The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Apple Xserve Field Guidehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/11/24/apple-xserve-field-guide/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/11/24/apple-xserve-field-guide/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/11/24/apple-xserve-field-guide/#commentsFiled under: Enterprise, Apple Professional, Xserve, iPhone, iPod touch, Mac OS X Server

Attention Xserve administrators: Apple has created an Xserve Field Guide web app that can you can use to jog your memory when you're standing in front of a server and can't remember how to perform some manual task.

The web app is designed to be viewed on a Mac, iPhone, or iPod touch, and requires Safari as the browser. If you need to identify what model of XServe you're working on, want to know how to install spare parts, would like to decode what blinking lights on the Xserve mean, or even determine how to choose a startup drive using the system identifier button, it's all in this web app.

You can visit the web app from your favorite browser here:

http://help.apple.com/server/guide/desktop.html

or from your iPhone at this URL:

http://help.apple.com/server/guide/main.html

Thanks to TwitterMail tipster mvcoile!

Apple Xserve Field Guide originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple Xserve Field Guide originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>diagnosticiphoneipod touchIpodTouchweb appsWebAppsxserveSteven SandeMon, 24 Nov 2008 13:09:00 ESTApple releases free Mac management white paperhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/28/apple-releases-free-mac-management-white-paper/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/28/apple-releases-free-mac-management-white-paper/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/28/apple-releases-free-mac-management-white-paper/#commentsFiled under: Education, Apple Professional, Mac OS X Server

An email is being sent from Apple to education customers this morning, offering a free white paper on Mac management. Entitled "Solutions for Systems Management," the paper can be accessed by entering your school's name and zip code on a special web page.

It includes solid, basic information on assessment of your school's needs, deployment of a solution and even a solution's typical lifespan. Apple products are featured, of course, like Apple Remote Desktop and Mac OS X Server, but the paper also describes some third-party products like Deep Freeze and K2 Key Auditor and Key Server.

It's certainly not the definitive paper on being a Mac-friendly administrator, but a decent reference. You can find out more about deploying Mac OS X in education contexts from the indispensable Macenterprise and AFP548 sites.

Apple releases free Mac management white paper originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple releases free Mac management white paper originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>mac os x serverMacOsXServersystem administratioSystemAdministratiowhite paperWhitePaperDave CaoloTue, 28 Oct 2008 12:00:00 ESTAperture gets updated to 2.1.2http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/20/aperture-gets-updated-to-2-1-2/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/20/aperture-gets-updated-to-2-1-2/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/20/aperture-gets-updated-to-2-1-2/#commentsFiled under: Software, Apple Professional, Software Update

Apple just released an update for their professional photo management software, Aperture. Update 2.1.2 "Improves the printing quality of books ordered through the Aperture printing service." It sounds like this would be a welcomed update by many professional users who rely on photo books and prints ordered through Aperture.

You can download this update through Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update), or by downloading the installer package from Apple's update download website.

Update: Apple has just created a download page for the Aperture update.

Thanks for the tip, Nik!

Aperture gets updated to 2.1.2 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Aperture gets updated to 2.1.2 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>2.1.2Aperturebreakingnewsphoto booksPhotoBookssoftwareupdateCory BohonMon, 20 Oct 2008 17:30:00 ESTLeopard Tips and Tricks for client management will improve your admin lifehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/09/30/leopard-tips-and-tricks-for-client-management-will-improve-your/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/09/30/leopard-tips-and-tricks-for-client-management-will-improve-your/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/09/30/leopard-tips-and-tricks-for-client-management-will-improve-your/#commentsFiled under: Enterprise, Apple Professional, Xserve

Keeping up with the Leopard-centric changes to managed preferences and mobile accounts is crucial if you're responsible for a labful or campus-ful of Macs, and you want to gracefully control what permissions or resources your wanton users have when they log in. One great resource for Mac admins diving into MCX (managed clients for OS X) for the first (or hundredth) time is Apple engineer John DeTroye's Tips & Tricks documentation.

