Today was the start of Apple's World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC), and today's keynote started off the week-long event with a bang. There were so many announcements that we could easily spend all day sharing every minute detail of the upgrades and new products in the Apple family. We'll leave the nitty-gritty stuff to someone else, so here's a quick recap of everything you need to know about Apple's latest announcements:

Faster and Cheaper Portables

• Upgraded 15-inch MacBook Pro: The new 15-incher uses the same uni-body construction and non-removable battery as the 17 inch MacBook Pro Apple announced in January. The Pro line gets an SD card slot (finally, a way to capture our images without lugging around camera wires), but at the expense of the ExpressCard slot (this means you will lose the ability to add devices, like an internal 3G data card, to your laptop). On the plus side, the Pro line is getting a $300 price cut -- the 15-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,699.
• Aluminum MacBook is now the 13-inch MacBook Pro: The sleeker looking MacBook will become a member of the Pro line and get a boost in specs with more RAM and a faster processor (more multi-tasking, better video performance, overall faster computing). The 13-inch MacBook Pro also gains an SD card slot, and gets a price cut to $1,199, down $100 from it's October 2008 launch.
• MacBook Air: The Air is also getting a spec boost, but, more importantly, is seeing a drastic price cut to the tune of $700. The base model with a hard disk (as opposed to the fancy solid state drive) will now start at $1,499.

For years now, Mac users have flaunted their seeming immunity to computer viruses, malware, and other noxious applications that plague the hearts, minds, and hard drives of PC users. However, there have been exceptions to the Mac's invincible reputation, like the one app from last summer that stole photos and all sorts of other information. According to security software firm Symantec, there's another one on the loose, turning Apple computers into zombies.

The app is (somewhat humorously) called iBotnet, and it runs quietly in the background after its taken control of your Mac computer. It then allows the crooks who distributed the software to use the infected machines for their nefarious means, doing whatever they like. That's the essence of the botnet. Only a few thousand Macs are infected, but, given the general lack of virus protection on most Apple computers, that's a number that could quickly balloon.

What can you do? Well, if you're on a Mac, it's time to start watching what you click and download, just as your PC brethren have been doing for years. And perhaps it's time to be a little less self-sure, too. [From: CNN]

Sure, you've all heard of Windows and Apple's OS X, and at least some of you are familiar with Linux, but those aren't the only operating systems out there.

Many of you have probably never heard of NeXTStep, the operating system developed by Steve Jobs's company NeXT after he left Apple. NeXTStep eventually became the basis for OS X when Jobs was asked to rejoin the home of the Mac. NeXTStep was just another competitor, though, when Apple began looking to replace its aging Mac OS. Another front runner was a little known system called BeOS, which briefly enjoyed some popularity as an alternative to Mac OS, but eventually faded into obscurity.

Another gone, and pretty much forgotten, system (unless you've spent a lot of time at your community TV station) is AmigaOS. Amiga allowed users to run several programs at once long before Microsoft and Apple offered the same functionality, and was powerful enough to generate backgrounds on TV shows like 'Babylon 5' and 'Max Headroom' at a time when many PC users were still fumbling around with DOS.

Check out the rest of Computer World's article of "Gone but Not Forgotten" operating systems for a healthy dose of computing nostalgia. [From: Computer World]

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You might not even realize it, but when you first log onto your PC, dozens of programs and services are starting that you most likely don't need. Some rear their ugly heads in the system tray (that little collection of icons next to the clock in Windows), but others run quietly in the background with you none the wiser.

Now, don't get scared, these instructions will take you to corners of your operating system (OS) you may not have seen before, but follow our instructions below and you should notice slightly quicker performance and, potentially, much faster boot times.

• You can control what applications start with OS X by going to System Preferences, Accounts, and opening LoginItems.

• Here, turn off any application that you absolutely don't need the moment you turn on your computer, like iChat and Skype.

• Remove any widgets from Dashboard that you don't use, or remove them all and disable Dashboard entirely.

