New and Noteworthy: Writer apologizes to Jobs; "Switchers" need few apps; Windows update criticism; Real's petition

Writer apologizes to Jobs In a Business Week article, Alex Salkever publishes a public apology to Apple CEO Steve Jobs -- the result of a deal the two made after Salkever said the iPod mini would prove to be a flop: "Well, the mini is not a flop. In fact, it's a hit. I can't deny it. So, here's my apology, Steve. The mini is no Cube. I was wrong, and you were right." More.

Few extra programs needed if switching An article in the Syracuse Post-Standard claims that "switchers" from Windows to Mac may not need to buy new software: "If you're considering switching to a Mac, you're probably wondering if you'll need to buy a lot of new software. Maybe not. Apple's OS X computers might not need extra software to do the tasks you want." More.

Windows update drawing criticism A Cnet article notes that security researchers are finding flaws in the recent major update to Windows XP -- which was focused on plugging security holes: "Thor Larholm, senior security researcher with vulnerability-assessment company PivX Solutions...has been looking for holes in the security of SP2 since the update was released and has notified Microsoft about several issues, but he would not discuss the details. 'I'm positive that we will see critical flaws over the next few weeks, and worms that will circumvent SP2 features over the next few months,' he said...Security researchers also point out that Microsoft has not solved some well-known issues with a few of the security technologies incorporated into SP2." More.

Real's online petition backfires The Seattle Post-Intelligencer cover's Real's online "petition" to Apple, which ended up attracting more anti-Real messages than it did supporters of the petition: "The electronic petition, which sought the names and comments of visitors, was expressed as a public-spirited appeal on RealNetworks' new 'Freedom of Music Choice' site. It urged Apple to support the concept of making digital music from services other than its iTunes Music Store playable on its iPod music player. But what the Seattle-based company heard from visitors leaving comments on the petition was quite different: RealNetworks, bug off." More.

Previously on MacFixIt:

• Mac OS X 10.3.5 (#7): FireWire gone; fan/sleep issues; unrecognized RAM; more
• Odds and Ends: AppleCare price negotiable?; Knowledge Base updates
• Utilities Updates: BRU; Netscape; Bookit; Spring Cleaning; Radmin; sterMachine; Backdrop Folders
• New and Noteworthy: Longer G5 delays; Switcher; Apple focuses on European market; Apple LCD pixel policy; PC infected in 20 min

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