"Dear .Mac Member,
We hope you haven't been greatly inconvenienced by the two .Mac network outages we've experienced in the past two weeks (including this morning) and we sincerely apologize for any problems you've experienced. The outages were the result of equipment failures, and since the equipment vendor has not been able to persuade us that the problem will not occur again, we've already begun installing new equipment from a different vendor.

We're completely back up and running now, and no data or mail was lost. We expect the equipment change over to be complete within the next several weeks, and we'll be working hard to ensure that there are no further issues during that time. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience while we make this transition, and if you do experience any difficulties, please go to www.apple.com/support for up-to-the-minute information and status.
The .Mac Team"

"There's probably a good reason for preventing running applications from shutting down cleanly. These self-corrupting caches are maintained by the system services shared by all applications -- if a corrupt version of the cache is in memory, telling an app to shut down cleanly will cause the system service to write its cache out to disk, and you'll have in effect done nothing by deleting the cache. Probably the best thing to do is cleanly shut down all apps, then delete caches and perform a BSD reboot.

System cache problems like this go all the way back to 10.0 (maybe even Public Beta)... since then I've always logged in to the BSD prompt using >console to delete cache files, so that no GUI processes can have a chance to undo my work. Seems that the problems are getting worse on 10.2, thanks in part to more cache data being system-specific instead of user-specific.
Rick"

I noted earlier today writing the developers of Jaguar Cache Cleaner for their reply to a reader's comments and here's their reply:

" Hello Mike,
Thanks for writing; I did see your note on the website. Most of the comments I have seen on Versiontracker seem to deride the use of "reboot". I will concede that it is not the most graceful way of doing the restart, but it is not particularly dangerous either.

Your reader is correct that Aqua applications will simply be terminated with no chance to save their work. This is clearly documented in JCC's instructions, and warning is also provided within the application itself. Unix applications receive a SIGTERM signal which shuts them down cleanly. As for file system corruption, "reboot" flushes disk caches as well.

Jaguar Cache Cleaner is an occasional use application designed to be used when OS X cache issues arise. I have not had any problems with it, nor has anyone reported any. However, when the caches have been deleted, the system must be restarted. Those who are concerned with JCC's use of the "reboot" command should read the man pages for "reboot", "shutdown", "sync", and "kill".
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
John
(NorthernSW.com) "

*Update* - for those that didn't read the 10/9/2002 news page here:

" I just run JCC and lost all data in my home directory. Something went wrong when the Palm Desktop background application did not quit, after clicking on CLEAN. A dialog box kept appearing, with an error code. I had to force quit JCC, and than it initiated a reboot. The system came up fine, but my home directory was empty.
Matthias L.
Apple Product Specialist
System Integrator
MACisland Consulting, Inc. "

See previous news item below on Jaguar Cache Cleaner 1.0.

" Hello again Mike. More news from Nikon for you:
www.dpreview.com/news/0210/02100702d100d1xd1hfirmware.asp
It looks like this new firmware for the Nikon D100 / D1x / D1h digital SLR cameras adds MacOS X support, among other things.
Doug "

See the linked page for more info on other changes/benefits of the firmware update. (The D100 model has the note on Mac OS compat. added via USB PTP, not sure if the other models already had this capability or if it's still missing.) The info is from a Nikon Europe press release and notes November 2002 as the availability date for the D1X and D1H updates. Also note the update is said to require sending the camera to Nikon (not user upgradeable).
As has been the case in the past, the Nikon-euro.com site (what's new page) has info that the Nikonusa.com site doesn't. (Didn't see any PR at the USA site on this update as of 5PM EST today.)

" There are times when Jaguar can become plagued with random application crashes (particularly after updating software). There are times when the Internet Preferences seem to get stuck. This usually results in an inability to change the default web browser. Often these problems are a result of corrupted or stale cache data. Jaguar Cache Cleaner (JCC) may help solve these issues by deleting the OS X caches and restarting.
The program will delete certain cache folders. Specifically:
* ~/Library/Caches
* /Library/Caches
* /System/Library/Caches
* After deleting, a BSD "reboot" command is issued resulting in an immediate system restart.
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.2 or later. "

A reader commented on the above:

"Mike,
Personally, I think you have a good reason to be leery about this app. The premise of deleting system caches is probably okay, but requiring a reboot is a definite no-no. Running processes/applications won't have a chance to shut down or close their files. That could cause more corruption.
A log-out might be a better option since that allows apps and processes to shut down gracefully.
Sincerely,
Derrick Y."

