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Recently VMware released version 4.1 of its Fusion virtualization software for OS X, which in addition to offering a number of bug fixes and speed improvements has lifted its restriction on virtualizing the Client version of Snow Leopard.

In the past, and as is the case with other virtualization options, when you tried to install Snow Leopard or another operating system that is restricted from virtualization by its EULA, Fusion would issue an error message notifying you of this restriction. Now VMware appears to have changed this so its software only requests that you abide by the operating system's EULA, … Read more

Apple has released an update to its Java runtime for OS X, which is available for OS X Lion and Snow Leopard operating systems. The updates address some "reliability, security, and compatibility" issues involving the current Java implementations in these operating systems, if people have chosen to install them.

The largest fixes in this update address problems where code in Java applets could be run outside of the Java sandbox and thereby compromise the security of the system. Sandboxing is a method of isolating running code that has received a bit of attention recently.

Starting with OS X … Read more

Apple frequently saves its newest features for the latest versions of its hardware and software, though a notice on a preference pane from an older version of Mac OS X suggests the company could be adding functionality from its upcoming iCloud service to the previous version of its operating system as part of a future software update.

Macrumors today posted a purported screenshot of the .Mac settings screen from Tiger (the OS before Snow Leopard and Leopard) noting that it's no longer able to sync up to Apple's servers because the account itself has been upgraded to iCloud. … Read more

Apple's audio-creativity software suites Logic Pro and Logic Express apparently have a bug in certain setups running Snow Leopard, which sometimes leads the programs to crash at launch or when attempting to perform some manipulations to projects. The crashes will happen even if the user has carried out general maintenance routines such as clearing caches and preference files, and even after reinstalling the Logic programs and updating to the latest versions again.

MacFixIt reader Kevin wrote in describing his issue with these programs:

With OS X Lion, Apple bucked the traditional method of releasing software on a physical medium, instead opting to release Lion through the Mac App Store. This is convenient for many, but it does not sit well for those who prefer to have a physical way to fix problems down the road.

Here's how to use a tool Apple just released to create a Lion Recovery HD on a USB drive.… Read more

We have already gone over how to use Mission Control and the new Launch Pad feature in OS X Lion, but users are still having issues adjusting to the lack of some features. One frustration stems from Snow Leopard's Spaces feature, which allowed users to assign apps to windows, or desktops.

Read on to find out how to accomplish the same thing in OS X Lion; it's surprisingly easy.

… Read more

Apple has released driver updates to supply additional support for printer and scanner devices from HP, Samsung, and Brother. These updates are for OS X 10.6 and include all the printer drivers supported on OS X from the respective companies. Apple uses its Common Unix Printing System (CUPS) in OS X, that uses generic driver sets that are enhanced to support specific features and functions of individual printer models, so as new models come out Apple can more easily tweak drivers to work with them. The latest printer drivers can be found at the following locations:

HP Printer Drivers v.2.7 for Mac OS X v10.6… Read more

OS X Lion did away with Expose and Spaces, replacing it with Mission Control. The change has left many people frustrated, trying to find a better way to organize app windows. While there isn't a third-party solution that brings back this specific functionality, there is an app that allows you to better organize app windows on the desktop. Read on to see how Moom can eliminate some stress from your workflow.

… Read more

Mac OS X Lion users might want to disable the operating system's "automatic login" feature, a password recovery firm has warned.

According to Passware, the latest version of Mac OS X has a "vulnerability" that allows login passwords to be exposed while the Mac is locked or in sleep mode. In order to access those passwords, users will need to connect to the Mac's FireWire port, since it allows for communication by direct memory access, the firm said.

Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the previous version of Apple's operating system, is also affected, … Read more