Security Update 2011-003 was released a couple of days ago to help protect against malware such as the Mac Defender trojan horse, and to help protect against future malware.

Update! as of today (6/1/11), MacDefender developers have circumvented the detection ability of the current definitions. Browse carefully!

More details on how the new security update works can be found in a Macworld.com article found here.

Snow Leopard has had built-in malware protection since the beginning, but it only had two definitions then, and only four more have been added until now. Apple’s beefed it’s built-in File Quarantine protection to detect the A and B variants of Mac Defender.

Daily definition updates are now possible, without users having to use Software Update to manually download them. Users can opt out by unchecking a box in the Security preference pane labeled “Automatically update safe downloads list”. I do NOT recommend doing this.

Snow Leopard can also remove the Mac Defender trojan if it’s found on your system. Apple says that the OS will look for the trojan, and if it’s found, SL will force it to quit, and will remove any persistent files. It will also fix any changes made to your system, and notify you of it’s removal.

The Mac Defender/Protector trojan is malicious and pernicious. (Those are fun words to use in the same sentence!). If you find yourself redirected to a site that looks like this, close the window immediately, and if you have your browser prefs are set to open “safe” files, follow Apple’s instructions for removing the malware that just installed itself, or tried to. Remember, a web site cannot scan your Mac for malware. It’s a scam, and a vicious one.

Related posts:

1. “Apple Security Center” malware targets Macs When you’re using your web browser, whether it be Safari,...
2. Snow Leopard Font Bug addressed Apple released an update to Mac OS X 10.6.7 to...
3. Crimekit malware threat The recent success reported by Apple in it’s first quarter...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Apple released an update to Mac OS X 10.6.7 to address a bug that caused problems for some users. They had issues with some OpenType fonts not displaying and printing correctly, particularly in PDFs.

Snow Leopard Font Update by Apple

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1377

If you’ve had issues with the recent 10.6.7 update, or if you are using Mac OS X 10.6, I highly recommend that you download and install the update, either using the link on this page or with Software Update.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

An update to Mac OS X 10.6.4 was released this morning, with additions specific for the new iMacs… oh, you didn’t know about the new iMacs? Read the next post! Unless you have one of the new model iMacs, you won’t need this update.

The new update addresses graphic anomalies occurring in the new iMacs with the current version of 10.6.4. It also fixes compatibility issues with reading SDXC memory cards.

A new driver for the Magic Trackpad (read the next post) was released as well, and is required for the new device. It also enables iertial scrolling and 3-finger dragging gestures on the newest MacBook and MacBook Pro lines. Download it here.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

By Topher Kessler, published originally at MacFixIt

Regardless of how you have decided to install OS X (Software Update, Delta, or Combo installers), you may run into a problem where the system might hang on installation. Though the occurrence of this with the 10.6.3 update seems to be rare, when it happens you may see it sit forever with the spinning color wheel, or go blank to a blue, black, or gray screen and require a forced restart. Even if the system appears to be healthy after the forced restart, there is the possibility that some files could be corrupt. As a precaution we recommend reapplying the combo updater.

Most hangs at installation usually happen when the system is running more maintenance-based routines or performing commands like restarting, so the system will not necessarily be hurt; however, there is always the chance that files can get corrupted by interrupting the installation process.

If your computer hangs during installation, try the following steps:

1. Give it time

Many times the system will sit at a blue or black screen for a while, so be sure to give it ample time before concluding the system is hung up. Let it sit there for about half an hour to see if it resolves the hang and continues the installation process properly.

2. Hard-reset only if the system is not doing anything

If the system does not respond after waiting, only hard-reset it if the hard drive is not working. Put your ear to the case of the system to hear if the drive is working. If so, wait until you cannot hear the drive chattering away and then press and hold the power button until the system shuts off.

3.Immediately boot to safe mode

Once the system has been powered down, boot it up and immediately press the Shift key to go to Safe Mode. This will run some diagnostics scripts at boot-up, and also load the OS in a minimal way to prevent any interference. When booted, run Disk Utility’s permissions fix and hard-drive verification routines, as well as run any maintenance utilities you may have for cleaning the system’s temporary files (caches, etc.).

4. Reapply the combo updater

Even if the system seems to be working fine, after any fault in the installation it is always best to re-run the installation using the “Combo” updater. This will ensure that all installed files are in working order, and prevent any currently unused but corrupt files from causing problems later on. We recommend you download the Combo updater and run it when booted in Safe Mode.

5. Check permissions after installation

Once you have completed the installation with the Combo updater, use Disk Utility to run a full permissions fix on the hard drive. This will ensure that all updated files are properly accessible by the system, and prevent slowdowns and hangs that could result if the system cannot access these files.