If anyone has used Cache Cleaner 1.0 - let me know if you've seen problems (or improvements from it). I also wrote the developers for their take on Derrick's comments. (Update - see their comments above in a later news item.)

"WARNING: Applying this update to your iPod will limit its output to 100dB, which puts it in compliance with European standards. If you want to havedeafening sound, do NOT apply this update to your iPod.
Compliant with EN 50332-1"

" Hey Mike,
Regarding the Digi001 issue with the MDD macs, you can now call the AppleCare line and Apple has a fix for the machine. Apparently the new macs have a hardware issue that has been since fixed and newer machines shouldn't have the problem. When you call AppleCare if you have an affected machine they should offer a motherboard replacement that could take a few weeks.
Shawn "

Another reader earlier today wrote with more info on the card issue and also mentioned a motherboard revision (not just a firmware update that some had suspected would be the fix)

" Hi Mike, Just wanted to add a couple of things about the ongoing PCI card G4 mirror drive issue.

Digidesign has "2" hardware PCI cards that are affected. The 001 and the D/24.

PTLE..is the "software" that comes with all "host" based products. It has no bearing on the issue. PTLE systems are AMIII, 001, Mbox and the new 002. Out of those..it's the 001 card with the issue. The "LE" stands for "limited edition". (or cut down version of the full Protools software)
PT TDM systems are not host based..but run entirely on hardware for DSP and use the "full" version of Protools software. PT TDM systems are d/24, Mix, Mixplus series and the new HD series.

Out of those..only systems using the d/24 cards are affected.

This issue with these systems is a condition that the mac will not boot with the cards installed..OR..it will hang when the Digi init extension loads.

According to Digi, this problem has been traced to Apple engineering.

Apple setup an applecare database for it (only available to apple employees) and the people who called reported apple asked for their motherboard revision and are telling them that there will most likely be a replacement motherboard in 3 weeks.

So, mainly wanted to let you know...LE and 001 are the same thing. LE is the PT version software that comes with 001, AMIII, Mbox and 002.
Just FYI.
Daryl C. "

I checked Digidesign's web site G4/AGP System Compatibility page and it has the following note:

" Current Qualification Schedule
Apple Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors) Dual 867 MHz & Dual 1 GHz
...Important Note: Though we have not yet qualified the Digi 001 system or the d|24 PCI card with the new CPUs, some users have experienced a system hang when loading the DigiSystem INIT. If you have experienced this problem with either a Digi 001 or d|24 PCI card when connected to one of the "mirrored door" G4s, you should contact AppleCare at 1 800 APL-CARE (within the U.S.). For those customers outside of the US, there should be an AppleCare card included in your Apple product packaging which has the local AppleCare phone number. When contacting AppleCare, customers should refer to the "Digidesign Digi 001 audio system". "

The Apple support person I talked to was not aware of the motherboard change/revision and referred the issue to a tech specialist. (The dual G4 1GHz I used also developed a bad dimm slot apparently based on POST errors within several hours of use. The 3rd new Mac I've personally seen this year with hardware failures.)
The good news is this change hopefully will solve the issues seen with other cards also (like the LinxTWO C) and if the reports are correct, recently shipped G4s may be ok with these cards now. (If anyone knows what the revision is of the latest DDR G4 motherboards, let me know.)

" Well I finally got around to loading up my Dual 867 MD PowerMac and although my Apple OEM Adaptec 3950 fits, I am unable to plug the SCSI cables into it as its connectors are on the back plane. The MD power supply sits right at the edge of the PCI cards when the door is closed, and the SCSI cable connector sticks up about an additional 1cm. above that.

I know that there aren't that many of these cards out there, but I figured I would give you a heads up. The card is recognized and supported in 10.2.1 b.t.w.
Jason B "

I have one of the 3950U2B (OEM 64Bit dual Channel SCSI card sold as a BTO option back in 1999 - never sold at retail.) If the two 68pin connectors are a problem (they're on the card top edge which is not unusual for SCSI cards) then I wonder if other cards will have the same problem. I asked Jason for a photo to clarify the cable/fit issue. Apparently with the SCSI connectors at the top height of the PCI card, closing the case with cables connected was not possible.
My 39160 SCSI card has the connectors recessed from the top edge of the card (the 3950U2B doesn't ), so the 39160 should fit.

