- apple-list - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

FYI: your iPod and your ears...
by billing 03 Apr '06

03 Apr '06

...from: http://www.apple.com/sound/ http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/mar/29ipod.html Apple Provides Volume Limit Setting for iPod Sound travels in waves, produced when an object — such as a stereo speaker — pushes on the air around it, causing small changes in air pressure. To describe sound waves, acoustic experts refer to concepts such as frequency and amplitude. [...] Sound and Your Ears You can hear because your ears convert the vibrations of a sound wave in the air into signals that your brain interprets as sound. When the vibrations of a sound wave enter your ear, your eardrum and a set of tiny bones in your ear (the well-known hammer, anvil, and stirrup) amplify those vibrations. In your inner ear, these amplified vibrations move tiny hair cells that then convert the vibrations into nerve impulses sent to your brain. Your brain then interprets these nerve impulses as sound. If you expose your ears to excessive sound pressure, you can harm those small hair cells in your ears. And if harmed, those hair cells can lose the ability to transmit sound to your brain. As a result, you could experience noise-induced hearing loss. Symptoms can include distorted or muffled sound or difficulty understanding speech. While you can experience noise-induced hearing loss as a result of a one-time exposure to an extremely loud sound — like a gunshot — noise- induced hearing loss can also occur as a result of repeated exposure to loud sounds over time. CUPERTINO, California—March 29, 2006—Apple® today announced a software update for the iPod® nano and fifth generation iPod, allowing customers to easily set their own personal maximum volume limit. The software update also gives parents the ability to set a maximum volume limit on their child’s iPod and lock it with a combination code. “As the leading provider of digital music players, Apple continuously brings iPod customers innovative and easy to use solutions,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. “With the increased attention in this area, we want to offer customers an easy to use option to set their own personal volume limit.” The new software update 1.1.1 is available immediately as a free download for the iPod nano and the fifth generation iPod from www.apple.com/ipod/download. The new Volume Limit feature works with any headphone or accessory plugged into the iPod headphone jack as well as the iPod Radio Remote. For further information on safe listening with iPod, please visit www.apple.com/sound. [...] Press Contacts: Tom Neumayr Apple (408) 974-1972 tneumayr(a)apple.com Natalie Kerris Apple (408) 974-6877 nat(a)apple.com

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INTEREST: Australia forces ISPs to attack spam; US government intercedes for Microsoft
by billing 31 Mar '06

31 Mar '06

...from: http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-6055378.html?tag=nl.e622 By Will Sturgeon, Silicon.com Published on ZDNet News: March 29, 2006, 8:32 AM PT Australia, which already has antispam legislation in place, has introduced a code of practice that will force Internet service providers to be more proactive in stamping out unsolicited bulk e-mail. The Australian Communications and Media Authority is building on the relative success of the country's 2003 Spam Act to ensure that businesses and consumers are protected from a deluge of unwanted e-mail. "The phenomenon of spam...continues to materially impact on e-mail as a communications medium," states the conduct code document, released on Wednesday. Although many countries have recognized spam as an issue, few have been able to react to it effectively. However, it's long been suggested that Internet service providers, which carry much of the e- mail, could solve the problem of spam overnight. "Since senders of spam require the services of service providers in order to send their spam, enlisting the support of those service providers has the potential of being an efficient and also a more proactive way of addressing the spam problem," according to the code document. As such, ISPs serving the Australian public must proactively scan traffic for open relays and botnets, networks of compromised PCs used for sending spam. In addition, spam filters must be offered and clearly advertised by each Australian ISP. ISPs must include clauses in all contracts that allow them to disconnect a user if they are knowingly or unwittingly relaying spam, once the ISP has taken "reasonable steps to notify the subscriber of the breach and (provided) reasonable assistance," the code says. They must also restrict inbound connections to any service that allows forwarding of e-mail on behalf of third parties. [...] ========================== ...from: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/31/business/worldbusiness/31soft.html? th&emc=th U.S. Asks European Union to Be Fair in Microsoft Case By PAUL MELLER Published: March 31, 2006 BRUSSELS, March 30 — The United States government has intervened in Microsoft's antitrust dispute with the European Commission, urging it and the 25 national governments in the European Union to be fair to the company, American diplomats and European officials said on Thursday. Microsoft has complained frequently in recent months that it has been denied the right to a fair defense in the continuing antitrust case with the European Commission. It has also accused the commission of collaborating with its rivals in the software industry and denying it access to what it contends are vital documents it needs to prepare its defense. A memo written by unidentified government officials in Washington stated that Microsoft's complaints raise "substantial concerns" about the way Microsoft is being treated, according to a person close to the commission who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the memo. The memo was distributed this week through embassies in Europe and through the United States mission to the European Union in Brussels. United States diplomats visited the offices of three European commissioners earlier this week. Jonathan Todd, the spokesman for the competition commissioner, Neelie Kroes, confirmed that her close aides met American diplomats this week and received the memo. He declined to comment on its content. [...]

