late-breakers

The iTunes -69 error when syncing to iPod

Some users may experience an error when syncing their iPod to iTunes coded (-69). The error reads, "Attempting to copy to the disk failed. An unknown error occurred (-69)," and can be happen on Windows or Mac systems.

This error occurs when users attempt to sync a corrupt file from iTunes to their iPod. To determine the file causing the issue, be sure to have the latest version of iTunes installed, and:

1. Connect your iPod to your system. Once connected, right-click (ctrl click) on the iPod icon in the Device list in iTunes. 2. Select "Sync … Read more

MacFixIt Readers Report: Safari 4.0.3 Issues

A variety of issues have been reported by our readers since the release of Safari 4.0.3 a couple days ago. Keep reading to see the issues and some possible solutions.

MacFixIt reader "Jorge P." reports:

"Since updating yesterday to Safari 4.0.3 cannot use it. It opens but cannot enter text in the adress bar or google search. It also does not refresh or go back or forward and neither opens Customize Toolbar." Several MacFixIt readers have reported issues with Safari 4.0.3 being completely unusable. MacFixIt reader "Gary R." … Read more

Apple releases Security Update 2009-004 for Tiger and Leopard

Written by Topher Kessler

Apple has released a couple of security updates for OS X 10.5 and 10.4. These updates address a problem in the way DNS messages are handled, which can allow an attacker to interrupt the DNS service.

Updates are available for both PowerPC and Intel installations of the OS, and can be downloaded through Software Update or through the following websites:

Security Update 2009-004 (Leopard) Security Update 2009-004 (Tiger PPC) Security Update 2009-004 (Tiger Intel)

Information on this update and other security updates can be found in this Apple Knowledgebase document.

Questions? Comments? Send us … Read more

Security tips for avoiding Trojans and malicious software

Written by Topher Kessler

Because of the enhanced security features of OS X, such as "sandboxing" techniques for running code, the development of self-propagating "viruses" is difficult and to date we have not seen any for Mac OS X; however, malicious software developers have recently released a number of Trojan horse applications for OS X that take advantage of user naivety can be used to steal identities and send spam e-mails through affected computers.

Following the nature of a Trojan horse, most of these malicious software packages are disguised either as legitimate software from Apple or … Read more

MacBooks affected by Airport bug not able to install Airport Client Update 1.0

Written by Topher Kessler

Some people who had Airport problems after upgrading to 10.5.8 may not be able to install the patch Apple released today, especially if they have modified their system with various workarounds to get Airport working again.

When we posted our workaround for the problem, we specifically mentioned to back up the current kernel extensions before replacing them with old versions that were more stable. Before applying the current patch from Apple, be sure to revert the workaround and copy the replaced extensions back to the Extensions folder. After this is done, restart the computer … Read more

Apple releases Safari 4.0.3 update

Apple has released the latest update to its Safari Web browser, 4.0.3. The update brings minor bug fixes and can be downloaded via Software Update or directly from Apple's Web site.

The update fixes:

- stability for HTML 5 video tags - iWork.com login issues - color issues where Web site would display in grayscale Download the update from Apple's Web site.

Experiencing problems? Have feedback? Let us know! You can now follow MacFixIt on Twitter!

Resources

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Apple KB updates: Firewalls and Apple TV, and erasing free space with Disk Utility

Written by Topher Kessler

Apple has updated a couple of knowledgebase articles. The first one is about setting up firewalls to work properly with Apple TV, since many people may run into connection problems with Apple's multimedia device. The second article contains information on the algorithms used when erasing the free disk space on your hard drive with Disk Utility.

Configuring firewalls on a Mac for use with Apple TV

This article outlines how to set up the ports in your computer's firewall to allow for connections with the AppleTV. The specific procedures are for OS X 10.… Read more

Kernel_task process taking up an inordinate amount of CPU

Written by Topher Kessler

There have been many reports, especially with MacBook Air and other laptop owners, where the Mac OS X "kernel_task" process takes up a large amount of CPU when checked in Activity Monitor. When this happens, the computer may run slower and also may appear to be running hot as well.

The kernel_task is a software process that lumps together many of the current "tasks" that the kernel is performing. In OS X, the kernel is a software architecture that is responsible for handling resources that other processes need, such as preemptive multitasking, … Read more

Mac Trojan appears as QuickTime update on malicious Web sites

Edited by Joe Aimonetti

TrendMicro is reporting that a Trojan targeting Mac users, known as OSX/Jahlav-D, is appearing as a QuickTime plug-in update called MacCinema Installer.

This Trojan is a DNS Changer Trojan, similar to the OSX/Jahlav-C Trojan that was linked to several malicious sites in June and profiled here.

TrendMicro reports:

"It arrives as a .DMG file that contains an installer package. The said installer package contains component files and malicious scripts. These malicious scripts are detected by Trend Micro as UNIX_JAHLAV.D." Resources Read the macnn article. Read the TrendMicro report.

Experiencing problems? Have … Read more