• To disable Dashboard open the Terminal by going to Applications, then Utilities.

• Enter the following, 'defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean YES' hit enter.

• Then type, 'killall Dock' and hit enter to restart Dock without Dashboard enabled.

• Dashboard can also be disabled with a free application called TinkerTool.

• You can turn off unused networking services by opening Sharing, under System Preferences.

• Make sure any services you don't need are unchecked: Windows Sharing, FTP Access, Apple Remote Desktop. As a bonus, this will also make your Mac safer.

Well, the Register is a little late to the party, but having another voice bemoaning the closed nature of Apple is always appreciated.

As we've pointed out before, despite all the complaints against Microsoft for being closed and monopolistic, Apple actually commits far more crimes against openness in the tech world. While most of the computer-using, iPod-listening public give Apple a free pass, developers have been very vocal in their opposition to Apple's practices.

Even when Apple finally opened the iPhone and iPod touch to third-party developers, the Cupertino-based company made sure that it had had final say over applications -- Apple retains the ability to remotely disable and delete any application. Want to load songs on an iPod without iTunes, for example? There isn't any Apple-sanctioned way to do that. Running OS X on a non-Apple computer requires a bit of hacking.

Apple makes some quality products, for sure, but the company is far from the bastion of openness and corporate responsibility that people seem to think it is. If you want open, try Linux instead. [From: The Register]

As we've said countless times, you -- the user -- are the biggest security threat to your PC. While Windows has a well deserved reputation as being insecure, Macs are far from immune to attacks. While it may be more secure by the nature of its design, OS X can't force users to make smart decisions.

It appears that the age old trick of throwing up a fake dialog box asking users to click "OK" to install software (usually to allow them to see porn) is equally effective at fooling Mac users into opening the gates to malicious software.

As we've repeatedly said before, a new operating system, anti-virus software, or anti-spyware tools are no replacement for good browsing habits. Carefully read any pop-ups, don't open e-mails from unknown sources, and stay away from suspicious Web sites. Your best defense is a little common sense. [From: ZDNet]

Mac owners who have been waiting for Netflix to open up the 'Watch Instantly' option just got a little something to light up their day -- the service is now available to the public; or at least members of the public who opt in via a Web form. It's all based on Microsoft's Silverlight, so you'll need to download and install the plugin for your Web browser, but please mind the six device limit if you've got a small cadre of 'Watch Instantly' devices in use.

So if you can live with the fact that Microsoft tech is the lynchpin to your Mac streaming enjoyment, then hustle on over and sign yourselves up for that non-HD, but ample selection of streaming content.

OLO Computer is reportedly thinking of bringing to market a netbook-styled device that would actually enable (require?) users to plop their iPhone / iPhone 3G into the palm rest; from there, the handset would act as the brains of the operation and double as a trackpad. At the present time, there are no real specifications to speak of -- just a zany teaser page and lots of speculation.

We shouldn't have to remind you what an epic failure the whole "cellphone companion" sector has been, as one look at Palm's axed Foleo and the deeply discounted Celio REDFLY should be explanation enough. Hey, we're not trying to discourage you from giving this a go, OLO, but we'd probably have a backup plan ready to roll in case Apple itself drops a netbook on the world in the next 48 hours.

[Via Liliputing]

Read - Official teaser page
Read - Netbook-style clamshell for iPhone is coming

More or less since the inception of the Macintosh OS, users of Apple computers have felt invulnerable to the threats that their Windows-using counterparts have faced. Viruses and other malicious bits of computer software that regularly affect Microsoft's platforms are very rare on the Mac. But contrary to popular belief, they're not absent altogether, and a new one making the rounds is a real doozy, as it disables your security software, steals your passwords, and even takes your picture using the MacBook or iMac's built-in camera.