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Request for feedback - iTunes-U
by Doug Hamilton 22 Mar '06

22 Mar '06

Hello Everyone: Apple will soon be rolling out iTunes-U (iTunes-University) in Canada. To learn about iTunes-U, look here: http://www.apple.com/education/solutions/itunes_u/ For an example of a iTunes-U implementation in the U.S.A., look here: http://itunes.stanford.edu/ In preparation of this eventuality, I'm initially looking for feedback just from our apple-list subscribers about that type of content they would like to see available from any proposed University of Manitoba iTunes-U (e.g. lectures, supplemental course material, Faculty of Music events / recitals, etc). Keeping in mind that I'm also looking for people in Administrative/Faculty and IT positions who would like to be apart of the initial informational meeting(s) with Apple Canada. This proposed meeting(s) is for the dissemination information only. I feel that it will be advantageous to better understand what the University's potential needs/uses of this proposed service might be prior to involving the senior administration. Regards, Doug ------------- Doug Hamilton, BA, MA, APP Senior Computer Consultant Computers-on-Campus; Univ. of Manitoba 204-474-6196 (Ph.) 204-474-7556 (Fax) http://www.umanitoba.ca/bookstore/

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Request for feedback - iTunes-U 2nd
by Doug Hamilton 21 Mar '06

21 Mar '06

Please delete the earlier posting, and read this one instead. Hello Everyone: Apple will soon be rolling out iTunes-U (iTunes-University) in Canada. To learn about iTunes-U, look here: http://www.apple.com/education/solutions/itunes_u/ For an example of a iTunes-U implementation in the U.S.A., look here: http://itunes.stanford.edu/ In preparation of this eventuality, I'm initially looking for feedback just from our apple-list subscribers about that type of content they would like to see available from any proposed University of Manitoba iTunes-U (e.g. lectures, supplemental course material, Faculty of Music events / recitals, etc). Please keep in mind all materials being distributed via iTunes-U must not infringe copyright. I'm also looking for people in Administrative/Faculty and IT positions who would like to be apart of the initial informational meeting(s) with Apple Canada. This proposed meeting(s) is for the dissemination information only. I feel that it will be advantageous to better understand what the University's potential needs/uses of this proposed service might be prior to involving the senior administration. Regards, Doug ------------- Doug Hamilton, BA, MA, APP Senior Computer Consultant Computers-on-Campus; Univ. of Manitoba 204-474-6196 (Ph.) 204-474-7556 (Fax) http://www.umanitoba.ca/bookstore/

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Intel Mac mini revealed at Feb. 28th media event
by Richard Galka 28 Feb '06

28 Feb '06

New Intel Mac mini with a mini pricetag to match. More info can be found at: http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/02/20060228140422.shtml and http://ilounge.com/ -- Richard Galka 'UNIX is basically a simple Info. Technologist operating system, but you I. H. Asper School of Business have to be a genius to University of Manitoba understand the simplicity' 366 Drake, R3T 2N2 -- Dennis Ritchie Ph: (204) 474-7957