We mentioned John's Tiger edition of the T&T docs last year, and now that he's updated the handbook for Mac OS X 10.5 and Server 10.5, you'll want to bring your library up to date. Gone is most of the material specific to machine imaging techniques (I strongly recommend NetInstall [PDF], which is working better under Leopard than it ever did before), making room for more discussion of MCX settings and portable home directories. Download your free copy of the T&T file today and it'll make your life easier tomorrow.

Leopard Tips and Tricks for client management will improve your admin life originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Leopard Tips and Tricks for client management will improve your admin life originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>enterprisefeaturesleopardmanagementmcxservertips and tricksTipsAndTrickswgmworkgroup managerWorkgroupManagerMichael RoseTue, 30 Sep 2008 11:00:00 ESTApple updates Pro Applications, Final Cut Server, and iPhone Config Utilityhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/09/22/apple-updates-pro-applications-final-cut-server-and-iphone-con/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/09/22/apple-updates-pro-applications-final-cut-server-and-iphone-con/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/09/22/apple-updates-pro-applications-final-cut-server-and-iphone-con/#commentsFiled under: Apple Professional, Software Update, iPhone

Last Thursday, Apple released three updates that we forgot to touch on.

Pro Applications Update 2008-03 (support site link)
Pro Applications Update 2008-03 "addresses general performance issues and improves overall stability." More information about the Pro Apps update can be found in the release notes. You can download the installer package here.

Final Cut Server Update 1.1.1 (support site link)
Apple notes on their support website that FCS Update 1.1.1 addresses "installation issues and general performance issues and improves overall stability." Apple has also posted more information about the update in the release notes.

iPhone Configuration Utility 1.0.1 for Mac OS X (support site link)
The iPhone Config Utility allows enterprises to maintain a large number of iPhones (including installing and provisioning applications). The utility has been updated to version 1.0.1, and in normal Apple update fashion, they have not included any release notes for this version. You can however, download the installer package by visiting the Apple support site.

All of these updates require Mac OS X 10.5.5, which was updated last week. You can download these updates by opening Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update) or by visiting the Apple support website links and download the installer packages.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Apple updates Pro Applications, Final Cut Server, and iPhone Config Utility originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple updates Pro Applications, Final Cut Server, and iPhone Config Utility originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Final Cut ServerFinalCutServeriPhone Config Utilityiphone configuration web utility 1.0IphoneConfigurationWebUtility1.0IphoneConfigUtilityPro Applications UpdateProApplicationsUpdateCory BohonMon, 22 Sep 2008 10:00:00 ESTTUAW Certification Series: Mac OS X and Mac OS X Serverhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/04/tuaw-certification-series-mac-os-x-and-mac-os-x-server/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/04/tuaw-certification-series-mac-os-x-and-mac-os-x-server/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/04/tuaw-certification-series-mac-os-x-and-mac-os-x-server/#commentsFiled under: Enterprise, Apple Professional, Apple, Leopard

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator

Last month, I wrote a post about Apple certifications in general. Today, I'll focus on Mac OS X certifications.

If you're a Mac geek who wants to make a living troubleshooting Macs, these are the certifications to get because they are your ticket to becoming a member of the Apple Consultants Network (ACN). ACNs can build a relationship with their local Apple store and get references for work that can't be performed by Genius Bar techs, and they're listed on the Apple Consultants Network website. The rest of this article is after the break.

TUAW blogger Steve Sande is an Apple Certified Technical Coordinator and volunteers as the South Central US Regional Champion for the Apple Consultants Network.

Continue reading TUAW Certification Series: Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server

TUAW Certification Series: Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW Certification Series: Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applecertificationmac os x 10.5mac os x leopardMacOsX10.5MacOsXLeopardSteven SandeFri, 04 Jul 2008 18:30:00 ESTApple posts new online seminarshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/26/apple-posts-new-online-seminars/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/26/apple-posts-new-online-seminars/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/26/apple-posts-new-online-seminars/#commentsFiled under: Education, Apple Professional, Apple

One of the hidden gems of Apple.com is the collection of free web seminars available 24/7 that cover a wide range of topics and applications. A few weeks ago, Mat posted about the iWork for Business seminar, but a lot of other new seminars have been posted recently.

