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Steve Jobs: He Thinks Different
"Even I Didn't Know That Windows Had Gotten This Bad"
Worm Targets Mac's Latest Operating System
Apple Shows Off Mac OS X Tiger, Xcode
Apple Offers Mac OS X Conference Fleeting Look At Tiger
Three Secret Slick Tips For Your Mac
Spanish MP3 Site Owner To Pay RIAA $10m
Apple Computer Prospects Rise
Grubby Paws Against The Keyboard Of His Apple PowerBook
Recycle Your Old Computer Equipment for Free at Southern California MacFair 2004
China Aims to Rival Taiwan in Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing
Will Weather Keep Voters from the Polls on November 2nd?
Gene & Grayson Steinberg meet mp3.com music guru Eliot Van Buskirk, Pat Cooper of Lowry Digital Images and Symantec's Mac Product Manager, Mike Romo, tonight on The Mac Night Owl LIVE
Mac Night Owl: What Do You Do When They Ask You to Click the Start Menu?[/url]


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Steve Jobs: He Thinks Different

Businessweek's Peter Burrows in The Great Innovators Archive notes:

"More than anyone else, Apple's co-founder has brought digital technology to the masses

"As part of its anniversary celebration, BusinessWeek is presenting a series of weekly profiles of the greatest innovators of the past 75 years. Some made their mark in science or technology; others in management, finance, marketing, or government. For profiles of all the innovators we've published so far, and more, go to:
http://www.businessweek.com/innovators/

"Jobs's contribution? More than anyone else, he brought digital technology to the masses. As a visionary, he saw that computers could be much more than drab productivity tools. Instead, they could help unleash human creativity and sheer enjoyment. A marketing genius, he conceived of elegant products that captured consumers' imaginations. And as a relentless perfectionist, he came up with creations that actually delivered on their promise -- raising the bar for rivals. "From the time he was a kid, Steve thought his products could change the world," says Lee Clow, chairman of TBWA/Chiat/Day and Jobs' longtime ad man.

"So far, 49-year-old Jobs has done just that three times......"

For the full report, visit here:
http://businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_44/b3906025_mz072.htm






"Even I Didn't Know That Windows Had Gotten This Bad"

So says Bill Palmer

"Did I really manage to let the weekend pass without posting anything? Well at least I had an excuse, as I was out of town, and the trip did yield an interesting story that really opened my eyes as to the current state of the Windows platform, which I think I'll share with you now...

The funny thing about using Windows is that you find out pretty quickly that certain websites you visit every day are guilty of throwing pop-up ads at visitors, except you never knew about it, because Safari's pop-up blocking actually works.....

"I'm pretty sure MacMinute.com isn't set up to throw a pornographic pop-up ad at its visitors, and I'm quite certain that visiting the mac.com webmail login in page isn't supposed to trigger a pop-up ad for viagra. In fact, at one point so many pop-up ads were appearing on the screen, one after another, that I had trouble locating the actual browser window.....

"You know, I've heard one too many horror stories of people's Windows PCs falling into what they would describe as a nearly unusable state due to the ad-ware, spy-ware, and mal-ware that had built up in their computer...but I never could have imagined that it was this bad......"

You can check it out at:
http://www.billpalmer.net/2004/10/even-i-didnt-know-that-windows-had.html







Worm Targets Mac's Latest Operating System

NewScientist.com news service reports:

"The discovery of malicious computer code designed to attack Apple’s latest operating system has shaken Macintosh users, and bucked the trend of virus writers targeting only Microsoft software....

"A vulnerability was discovered in OS X in May and at that time a security expert wrote a program that exploited it as a demonstration. But the newly-discovered code is one of the first instances of code written with malicious intent.

"Like many Windows viruses, the malware, called 'Opener' or 'Renepo' (Opener backwards), scours files on an infected computer for passwords. Any found are copied to a hidden file which is accessible to remote hackers.

"It also switches off security features such as firewalls and installs key-logging software that records a user’s keystrokes, which could include credit card numbers, say anti-virus vendors Sophos and Symantec. The virus only attacks Apple’s OS X operating system."

For the full report, visit here:
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996576






Apple Shows Off Mac OS X Tiger, Xcode

Technology - Ziff Davis reports:

"Apple Computer Inc. on Tuesday offered a crowd of developers, consultants and IT managers here a preview of Mac OS 10.4, the next version of the company's Macintosh operating system, code-named Tiger. The software is due in spring 2005, Apple managers said.

"Demonstrated at the O'Reilly Media Inc.'s Mac OS X Conference here, Apple provided attendees perhaps the second up-close look at Tiger, since its premiere at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in June.

"'I know you've heard statements like this before, but this is without a doubt going to be the biggest [operating system] release for developers in Mac history,' said Apple Senior Product Line Manager Chris Bourdon during his Tiger presentation."

For the full report, visit:
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/zd/20041026/tc_zd/138120






Apple Offers Mac OS X Conference Fleeting Look At Tiger

ITManagersJournal.com's Chris Preimesberger reports:

"At the Mac OS X Conference here Tuesday, Apple Computer tantalized several hundred developers and assorted consultants, IT managers, and media types with a second fleeting look at Tiger, code name for version 10.4 of the Mac operating system. CEO Steve Jobs introduced it June 28 at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference.

