TidBITS Watchlist: Notable Software Updates for 25 October 2010

Cyberduck 3.7 — Version 3.7 of the free (although donations are encouraged) file transfer program Cyberduck is now out. In addition to the bug fixes listed in the open-source program’s changelog, this version adds the capability to import Transmit favorites, duplicate bookmarks via drag and drop, check for updates that include snapshot builds, support PuTTY private key format, display hidden files in the upload prompt, upload files with temporary names and then rename them after the transfer ends, copy files between servers by dragging from one browser window to another, copy multiple URLs
at once when using the Copy URL command, and display only affected files in the Synchronize preview. (Free, 19.9 MB)

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Firefox 3.6.11 — Mozilla has released Firefox 3.6.11, a minor update to the open-source Web browser. The update addresses both security and stability concerns—including some potential security threats that could allow an attacker to take control of your computer. One additional Mac-specific fix in this version of Firefox restores the capability to use the Return key in the search or location bar when an input field on a Web page is focused. (Free, 17.6 MB)

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Aperture 3.1 and ProKit Update 6.0 — Apple has released Aperture 3.1, which the company says boosts stability and performance, and addresses compatibility with the just-released iLife ’11 suite. Specific improvements include performance when opening large libraries and exporting heavily adjusted images. Also addressed are issues with importing photos and videos from iPhoto libraries, iPhones, and iPads; duplicate detection; face detection; thumbnail rendering; red-eye correction; and image quality when straightening images. Apple provides a detailed list of all the fixes
included in the update. ($199 new, free update, 357.55 MB)

Simultaneously, Apple also released ProKit Update 6.0 for Snow Leopard to improve reliability for browsing iPhoto libraries in Aperture, to fix disclosure triangle appearance in Aperture, and to resolve an issue with numeric parameters in Logic Pro and MainStage. The update is recommended for users of all versions of Final Cut, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Soundtrack, Logic, MainStage, and WaveBurner. (Free update, 13.5 MB)

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Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3 and 10.5 Update 8 — Apple has released updates to the Java framework for Mac OS X, with separate versions for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. Apple says that the updates deliver improved compatibility, security, and reliability. Under Snow Leopard, the update accomplishes that by updating Java SE 6 to version 1.6.0_22. Under Leopard, the update does the same thing for 64-bit-capable Intel-based Macs, and instead updates J2SE 5.0 to 1.5.0_26 on other Macs. The company’s Web site provides documentation on the security holes
addressed by the Snow Leopard and Leopard versions of the update. Apple recommends that you close any Web browsers and Java-based applications before you install the updates. (Free, 74.30 MB for Snow Leopard, 119.07 MB for Leopard)

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