6. Start over from backup

If the installation is still not working properly, even after reapplying the Combo updater, then it is highly recommended you start over. This can be done by reverting to a backup you made before applying the 10.6.3 update (Time Machine or a cloned drive), or by performing a reinstall of the OS from the Snow Leopard DVD. When you have reverted to the backup, be sure to fully prepare your system for the update by following the procedures suggested in this article.

7. Full reinstall

Reverting to a backup is the preferred method, since it will keep all of your settings and program installations intact; however, some people may not have this in which case a reinstallation may be necessary. Snow Leopard will perform an archive and install, which will preserve user data and installed applications, so reinstalling should keep most settings intact.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

It came out March 29, and I’ve been using it since then, without any issues.

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1017 (combo update)

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1018 (10.6.2 to 10.6.3 update)

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1019 (server combo update)

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1020 (server 10.6.2 to 10.6.3)

I do recommend updating with the Combo Updater. For some reason, updates using the delta updater (one step update) or Software Update has created problems for a few users. Using the Combo Updater seems to avoid and in fact solve any of those problems.

The details:

General operating system fixes and improvements:

• performance of Logic Pro 9 and Main Stage 2 when running in 64-bit mode.
• printing reliability.
• sleep and wake reliability when using Bonjour wake on demand.
• a color issue in iMovie with HD content.
• glowing, stuck, or dark pixels when viewing video from the iMac (Late 2009) built-in iSight camera.z
• an issue in which the Finder reports a -36 error when copying directories to a drive formatted as FAT32.
• reliability of photo screen savers.
• compatibility issues with OpenGL-based applications.
• an issue in which shadows in PDF of Aperture book are black instead of gray.
• an issue in which the microphone level in iChat may not increase the volume after reducing it to prevent a feedback event.
• the reliability of certain third-party USB devices.
• the Accounts preference pane can now limit login to members of groups hosted by a non-Apple directory service, such as Active Directory.
• DNS server ordering as specified in Network Preferences and DNS reliability.
• the reliability and compatibility of QuickTime X.
• Data Collection: Mac OS X v10.

6.3 can collect diagnostic and usage information from your Mac and send it to Apple for analysis automatically. The information is only collected with your explicit consent, and is submitted anonymously to Apple.

AirPort and wireless networking fixes:

4GHz wireless networks.

Date and Time fixes:

Directory Services fixes:

File Services fixes:

iCal fixes:

For details, see this article.

Mail fixes and improvements:

Mobile Accounts fixes and improvements:

MobileMe fixes and improvements:

Parental Control fixes and improvements:

Rosetta fixes:

System Imaging fixes and improvements:

5 system with a QuickTime 7 Pro key installed to Mac OS X v10.6.

Time Machine fixes and improvements:

Xsan fixes and improvements:

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Some Canon printer drives have had problems with 10.6 and not displaying all print options. I know this sounds completely counter-intuitive, but bear with me…

With 10.6, some drivers were broken and Canon (like most companies) was pretty quick to release new drivers. In the case of Canon's Pixima iP##### line, there have been two different printer drivers. CUPS 10.26.0 (same for all models) and an earlier one (number varies for specific model). I have two Canon Pixma printers, the iP4500 and 5200, and this is what I noticed for my printers. Looking at Canon's site, I suspect most other printers in the same line to be the same.

For the iP4500, my main printer: The most recent driver (10.26.0) was updated in September, and includes 10.3 to 10.6 compatibility. This driver type has existed since before 10.5, and has worked fine. In Snow Leopard, however, some printer options (black and white, speed setting, etc.) are missing.

The solution I found was to install the driver labeled 6.9.3 from Canon's site. It states only 10.2 to 10.5 compatibility, but it installed fine on multiple computers. Once installed, I had access to all the regular driver options, as well as supply level indicators that didn't work in 10.5. That was good! Trying the old driver definitely helped, but there's a mystery.

Mystery: The 6.9.3 driver shows up on the system as the current 10.26.0 driver, but on Canon's site, it definitely has a release date three months before the 10.26.0 driver was released. After reinstalling the 'new' driver that gave me problems before, there appears to be no change. But I have also installed the Apple driver update. On another computer, one that doesn't have the Apple driver update, I didn't reinstall the new driver, but the old one works better.

In short, if you're unhappy with your Canon print options in 10.6, you might want to try the older model-specific driver from Canon's site.

via 10.6: Revert to older Canon drivers to recover features – Mac OS X Hints.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Many users have had a problem with older printers after switching to Snow Leopard, and some of those older printers will never work in OS X 10.6. Whatever your opinion of that, it’s a fact.

HP printers and multi-function printer/scanner owners have been particularly noisy, as HP left it to Apple to include printer drivers for their units, not bothering to distribute new versions of the software that allows scanning and other functions from HP’s own applications.

