Troubleshooting

Snitch and reporting native PowerPC code: a follow-up

Regarding our previous note about Snitch erroneously reporting ObjectSupportLib as a "Native Only App," Snitch author Mitch Jones explains that this message appears as a result of a check for certain CODE and cfrg resources; it doesn't actually check whether the file is an application or not. "I think what Snitch really should say is that the shared library 'contains PowerPC native code'." He also adds that, in order to save time, its check for native code is not exhaustive and that some files with native code (especially extensions and control panels) may not be … Read more

FWB's Hard Disk ToolKit Updater: a clarification and a follow-up

Several readers reminded me that there are actually two separate HDT 2.0.6 Updaters - one for any version 2.0.x and a smaller one that just works with 2.0.5. Both can be obtained from FWB's HDT Updater web page.

More generally, FWB's Joel McKinnon writes: "The FWB Software website has just gone through some significant structural changes. For updater links it would be best to link to our Download Center index page. Each product category then links off of this page."

Global Village 2.6.2 Update: a clarification

Mea culpa. Many many readers wrote me to say that they downloaded the GlobalFax 2.6.2 Update ( mentioned here last time) only to find that they could not use it because they needed to have 2.6.0 in order to get the Installer to work. This was an unsolvable problem for 2.5 users since version 2.6 is not posted anywhere online. Global Village's response to one reader was that it still wants its basic Platinum users to stick with 2.5.x. They offer no official word as to why this is so or when … Read more

Local News: We passed the million mark

Yesterday, MacFixIt's home page counter did indeed pass the million mark (in just a bit over 5 months!). My thanks to Mark Emerson, who was the one millionth visitor and who sent me a screen shot of the page.

Shockwave security leak and a possible solution

Jim Stoneburner writes: "Regarding the reported Shockware security leak which can affect Netscape Navigator on Macintosh, there may be hope. It appears that if the user has changed the name of the boot volume or partition from Macintosh_HD to anything else, this may prevent intrusion. For example, Netscape uses the path name mailbox:/Macintosh HD/System Folder/Preferences/ Netscape ?/Mail/Inbox?number=0 to specify an Inbox file. If the boot volume name has been changed, any unscrupulous webmaster would not know how to specify this path."

Update: Jud Spencer of Claris writes: "Emailer 2.0 is … Read more

PopUp Folder shortcut problem: a follow-up

Regarding the problem with PopUp Folders shortcuts, mentioned last time, I have gotten several reports of possible work-arounds. Kalman Brattman claims that the problem is actually die to a conflict with Apple's English Text-To Speech 1.5 ; disabling the extensions or downgrading to an older version eliminates the symptom. Dana Nau solved the problem on his Mac by disabling ATM 4.0 (the version that came with Acrobat 3.0). Meanwhile, Dick Creps reports on some email he received from AdSoft that suggests that it will be a long time, if ever, before PopUp Folder gets updated.

ATI driver updates: more info

a. Several readers have informed me that the upcoming Mac OS 7.6.1 will include updated ATI drivers for: ATI 3D Accelerator, ATI Graphics Accelerator and ATI Video Memory Manager. Files with these same names are used by the Xclaim VR card, although I am not absolutely certain that these 7.6.1 files will work with the VR card.

b. In any event, Brian Hentschel, of ATI, assures me that new Xclaim drivers will be posted on their web site in the next few weeks. The updated drivers will include: QuickDraw 3D 1.5 support, Bungie's Weekend … Read more

If you like Windows 95, try GoMac

Tired of hearing how Windows 95 is just an imitation of the Mac OS? Well, now Mac users can imitate Windows. A new utility, called GoMac, gives Mac users a Windows-like Program Bar and Start Menu. While functionally, it overlaps with some Mac OS features (such as the Application menu) as well as features of other utilities (such as Now Utilities), you may find its approach more convenient. Or you may simply appreciate the faux Windows interface. (Thanks, Michael Simmons.)

Apple telephone support: a follow-up

a. A clarification on yesterday's report about Apple's shift in its telephone support policy. Another reader writes: "It's free for 90 days from your first call for support, not 90 days from the date of purchase." Also, I should have mentioned that K-12 customers will continue to get free support.

b. As you might expect, I have received numerous replies to yesterday's item on this subject - almost all of it negative. Several readers commented that their Apple product came with a promise of free support that Apple now appeared to be breaking. A … Read more

Printer drivers not listed in the Chooser after installing Mac OS 7.6? No problem

Speaking of the Chooser and printer driver problems, I get a plea for help on this matter at least once a day. So let me state this clearly for the record:

If you install QuickDraw GX when you install Mac OS 7.6 (or any other time you install GX for that matter), the Chooser will not show any non-GX printer drivers. Assuming you don't really want or need GX, the easiest solution is to just remove the GX software (or not install it in the first place). When you do this, your non-GX printer drivers will reappear in … Read more