Some of the highlights:

While a lot of the newest additions are aimed at OS X Leopard Server users or for business users, many of the tips and techniques can be applied for home users too. If none of the new seminars strike your fancy, the existing library of seminars offers some really nice introductions for creating podcasts, using Final Cut Studio or Aperture, and managing a Mac-based network.

Although the video seminars are free, registration is required.

Thanks, Corey!

Apple posts new online seminars originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple posts new online seminars originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple educationAppleEducationenterpriseseminarsChristina WarrenThu, 26 Jun 2008 15:00:00 ESTApple leaves placeholder text in a published MobileMe page, eh?http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/23/apple-leaves-placeholder-text-in-a-published-mobileme-page-eh/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/23/apple-leaves-placeholder-text-in-a-published-mobileme-page-eh/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/23/apple-leaves-placeholder-text-in-a-published-mobileme-page-eh/#commentsFiled under: Apple Professional, Apple, .Mac, MobileMe

Canada has many things going for it: maple trees everywhere, single-payer health care system and a one-of-a-kind Apple page. One of our readers just tipped us about an error on the MobileMe signup completion page for Canada. Apparently, Apple's designers left in some placeholder text on the signup "thank you" page. While Apple does (yes, they really do) make some mistakes, leaving greeked text on a webpage isn't usually one of them. [If you're saying "that looks like Latin, not Greek," see here. -Ed.]

You can see the Freudian slip by visiting Apple's Canadian MobileMe signup completion page.

Apple leaves placeholder text in a published MobileMe page, eh? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple leaves placeholder text in a published MobileMe page, eh? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>.MacAppledesignerrorMobileMeplaceholdertexttweet-thisCory BohonMon, 23 Jun 2008 16:30:00 ESTParallels Server for Mac available nowhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/18/parallels-server-for-mac-available-now/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/18/parallels-server-for-mac-available-now/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/18/parallels-server-for-mac-available-now/#commentsFiled under: Enterprise, Software, Apple Professional, Xserve

In October, when Apple introduced a change in policy allowing Leopard Server to run in a virtual environment on Apple hardware, Mac IT geeks everywhere looked forward to the day that they could run Windows Server, Linux and OS X Server all off their pretty Xserves. That day is today, because Parallels Server for Mac is now out of beta!

According to Parallels, this is the "...first server virtualization software to run on Intel-based Xserves...and to power VMs running on the Mac OS X platform." Similar the the Parallels Desktop product, Parallels Server lets you run virtual instances of different operating systems on top of OS X Leopard Server, including Leopard Server. The next beta of VMWare's Fusion, which like Parallels Desktop is a consumer product, will support Leopard virtualization as well, but Parallels Server is a little different and aimed at a different market.

The difference is that the hypervisor used in Parallels Server is hardware optimized and takes advantage of Intel's VT-x acceleration (which new XServe and Mac Pros have) to provide a more robust experience with better allocation of resources and memory. This makes the experience much more akin to running a completely separate machine, as opposed to running one OS on top of another.

Yesterday, we reported on Media Temple's new (xv) project, which is the first official service that will be run on Xserves running Parallels Server for Mac. The (xv) will be running multiple VMs of Leopard Server, but Parallels Server can also support Linux (Debian, SUSE, Red Hat and Ubuntu), Windows (Server 2008, Vista, XP and Server 2003 and Windows 2000) and FreeBSD 6 and 7 as guest OSes. So if you run your website off of CentOS (which is based off of Red Hat Enterprise) but your company network runs off of Leopard Server, you can do both off of one Xserve.

Make no mistake, this is an enterprise product, and as such, it is pricey. Parallels Server for Mac is $1248.75 for the software and one-year of support and maintenance and that's before you add in the cost of any software licenses you might need, but that's still a lot less expensive than another Xserve.

For enterprise users who are interested in virtualization, definitely check out the free trial.

