Thursday, May 31, 2007

Apple DRM-free Music -- Isn't

Now that DRM-free music can be purchased from the Apple iTunes store, you can spread the joy around town, right? Wrong.

Net users have discovered that the music sold as DRM-free (digital rights management; essentially means it's encrypted) at the iTunes store, incorporates the name and e-mail address of the purchaser. Presumably, "DRM-free" music ending up on peer-to-peer file sharing services (BitTorrent, etc) may be tracked back to the original purchaser with potentially ill consequences.

Buyer beware. DRM-free music isn't.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Apple Serves More Update Slices with iTunes 7.2

Apple Inc. served up iTunes 7.2 today. The free download for Mac and PC offers the ability to,"preview and purchase iTunes Plus music--new higher-quality, DRM-free music downloads from participating music labels." DRM-free music has no copy restrictions and is sold at a premium price. Available now under Software Update.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Yet Another Security Update - Deja Vu

Apple offers up a QuickTime Update fixing Java vulnerabilities. The fix is found in the Software Update selection in the Apple Menu. The fix is recommended for all OS X and Windows users.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Security Gets Boost with OS Upgrade

Apple Inc released Security Update 2007-005 fixing issues with iChat and other, OS-related vulnerabilities. Download and install the update from Software Update from the Apple Menu.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Apple MacBooks Get a Spring Boost

The popular MacBook laptop received a processor boost (2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz) and an increase in factory-installed memory (1 GHz) today.

Peering into my crystal ball, this is speculatively the last upgrade before the fall school semester for the MacBook, but I am expecting a major MacBook Pro upgrade during the summer.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Microsoft Office Offers Security Update

Microsoft has posted software update 11.3.5 for Office Mac 2004. The update patches security holes and serves up stability improvements for Office 2004 only. Office 2001 support was discontinued earlier this year.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Apple Issues Security and Wi-Fi Updates

Apple Inc released QuickTime 7.1.6 patch installer today to fix "critical security" issues. All Mac users should install this patch to plug existing security holes in QuickTime 7.

AirPort Extreme Update 2007 is now available for all Intel Mac users to download and install. This patch "includes compatibility updates for certain third-party access points configured to use WPA or WPA2" encryption. I recommend all users install this patch.

Both software patches may be installed through the Software Update selection in the Apple Menu "Software Update..."

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