From jim@midcoast.com Wed Nov 6 23:55:19 1996
Return-Path: jim@midcoast.com
Subject: Macintosh news update
Greetings!
As some of you may already be aware, Apple has changed its method of
releasing system updates. Now, instead of a major release every year or
so, Apple will be releasing updates and improvements as they become
available, thus providing the customer with quicker access to the new
software. The next system update, System 7.5.6, (Harmony) is scheduled
to be released in January 1997, this new operating system is scheduled
to address a number of concerns surrounding system freezes and software
compatibility. I will notify you when this has been released.
Now for the news... there have been a number of recent releases that
will be of interest to many, if not all of you.
In addition to the new system update, version 7.5.5 that I wrote to you
about a while ago, Apple has also recently released a new version of
Open Transport, version 1.1.1 that will work on virtaully all Macs,
including all 5000 and 6000 series PowerPCs. This new Open Transport
will be useful for those who are using the Internet as it provides a
number of new enhancements and improvements. This software is available
from my Mac Software page, the address is listed below.
Apple also recently released "Cyberdog," an integrated Internet
application providing a built-in web browser, e-mail, telnet, ftp, news
reader, and more, all in one neat package. I think Cyberdog is a very
nice piece of work. Cyberdog also allows for multiple users and
multiple e-mail addresses. Cyberdog requires OpenDoc to run. OpenDoc is
a new Apple software technology that will be used extensively in the
near future. You can download both Cyberdog and OpenDoc from my Jim's
Picks page at;
<
Also, an astute member of the Apple support team recently discovered a
programming error that is in a large number of software titles,
including Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, and many other programs.
This "purgeable WDEF" error results in crashes and freezes. A number of
fixes for this particular problem have been released and are on my
"Jim's Picks of the 'Net" page at;
<
These "WDEF fixes" are located in the "Utilities" section, one
particular item is named "WDEF Leopard." WDEF Leopard is a control
panel and is user configurable to detect and correct a number of
programming errors.
Apple also just released an extension for all PowerPC computers to
reduce the number of freezes and crashes associated with these
machines. This too is located on my "Jim's Picks" page. This extension
requires you to be using system 7.5.5 already. This extension is listed
as "PowerPC freeze fixer" and is located on the very top of my FTP
page.
For those of you who are still using system 7.1, there is a copy of the
"Finder Scripting Software" for system 7.1 on my FTP page as well. Now
you can enjoy the benefits of finder scripting while using System 7.1,
which in my opinion is one of the best operating systems ever produced
by Apple.
Other new releases include;
Netscape Navigator 3.0.1 and the Microsoft Internet Explorer
3.01(beta).
MacUser "Web Ninja," automatically tracks where you've been on the
'Net so you can easily find your way back again. This should be very
useful for both new users just getting started as well as the seasoned
"Web surfer."
For those of you familiar with the user interface enhancer "Aaron,"
there is now an even nicer interface enhancer out by the same author
called "Kaleidoscope." Kaleidoscope is "very cool" and is well worth
the
download.
McAfee Virus Scan 2.0 is an excellent new anti-virus fighter.
Eudora 1.5.5 is a new version of the popular E-mail software.
Apple Geoport Updater 3.0 provides 28.8 modem speeds for Geoport
modems
PageSpinner has been updated to version 1.2.1, this is one of the best
HTML editors available.
On my home page I have added a number of new links, check out the
"Laurel Springs School on-line learning" in the Kid's section. Also, in
the News section there is the "American News Service Homepage"
featuring good news, for a change. In the Business section "Consumer
World" offers an incredible resource for both consumers and business
people alike, (highly recommended.) Also in the Business section are a
number of new travel links, including "Shoestring travel," another link
for the purchase of discount plane fares, and a link for Eurrail
passes. In the Computer section you'll find "Liszt" a searchable
database of E-mail discussion groups. In the Miscellaneous section you
will find "Amazon.com" the planet's biggest bookstore with over a
million titles, and "HealthGate" offering free Medline searches.
There is more too, so I encourage you to take a look and enjoy all the
Internet has to offer.
For those of you in the Midcoast Maine area, I am currently available
for consultations, system upgrades, software trouble-shooting, Internet
and web page tutoring, and a number of other services. I am now also
offering a sliding scale for my fees for those with a fixed or
reduced-level of income.
As a side note, I am going to be in Europe for the last 2 weeks of
December and will return on January 1, 1997; so any appointments should
be made with me prior to my departure on December 17 or after my return
on January 1.
Wishing you all a happy holiday season and happy computing!
Sincerely,
Jim
*******************************************************************
jim@midcoast.com Jim Thomas
< HC 32, Box 85
WWW Web site and page design Owls Head, Maine 04854
Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly
endless.
- Mother Teresa