issues posts

Filed under: Gaming, Software, UNIX / BSD, Snow Leopard

CrossOver Games 8.0 released

by Mike Schramm (RSS feed) on Sep 3rd, 2009

Codeweavers tells us that they've released version 8 of their Crossover Games software -- I tried it out a while ago, and found that while it was a pretty good way to play their recommended games, once you went off the reservation, things got a little hairy. Then again, that was a long time ago, and since then, they've updated the recommended games list quite a bit -- they're now saying that version 8 will allow you to play most of the Steam games, including the excellent Left 4 Dead, and the new Tales of Monkey Island episodic games.

Additionally (and perhaps we're burying the lead a little bit here), this version is completely compatible with Snow Leopard. So while you still may be banging your head against compatibility for some apps (I'm actually sort of glad now that SL was sold out at Best Buy when I went by to pick it up -- think I might just wait until the compatibility issues get ironed out), Crossover Games should work just fine.

And it of course works on both Mac and Linux, so if you have a spare 'nix box sitting around and want some Windows games running on it, there you go. Existing customers with a support entitlement can upgrade right away, the app can be bought for $40, or there's a free trial to try out as well if you'd rather do that.

Tags: codeweavers, compatibility, crossover-games, games, issues, left-4-dead, linux, mac, released, snow-leopard, steam, tales-of-monkey-island, version

Filed under: Enterprise, Productivity, Software Update

Patch for Microsoft Office 2008 XML issues now available

by Sang Tang (RSS feed) on Aug 7th, 2009

As promised, Microsoft has released a patch (dubbed version 12.2.1) to address issues that some Microsoft Office 2008 users have had with opening XML-based documents. When attempting to open a document in Microsoft Office 2008, some users have been presented with an error message that resembles the following:

"Microsoft Excel cannot open the file. You may have to download the latest updates for Office for Mac. Do you want to visit the Microsoft Web site for more information?"

For those who held off on the Service Pack 2 update, guess what? Surprise! Service Pack 2 is required to install the patch. Unlike many Mac apps, where update checks are found in an app's namesake menu, in Microsoft Office 2008 it's in the "help" menu. So, click on "help," and "check for updates" and you're all set. Well, you're all set if you already had Service Pack 2 installed. You're only halfway there if you didn't have it installed. If this is the case, simply do this again. And there you go. Opening XML on Microsoft Office 2008 is no longer XM-hell. (You can also download the patch from the Mactopia web site.)

Tags: excel, issues, microsoft office, MicrosoftOffice, patch, powerpoint, service pack 2, ServicePack2, word, xml

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, OS, Software Update, Leopard

Is the Mac OS X 10.5.7 update causing you grief?

by Steven Sande (RSS feed) on Jun 11th, 2009

Against my better judgment, I always download and install Mac OS X updates immediately. That has never caused an issue with any of my Macs until now. Since I installed 10.5.7 literally minutes after hearing about its release, I have been experiencing sporadic issues with USB on my first-generation Intel iMac.

A look through the Apple Support discussion forums showed that this isn't an isolated issue. A number of people have reported losing connectivity to USB hard disks and peripherals. What's rather discouraging to see, however, is that USB issues aren't the only problem that 10.5.7 hath wrought. Other frustrations reported in the forums include:

Loss of connectivity to Bluetooth peripherals including keyboards, mice, and phones
Monitor resolution issues (former resolution settings missing, colors "off", screen redraw oddities)
Mac crashing as it goes to sleep, having problems waking from sleep
No sound, or sound quality is bad
Intermittent problems with WiFi connectivity
Spontaneous shutdowns
Older MacBook Pros overheating

The list goes on and on... Some forum regulars report that the problems go away after downloading and installing the 10.5.7 Combo Updater (available at http://support.apple.com/downloads/), while others are still experiencing frustrating crashes even after attempting this fix.

TUAW wants to hear from readers who have experienced issues of any sort since updating a Mac to 10.5.7. If you have, what kind of problems are you seeing? What, if any, fixes have worked for you?

Tags: issues, mac os x 10.5.7, MacOsX10.5.7, software update, SoftwareUpdate

Filed under: Multimedia, Software Update, Macbook Pro, MacBook

Apple releases QuickTime 7.5.7, fixes HDCP issues

by Cory Bohon (RSS feed) on Nov 25th, 2008

Apple just updated QuickTime to version 7.5.7. This update is big news for users of the MacBook and MacBook Pro unibody computers because it fixes the problem where some users were unable to play protected movie files from iTunes on external displays. This is a problem that TUAW noted last week.

Here's what Software Update has to say about this update: This update is recommended for owners of MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro with Mini DisplayPort. The update addresses an issue where some standard definition purchases from the iTunes Store do not play on some external displays.

We're sure that this update will make many MacBook and MacBook Pro users happy when it comes to video playback on external displays. You can download this update by opening Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update), or by visiting the Apple Support Download Website. Continue reading to see a screenshot of Software Update.

