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Filed under: OS Updates

Filed under: OS Updates, Hardware, Apple

Atom support back in Mac OS X, Hackintosh netbooks not dead after all

by Jay Hathaway Nov 5th 2009

We recently reported some bad news for Hackintosh enthusiasts: Apple's upcoming OS update, OS X 10.6.2, had removed support for Intel Atom processors. None of Apple's hardware uses Atom, but some of the most popular netbooks do, so that news affected a big chunk of the unauthorized OS X installs out there. With the latest developer build of 10.6.2, though, Apple seems to have flip-flopped and reintroduced Atom support.

A couple of possible explanations come to mind: removing Atom support could have been a bug, or it could have been an intentional, yet temporary, measure. On the other hand, maybe flipping the Atom switch back on is temporary. We really don't know, because Apple hasn't commented. The company is notorious for taking measures to keep its OS running exclusive on Macintosh hardware, so this could still go either way. For now, though, enjoy having a netbook with the very latest build of OS X

[via Engadget]

Tags: apple, atom, hackintosh, intel atom, IntelAtom, netbook, os x 10.6.2, OsX10.6.2

Filed under: OS Updates, News, Web services, Google, Open Source

Google's new Dashboard sure would tie in nicely to Android, Chrome OS

Androidby Lee Mathews Nov 5th 2009

When a few blog sites yesterday happened upon Google's YouTube video of the new Dashboard, they moved quickly to pull it down. Though the original video is still MIA, Google made an official announcement of the new feature on their own blog last night and the video above is now ready for public consumption.

While Dashboard is now live -- you can check yours out at https://www.google.com/dashboard -- what's being talked about by most sites is how this move is all about transparency and privacy controls. Heck, even the official post hits on those points: "In an effort to provide you with greater transparency and control over their own data, we've built the Google Dashboard."

The post continues, "Designed to be simple and useful, the Dashboard summarizes data for each product that you use (when signed in to your account) and provides you direct links to control your personal settings."

That's fantastic, and I'm sure it's a big part of the story, but I can't help thinking that there's a tie-in to other Google projects. Perhaps Chrome OS and Android, for example?

Read more →

Tags: android, chrome, chrome os, ChromeOs, dashboard, google

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft, How-Tos

How to fix a Windows 7 upgrade from Vista that is stuck at 62%

Windowsby Lee Mathews Nov 2nd 2009

A number of message boards around the net have been receiving comments from users upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 who have been unable to complete the upgrade install.

Once the installer hits 62% complete, it locks up. You can sit and wait as long as you want, but it's not going anywhere.

The problem occurs when the Windows IPv6 helper service (which allows automatic IPv6 connectivity over a much more common IPv4 network) stops responding . Microsoft has posted a fix to this particular problem, and it's not terribly complicated.
  1. Restart the computer - your system will automatically roll back to Windows Vista.
  2. Click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
  3. System Properties will open. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Environment Variables.
  4. Click the New button.
  5. Enter MIG_UPGRADE_IGNORE_PLUGINS into the Variable name field.
  6. Copy the following bold text: iphlpsvcmigplugin.dll and paste it into the Variable value field (or type it manually)
  7. Click OK three times to close the dialog boxes.
  8. Re-launch your Windows 7 Upgrade installer!
Please note that this fix won't help if your install is stuck at some percentage other than 62. Strange but true. This is a specific fix for a very specific issue.

You may also want to run the System Readiness Tool for Vista and Windows 7 before trying the upgrade again. It can detect and correct certain issues that may cause trouble during the process.

Tags: error, failed, frozen, stuck, vista, win7, windows 7 upgrade, windows-7, Windows7Upgrade

Filed under: OS Updates, Hardware, Apple

Apple breaks Atom Hackintoshes with upcoming OS X 10.6.2 update

by Jay Hathaway Nov 2nd 2009

According to OSXDaily, Apple's next scheduled update to Snow Leopard, OS X 10.6.2, doesn't support Intel Atom processors. This is no problem for anyone on Apple hardware, because no Mac product runs an Atom. If you're on a hacked netbook, though, it looks like this is the end of the line for your OS X updates.