Thanks Russ!

Parallels Server for Mac available now originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Parallels Server for Mac available now originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>leopard serverLeopardServerparallelsparalllels serverParalllelsServertweet-thisvirtual machinevirtualizationVirtualMachinevmChristina WarrenWed, 18 Jun 2008 16:30:00 ESTGraphics Powerhouse: ATI Radeon HD 3870 Mac & PC editionhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/15/graphics-powerhouse-ati-radeon-hd-3870-mac-and-pc-edition/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/15/graphics-powerhouse-ati-radeon-hd-3870-mac-and-pc-edition/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/15/graphics-powerhouse-ati-radeon-hd-3870-mac-and-pc-edition/#commentsFiled under: Accessories, Gaming, Apple Professional, Mac Pro, Graphic Design

ATI Radeon HD3870 Mac & PC Edition

Mac Pro users -- it's time to power up the graphics capability of your machine! ATI has announced the new Radeon HD 3870 Mac & PC Edition. Whether you're a serious gamer or a graphics designer, this new card features 256-bit 512MB GDDR4 frame buffer memory, 320 stream processors, twin dual-link DVI ports to run two 30" Apple Cinema HD displays, PCI Express 2.0 support, and more.

One of our readers pointed out that you can even use the HD 3870 in Windows running in Boot Camp on a Mac Pro. The Radeon HD 3870 runs in any Mac Pro and will be available in late June for a MSRP of $219.

Thanks to TJ & Seth for the tip!

Graphics Powerhouse: ATI Radeon HD 3870 Mac & PC edition originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Graphics Powerhouse: ATI Radeon HD 3870 Mac & PC edition originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>atiati radeonAtiRadeondesigndesignersgaminggraphicscardmac proMacProSteven SandeSun, 15 Jun 2008 12:00:00 ESTApple drops Xsan update 2.1http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/13/apple-drops-xsan-update-2-1/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/13/apple-drops-xsan-update-2-1/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/13/apple-drops-xsan-update-2-1/#commentsFiled under: Apple Professional, Software Update, Xserve

If you use Xsan, then you might want to take note of the new update that Apple dropped yesterday. Apple updated Xsan Admin, Xsan Filesystem and the Xsan Uninstaller to version 2.1. According to the update note, the Xsan Filesystem update fixes:

Metadata controller reliability
Using and validating file system Access Control Lists
Upgrading from Xsan 1.4

The Xsan Admin update provides fixes for:

Using SAN Setup Assistant to configure volumes, LUNs and affinities
Changing a computer between client and metadata controller roles
Listing computers connected to the SAN
Visually displaying when LUNs have been truncated

You can download these updates by opening Software Update on the Mac running Xsan or by downloading the installer packages from Apple's Support Downloads website. For detailed information about this Xsan update, refer to the support note on Xsan 2.1.

Apple drops Xsan update 2.1 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple drops Xsan update 2.1 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>2.1SoftwareUpdateXsanXserveCory BohonFri, 13 Jun 2008 07:00:00 ESTLogic Pro 8.0.2 is availablehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/21/logic-pro-8-0-2-is-available/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/21/logic-pro-8-0-2-is-available/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/21/logic-pro-8-0-2-is-available/#commentsFiled under: Multimedia, Software, Apple Professional

Attention Logic Studio users. Apple has released version 8.0.2 of Logic Pro. According to Apple, this update "...addresses specific customer and compatibility issues of Logic Pro 8.0. It includes Wavebuner 1.5.2 and Impulse Response Utility 1.0.2, which address issues for Waveburner 1.5 and Impulse Response Utility 1.0 respectively."

Version 8 of Logic Studio and Express became available in September of last year. If you think that rate of updates is slow, take heart. Apple recently re-affirmed their commitment to the pro applications, most notably Final Cut Server.