Update: Please note that this update does not allow the playback of HD (High-Definition) content on external displays, you will only be able to view SD (Standard-Definition) content.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Continue reading “Apple releases QuickTime 7.5.7, fixes HDCP issues”

Tags: 7.5.7, breakingnews, display, issues, MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacbookPro, playback, QuickTime, update

Filed under: Software Update, Macbook Pro, MacBook

Apple releases Trackpad firmware update for MacBook and MacBook Pro

by Cory Bohon (RSS feed) on Nov 17th, 2008

If you are one of the early adopters who rushed out to purchase a MacBook/MacBook Pro, only to realize that the new Trackpad was a bit buggy, then you may be in for a treat. That's because Apple just released the much anticipated Trackpad fix for unrecognized clicks. Here's what Software Update tells us:

This firmware update addresses an issue where trackpad clicks may not be recognized on MacBook (Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (Late 2008) systems.

Apple notes that because this is a firmware update, you will need to follow the on-screen instructions after the download is completed through Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update). If you wish to download the installer file directly, you can do so by going to Apple's update download website. After you install the update, come back here and take part in our poll -- we would like to know if this took care of your Trackpad woes.

Thanks to everyone who sent in this tip!

Tags: breakingnews, firmware, issues, MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacbookPro, software, trackpad, update

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, OS, Software, Software Update, Leopard

Leopard delivery delays hit some areas

by Mike Schramm (RSS feed) on Oct 26th, 2007

Brian A. sent a tip to say he called his FedEx delivery manager in Huntsville, AL, and they told him that they were backed up with Leopard deliveries. Apparently, they weren't able to make the 10:30 AM deadline in some areas, and though delivery is still scheduled for sometime this afternoon, they'll be showing up late. How late? We're not sure, but hopefully not too late for Apple stores to receive their copies. Hopefully, this is just a hiccup in shipping, and not the start of a widespread delay.

In other news, reader Don also had a problem with his Leopard delivery-- when checking his tracking number with FedEx online, he noticed to his dismay that someone named "Ramirez" had already signed for his package (and he doesn't know anyone named Ramirez). He called Apple and they blamed FedEx, saying that FedEx was reusing tracking numbers, and the signature Don was seeing was for a different package.

And even if you have your copy, you may still be having problems-- Paul got his copy in Australia last night, but says Software Update has been zerged to death. With so many people trying to sign on and get their new apps, it may be a rough road for installers this weekend. Good luck out there.

Update: We've also heard about a delay out of Indy. If you were expecting Leopard in the US by 10:30am, odds are you don't have it yet.

Tags: delays, delivery, good-luck-out-there, issues, leopard, problems, shipping, software-update, zerg

Filed under: iWork, Software Update

iWork 06 "v2" updates

by David Chartier (RSS feed) on May 2nd, 2006

Updates for Keynote 3 and Pages 2 (iWork 06 versions) are available from Software Update. Oddly, they aren't point versions - they're "v2" of the updates Apple released just last week, and they're pretty large. Also, they both have the same description as last week's updates.

Keynote: "This update to Keynote 3.0 addresses issues with three-dimensional charts and textures. It also addresses a number of other minor issues. This update should be installed on all computers that share your Keynote 3.0 files, so that textures display properly."

Pages: "Pages 2.0.1 addresses issues with charts and image adjust. It also addresses a number of other minor issues."

They're both available from Software Update. I'd offer links to Apple's downloads pages, but as of this writing they don't appear to be posted on Apple's site.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in.

Tags: 06, 3D, charts, fixes, issues, iWork, Keynote, Pages, software, update, updates, v2

Filed under: iWork, Software Update

Software Update: Pages and Keynote (iWork '06)

by David Chartier (RSS feed) on Apr 26th, 2006

If you're an iWork '06 user, Software Update has a couple of presents for you: Pages 2.0.1 and Keynote 3.0.1.

About the Pages update (direct link): "addresses issues with charts and image adjust. It also addresses a number of other minor issues."

About Keynote's update (link): "addresses issues with three-dimensional charts and textures. It also addresses a number of other minor issues. This update should be installed on all computers that share your Keynote 3.0 files, so that textures display properly."

Enjoy.

Tags: 06, bug fixes, BugFixes, features, improvements, issues, iWork, Keynote, Pages, update

Filed under: iLife, Software Update

Software Update: GarageBand 3.0.2

by David Chartier (RSS feed) on Apr 24th, 2006

TUAW reader Mark H noticed that a software update is available for GarageBand. Version 3.0.2 weighs in at 32.2 MB (though both Mark H and I are on Intel Macs so your mileage may vary) and: "addresses issues with video handling, podcast exporting, and importing QuickTime markers. It also addresses a number of other minor issues."
Enjoy.

Tags: fixes, GarageBand, issues, podcast, QuickTime, Software Update, SoftwareUpdate, updates

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