Although it's not confirmed, rumor has it that next update to Apple's previous Leopard OS (10.5.9) will also knock out Atom support. Until a workaround pops up from netbook hacker circles, Atom machines running 10.6.1 and 10.5.8 should probably avoid upgrading. Is Apple sending a message to users running its software on third-party machines? It seems likely, but it also doesn't seem like it will do much to stop determined netbook enthusiasts.

Tags: hackintosh, intel atom, IntelAtom, netbook, os x, os x 10.6.2, OsX, OsX10.6.2

Filed under: OS Updates, Utilities, Troubleshooting

Are your apps ready for Snow Leopard? SnowChecker can tell you

by Jay Hathaway Oct 31st 2009

If you aren't sure whether your favorite Mac apps are compatible with OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, SnowChecker can help. It scans your hard drive for apps, and then checks their compatibility against the info posted at snowleopard.wikidot.com. Not only does SnowChecker show you whether your apps are incompatible, it also gives you details notes about which features are broken.

To quickly see which apps are going to have issues under 10.6 and might need to be updated - either by you or by the app's developer - sort the list by status. Red Xs are apps whose functionality is completely borked in Snow Leopard, while yellow alerts represent apps where one or more inessential functions don't work. SnowChecker will sometimes even offer a workaround for these, like running the app in 32-bit mode or disabling Google Gears. Snow Leopard has been out for a while, but if you're just installing now, you should run SnowChecker first to figure out what your compatibility options are.

Tags: compatibility, OS X 10.6, OsX10.6, snow leopard, snowchecker, SnowLeopard

Filed under: Games, OS Updates, Microsoft

Gamers: Save $100 and get DirectX 11 for Vista!

by Sebastian Anthony Oct 30th 2009

At long last -- and some would wonder why now, after the release of Windows 7 -- DirectX 11 is finally available for Windows Vista.

This means, while still taking a performance hit for running Vista, you could in theory divert that $100 you would spend on Windows 7 into a new, DirectX 11-enabled graphics card!

To obtain it, you need to download the 'Platform Update' which includes a lot of other updates for the Windows Vista and Server 2008 operating systems -- but other than the addition of DirectCompute (which I discussed in my previous feature on DirectX 11), there isn't a whole lot to report. Currently there is also no redistributable package -- something they have always done for previous versions of DirectX. I'm sure it will follow soon.

[via DailyTech but by God, be warned: their site takes about 5 minutes to render...]

Tags: directx, directx 11, Directx11, update, windows vista, WindowsVista

Filed under: OS Updates, Linux, Canonical

Millions of Karmic Koalas descend on the 'net as Ubuntu 9.10 downloads go live

Linuxby Lee Mathews Oct 29th 2009


We've been looking at Ubuntu 9.10 for a while now in anticipation of the big day. It's finally here, and the full release of Karmic Koala is now available for download.

As usual, there are plenty of ways to get your hands on the new OS. Unlike Windows 7, that includes certified, honest to goodness torrents straight from Canonical. They're already fairly well seeded, so P2P downloads should be nice and speedy.

To save you sifting through the massive list of links, here are the three big ones:
There's also a new release of WUBI [direct download] for those of you who want to do a hands-free Ubuntu 9.10 install from the comfort of your current Windows desktop.

Tags: karmic, karmic koala, karmic-koala, KarmicKoala, ubuntu, ubuntu-9.10

Filed under: OS Updates, Google, Op-Ed

Clearing the air (again) about what Google Chrome OS is and isn't

by Lee Mathews Oct 28th 2009

Thanks in no small part to an errant Gizmodo post this morning, the blogosphere is once again atwitter with musings of a "leaked" Chrome OS build that we can all download and enjoy.

Wrong, wrong, wrong. First and foremost, the "build" they're talking about is a fan-built Linux distro with Chrome bolted on created using SUSE Studio. Second, no official Google project is going to be hosted as a subdomain on Google Sites. No way. They've already got a domain registered for ChromeOS.

Third, it's not really that close to what Chrome OS is going to be.

Don't count on any desktop apps - such as OpenOffice and Gimp - to be included. The aim as I understand it from sources at Google is to provide a portable computing experience that relies very heavily upon access to the cloud.

Google's vision is for you to boot, sign in to the OS using their single sign-on cookie which preps your browser to access all your Google goodies (GMail, Docs, Picasa Web, etc.), and get down to business with the Chrome browser. Sign out of your session on your netbook, sign in on your desktop onto which you've managed to get Chrome OS installed and your desktop will look exactly as you left it on your netbook. Your sessions are saved in the cloud and follow you from machine to machine.