The workaround is that scanning for many of these units can be done in Preview, Image Capture and in the Print and Fax preference pane. These work, but personally I prefer to use Vuescan, from Hamrick Software. I already owned it, and you may not want to pay $40 for functionality that was included in the software that came with your AIO and worked when you bought it.

HP provided Mac OS X: Setting Up and Using the Product in Mac OS X 10.6 to help us understand printing with HP printers and multifunctions is pretty complete, and lists compatible models.

How to Scan in Mac OS X 10.6 Without Using HP Software describes how to scan using the three methods mentioned above.

HP Products with Print Drivers Included in Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard lists the drivers included with Snow Leopard, and unfortunately, if your printer is not on the list, you are out of luck.

Apple has a page with all printer and scanner models supported by built-in drivers as well.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Some of us have noticed a nasty slowdown after updating to Snow Leopard, or buying a new Mac. In at least some cases (mine, for one) it’s caused by Drobo Dashboard, at least prior to the new 1.6.6 update, found here.

MacFixIt has a page reporting the performance drop on Macs that older versions of Drobo Dashboard may cause. If you’re having performance issues on Snow Leopard, and are using a Drobo unit, check this out.

It worked for me!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Number conversions are always convenient to have around. There are many times when you may need to convert grams to pounds, miles to kilometers, or see the latest exchange rates. In OS X there are some convenient ways to convert numbers that are readily available.

Calculator

The OS X calculator has a decent number converter in it. To access it, enter a number in the calculator and choose an option from the “Convert” menu (any will do, since they all display the same converter window). With the window open, you can select from a number of conversion types. Upon clicking OK, the calculator will change the entered number to the converted value.

Select from a number of conversions with Calculator.

NOTE: If you need to convert currency, be sure to click the “Update” button so the conversion is computed with the latest exchange rates.

Be sure to update the currency exchange rates.

Google

When connected to the internet, you can easily do conversions and other small math tasks using Google, either from the Google home page or from the Safari toolbar.

Google’s calculator is simple and useful. For more information click the “More about calculator” link.

Dashboard

Apple supplies a small Dashboard widget for converting numbers. Sometimes this can be more convenient than launching Calculator or opening a new browser window for using Google. Unfortunately, unless it is already launched Dashboard can take a few seconds to load, even with a fast internet connection.

The Dashboard unit converter is another convenient method.

Terminal

Many times people use the Terminal to remotely connect to other computers, or perform a variety of tasks, and when doing so it may be easier to use Terminal resources for things instead of resorting to other applications. The BSD subsystem in OS X has a command called “units”, which you can use to enter a variety of conversions. To use it, launch Terminal and enter “units”. You will be asked for what you have, and then be asked for what you want, and it will output the conversion in two forms, both as a forward multiplier and reverse divisor.

The “units” command may be useful for Terminal users. For more information on how to use “units” enter “man units” at the terminal prompt.

If you do not enter a number, the converter will assume you mean one of each unit you enter, and show you the conversion factor between the two units.

via Four unit conversion options in OS X | MacFixIt – CNET Reviews.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Apple released the Snow Leopard update that is supposed to fix all the problems. I for one haven’t had any problems to speak of, nor have the majority of users, but there have been a few reported that could be serious. Now they’re fixed, one hopes.

Apple’s About the Mac OS X v10.6.2 Update page has the info on various fixes. They also advise using Software Update, which for some users can cause problems.

I recommend that you use the Combo Updater., which will update 10.6.0 or 10.6.1 to 10.6.2. It is not quite as simple as using Software Update, but solves some installation problems experienced by a few users.

MacFixIt has a 10.6.2 update problems report page, listing a few issues experienced by a limited number of users. They’re pretty minor, including no sound after updating, which I experienced. I fixed it by re-selecting the appropriate output (headphones in my case) in the Sound pane in System Preferences.

Others have sorted the problem out by reinstalling the update with the Combo updater, a good solution for any Mac OS update issues.

Some users have experienced a pause at the blue screen after rebooting. Apple worked hard on eliminating this issue, but it still happens for a few users.

Patience is the best solution. Usually after 5 to 10 minutes the system will complete the boot process normally. Usually it only happens once. I’ve experienced this with updates to 10.5 and 10.6 from time to time.

If the problem continues, boot from the 10.6 installation DVD (or an external drive with a good system) and repair permissions on the boot drive with Disk Utility. MacFixIt recommends running a disk verification and repair… it can’t hurt, but is unlikely to help, either. Then try rebooting into Safe Mode (hold the Shift key while your Mac boots). If all goes well, you can restart and all should be normal.

If you can only boot in Safe mode, the Combo updater will most likely solve the problem, which is why I always use it rather than Software Update. Mostly.

If you have the whole update process stop partway through with an error message, try the combo updater. If this doesn’t work, reinstall (Archive and Install) 10.6 and then update. The downside of this process is that some apps may need reinstallation, or need the serial number/registration code reinstalled.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.