This week’s issue has an emphasis on security, though in more practical ways than usual. Wondering what the fuss is about the “Mac botnet” stories last week? Rich Mogull explains that it’s nothing new and lays out five tips for how to evaluate Mac security stories. For Microsoft Office users, there’s a security update that’s worth getting, along with the news that Office 2004 will hit its end-of-life date on 13-Oct-09. On the data security side of the fence, Joe Kissell describes the newest online backup service to hit the Mac, Backblaze. We also just released the latest version of “Take Control of Your Wi-Fi Security,” co-authored by Glenn Fleishman and Adam Engst. But we’re not above having some fun, so we’re pleased that Julio Ojeda-Zapata joined us to compare three new Twitter clients: the just-released Tweetie and the still-beta Nambu and Lounge. Interesting software releases this week include Airfoil Speakers Touch, which turns an iPhone or iPod touch into a wireless audio receiver, along with Drive Genius 2.1.1, Server Admin Tools 10.5.6v1.1, iMovie 8.0.2, Aperture 2.1.3, and SpamSieve 2.7.4.
Microsoft has updated Office 2008 and Office 2004, fixing a critical security issue in both versions and issuing a handful of undisclosed performance improvements.
Ever wish you had access to all the audio you can play from your Mac even when you're trimming the hedge outside? Rogue Amoeba's latest app, Airfoil Speakers Touch, enables users to turn an iPhone or iPod touch into a wireless speaker.
The Backblaze online backup service, in private beta testing since September 2008, is now available to the general public - with new and highly appealing features.
If you're concerned about the security of your wireless network, the latest version of "Take Control of Your Wi-Fi Security," by Glenn Fleishman and Adam Engst, has the real-world advice you need to set up the appropriate level of security for your needs and budget.
Worried about the latest Apple security story? Follow these five tips to find out if you're really at risk.
Unsatisfied with your current Twitter client, but overwhelmed by the number of options out there? Julio Ojeda-Zapata, tired of using Twitter from his Web browser, tries out three new Twitter applications for the Mac: Nambu, Lounge, and the just-released Tweetie.
Notable software releases this week include Drive Genius 2.1.1, Server Admin Tools 10.5.6v1.1, iMovie 8.0.2, Aperture 2.1.3, and SpamSieve 2.7.4.
Read on for a collection of links to the most interesting articles and resources that the TidBITS staff discovered on the Web this week.
This week's discussions revolve around setting up an FTP server, making a local backup of IMAP email, the security of Backblaze, the way iPhoto uses contact information for Faces, taking an iPhone from the United States to New Zealand, digitizing old analog audio tapes, replacing the old Pop Up Folders program, and solving a Mac OS 8.6 AppleScript problem.