As usual, we ask you to report any issues you experience after installing this update.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Logic Pro 8.0.2 is available originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 21 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Logic Pro 8.0.2 is available originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 21 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>logiclogic prologic studioLogicProLogicStudioDave CaoloWed, 21 May 2008 12:00:00 ESTApple re-affirms commitment to video appshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/05/apple-re-affirms-commitment-to-video-apps/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/05/apple-re-affirms-commitment-to-video-apps/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/05/apple-re-affirms-commitment-to-video-apps/#commentsFiled under: Multimedia, Software, Apple Professional

Last February, Apple's Senior Manager of PR Anuj Nayar announced that the company would not have a booth at April's National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show. Customers hoping to receive information on the already delayed Final Cut Server were disappointed to say the least.

When Final Cut Server was finally released in April of 2008, it was nearly a year late. Many began to question Apple's commitment to the pro-level video applications.

To extinguish concerns that Apple was "giving up" on pro video apps, their director of marketing for professional video applications Richard Townhill told TVBEurope, "I can categorically state, on the record, that is not the case." As for the delay, Richard said "... we wanted it to work without an IT department to support it."

Good news for Mac-wielding producers.

[Via Your Mac Life]

Apple re-affirms commitment to video apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple re-affirms commitment to video apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple professionalAppleProfessionalfinal cutfinal cut serverFinalCutFinalCutServerDave CaoloMon, 05 May 2008 13:30:00 ESTFinal Cut Server releasedhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/08/final-cut-server-released/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/08/final-cut-server-released/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/08/final-cut-server-released/#commentsFiled under: Enterprise, Software, Video, Apple Professional

After countless delays and the cancellation of Apple's booth at NAB 2008 (which starts next week), many of us assumed Final Cut Server would never materialize. However, today's store-closing Tuesday update changed all of that, and the product is out and available immediately. It's nearly a year late (it was announced at NAB 2007), but we'll take it!

Apple's press release describes Final Cut Server as, "a scaleable server application...allows searching across multiple disks and SAN volumes and enables viewing, annotation and approval of content from anywhere using a PC or Mac(R)."

The cross-platform nature of the client software is a huge win for production houses that are not fully Mac-ified. Even if your whole production suite is Mac, being able to login from a PC to search media clips or access media from a PC in your Final Cut workflow has great potential.

Read on for the rundown of the specs and system requirements for the server and client software.

Continue reading Final Cut Server released

Final Cut Server released originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Final Cut Server released originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple proAppleProfinal cut serverfinal cut studioFinalCutServerFinalCutStudiotweet-thisChristina WarrenTue, 08 Apr 2008 10:15:00 ESTApple launches Xsan 2http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/19/apple-launches-xsan-2/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/19/apple-launches-xsan-2/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/19/apple-launches-xsan-2/#commentsFiled under: Enterprise, Software, Apple Professional, Xserve, Apple

In addition to dropping the price on the Shuffle (and introducing the 2 GB version), today's big Apple store update appears to be the launch of Xsan 2. Xsan is Apple's Storage Area Network (SAN) file system, and while this update isn't as sexy as a new consumer laptop update, it's still pretty cool.

Xsan 2 has been received some significant updates; not only is it now fully compatible with both OS X Leopard and OS X Server Leopard (in fact, Leopard is required to run Xsan 2), it is also now qualified to work with third-party RAID storage.

Even more exciting (at least for anyone who has been holding out for some kind of Final Cut server solution) is the introduction of what Apple is calling, MultiSAN. MultiSAN, according to Apple, "[allows] users on a single workstation to access multiple SANs at the same time." Using the video editing example, this means that a segment producer could access both a broadcast and b-roll volume from the same machine. Additionally, the administration tools have been redesigned. Administrators can now create pre-set volume workload settings for different file types/purposes.

To be clear, this is an enterprise product. Xsan 2 is available now for $999 US. Xsan 2 is qualified to work with the Xserve, Mac(R) Pro and Apple Fibre Channel PCI-X cards, as well as qualified Fibre Channel switches and RAID storage hardware from third-party vendors.

Update: As Tim in the comments pointed out, it appears that Apple's Xserve RAID device is no more. The page now re-directs here, with a link to Promise's RAID solution.