According to Mac anti-virus developer SecureMac, the malicious program is a Trojan, an app that installs itself pretending to be friendly and useful, but actually hides an unwanted payload. This particular one is distributed as a supposed game or utility and, after installing itself, exploits a vulnerability in Mac OSX versions 10.4 and 10.5 that enables it to take complete control over your computer. From there it can do whatever it likes, including montior every keystroke you make to capture passwords, deletes ystem logs to hide its existence, and take over your camera to monitor what you're up to.

The good news is that you'll have to actually agree to download and install this thing in order for it to get onto your computer. So, make sure you know exactly what it is that you're downloading and installing and you should be okay (be extra wary of random utilities or games that offer themselves up to your for download and install). In addition, you should install an anti-virus program onto your Mac and run it regularly.

This Trojan is a nasty one, that's for sure, and a reminder that even if you're using a Mac, you should be careful where you click that mouse! [Source: NewsFactor]

Despite what you may think , this week's World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) didn't end with the announcement of the 3G iPhone. As part of the festivities, Apple handed out its Design Awards yesterday to what it considers best of breed applications and programs for the Mac and the iPhone. Most of the applications were beautiful, but some were of questionable usefulness to the average user, while others were simply too expensive for what they do.

Well, we're here to help you cut through the clutter, much of which you can either download online now or get from the iTunes App store when it opens for business on July 11. With out further ado, we present the Switched.com Apple Design Award highlights:

Squirrel - Winner of the best student developed software package. Squirrel is a financial tracking application similar to Quicken that aims to make watching your spending a little less mundane. Squirrel can output your spending and income into animated graphs and reports and will even connect to your online banking accounts to pull in updates. Price: €6.99 ($11) , or you can download the beta for free and cough up €25 ($40) when the final version goes live.

AP Mobile News Network - Runner-up for the best iPhone Web application. The Associated Press' iPhone news reader makes getting local news on your iPhone easy, and even lets you browse the services catalog of videos and photos. Price: Free!

AOL Radio - Winner for best iPhone entertainment app, AOL Radio for the iPhone puts 350 online radio stations, including 150 local station streams from CBS, at your fingertips. It's hard to argue with that. Price: Free!

'Guitar Hero III' - Winner for Best OS X game. There is a reason 'Guitar Hero' is so popular, and it's 'cause it's just so much damn fun. Probably didn't hurt that it simply didn't face much competition on the Mac. Price: $80 with guitar controler.

There were also a couple of gems that we would whole heartedly recommend, if there wasn't a price tag attached.

Remember the Milk - Winner for best iPhone Web applicaion. Remember the Milk is a great online to-do list with loads of great features. It now also has an iPhone-specific interface that makes managing your life's tasks a pleasure to do whlie on the go. Price: $25 per year for a Pro-Account that will give you access to the iPhone interface (alas, non-iPhone versions are free).

Twitterific - Winner for best iPhone social networking app, Twitterific is one of the most beautiful and pleasurable Twitter clients we've ever encountered. We're not sure what the revenue model on the iPhone version will be yet, but if it's anything like the OS X version, we're less than thrilled. (Shameless plug: Check out the official Switched twitter page for all our recent news). Price: Free with ads, $15 for an ad-free version on OS X.

OS X and the iPhone/iPod Touch are gaining ground as platforms to building beautiful applications for. Unfortunately, many developers seem to treat them as proof of concepts rather that truly making the applications useful ('Timeline 3D,' we're looking at you). We also would expect that as the Mac became more popular more quality free applications would start to surface. Unfortunately, so far, this has not been the case. [Source: MacWorld]

(Disclosure: AOL Radio is an online service owned and offered by AOL, which also owns and operates Switched.com)

On Monday Apple will host its World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco, where rumors are circulating that Apple will announce anything from the new 3G iPhone to a Steve-Jobs-manned mission to Mars. But what can you actually expect to come out of those few days in San Francisco? Here are the four announcements we think Mr. Jobs is most likely to make during his keynote Monday morning.

