Utilities

Flashback malware removal tool roundup

The Apple community is tackling the Flashback malware threat for OS X. Despite these efforts, the malware is still out there with the potential to infect unpatched Mac systems or even those that are patched, but for which the user fell for the fake Flash updater traps used by earlier variants of the malware.

You can check for the presence of the malware using our instructions or others, or use automated online options such as Dr. Web's checker to determine if your system may be compromised. So far, a number of tools have been released by some reputable security … Read more

Exclusively on CNET, save 90% on WinSettings Pro for just three days

Wear and tear slows your computer down over time. With WinSettings Pro, not only can you clean up duplicate, temporary, and junk files, but you can also optimize system settings and remove unnecessary startups, cookies, and associations. What makes WinSettings Pro different from other utilities is that you are always in control. It lets you review and selectively delete individual files and cookies. Plus, it finds and fixes errors, ensures privacy and security protection, and maintains your computer's peak performance and reliability.

Rated 4-stars by CNET, you can save 90% for three days only and get it for just $… Read more

iTunes 10.6.1 addresses media handling bugs

Apple has released an update to iTunes that addresses a number of bugs with the program's handling of photos, videos, and music artwork, along with a couple of file ordering issues and VoiceOver corrections.

The update should also fix a problem in which iTunes may become unresponsive for people using iPod Nano or Shuffle devices. So if you have one of these and have experienced hangs with iTunes, then this update should help.

A final fix in this update is for a problem in which browsing through TV episodes on an AppleTV device might result in them being reorganized.… Read more

Apple Configurator offers easy iOS deployment from OS X

Apple's iPads and other iOS devices have become some of the most popular electronics out there for consumers, and schools and businesses.

While the iPad is excellent for quick access to portable tools to use in a laboratory, office, or classroom, one problem is managing all the iPads that are available and restricting features on them to work properly with your needs.

The iPad is built to be associated with one person and then customized by that person for his or her needs; however, depending on your business setup you may wish to restrict the iPad for specific purposes. … Read more

MacBook Pro EFI update fixes flickering

Last Saturday Apple released a number of EFI firmware updates for various Mac models, which addressed problems with NetBoot features, the use of HD displays for protected HD content, and boot drive selection when external drives are plugged into the systems. The updates were for Mac Mini, MacBook Air, iMac, and MacBook Pro systems.

After releasing these updates, Apple has issued another update for the MacBook Pro (version 2.7 was released on Saturday; this is version 2.8), which addresses a problem in which 15-inch models from late 2008 developed flickering displays. This fix is only applicable to the … Read more

Boot Camp cloning utility Winclone returns to OS X

Apple's move to Intel processors for its Mac systems in 2006 opened up many opportunities for Mac users, one of which was the ability to install and boot Windows directly on the Mac hardware without any emulation. To facilitate this for those who needed it, Apple introduced Boot Camp to easily partition the hard drive and supply drivers to the Windows OS for various features like iSight cameras and multitouch trackpads.

Boot Camp is a great option to have on the Mac, but unfortunately its support from Apple is rather limited, especially if you need to migrate from your … Read more

iMac Wi-Fi update resolves Lion sleep bug

Apple has released a small patch to fix a problem a number of iMac users have been experiencing with network connectivity on their systems after waking from sleep. Apparently, after the latest OS X 10.7.3 update, people with iMac systems from late 2009 or newer found that the system wouldn't connect to their preferred wireless network, requiring the user to manually select the network from the Wi-Fi menu.

While not a serious bug, it was a problem that caused a bit of frustration with users. MacFixIt readers wrote in asking about this issue, and while some have … Read more

Apple releases EFI firmware updates for 2011 Macs

Apple has released new firmware updates for a number of its early- and mid-2011 Mac systems. The updates, which require OS X 10.7.3 or later to install, address problems with NetBoot features, and fix problems with HDCP authentication after rebooting (which may prevent HD content from being displayed on certain monitors). The updates also fix a problem with the selection of the boot drive when a USB drive is plugged into the system.

The updates should be available via Software Update for iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air systems released in early to mid-2011, but you … Read more

Drivers are not very sexy, but PCs need them - save 80% for one day only

After having some major problems with Windows Vista that left me stranded with blue screen of death, I decided to upgrade my PC to Windows 7. Everything seemed to go smoothly, but when the upgrade was completed, there were some display and audio issues with my newly updated PC, so I called on my tech support buddy for help. After a few tweaks here and there with my machine, everything was working beautifully, so I just had to ask. What was the problem? Did I do something wrong? Well, turns out it was just the outdated drivers that needed some … Read more

Adjust OS X sound volume level per application with Sound Bunny

When multitasking in OS X, sometimes the programs you are using might output notification sounds or otherwise use the OS X audio system in ways that could interfere with your other tasks.

If you increase the volume to watch a movie while you have Mail open in the background, then when you receive a new message, Mail will output a loud New Mail sound. While you can disable Mail's notification sounds or quit the program, you might wish to keep it open and hear when the Mail arrives, but just not as loud.

Other similar scenarios might also benefit … Read more