Apple launches Xsan 2 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple launches Xsan 2 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>leopard serverLeopardServerRAIDSANxsan 2Xsan2xserveChristina WarrenTue, 19 Feb 2008 09:15:00 ESTApple hints at forthcoming Aperture updatehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/30/apple-hints-at-forthcoming-aperture-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/30/apple-hints-at-forthcoming-aperture-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/30/apple-hints-at-forthcoming-aperture-update/#commentsFiled under: Software, Apple Professional, Apple

There's been much debate on the interwebs on what lies in store for users of Aperture (Apple's professional-level photo management software). I'm not suggesting that we mourn Aperture's passing, but it has been a little neglected of late, and as someone who uses Aperture almost daily that makes me intrigued by Apple's plans for the application.

Apple has been hounded for a little while about some cameras not having RAW support in OS X: colleague Chris Ullrich's Nikon D300 is still unsupported, for example. So you can imagine the widespread surprise when Joe Schorr, Apple's Senior Product Manager for Photo Applications posted a thread on the Aperture Discussion Groups:

"We're constantly working to make Aperture an even better tool for users, and will soon release an upgrade that includes RAW format support for new cameras and other exciting new features. Please stay tuned."

This is where the plot thickens, dear readers, as the updates for Aperture's camera support actually hinge on updates to OS X. So if a new camera comes out, Apple puts out an OS X RAW Support Update for these new formats, and Aperture just works -- as do any other applications that utilize the OS X image frameworks. Now add into that the use of the word 'upgrade', not update, but upgrade. While perhaps hinting at a paid upgrade, it's good to know that the frustration of photographers everywhere isn't falling on deaf ears.

Apple hints at forthcoming Aperture update originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple hints at forthcoming Aperture update originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>aperture-updatephotographyRAWNik FletcherWed, 30 Jan 2008 18:00:00 ESTFound Footage: Apple.com, this is your life!http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/29/found-footage-apple-com-this-is-your-life/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/29/found-footage-apple-com-this-is-your-life/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/29/found-footage-apple-com-this-is-your-life/#commentsFiled under: Apple Corporate, Apple Professional

This is fun. A couple of years ago, we pointed out a nice archive of Apple's homepage. Today, the folks at Macenstein have collected similar images from Flickr user Kernel Panic into a video history. Some of the really old stuff isn't represented, but it's still a fun way to waste a few minutes.

Who remembers Apple Cafe? How about the smoking bunny suit? Or my favorite: "Beyond the rumor sites. Way beyond."

Enjoy.

Found Footage: Apple.com, this is your life! originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Found Footage: Apple.com, this is your life! originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleapple.comhistoryweb-pageDave CaoloTue, 29 Jan 2008 17:00:00 ESTNew Mac Pros and Xservehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/08/new-mac-pros-and-xserve/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/08/new-mac-pros-and-xserve/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/08/new-mac-pros-and-xserve/#commentsFiled under: Desktops, Hardware, Apple Professional, Xserve, Apple, Mac Pro

Well, as Nik posted a bit earlier this morning, the Apple Store is indeed down worldwide. As commenters in that post noted, Apple has updated the Mac Pro line before major trade shows before, and as commenter John pointed out, Apple has just updated the front page of Apple.com announcing upgrades to the Mac Pro and Xserve line. I think it's a pretty safe bet that these machines will be available as soon as the Apple Store comes back online.

So what are the specs? For the Mac Pro the machines are now 8-core standard (!) running up to 3.2 Ghz each (and this is on the new 45 nanometer Quad-Core Xeon). "Fastest Mac ever" is a phrase bandied around a lot -- but in this case, it's absolutely true.

From the press release, the basic configuration ($2799 US) includes:

two 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon processors with dual-independent 1600 MHz front side buses;
2GB of 800 MHz DDR2 ECC fully-buffered DIMM memory, expandable up to 32GB;
ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT with 256MB of GDDR3 memory;
320GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
16x SuperDrive[TM] with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
two PCI Express 2.0 slots and two PCI Express slots;
Bluetooth 2.0+EDR; and
ships with Apple Keyboard and Mighty Mouse.