3G iPhone
This one is sort of a no-brainer. We know the release of this faster, upgraded iPhone is right around the corner -- the only question left is how soon can we get our grubby mitts on it. Rumors have circulated that it will be available worldwide on day one, but we wouldn't count on that. The FCC and other regulatory bodies have yet to see the new phone (if they had, we would know about it), so we figure you probably won't be able to purchase one for about a month, but we do think they're coming sooner rather than later.

iTunes App Store
When Apple announced the iPhone SDK, it also announced it would provide a central market place for the purchase of applications for your iPhone (games, instant-messaging software, etc). The App Store icon is in place, developers have started creating products -- all that is missing is the actual store itself. Don't be surprised when it goes live Monday afternoon.

OS X 10.5.4
Didn't Apple just release an update to its OS X operating system? Sure, but the secretive company wouldn't want to let any potential details about its new 3G iPhone slip with something as innocuous as small operating system update. So expect yet another round of bug fixes and drivers for those shiny new iPhones.

.Mac relaunch
This one is a bit more of a long shot. The .Mac service has been floudering for years. Apple has added new funtionality and kept it useful, but for the features the price is simply too high, and the inteface a bit dated. The rumor mill is suggesting that the .Mac will get rebranded and relaunched with the help of the other tech company du jour - Google.

We're sure most of you remember the Y2K bug. Because most computers only stored the date with a two digit year, the clocks struck midnight on December 31, 1999 and all hell was supposed to break loose as computers around the world suddenly thought the year was 1900. The power goes out, records destroyed, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!

Alas, when the date became January 1, 2000, the world didn't end. In fact almost no computers were affected at all. This was partially because of expensive and hurried fixes to millions of computers, and partially because the threat was vastly overstated by the media.

Now another date looms on the horizon -- 3:14:07 AM on January 19, 2038. The "2038 bug" will affect any Unix or Posix based systems such as the Linux servers that power the web and Macs running the Unix-based OSX. Posix based operating systems store date and time as a four byte integer (technically only 31 bits) counting seconds from January 1 1970. When the number of seconds reaches 2,147,483,647 seconds, the clock will reset to -2,147,483,648, or 8:45:52 PM Dec 13 1901.

What could happen? Well we've actually already seen some of the effects of this bug. In May of 2006 the bug brought an AOL (our parent company) web server to its knees. The server was designed to never timeout, but rather than set a the timeout to simply never occur the timeout was set for a billion seconds in the future. When the one billion seconds, or just over 31 years 251 days and 12 hours, past the January 19, 2038 threshold the scheduled timeout was scheduled to happen in the past, 1901, and the server crashed. A similar problem took out the Mars Rover Spirit temporarily in 2004 when it started sending nonsense messages back to Houston from the year 2038. If our current systems were left as is we could expect them to start crumbling one by one, and on the morning of January 19, 2038 Switched.com would suddenly go offline as our server crashed.

Despite our sensationalist headline, neither the world nor the Internet will end in 2038. In fact with just under 30 years to spare we're pretty confident that any issues will be resolved before the doomsday scenario has a chance to play out. Besides, in 30 years shouldn't we have fancy new-voice controlled holographic computers like those promised to us by 'Minority Report?' We're pretty sure the pre-cogs weren't using Leopard.

From Newsvine and 2038bug.com

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It seems like everyday computer users have a new reason to fear that their data is unsafe. And to be fair, it isn't. Unless you lock vital PC components up in separate bank quality vaults, encrypt all your data, and never go online, you're always in some danger, and at that point what use is a computer anyway? But every once in a while a hacker demonstrates a vulnerability in our computers that makes us second guess our ability to be even slightly secure.

First it was breaking encryption with a can of DustOff, then a flash drive hack that required a simple (if slow) reboot, and now an even more direct attack: connecting via Firewire to the target computer.

The new method requires only a Linux based laptop and a Firewire cable. An attacker can then get to the contents of your system's RAM and grab your password. This works on both Windows (Vista and XP) and OS X. So much for Macs being more secure.

From Engadget

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