jaymzter writes "Cnet has an interesting article on Microsoft's attempt to steal the thunder from the upcoming Macworld show, and also to slap Apple down for not showing enough gratitude. What's really interesting, is that Microsoft supposedly helped Apple 'fix' Mac OS X, and that Microsoft doesn't think Apple is pushing Mac OS X hard enough. Oh, the tangled webs we weave." Strange story. Basically its a battle of PR.

bsharitt writes "Mark Pazolli has ported Freecraft to Mac OS X, making this popular open source RTS game avalble on the three major platforms (it's been on Linux/*nix and Windows for a while). The complete download is here."

Andrew Lindesay writes "There will be a South Pacific Mac Developers' Conference held in Auckland, New Zealand on the 24th and 25th of August. This is an exciting opportunity for those interested in Mac OS X development in New Zealand to meet and make contacts. The conference this year will be hosting a number of talks from Apple USA as well as local speakers, covering a number of topics relating to Mac OS X development. We are now taking registrations for the event."

hype7 writes "Apple's getting quick! Less than 5 days after the recently reported software update vulnerability was discovered, Apple have a patch plugging the hole. Apparently, packages now presented via the Software Update mechanism are cryptographically signed, and the new Software Update client 1.4.6 checks for a valid signature before installing any new packages."

micah_lanier writes "Thought I would point out an interesting story from news.com. It seems a NetRatings Study concluded that those owning Macs tend to be more experienced with the internet, as well as educated better in general. However, this simply illustrates the fact that Macs are generally bought by those with little trouble paying higher prices, and therefore those who can more easily gain access to higher education (and so on)." Then how do we explain all the people with less education buying premium computers from Compaq and Dell? I think it's just that people with bigger brains like better computers!

gsfprez writes "Apparently, demanding future DRM installations isn't just for Windows anymore. Roxio has added a very Microsoft-esque paragraph to the Toast 5.1.4 upgrade. In part, if you install it, you 'may affect your ability to copy, display and/or play Secure Content through the Software or other applications that utilize the Software.' I'm sorry, but this is a big reason why I'm sticking with Apple, but looking for new CD/DVD burning software..." Let me know when you find it.

Pauly asks: "I'm going to do something I've never done: I'm buying a Mac. I'm a long-time UNIX developer and user for whom the prospect of trading a noisy, heat-spewing workstation or two in favor of a civilized Mac is irresistible. I'm quite used to making x86/*NIX hardware decisions. However, I'm finding myself stumped as I look at the G4/OS X options."

ctriv writes "digitalchain.com has a real interesting article about the making of the iPod." Gosh, I am glad I am a software designer, not a hardware designer.

Les writes "Mac insider site Think Secret has its scoop on what Apple CEO Steve Jobs will announce at Macworld Expo in New York next week. The site says that Power Mac G4s won't be updated until August, but we'll instead see a 17" flat-panel iMac and a demo of OS X 10.2 Jaguar."

redmoss writes "I just saw this exploit for Software Update on Bugtraq. Quoting the discoverer Russell Harding: 'Mac OS X includes a software updating mechanism 'Software Update.' Software Update, when configured by default, checks weekly for new updates from Apple. HTTP is used with absolutely no authentication. Using well-known techniques, such as DNS Spoofing, or DNS Cache Poisoning, it is trivial to trick a user into installing a malicious program posing as an update from Apple.' Looks like people using Software Update need to be careful, as there is currently no workaround." Well, one workaround for this particular exploit is to not share a LAN with someone who would do that sort of thing.

Billy_D_Goat writes "Talk about control, Apple has now decided it can block users from recieving media passes at MacWorld Expo It blacklists these users by deciding if they run "rumor promoting" publications. This includs the webmasters of sites which have little to do with rumors or speculation such as Graphicpower.com/." Probably just bitter cuz Steve's thunder seems to get stolen at every show, and their lawyers can't seem to stop it ;)

unspec writes "For those looking for cheap Macintosh DVD authoring, Zettabyte Solutions have a press release describing the SuperDrive-equipped eMac they will soon be offering." I imagine it wouldn't be too hard to convert your own eMac to a "SuperDrive," but I don't really know.

AnamanFan writes "Microsoft has released version 5.2.1 of Internet Explorer for Mac OS X. The only notes I have been able to find on the update is that it 'provides all the latest security and performance enhancements for Internet Explorer 5 for Mac OS X.' Be warned that the installer forces all other running applications to quit, but does not require a reboot and (seems) to not change your Internet browser settings, in case you're using another browser." Also released was MSIE 5.1.5 for Mac OS, which "resolves all security vulnerabilities in previous versions of Internet Explorer 5." Heh.

scatboy writes "Tex9 has software for using an iPod (yes, another iPod story) on Linux. It uses a graphical drag-and-drop interface through xtunes, their version of iTunes on Linux. They are looking for beta testers of the xpod software now. I have a dual boot box that has only gone into Windows lately to load my iPod with the betas of XPlay. I held out on making the final purchase of XPlay due to rumours of Apple coming out with their own Windows software at MacWorld New York. This is an even better reason to wait. I am very excited about a chance to measure uptime in months again!"

Spock the Baptist writes "A big plate of, fresh from the oven, homemade chocolate chip cookies to the person or persons who dreamed up this send-up of Cousin Bill via a spoof of the current crop of Apple commercials. Gotta love it!" Sure, why not? It's Friday! Also included are commercials with the You're Gettin' a Dell dork and Big Brother from the 1984 commercial.

ranger8x writes "Apple has submitted Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server to the U.S. government's National Information Assurance Partnership to evaluate various security features. It seems Apple is looking for some respect by the government, and to 'get more exposure.'"

Warlock7 writes "CNET has an article that discusses the 'early' release of Mac OS X 10.2, codename Jaguar. The article says that Jaguar should be ready for release in August, more than a month earlier than the analysts expected."

Dark Nexus writes "The Register has a response (actually FROM Microsoft this time) in the continuing soap opera surrounding support for Hebrew (and other right to left languages) in Microsoft products for the Mac."

Phunky Monkey writes "The Divx.com codec for Mac, version 5.0a2, has been released. New features include a completely new AVI doctoring app, and the Divx 5.0.2 decoder core (same as the most recent PC version). This version also introduces a new technique of fixing AVI files that allows them to be played as well on Macs as on PCs using the same file. Download it, and read the details about all the new features." I just wish QuickTime 6 came wih DivX and AC3 decoders included. Durnit.

Pahroza writes "Xinet has released their 2002 benchmark configurations, with tests including output generation and AppleShare file serving. Xserve was only bested by machines sporting at least twice as many CPUs as the two it was using. MacCentral is also running a story on the results, and you can download a PDF of the benchmarked configurations."