Full CTO options are detailed in the press release linked above.

As for the Xserve, it now includes built-in accelerated graphics to drive up to a 23" Cinema Display and front facing USB 2.0 ports. It is also taking advantage of the new Intel 45 nanometer core technology.

The basic configuration ($2999 US) includes:

a single 64-bit 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Xeon processor with 12MB of L2 cache and a 1600 Mhz front side bus;
2GB of 800 MHz DDR2 ECC FB-DIMM RAM, expandable up to 32GB;
a single 80GB SATA Apple Drive Module;
dual Gigabit Ethernet on-board;
internal graphics;
two FireWire(R) 800 and three USB 2.0 ports; and
an unlimited client license for Mac OS X Server version 10.5 Leopard.

The unlimited client license for Leopard OS X Server is pretty fantastic, as are the power and cooling specs. Full configuration details can be found in the press release here.

New Mac Pros and Xserve originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

New Mac Pros and Xserve originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>mac proMacProoctotweet-thisxserveChristina WarrenTue, 08 Jan 2008 09:20:00 ESTApple releases Final Cut Express 4http://www.tuaw.com/2007/11/15/apple-releases-final-cut-express-4/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/11/15/apple-releases-final-cut-express-4/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/11/15/apple-releases-final-cut-express-4/#commentsFiled under: Multimedia, Video, Apple Professional, Software Update, Apple

When it comes to Apple's Pro-App arena, there are just two applications that have not seen a sizable (i.e. paid-for) upgrade recently: Final Cut Express and Aperture. Today, that list becomes just one application however, as Final Cut Express 4 is now available.

An "Open Timeline" format allows users to mix and match footage from DV, HDV and AVCHD cameras (although PowerPC users are left out in the cold for AVCHD love: it's Intel-only), and you can now take iMovie 08 projects up into FCE. Apple is also shipping more FxPlug filters, as well as LiveType 2 as part of the bundle.

FinalCut Express now costs $199 (down from $299) with upgrades from previous versions costing just $99.

Thanks to all those who sent this in!

Apple releases Final Cut Express 4 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple releases Final Cut Express 4 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Final-Cut-ExpressFinal-Cut-Express-4Nik FletcherThu, 15 Nov 2007 09:50:00 ESTThe Economist on Apple's journey as a lesson to other companieshttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/13/the-economist-on-apples-journey-as-a-lesson-to-other-companies/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/13/the-economist-on-apples-journey-as-a-lesson-to-other-companies/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/13/the-economist-on-apples-journey-as-a-lesson-to-other-companies/#commentsFiled under: Apple Corporate, Apple Professional, Apple

The Economist has published an article that explores some of the lessons other companies can learn from Apple's journey through the industry, as well as it's unique practices towards product design and customer relations. Specifically, the article outlines four lessons other companies should take notes on, including the fact that some of Apple's innovation comes both from without and within, highlighting the fact that some of its strongest products like Mac OS X and the iPod are either built on the foundation from open source (Mac OS X's BSD Unix core), or originally conceived by an outside consultant (like the iPod). Another great lesson the article mentions is an ability to not listen to customers or the market when one's instincts say otherwise. Both the iPod and Nintendo's Wii are cited here: while the iPod was originally criticized for being too expensive of a gadget, the market has clearly spoken otherwise. In the case of Nintendo's wildly successful Wii, the company was criticized for betting on a portion of the market that was more or less completely ignored by the other video game manufacturers: non-gamers who haven't picked up a console yet.

It's a good read that takes a realistic approach while spotlighting some of the lessons that companies can learn from Apple's wild success in recent years.

Thanks Adam

The Economist on Apple's journey as a lesson to other companies originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Economist on Apple's journey as a lesson to other companies originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applebusinesscompanieseconomistipodlessonsnintendopracticessuccesswiiDavid ChartierWed, 13 Jun 2007 15:30:00 EST