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TidBITS Watchlist: Notable Software Updates for 15 February 2010

Microsoft Office 2004 11.5.7 — Microsoft’s latest update for Office 2004 for Mac, Microsoft Office 2004 11.5.7, addresses a handful of significant security vulnerabilities surrounding specially crafted Office files that could enable an attacker to view, change, or delete data by executing remote code. The update addresses those issues by altering the way files are opened and parsed. It is rated Important for Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac and requires that you’ve previously installed the Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.5.6 Update. The update is available from Microsoft’s Web site and via the Office 2004 version of Microsoft AutoUpdate. (Free, 9.4 MB)

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Google Chrome 5.0.307.7 — Google’s latest release of Google Chrome for Mac adds several features that are necessary for the browser to be considered a viable alternative to Firefox or Safari. The latest version includes support for extensions (similar to add-ons in Firefox that extend your browser’s functionality), the capability to sync bookmarks, and new bookmark, cookie, and task managers. Also, gesture support has been expanded to enable users to pinch-to-zoom, and use Command-three-finger-swipe to navigate pages in new tabs. Be aware though, Chrome is still in beta testing and therefore may be prone to buggy behavior. (Free, 18.8 MB)

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VueScan 8.6.11 — Listed by TidBITS Talk members two years running as a top productivity software pick in our annual TidBITS Gift Guide (see “TidBITS Gift Guide 2009,” 7 December 2009, and “TidBITS Gift Guide 2008,” 8 December 2008), Hamrick Software’s scanning utility VueScan has been recently updated. The latest version addresses a compatibility issue with certain Dell all-in-one printers, a connectivity issue with the Photosmart D5400 printer, a failure of the skew box to update properly, and an interface problem with the multi-crop box. ($39.95 new, free update,
9.1 MB)

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Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 3.0 — Apple has released its latest Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update, which extends Aperture 3 and iPhoto ’09 support for a handful of cameras. Newly supported cameras and file formats include the Canon PowerShot S90, Canon sRAW, Canon mRAW, Leica D-LUX 4, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The update is available via Software Update and the Apple Support Downloads page. (Free, 6.43 MB)

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2009 Aluminum Keyboard Firmware Update 1.0 — Apple has released a firmware update for the 2009 Aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard that improves battery performance when using them in conjunction with other Bluetooth devices such as the Magic Mouse or some Bluetooth headsets. Apple notes that your keyboard must be connected or paired to be able to perform the update. More information regarding installation instructions is available on Apple’s Web site. The update is available via Software Update and the Apple Support Downloads page. (Free, 1.14 MB)

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Mac Pro Audio Update 1.0 — Apple’s Mac Pro Audio Update 1.0 for early 2009 Mac Pro models comes only with terse release notes, stating that the update “reduces processor utilization during audio activities such as playing or recording music.” More information regarding installation steps is available on Apple’s Web site. The update is available via Software Update and the Apple Support Downloads page. (Free, 1.64 MB)

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