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Version Master: corrections to the "verdict" item

In my previous posting on this matter, I stated that visitors to the web site (who are not using the Version Master application) can edit the listings. This turns out to be only partly true. You can edit the URL but not the other data. I also stated that Symmetry does not check this information before adding it to the database. Tom Reahard assures me that this is not the case; the URL data is checked for accuracy before it is posted. I have corrected these inaccuracies in the original report. On all other issues, the report remains as originally … Read more

Mac OS 7.6.1 web page online (but the software is not there quite yet!)

Unofficial word has Mac OS 7.6.1 coming next week. Apple is already gearing up. They have a Mac OS 7.6.1 Update web page. Right now, it is mostly a place holder for the information still to come. But eventually, it will have information on how to down load the update, including a list of update mirror locations.

The disk images for the update will be in the new Disk Copy 6.1 format. So you will need to download that utility in order to obtain the update.

As usual, I stand ready to receive your troubleshooting … Read more

Version Master: follow-up

Responding to the item here last time, Tom Reahard (of Symmetry) has added a new web page that more clearly defines what Version Master does. The key paragraph:

"It then informs you of any out-of-date software you own, and uses the version information from your hard disk scan to help update its own database of products. This occurs when you execute the Download Current Versions command. The version information sent from your computer to our database is the same information that is displayed in the Finder's Get Info dialog box."

Communicator, Explorer and Emailer updates

MacWEEK has a review of the beta version of Netscape Communicator (the intended replacement for Netscape Navigator). It echoes my feeling that the improvements it offers (especially in its email features) are diminished by the huge bloat of the program. I wish they offered some way to install just those components of the program you intend to use.

Meanwhile, Microsoft Explorer 3.01 beta was released recently. As noted in MacWEEK: "Explorer 3.01 can download a file from a FTP site without a helper application. An option to accept or decline cookies has been added. The beta version … Read more

PageMaker 6.5 troubleshooting

If you update to PageMaker 6.5, be sure to study the Read Me file that comes with it. There are some important troubleshooting issues covered there. Here are two particularly noteworthy examples:

a. If you use System 7.5.3, there is a conflict between Adobe Type Manager 4.0 and the Apple LaserWriter 8.4.0, 8.4.1, and 8.4.2 drivers: your system may crash when you attempt to change a printer in the Chooser. To solve this, use a different driver or use Adobe Type Manager Deluxe 4.0.

b. Most Fax drivers require … Read more

StyleScript and desktop printing conflict

A reader reports a problem printing with Mac OS 7.6 installed, using StyleScript and a DeskJet 855 with background printing on. The problem did not occur with System 7.5.5. The reader contacted GDT and received the following reply:

"StyleScript was not intentionally designed to work with Apple's desktop printing software, but because we follow Apple's design principals, StyleScript worked with the original desktop printing software. Apple has since released a new version of the desktop printing software that will only work with Apple printers. Ourselves, like HP, Epson and Canon, can not make desktop … Read more