"It's still somewhat early to be showing off the new operating system version, due out in spring 2005. In fact, there are still a lot of tweaks to be made, and the press and developer kits aren't ready. But the preview hoo-haw must go on, and even a few morsels of new information are happily lapped up by those committed to Mac development....

"Three of the top-tier features in Tiger are a systemwide Spotlight Search, Safari RSS (Real Simple Syndication), support for Web development, and the new -- and very impressive -- Automator scripting apparatus."

You can check it out at:
http://www.itmanagersjournal.com/article.pl?sid=04/10/27/0434219







Three Secret Slick Tips For Your Mac

mac360's Tera Patricks says:

"Here’s something you can use on your Mac right now. Secret Slick Tips: Uncovered, Unleashed, Exposed. Just like the titles in those expensive Mac books. Only these tips are free. Hurry, they’re going fast.

"There’s no shortage of cool things your Mac can do that you probably didn’t know it could do. It won’t wash your car, or predict a winner in the World Series (St. Louis in six; Bambino rules), but there are plenty of little things most users don’t know about because Apple, in whatever wisdom can be garnered when market share is at 2.2-percent, decided not to tell us.

"Now those very same hidden, secret slick killer tips are uncovered, unleashed, exposed, and available for the hitherto unknown price of, uh, well, they’re free. Read on."

Secret Slick Tip #1 - Put your Mac to sleep in two seconds flat.
Secret Slick Tip #2 - Launch Favorite Applications on Startup.
Secret Slick Tip #3 - Move It Back Again
Bonus Slick Tip - Print PDF

For full details visit here.






Spanish MP3 Site Owner To Pay RIAA $10m

The Register's Tony Smith reports:

"Four men who attempted to use what they believed was a loophole in Spanish law to allow them to sell MP3s online legally, along with the company behind the site they ran, have agreed to pay music labels $10.5m to settle the copyright infringement case brought against them by the Recording Industry Ass. of America (RIAA)."

For the full report, visit here.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/27/puretunes_settlement/







Apple Computer Prospects Rise

Forbes reports:

"Merrill Lynch raised estimates on Apple Computer after the company unveiled its iPod Photo--earlier than the research firm expected--and announced the iPod U2 special edition. With the iPod Photo starting at $499 and the U2 edition starting at $349, Merrill said the prices might seem high for the new iPod models, 'but that was the initial reaction to the iPod Mini.' The firm said Apple believes it is seeing an iPod 'halo effect' on the Macintosh computer business and is gaining share in targeted markets. "

For the full report, visit here.
http://www.forbes.com/markets/2004/10/27/1027automarketscan04.html






Grubby Paws Against The Keyboard Of His Apple PowerBook

The Harvard Crimson's William L. Adams profiles a variety of personality types encoutered on campus, including:

"The Freshman. This irritating species usually surfaces in Core classes. He is distinguished by his coursepack, the pages of which are colored neon green and orange. When his hands aren’t raised, his grubby paws clasp either a highlighter or pound against the keyboard of his Apple PowerBook. This student arrives on time, sacrifices sleep in the name of impressing the teacher, but still earns a B+ on the midterm like everyone else. Muhaha."

You can check it out at:
http://www.thecrimson.com/today/article504092.html






Recycle Your Old Computer Equipment for Free at Southern California MacFair 2004

The Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 makes it illegal in California to improperly dispose of old computer equipment. This year, the Southern California MacFair 2004 ( http://www.macfair.org ) has made arrangements with ease e-waste, inc. ( http://ease-e-waste.com ) to provide attendees free disposal of their old computer equipment including monitors, CPU, fax machines, printers, servers, phone systems and virtually any office electronics product.

Attendees can drop off all their obsolete electronics at the ease e-waste recycling truck at the Southern California MacFair 2004 on Saturday and Sunday, November 13-14, held at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. All equipment will be recycled in compliance with the new California laws regulating electronic waste.

"When you consider that some computer manufacturers charge about $45 plus shipping to recycle just one computer and monitor, we are thrilled to be able to offer this service free to Macintosh users," states Keith Mueller, SoCal MacFair show manager. "So say your final good bye to your old Performa and Mac IIsi by cleaning out your garage and help save the environment."

As a special bonus, all attendees that bring equipment to be recycled will receive a special coupon for up to $30 off a new Macintosh computer from LA Computer Company ( http://lacomputercompany.com ) Certain conditions apply, complete details on coupon.

In addition, SoCal MacFair and ease e-waste, inc. will jointly conduct a charity cell phone drive at this year's event with all proceeds benefiting the Junior Diabetes Research Fund. Just bring any obsolete cell phones to the recycling area at the SoCal MacFair 2004 on Saturday or Sunday, November 13-14. Help us find a cure for this terrible disease.