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The University's SPSS for Mac license
by Will Christie 22 Feb '06

22 Feb '06

In December 2005 SPSS provided ACN with a license code for SPSS for Mac that was only valid until January 2006. If any of your SPSS Mac users are complaining that SPSS has stopped working please have them contact me at the address below for an updated code. -- Will_Christie(a)UManitoba.CA INS Software Administrator "... Add a car chase, and I believe Academic Computing & Networking we have all the ingredients for a University of Manitoba movie of the week." E3-632 Engineering --Thorax, "Pibgorn" Ph: 204-474-9475 Fx: 204-474-7920

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Apple Worm OSX/Leap-A ... or is it.
by Doug Hamilton 16 Feb '06

16 Feb '06

The Register is reporting that there is a Mac OS X virus propagated via iChat instant messenger. http://www.theregister.com/2006/02/16/mac_os-x_virus/ Not surprisingly a publisher of an anti-virus product is already advertising that it can remove this "worm" http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/analyses/osxleapa.html However, an Apple software developer has done a far more thorough investigation into what this potential malware (malicious-software) actually does. http://www.ambrosiasw.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=102379 In short, at best this a proof of concept trojan-horse at worst annoying. As with email, never open an attachment from anyone (including people you know) unless you asked for a file from them. Regards, Doug ------------- Doug Hamilton, BA, MA, APP Senior Computer Consultant Computers-on-Campus; Univ. of Manitoba 204-474-6196 (Ph.) 204-474-7556 (Fax) http://www.umanitoba.ca/bookstore/

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INTEREST: "iTunes U" for lectures/more; Watch video iPod on 25" virtual screen
by billing 30 Jan '06

30 Jan '06

...from http://playlistmag.com/news/2006/01/24/itunesu/index.php/? lsrc=mwweek-0130 Apple's iTunes U puts school lectures and more online By Peter Cohen Apple has expanded its iTunes U program, which allows colleges and universities to post audio and video educational content online using a content management system based on iTunes. iTunes U is a hosted content management system that provides a way for colleges and universities to make both audio and video content from lectures, interviews, audio books and more available to students online. Students can download the content to their Macs and PCs, or take it with them using the iPod. The system has been set up to allow instructors to post and change content themselves, so iTunes U won’t impact local IT staff. Students can also upload their own content to share with teachers and staff. Apple’s already tested the waters for iTunes U with pilot programs at Stanford, Duke, the University of Michigan and other schools. The technology that powers iTunes U is based on what drives the iTunes Music Store — in fact, students can also connect to the store to purchase and download music (Apple also makes available a “Volume Songs Program” for schools that ant to purchase songs at a discount on behalf of their students). In addition to their own content, schools can customize their iTunes U with school colors, logos and photography. --------------------------------------------- ...from: http://playlistmag.com/news/2006/01/30/myvu/index.php Watch video iPod on 25" virtual image By Peter Cohen So you’ve invested in a video iPod, and it’s great to download television shows and rip videos and convert them to the iPod yourself. But it’s also a pain — literally — to hold your hand up a few inches from your face and watch the iPod’s display for an hour or two. The MicroOptical Corp. has developed a solution — the $269 Myvu, which debuted at Macworld Expo in San Francisco this January. [...] Display Format Binocular Display Type AMLCD Video Signal NTSC/PAL (auto selecting) Resolution 320 x 240 Aspect Ratio 4:3 Focus Image Location 1 meter Field of View Approximately 13.5o horizontal, 16.8o diagonal Image Size 25" image (virtual screen) @ 2 meters Refresh Rate 60 frames/sec. Color Depth 24 bit Optical System SolidOptexTMtechnology Audio Integrated stereo sound via earbuds Viewer Weight 68 grams Nose Pad Adjustable Prescription Lens Snap-on option (integrated with nose pad) Power Supply 3 AAA batteries Power Consumption < 400 mW, <150 mW if integrated* Power Saver Auto shut off Battery Life Approximately 6 hours Operating Temperature 0 to 40oC Control Box Function Power on/off button Control Box Dimensions 56 mm x 90 mm x 19 mm SolidOptexTMassemblies comprise a patented optical system in which the optical path is inside a refractive optical polymer instead of free space. By being in a rigid form, alignment of the componentsurfaces is maintained, the intrusion of dust and moisture is prevented, and the optical path length is folded to move the displayand back light away from the eyes. The result is the thinnest, lightest and sturdiest viewer possible. *The myvu controls can be integrated into a video source with an OEM program. ---------------------------