For users who want a fast-booting alternative with quick access to a browser, Chrome OS might be the right choice. Personally, though, my Windows 7 and Fedora installs resume very quickly from sleep and I'd rather have access to my full-blown desktops.

Bottom line: we won't know how cool Chrome OS is until Google gives us a peek - whether that's a genuine leak or a developer build.

Tags: chrome, chrome os, ChromeOs, google, google chrome, GoogleChrome

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Filed under: OS Updates

Microsoft responds to Windows 7 student upgrade SNAFU with direct ISO download

by Lee Mathews Oct 28th 2009

A few days ago we offered some help to students who were having trouble with their Digital River-provided Windows 7 upgrade download. If you want to go a more direct route, Microsoft and Digital River now have something a bit more straightforward to offer.

Update links:

Home Premium x86: http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65732/X15-65732.iso
Home Premium x64: http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65733/X15-65733.iso
Professional x86: http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65804/X15-65804.iso
Professional x64: http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65805/X15-65805.iso

Thanks to Phil for the update!

Also, don't bother downloading this ISO if you don't have a valid student-only product key. You'll probably be able to install it, but your key won't activate the OS.

Your product key MUST MATCH the version you install. A Pro key will not activate a Home Premium install.

Once you download the disc, just open the ISO with your favorite burning software and burn it to a DVD - or drop it on a 4GB or larger USB drive using Microsoft's free utility.

Tags: digital river, DigitalRiver, student upgrade, StudentUpgrade, windows 7 student, windows-7, windows7, Windows7Student

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Filed under: OS Updates, Google, Mobile, Android

Google launches Android 2.0 SDK

by Brad Linder Oct 27th 2009

Android Quick ContactGoogle is unveiling some of the features of its next-generation mobile operating system with the launch of an updated Software Development Kit. That means developers can already begin writing programs for Android 2.0 even though the first phone to run the operating system won't officially be launched until tomorrow.

So what's new in Google Android 2.0? Here's a shortlist:
  • Support for multiple email Google and Exchange accounts on each device, allowing you to sync with multiple email accounts and address books
  • Quick Contact feature that lets you pull up a contact's communication methods (email, SMS, phone, etc) with a single click
  • Combined inbox with email from multiple accounts
  • Search saved SMS and MMS messages
  • Auto-delete old messages in a conversation after a limit is reached
  • Improved keyboard with multi-touch support
  • Dictionary automatically includes contact names as suggestions, learns from words you enter
  • Web browser now includes web page thumbnails for bookmarks
  • Double-tap to zoom in broser
  • HTML5 support in web browser
  • Infinite scrolling in the calendar
  • Bluetooth 2.1 support
There's also support for digital zoom, white balance, and macro focus in the camera application. You can find a more detailed list at the Android Developers page.

You can also see some of the new features in action including a pretty nifty demonstration of how two Android devices can interact with one another in the video after the break.

[via Engadget]

Read more →

Tags: google-android, google-android-2.0, mobile

Filed under: OS Updates, Linux, Canonical

Canonical to limit free Ubuntu CD distribution program

Linuxby Brad Linder Oct 26th 2009

Ubuntu Shipit
On Thursday the folks at Canonical will release Ubuntu 9.10, the latest version of the popular Linux distribution. But as the operating system grows more and more popular, there's one service that Canonical has been offering for years that gets more and more expensive. Up until now, if you wanted to install Ubuntu, you could either download a disc image and burn it to a CD or DVD or sign up to have Canonical send you a free CD.

But the thing about free CDs is that somebody has to pay for them. And in this case, it's Canonical that's footing the bill. And the more people request the free CDs, the higher that bill gets. So Canonical has decided to place a few limits on the ShipIt program for distributing those CDs.

The discs will still be made available to Local Community team members and Ubuntu contributors. And new Ubuntu users will be able to request a CD. But you need to create an account and sign in to request that CD. In other words, Canonical will be tracking you and will only send you a free CD the first time you ask for one. After that, you'll be expected to either upgrade to the next version of Ubuntu by downloading software updates or by purchasing a disc from the Ubuntu Store.

