail from him included a clip from the logs showing what appeared to be an addon maintenance utility (log roller, cron job?) trying to startup before the login. I asked he remove any addons like that and also reset the SMC and zap the pram/nvram. (I found an old mail about a Mac Pro powering up on its own at midnight that was fixed by a SMC reset - sounded like a cron (maintenance) job but didn't have any more details.)
    NOTE: I later had a (pre-2008) Mac Pro owner write that unplugging/re-plugging in (AC) his Mac Pro causes it to powerup. (repeatable and verified at his local Apple store.) I had asked earlier if the other reader seeing this problem had any problems with AC line dropouts/sags, etc. had he said typically no - but that could be happening during the night. (Not sure it matters but asked also if Energy Saver was set to restart automatically on a power failure - he later wrote that restart automatically was not set in Energy Saver.)
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    PowerMac G5 Coolant Leaks page updated (Pump failure related fire)
    I've updated the page on PowerMac G5 Coolant Leaks again with a very long report on a pump-related fire and repair (pump replacement).
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    OS X compatible PCI Ethernet Cards page updated (Trendnet Gigabit card)
    I've added a MDD/OS X 10.4.11 user's report on the low-cost (under $17) Trendnet Gigabit ethernet card to the OS X compatible PCI Ethernet cards page. (Some previous reports on this card there also, one even noting use in OS 9.x)
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    Other News/Articles, Mac Software Updates
    (later added items first)

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    Recent Articles and Reviews
    Listing/links to recent articles and reviews you may have missed.
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    Storage Solutions


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