Reader Reports: (most recent first)

" I use the delta dio 2496(from midiman) with NO issues... I don't really like the midiman SW so much... but otherwise it's fine...
-Jon "

" I was the one who inquired about the AP2496 in the DDR G4s.

I got a chance to try it on a friend's MDD G4 and the outputs worked as they were supposed to (analog anyway, I'm assuming s/pdif and inputs work fine). I am using an old driver though (created in 10/2/2001) since new ones kernel panic on my current system (beige g3 -> g4).

However, I do seem to have a different version of the card as reviewed, the PCB on mine is green, versus blue on the review (though blue is more fitting to the MDD macs).
Chytra
Oh, a few more things, in the Audiophile 2496 review it states:

"The Audiophile is not capable of outputting to both analog and digital at the same time."

Actually this is incorrect, if you select "monitor mixer" in the M Audio control panel in Patchbay/Router, it allows you to output to both digital and analog at the same time (I have my speakers connected to analog and headphone system connected to digital with a DAC outputting sound at the same time this way). "

He's referring to the older reader review of the Midiman Audiophile 2496 here, which was written before the new G4s were released and before the latest driver update.

" Hi Mike,
FYI--Pro-Tools users (Digidesign) are having hellacious troubles using the DDR new Macs, with the Digi 001 (PCI) units. The news from the DIgidesign admins is that Apple is on it and will have a fix 'soon'.
Eric A "

The Oct. 3rd news page here noted a problem with the Digidesign Pro Tools LE PCI card. (That news item also has links to two other PCI card problem reports from the past here - the Cinewave overheating/failing and the LynxTWO C card preventing powerup.)

"Hi Mike,
I checked the Sonnet web site's Downloads section today, and found that as of October 4 they have officially released the new firmware updater for the Sonnet ATA/100 cards (now v.2.3.5). I booted into OS 9, updated the firmware and replaced the troublesome UltraTek100.kext back into the System (which originally had been removed as the temporary solution)- {btw - this past card owner tip noted here was called "nonsense" by a Sonnet Tech support person - but clearly it did work for several readers with the card - in fact none said it didn't work.-Mike}, then I rebooted into OS X. Upon booting with verbose logging, now I get the notice "Skipping duplicate extension of older/same version ( 1.1.4 --> 1.1.7 )" or something to that effect. If I remember correctly, originally when this problem first cropped up it would warn that it was "replacing with newer version ( 1.1.1 --> 1.1.4 )".
In any case, the bottom line here is that it is working smoothly with 10.2.1. Thanks to Sonnet for doing something about this, and thanks to you Mike for keeping us all updated.
-Christian"

Let's hope they post a fix soon for the ATA/133 (non-RAID) and Trio card owners that also reported 10.2 problems. (if the connected drive was the 10.2/boot volume at least.)

" Just upgraded to v 1.0.3 of the EyeTV software. I noticed that occasionally, the live video window would feeze then stutter between one or two frames. This would stop the recording. I already sent note to ElGato and am awaiting their reply
Anybody else have this kind of problem
My system consistes of a G4/400 running 10.2.1 with 768MB of RAM
Manuel E. "

Another reader wrote today regarding driver v1.03.

" Tried 1.0.3. While making a dub AND while taping live TV, I got a randomly flashing green noisebar at the top of the screen. Back to 1.0.2.
TK "

I'd also write El Gato tech support regarding these problems.
. I welcome other EyeTV owner comments on the 1.0.3 driver update. (Include your system info, OS X version, etc. in reports.)