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INTEREST: Question and Answer look into the new Intel-based Macintosh releases
by billing 30 Jan '06

30 Jan '06

...from: http://www.macworld.com/2006/01/features/intelfaq2006/index.php [...] So there’s an Intel chip in a Mac. Why should I care? If you’re a casual Mac user, you shouldn't care. If you sit down at an Intel-based Mac, it’ll still feel exactly like a Mac. However, the transition to Intel chips will affect many Mac users, especially those who rely on older software that hasn’t yet been updated for Intel-based Macs. And the Intel transition will have a long-term impact on the Mac world, affecting the design and speed of new Macs for years to come. [...] Okay, so… Core Duo. Is there also a Core Solo? You’ve been peeking. Indeed, there is—Intel’s got a lower-power, lower-heat sibling to the Core Duo called the Core Solo. When we asked Apple about its choice of the Core Duo for the iMac and MacBook Pro, company representatives said that “using dual-core processors for these products was exactly the right thing to do.” Of course, when Apple makes statements, you’ve got to parse them carefully. What we took out of this statement is that you might see a Core Solo processor in some other Macs in the future—ones that don’t need the power of a dual-core chip. For example, future Mac minis, iBooks, or even ultra-light notebooks might be candidates for such a chip. But that’s sheer speculation on our part. Intel’s got lots of chips. Apple will use some of them [...] Will Classic mode run under Rosetta? No, Classic mode won’t run on Intel Macs at all. If you still rely on Classic applications, Intel-based Macs aren’t going to work for you. This would probably be a good time to begin investigating OS X-native alternatives to the Classic programs you’re currently using. [...] Now that the first new Intel Macs have come out, should I go buy one? It depends. Our lab tests indicate that an iMac Core Duo does run native applications 1.1 to 1.3 times as fast as an iMac G5, and performs even better with applications that take advantage of multiple processors. And if you've gone a few years between iMac upgrades, you’re likely not to even notice the performance hit when running applications with Rosetta. For more on whether this is the right iMac for you, check out Henry Norr's review of the new models. [...] Can these Intel-based Macs run Windows? Ask people from Apple this question, and they’ll do one of two things: shrug, or plug their ears and pretend they can’t hear you. Basically, Apple’s official policy is that if someone wants to figure out how to run Windows on a Mac, they can go ahead and do it, but Apple doesn’t want to know about it. One interesting quirk of these new Intel-based Macs is that, unlike the developer test systems released last summer, these systems use Intel’s Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) instead of the tried-and- true BIOS that classic PCs use. Windows XP doesn’t actually support EFI, although the forthcoming Windows Vista will. So the question is, how will people get Windows to run on the Mac? We’re sure someone much smarter than us will figure it out. Whether you’ll be able to re-boot into Windows or run it in some sort of compatibility box—hello, Virtual PC!—remains to be seen.

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Apple MultipleScan 15av Display
by Andre Worms 26 Jan '06

26 Jan '06

Hello all, I've got an Apple MultipleScan 15av Display that I don't need anymore. If anybody wants it (for free) let me know. Andre Worms Information Technologist Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies University of Manitoba 474-7171 wormsad(a)cc.umanitoba.ca

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