[via PC Pro]

Tags: shipit, ubuntu

Filed under: OS Updates, Social Software

Microsoft's new Twitter account offers quick, brief Windows 7 tech support

by Brad Linder Oct 26th 2009

@MicrosoftHelps
Windows 7 wasn't the only thing Microsoft launched last week. The company also introduced a new Twitter account, called @MicrosoftHelps, that offers customer support for Windows 7 users.

Basically, if you have a problem with Windows 7, a question about features, driver support or pretty much anything else, you can just direct it at @MicrosoftHelps, and it looks like there's actually a decent chance of getting a response. Of course, you could also try contacting Microsoft Support via email or phone. But I have to admit, I kind of like the idea of forcing tech support people to provide answers in 140 characters or less... even if a fair number of the messages posted in the company's Twitter feed include links to other web pages.

Oh yeah, and since there's no good way to charge for tech support over Twitter at this point, @MicrosoftHelps is available as a free public service for now.

[via MakeUseOf]

Tags: microsoft, microsofthelps, tech-support, twitter, windows-7, windows7

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft

Save $80 on your Windows 7 purchase - the Upgrade does full installs, too

Windowsby Sebastian Anthony Oct 23rd 2009

Paul Thurott and a friend over at the SuperSite Blog have worked out how to perform a clean Windows 7 install using the upgrade disc. Come again?

That's right: save $80 and buy the Windows 7 Upgrade disc, because you can use it to perform a clean, full-featured installation. Awesome!

The instructions are as follows:

1. Perform a clean installation using the Upgrade disc -- this should work without a hitch.

2. Make sure there are no Windows Updates pending -- if there's an orange shield icon next to the Shutdown button in the Start Menu, that means you need to reboot before attempting the next steps.

3. Open 'regedit.exe' from the Start Menu -- just type it in there, where it says: Search programs and files. Accept the User Account Control dialogue that pops up to give yourself Windows 7 superpowers.

4. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE/

5. Change MediaBootInstall from '1' to '0'

6. Open the Start Menu again and type 'cmd' -- use ctrl+shift+enter to run it as an elevated-permissions user

7. Finally, type slmgr /rearm -- and press enter.

Your computer will now reboot and run the Activate Windows utility. Type in your product key aaaaaaand, as the SuperSite Blog says: voila! Much love, Paul.

Tags: cheap, tricks, upgrade, windows 7, windows-7, windows7

Filed under: OS Updates, Utilities, Apple

Windows 7 will (officially) work in Apple's Boot Camp before 2010

by Jay Hathaway Oct 22nd 2009

Intrepid Boot Camp users have found ways to run Windows 7 on their Macs, but Apple hasn't officially supported their efforts thus far. With the release of Windows 7 today, Apple has announced official Boot Camp support is on the way, and plans to release an update before the end of the year. The update may be Snow Leopard only, however, and won't work on some older Intel Macs.

As MacRumors notes, there are already alternative ways to run Windows 7 on a Mac. You can go the virtual machine route with Parallels which supports 32-bit Windows 7, or wait a week for the newest version of VMWare Fusion, which will support 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the OS.

[via Engadget]

Tags: apple, boot camp, BootCamp, os x, OsX, windows 7, Windows7

Filed under: OS Updates, Utilities

Don't want Windows 7? Psystar makes it easy to install Mac OS X on any computer

by Jay Hathaway Oct 22nd 2009

If all the excitement about Windows 7 isn't floating your boat, you might be interested to see that notorious Mac cloners Psystar have released an app that makes it easy to run any OS - including Apple's OS X - on any machine.

Psystar's app, Rebel EFI, just needs to be burnt to a CD, and from there users can follow instructions to install the OS of their choice. No word yet on how this might play into Apple's lawsuit against Psystar for selling PC hardware with OS X preinstalled.

The full version is $49.99, but a working demo is available for free. The demo will apparently stick you with "limited hardware functionality," so it might be good to test it on a backup machine, and then buy the full version for your main PC.

Although Win7 was released today, Psystar says it's compatible with Rebel EFI. Not such a big deal for Mac users, who already have a few ways to run Windows operating systems on their Intel hardware.

[via Macrumors]

Tags: mac clone, MacClone, os x, OsX, psystar, rebel EFI, RebelEfi

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