• Powerlogix G4/800 in G4 Cube (rated 6)
• PowerLogix G4/533 in Beige G3 (rated 10)
• Sonnet G3/400 in 9500 (rated 6)
• Sonnet G4/800 in PowerTower Pro 200 (rated 10)
• XLR8 G4/400 in B&W G3 (rated 10)
• B&W G3/300 OC report (2)
• B&W G3/350 OC report
• G4/AGP (867) OC report

(Warning - Overclocking may not be reliable and could lead to hardware failure or corrupted data.) You can find the full reports by searching the database selecting the indicated Mac model and upgrade card brand/type. If you've upgraded the CPU on your Mac, please post an entry in the database. Search the database for entries from most every upgradable Mac model *before* you buy. (Searchable by mac model/upgrade brand). For detailed reviews with performance tests and install tips, see the CPU Upgrades page.)

DVD-ROM Drive Reports:
• IDE Cyberdrive 12x/32x in G4/AGP
  (listed under other brands)
• Firewire (IDE drive in FW case) Toshiba SD R1102 (8x8x32 + 8x DVD ROM) used w/eMac (OS X)
• Firewire (IDE drive in FW case) Hitachi GD-3000 (8x/32x) used w/7500 (OS 9.1)
  
  Combo DVD+CDR Drive Reports:
• IDE HP 9900 ci (12x8x32x + 8x DVD ROM) in 95/9600 using IDE PCI Card (OS 9.2) (didn't note specific mac model)
• IDE LG GCC-4320B (32x10x40x + 16x DVD ROM) in B&W G3 (OS X)
• IDE LG GCC-4320B (32x10x40x + 16x DVD ROM) in G4/AGP (OS X)
  
  IDE CDRW Drive Reports:
• Artec WRR-4848 48x12x48x in B&W G3 (OS X)
  (listed under 'other' brands.)
• Memorex 48MAXX in B&W G3 using IDE PCI card (OS 9.2)
  (listed under other brands, didn't note actual drive mechanism)
• Pacific Digital 40x16x48 in 8600 using IDE PCI card (OS 9.1)
  (listed under other brands, didn't note actual drive mechanism brand)
• Samsung SW-240 (40x12x40x) in B&W G3 (OS X)
• Sony CRX185A1 (32x10x40x) in B&W G3 (OS X)
• Teac CD-W540E 40x12x48 in Beige G3 (OS 9.2)
  (FYI - Illustrated CD drive install guide here covers G4 towers up to the Digital Audio Model, Beige G3 MT, B&W G3 and 8600/9600 Macs)
  
  Firewire CDRW Drive Reports:
• Lite-On LTR-32123S (32x12x40) in Pyro FW Case used w/G4 AGP (OS 9.2)
• Lite-On LTR-48125W (48x12x48x) in FW case used w/G4 AGP (OS X)
• Lite-On LTR-48125W (48x12x48) in FW case used w/iMac G4 (OS X)
• Que Que!Fire 12x10x32 used w/Dual G4 (OS X)
• TDK Velocd 48x (in FW case) used w/Dual G4 (OS X)
  (modified plugin file for OS X 10.2/iTunes 3 in the FAQ here)
• Yamaha CRW-F1ZDX (44x24x44x) used w/Dual G4 (OS X)
  
  SCSI CDRW Drive Reports:
• Sanyo CRD-R800S 8x /20x in 7200 (OS 9.1)
  
  IDE Hard Drive Reports:
• IBM Travelstar 40GNX in Powerbook G3 2000 (OS X)
  (FYI - Pismo illustrated HD install guide here. Wallstreet and PB G4 model guides also on IDE articles page and systems page.)
• Maxtor 80GB in 7200 using IDE PCI card (OS 9.1)
  (noted some sort of conflict between Sonnet G3/400 7200 upgrade card and the sonnet ATA/100 IDE card in that system.)

You can find full owner reports (latest shown first) by searching the database by drive/brand/interface/mac models (the latest reports are shown first in searches). For guides to installing CD/CDRW/DVD drives or Hard drives in many mac models, see the IDE Articles page. The Firewire articles page also has guides on case kits, installing drives, etc.
If you've added a IDE, SCSI, Firewire or USB hard drive, CDRW, tape drive, etc. make sure you add a report to the database. [If you post an updated entry - make sure you use the same name, etc. as you did before so I can find your past entry. Thanks.]
(Entries today will be added the following newsday. Incomplete entries are deleted. Do not post questions in the database, it's for drive reports not questions on what drive to buy - for that try searching the database for reports from owners of your mac model on the drive type/brand/interface, etc. you're interested in.)

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