late-breakers

UPDATE: iPhone security threat via SMS could be catastrophic if not patched

Written by Joe Aimonetti

A potentially catastrophic security flaw in the SMS function of iPhones is being reported across the Internet. Thursday afternoon, researchers are planning to reveal the currently unpatched bug in the iPhone's handling of SMS text messages that could allow for hackers to completely hijack any iPhone in the world.

Note: Due to some recent commenting on MacFixIt, I feel compelled to assure you that this is not a sensationalist story. This is a real security threat for users of Apple's iPhone and should be taken with a great deal of seriousness.

The Story Forbes … Read more

SleepImage files and sleep modes for laptops

Written by Topher Kessler

If you use disk cleanup utilities such as WhatSize, CleanApp, or Grand Perspective to see the files on your system, you may run into a fairly large file called "sleepimage." This file may be up to 8GB in size for current laptops, and is in the hidden /private/var/vm/ folder.

Where does it come from?

In newer laptop models, Apple has implemented a hibernation sleep mode which will activate before all power is lost to the system (ie: the battery is about to die). When hibernation is activated, the computer will write all … Read more

Corruption in DMG disk images

Written by Topher Kessler

Apple's included support for a variety of disk images in OS X is one of the more convenient aspects of the operating system, allowing you to easily encrypt or otherwise compartmentalize your data for easy organization and management. While disk images are fairly robust for the most part, sometimes they can become corrupt.

Unfortunately, when corruption happens there may be little you can do to reverse it. However, there are a few things you can try.

Step one: Back up

Before attempting to fix a corrupt disk image, be sure to make a copy of … Read more

Bluetooth Mighty Mouse connectivity issues reported

Several users are reporting issues regarding a lack of consistent connectivity when using their Bluetooth Might Mouses. The issue appear to be related to firmware updates from Apple.

Apple's latest release of the Bluetooth firmware update has apparently not solved an issue of connectivity with Bluetooth Mighty Mouses. Apple Support Discussions forum user "Furi0us.Bee" reported earlier this month:

"Ever since I updated my bluetooth firmware to the latest version, I've noticed that for no reason, mighty mouse will stop responding. I have to turn off bluetooth, then sometimes, switch off my mouse, then switch … Read more

Apple releases 2TB Time Capsule

Apple has released a refresh of their backup hardware, Time Capsule. The new insides boast a 2TB capacity, perfect for backing up multiple machines using Apple's backup software, Time Machine, included in Mac OS X Leopard.

The 2TB Time Capsule sells for $499.00 (US) and is currently available via the Apple Online Store.

To read more about the 2TB Time Capsule, check out Apple's product page.

Do you have a Time Capsule? Are you upgrading it? Let us know in the comments!

Experiencing problems? Have feedback? Let us know! You can now follow MacFixIt on Twitter!

Resources… Read more

Apple KB Updates: iPhone hardware and slot-loading optical drive troubleshooting

Written by Topher Kessler

Apple has updated a couple of knowledgebase articles that may be useful for people trying to troubleshoot either iPhone hardware or slot-loading CD drives that are available in a variety of Mac models (iMac, Mac Mini, and Laptops). These articles include a variety of categories which makes them a pretty good resource for the topics they cover.

Troubleshooting slot loading optical disk drives If you are having troubles mounting disks, inserting them, reading from them, or have problems with odd noises with slot-loading drives, then read this article. They also cover the basics for what disk … Read more

MacFixIt Answers

Written by Topher Kessler

MacFixIt Answers is a feature from MacFixIt where our editors answer questions e-mailed to us by our readers. Beyond the many inquiries we have had regarding the recent OS X system update, this week we have a question on the origin of an "ajaxserver" system process as well as some resources for using Back To My Mac with multiple routers.

Question:

MacFixIt reader "Henry Helvie" asks:

"Usually when I open the activity monitor I see the process 'ajaxserver' listed as not responding. What does this mean?"

Answer:

Ajax is the … Read more

OpenXML Converter localization problems preventing launch

Written by Topher Kessler

We received a couple of questions regarding the recently updated OpenXML converter from Microsoft that is used to read the new Office document formats with older versions of Office and other Office suites. For some people, this updater will not open even on a fully updated Mac and gives an error regarding some missing user interface components for the application.

MacFixIt reader "Sven" writes:

"After downloading and installing the new version of the converter, I noticed that it wouldn't launch any more on my 10.5.7 Intel Mac mini (with the … Read more

Apple releases MobileMe iDisk iPhone application

Written by Joe Aimonetti

Since WWDC's array of announcements, one product has been anticipated by more than a few Apple fans--namely, the iPhone iDisk application. Here is a quick look at what the application brings and my first impressions.

The integration of the iPhone/iPod touch with Apple's MobileMe service continued today with the release of the iDisk iPhone/iPod touch application. The release notes read:

"With MobileMe iDisk, you can view and share the files on your iDisk right from your iPhone or iPod touch.

Mac keyboard not working? Mouse Keys may be activated

Written by Joe Aimonetti

Some users may experience issues with their keyboards not working as expected--possibly due to the Mouse Keys function being enabled on their Mac. Read further to get a resolution to this issue.

If you find that you are unable to type letters or numbers on your keyboard, it is very possible the Mouse Keys function has been enabled. These symptoms may also exist if you log in to a user account on a Mac where a different user account has Mouse Keys enabled.

Possible fixes Mouse Keys can be enabled a number of different ways. The … Read more