Odds & Ends
Odds & Ends
MacInTax updates are here Previously, we reported that MacInTax updates listed on Intuit's web site were not actually available yet. Well, now they are. (Thanks, Rick Zaccone and others.)
Update: Despite several readers reporting success in getting these updates, an equal number are claiming to have had no luck. Erik Oliver even points to an Intuit web page that states: "MacInTax updates - No updates are currently available." At this time, I do not have an explanation for this discrepancy. Stay tuned.
Microtek USB Scanner software can "disable" G3/BW? Andrew McNaughton claims "The Microtek USB Scanner's CD contains an installer called USB Update. If you are using it with a G3/BW, be warned: It places the iMac version of the Mac OS ROM in the System Folder of the new G3s, thus disabling them." More generally, he adds: "Any installer that auto-installs the Mac OS ROM file previous to v1.2.x will disable the new G3s."
SuperDisk and DOS format issue Reader Dan Pinto writes that the VST SuperDisk drive for the PowerBook G3 Series will not format floppy disks or SuperDisks as DOS. He states that "VST knows about the problem and is working the issue."
Video capture work-around on G3/BW Brett Gross was having problems getting video capture to work with the XCLAIM VR (Rage Pro) card installed in his new G3/BW. He solved the problem by downgrading the ATI Video Digitizer extension from 3.0.3 to 2.0.1.
Memory leaks A page describing the fixes in Reunion 6.0.2 includes this more general tidbit: " Note: We also discovered that the Apple Guide extension causes memory leaks when guide documents reside in the System Folder/Extensions/Global Guide Files folder. You should either empty this folder or disable the Apple Guide extension." (Thanks, Dik Gregory.) MacInTouch is also reporting on an AppleShare IP memory leak bug.
FireWire and camera glitch MacInTouch reports that the FireWire ports on the new G3s do not work with Canon or Kodak digital still cameras. A firmware upgrade to the cameras is expected to fix the problem.
eMediaweekly is gone An eMediaweekly web page states: "Mac Publishing LLC today announced the immediate suspension of eMediaweekly. The newsweekly will cease publication with its Feb. 1, 1999, issue." eMediaweekly started after MacWEEK ceased publication. This means that Macworld is now Mac Publishing's only print publication. MacWEEK remains as an online only publication.
MacSpeedZone has a series of new items, including: (1) Cheap "No Cost" Trick To Improve Graphics Performance 25-50% - you take a big performance hit by setting your monitor to millions of colors. (2) Power Macintosh 7500/100 Processor Upgrade - how 29 different G3 processor cards will perform when installed in the 7500; (3) Specs on new G3s and iMac Rev C.
Connectix wins 1st round in Sony suit As reported by MacWEEK: A federal court in San Francisco refused to block distribution of Connectix's Virtual Game Station, dealing a blow to Sony's efforts to stop production of the PlayStation emulator.
AMUG ftp site issue A couple of readers reported having problems downloading updates posted last time (such as for Address Book and Mt. Everything) that linked to ftp.amug.org (the ftp site for the Arizona Macintosh Users Group). Apparently, the site allows a limited number of anonymous users; after that, you will get a message asking for a password before you can log on. If this happens, you will just have to try again later.
MacFixIt schedule If you are a relatively new reader of MacFixIt, welcome. We have received several emails recently inquiring about where the Tuesday and Thursday Late-Breakers updates are. As now stated on the bottom of the home page (and as has always been our policy), regularly schedules updates are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only. On occasion, updates will be more often.