The Southern California MacFair 2004 ( http://www.macfair.org ), the region's largest Macintosh event, returns for its third year at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California -- just a short drive from all major California freeways. Over 40 companies are participating in the event. Hands-on workshops and classes are scheduled Friday-Sunday, November 12-14. The vendor expo, presentation seminars and recycling are Saturday and Sunday, November 13-14, from 10a-5p. Two-day advanced online registration for the vendor expo, presentation seminars and door prize entry is only $19, credit cards accepted (save up to $21 off the daily onsite admission fee). Please use priority code RC-1. Parking is free on Saturday and Sunday. Complete details including a growing list of participating companies, presentation seminars, training workshops and online advance registrations available at:
http://www.macfair.org






China Aims to Rival Taiwan in Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing

The US-Taiwan Business Council has announced the availability of "Semiconductor Report - Third Quarter 2004", the latest in a series of quarterly reports analyzing emerging trends in the integrated relationship between the U.S., Taiwan, and China in the semiconductor industry.

The report analyzes the impact China's largest semiconductor foundry, Semiconductor Manufacturing International (SMIC), will have on the future growth of China's semiconductor industry, and globally, as SMIC continues to grow its list of partners, customers and technology offerings. SMIC opened China's first advanced 12-inch wafer fab in September, and is reportedly planning to begin supplying semiconductors using leading edge 90-nanometer (0.09-micron) technology in the first half of 2005.

SMIC's new manufacturing capability puts the company in a better position to compete with the world's leaders in advanced 12-inch semiconductor production based in Taiwan. Taiwan is home to the world's largest semiconductor foundries, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) and United Microelectronics (UMC), as well as leading DRAM manufacturers. According to the report, "it will take longer for SMIC to catch up to the Taiwan foundry giants, but at its current rate of progress, it may only be a matter of years."

Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturers are limited in their ability to effectively compete in China, as the Taiwan government has restricted companies to using mature 8-inch wafer fabs with 0.25-micron or larger manufacturing technologies. TSMC is the only Taiwan foundry to open a fab in China, and is lobbying the Taiwan government to allow 0.18-micron manufacturing so it can compete with its Chinese rivals. According to the report, "TSMC's presence in China will surely have an impact, (but) the limits on its technology offerings there mean SMIC will still be the China-based foundry of choice." Changes to the Taiwan government restrictions are not expected until at least next year, providing SMIC "enough time to begin mass production at the most advanced technology available - free of any competition in its home market."

The Council is closely monitoring developments in China's semiconductor industry, particularly its 12-inch manufacturing capabilities. According to Council President Rupert Hammond-Chambers, "the Council is also monitoring rising tensions in the cross-Strait environment. Taiwan is a key provider of semiconductors and information technology goods for the global technology industry, with manufacturing both domestically and in China. The potential supply chain disruptions resulting from a conflict between Taiwan and China would have profound implications for the global economy."

For more information, visit:
http://www.us-taiwan.org






Will Weather Keep Voters from the Polls on November 2nd?

Weathernews, the world's largest, publicly-traded, full-service weather company, has launched a Web site dedicated to news about weather's impact on the election: [url=http://www.WeatherToVote.com]http://www.WeatherToVote.com[/url]

WHAT: http://www.WeatherToVote.com displays weather patterns for battleground states, including a U.S. map that indicates the degree to which weather might affect voter turnout in several notable markets. The map also features clickable battleground states showing the percentage chance of adverse temperatures and precipitation for each state.

WHY: David Montroy, a Weathernews meteorologist, explains: "Many factors impact voter turnout, but weather plays a vital role, especially in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania where November weather patterns tend to be rather volatile."

Studies show voter turnout to be directly linked to weather. In previous elections, turnout has been significantly impacted by inclement weather. According to Weathernews' Election Day Study, 11 states and 141 electoral votes will be at risk due to voters who might not make it to the polls because of inclement weather.

WHEN: http://www.WeatherToVote.com is live now through November 2nd.







Gene & Grayson Steinberg meet mp3.com music guru Eliot Van Buskirk, Pat Cooper of Lowry Digital Images and Symantec's Mac Product Manager, Mike Romo, tonight on The Mac Night Owl LIVE

Now on Thursday Night!

October 28, 2004: Meet The Mac Night Owl, the incomparable Gene Steinberg, Mac author and columnist extraordinaire. Get to know Gene, and discover his unique, thought-provoking viewpoints about the technology universe, with the emphasis on Macs.

This week, Gene and Grayson will talk about the latest Apple music announcements with Eliot Van Buskirk, Technology Editor for mp3.com. And, movie fans, Pat Cooper of Lowry Digital Images will be on hand to tell us how they used 600 Power Mac G5's to restore such famous films as the "Star Wars" Trilogy. In addition, Mike Romo, Mac Product Manager for Symantec will be on hand to talk about potential security and virus threats for Mac OS X.

Special Notice: We are now able to take your calls on the air toll-free from any location in the U.S. We'll announce the number during show time so stay tuned.

You can tune into the broadcast tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 to 11:00 PM Eastern, at http://www.macradio.com/Friday . An archive of the show will be available for listening at your convenience within eight hours of the original broadcast.







Mac Night Owl: What Do You Do When They Ask You to Click the Start Menu?

Them's fightin' words!

Here's the URL for today's commentary:

http://www.macnightowl.com/index.htm#menu



***



Charles W. Moore


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